Planning your move to the Old Dominion State? You’re not alone! More than 77,522 people are moving to Virginia annually, pushing the state’s population to over 8.6 million in 2024.
Virginia is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies, leading to a thriving job market. The state has a median household income of $87,249, one of the highest in the nation. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., and access to suburban living make Virginia a popular choice for professionals and families.
3 Reasons to Move to Virginia
Virginia is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to VA:
| # | Reasons to Move to VA | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Virginia is 4.3% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | Virginia is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies across sectors like healthcare, technology, education, etc. |
| 3. | Education | The Old Dominion State serves over 1.2 million students across 132 school districts. |
1. Affordable Cost of Living
The cost of living in Virginia is only 4.3% higher than the national average. However, it’s an attractive option compared to states like Massachusetts and New York, where living costs are 46% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Virginia’s most popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Home Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Virginia Beach | $390,000 | $1,682 | $103 | 165.9 | $559 |
| Richmond | $375,000 | $1,358 | $68.8 | $155.88 | $604 |
| Alexandria | $612,500 | $2,009 | $59.8 | $183.33 | $705 |
| Chesapeake | $410,000 | $1,587 | $72.8 | $320.0 | $525 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Virginia’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Old Dominion State is home to 24 Fortune 500 companies.
- Healthcare: This sector is projected to add 12,000 jobs by 2026. Jobs like nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides are in high demand. Major employers include Inova Health System and Sentara Healthcare.
- Technology and Engineering: Northern Virginia is known as the “Silicon Valley of the East.” It is home to companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Northrop Grumman. The sector is projected to grow by 27% by 2030, with high demand for software developers, cybersecurity experts, and cloud engineers.
- Financial Services: Virginia’s finance sector, particularly in Richmond and Tysons Corner, is thriving. The sector is projected to add 4,858 jobs by 2025, with demand for roles such as financial analysts, auditors, and risk managers. Key employers include Freddie Mac and Genworth Financial.
- Education and Training: The education sector in Virginia is set to grow by 5% by 2028, with strong demand for teachers, administrators, and educational support staff. Major employers include Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, and George Mason University.
3. Excellent Education System
Virginia serves over 1.2 million students across 132 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options, including:
- Public Schools: Virginia has more than 2,000 public schools. Fairfax County Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the country and is known for its AP programs and IB curricula.
- Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: VA has over 7 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County is 14th in the national rankings.
- Private Schools: Virginia is home to over 1,069 private schools. The average tuition for private schools is around $15,295 annually. Top-rated schools include The Potomac School in McLean and Episcopal High School in Alexandria.
- Higher Education: Virginia has a well-established higher education system, including 15 public four-year colleges and universities within the state’s system. The University of Virginia (UVA), is one of the nation’s most prestigious public universities, known for its law, business, and liberal arts programs.
Cost of Moving to Virginia💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to VA:
1. Moving Costs ~ $440 to $3,809
Moving to Virginia involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Virginia movers typically cost $115 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving to Virginia can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Virginia.
2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Virginia.
- When relocating to Virginia, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in VA is around $393/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Virginia. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in VA ranges from $30.75 to $35.75. A standard title transfer costs around $15.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Old Dominion State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Richmond, Alexandria, and Virginia Beach, the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Virginia, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Virginia in your budget. In larger cities like Fairfax, the median home price is $660K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in smaller cities like Richmond is $387K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Virginia ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to VA, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Virginia neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
