Nestled between North Carolina and West Virginia lies the 10th state of the United States of America, Virginia. First settled by European explorers in 1607, the state of Virginia has been a wonderful place to call home for over 400 years. The state’s many nicknames like the ‘birthplace of a nation’, ‘mother of states’, and ‘Old Dominion’ point to the rich history that can be found here. Whether you are interested in history, looking for a vibrant city, or aspiring to move closer to the heart of nature, Virginia could just be the perfect place for you to set your sights.

But where are the best places to live in Virginia? As locals to Virginia, we at Carmack Moving and Storage would love to help you find the perfect place. In this blog post, we will be taking a look at a few of the best places to live in Virginia. We will explore urban centers, small towns at the foot of the mountains, and vibrant communities by the bay. If by the time you are done reading this you are ready to start planning your move, we’d love to help you out!

Northern Virginia

We thought we would start off this list by talking about a region near and dear to our hearts. As a moving company we’ve been living in and serving the Northern Virginia region since 1985, we can say with confidence that it is a great place to live. But don’t take our word for it, let’s let the charming cities of this area do the talking. Since it would be too difficult to sum up a region as diverse as Northern Virginia into one description, let us take a closer look at a few different areas.

Alexandria

On the banks of the Potomac River sits the city of Alexandria, home to over 160,000 residents. Life in Alexandria not only puts you close to the urban life of the city itself but to Washington DC as well. Many people find the amenities of Alexandria to be superior to that of Washington DC, opting to live on the Virginia side of the river while commuting to DC for work.

As with most urban areas, you can expect to find a fair amount of traffic if you live near the city center. Opting to live in a suburb of Alexandria can offer a little more room to breathe. While the average home cost of $542,000 sits above the state average, people who live in Alexandria have an average household income of $96,733, which is about $15,000 higher than the state average. For those with children, Alexandria is also home to a variety of public and private school options, with close proximity to many opportunities for private education.

If you are looking to live in an urban environment, Alexandria could be a great option for you. And since this city is within our Northern Virginia service area, you will have no trouble locating quality movers in Alexandria with us at Carmack Moving & Storage. But what if you are looking for something with more of a small-town feeling? The next place on our list could be just right for you.

Winchester

Located 82 miles Northwest of Alexandria is the city of Winchester. This city is a lot less crowded than Alexandria with only around 28,000 residents. While Winchester is considered a city, it’s historic downtown offers that wonderful small-town feeling. This means you can enjoy the best of both worlds with the amenities of a larger city, but the atmosphere of a small-town. And if you want to get out into nature, the city sits only 27 miles from the entrance to Shenandoah National Park, making this a perfect town for those who want a large variety of options in their living area.

If you are looking for a lower cost of living, Winchester could be a great choice for you. The average home cost is half of the cost in Alexandria at around $270,000, with the average household income being just under $54,000. With the smaller population, you can also expect to find limited traffic, especially as you get further from the city center. The city of Winchester also offers 6 public schools for around 3,500 students, giving you a few options as to where to send your kids. Interested in living in Winchester? Request a moving quote today to get the ball rolling.

Central Virginia

Buena Vista

Located a mere 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway lies the town of Buena Vista. This charming little town not only offers quick access to the outdoors but a much lower cost of living. Here you can expect an average home to cost around $111,000, with an average income of around $34,000. You will also find that with a population of 6,237, Buena Vista does not see much heavy traffic. While the town of Buena Vista does have its own elementary, middle, and high school, there are other school options in the nearby city of Lexington for you to consider.

For nature lovers, you will never get sick of your proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. From end to end this scenic drive is 469 miles long, starting at Shenandoah National Park and ending at Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This makes for many beautiful drives and seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

The Coast

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is home to just over 450,000 residents. This vibrant coastal community sits at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a great spot for those who love to spend time in and around the water. Virginia Beach offers a diverse cultural scene, with many great restaurants, museums, and family-friendly attractions to keep you busy year-round.

The average home costs right around $305,000, with an average household income of about $75,000. As Virginia Beach is both a popular place to live and a popular place to visit, the streets can be rather congested and parking hard to find. You can opt to get around the busy parts of town by foot, bike, or public transit. Virginia Beach also offers a wide range of public schools, hosting the largest district in the region.

The city of Virginia Beach offers a great place for families, couples, and single people to live. With many different things to do, you will always have fun plans for the weekend.

Wrapping Things Up

As you can see, the state of Virginia has a lot to offer. From the cities to the mountains, to the ocean, there is no shortage of diverse regions to choose from when deciding where to settle. Whether you are considering moving across state lines or just a few towns over, with the proper research you will end up in one of the best places to live in Virginia. So request a quote from the best moving company in Northern Virginia today, your new home awaits!