10 Best Places to Live in Virginia
- Local Editor:Local Editor: Lisa Cooper
- Category: City Living Guide
Share
Virginia is one of the most amazing places to live. Where else can you find mountains and beaches, high-end horse-racing communities, and small towns with neighbors who travel by wagon — all within a two-hour drive?
There are mid-sized rural towns here with just as much art and culture as urban communities adjacent to Washington D.C. Virginia is home to so many different lifestyles that there is most definitely a place for everyone.
All of the communities described in this article have certain characteristics in common.
- Taxes. Virginia has a progressive state income tax that ranges from 2.0% to 5.75%. For comparison, the national average state income tax is 4.6%. The state and local sales tax combined rate ranges from 5.3% to 7.0%, compared to the national average of 6.2%. Virginia has relatively low effective property tax rates at 0.8%.
- Climate. Most of Virginia is subtropical: humid, with hot summers and cold winters. It snows often, but not always, and there is an average amount of rainfall. We will mention any specific climatic anomalies for specific areas if they exist.
Here are the 10 best places to live in Virginia. For each community below, we assign a score, which provides an overall assessment of its safety and appeal as a place to call home.
The 10 Best Cities to Live in Virginia
Table of Contents:
1. Alexandria
HOMEiA Score: 91/100
- Cost of Living: 40.3% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $572,900/$100,939 = 5.68 (buying homes is expensive)
- Income to rent ratio: $100,939/$20,964 = 4.81 (renting homes is affordable)
Alexandria is located approximately 7 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. on the western bank of the Potomac River. With easy access to Interstate 495, Interstate 395, and Route 1, Alexandria is also adjacent to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
ALEXANDRIA MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $100,939
Alexandria Cost of Living
- 40% Above the U.S. National Average
- 13% Lower than Arlington, Virginia
- 33% Higher than New York City, New York
- 31% Higher than Chicago, Illinois
Alexandria Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $572,900 | $33,276 | $20,964 |
Related article
The 10 Best Places to Live in South Carolina for Families
In addition to the coastal beauty of well-known cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has an abundance of places across the midlands and the upstate filled with opportunities to enjoy small-town charm or big-city living…
2. Arlington
HOMEiA Score: 87/100
- Cost of Living: 61.6% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $705,400/$120,071 = 5.87 (buying homes is expensive)
- Income to rent ratio: $120,071/$23,640 = 5.08 (renting homes is affordable)
Arlington is situated along the southwestern bank of the Potomac River in Northern Virginia and is directly across from Washington, D.C. Major roadways in Arlington include Interstates 66 and 395, Route 7 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Arlington is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, Reagan National Airport, and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, among many other notable places.
ARLINGTON MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $120,071
Arlington Cost of Living
- 62% Above the U.S. National Average
- 15% Higher than Alexandria, Virginia
- 54% Higher than New York City, New York
- 50% Higher than Chicago, Illinois
Arlington Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $705,400 | $36,132 | $23,640 |
Related article
10 Best Places to Live in Georgia in 2025
If you’re looking for some good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, look no further than Georgia. The Peach State has plenty of small-town charm to welcome you in, as well as big-city development, artistic expression and innovation...3. Virginia Beach
HOMEiA Score: 88/100
- Cost of Living: 3.3% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $280,800/$76,610 = 3.67 (buying homes is affordable)
- Income to rent ratio: $76,610/$16,404 = 4.67 (renting homes is affordable)
Virginia Beach is a coastal city located in southeastern Virginia where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is accessible by Interstate 64 and several state routes, one of which crosses the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel. The closest major airport is in Norfolk.
VIRGINIA BEACH MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $76,610
Virginia Beach Cost of Living
- 3% Above the U.S. National Average
- Comparable to Chesapeake, Virginia
- 4% Lower than New York City, New York
- 4% Lower than Chicago, Illinois
Virginia Beach Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $280,800 | $21,912 | $16,404 |
Recommended for you
4. Chesapeake
HOMEiA Score: 92/100
- Cost of Living: 3.3% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $273,700/$78,640 = 3.48 (buying homes is affordable)
- Income to rent ratio: $78,640/$15,348 = 5.12 (renting homes is affordable)
Chesapeake is in southeastern Virginia’s Hampton Roads area, extending from the Virginia/North Carolina border almost to the Chesapeake Bay. It is the second largest city in Virginia. It is easily accessible via four major highways: Interstates 64, 264, 464 and 664 all converge here. The closet major airport is Norfolk International, though Chesapeake does have a regional airport as well.
CHESAPEAKE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $78,640
Chesapeake Cost of Living
- 3% Above the U.S. National Average
- Comparable to Virginia Beach, Virginia
- 4% Lower than New York City, New York
- 4% Lower than Chicago, Illinois
Chesapeake Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $273,700 | $22,404 | $15,348 |
Recommended for you
5. Leesburg
HOMEiA Score: 89/100
- Cost of Living: 49.0% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $434,300/$114,444 = 3.79 (buying homes is affordable)
- Income to rent ratio: $114,444/$19,488 = 5.87 (renting homes is very affordable)
Leesburg sits at the base of Catoctin Mountain, close to the Potomac River and approximately 33 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. It has become a popular D.C. suburb for commuters. State Route 267, known as the Dulles Greenway, is a private toll road connecting Leesburg to Washington Dulles International Airport and areas beyond. Route 7 is also a major commuter route from Leesburg into Washington, D.C., and Route 15 provides easy access from Interstate 66.
LEESBURG MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $114,444
Leesburg Cost of Living
- 50% Above the U.S. National Average
- 3% Higher than Herndon, Virginia
- 42% Lower than New York City, New York
- 39% Higher than Chicago, Illinois
Leesburg Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $434,300 | $29,772 | $19,488 |
Related article
The 8 Best Places to Live in Florida For Retirees in 2025
We have presented options that will fit different budgets and needs – there should be a choice for everyone. We have listed the most affordable cities first, though the ranks and index scores are assigned based on a larger set of characteristics that we have reviewed…
6. Staunton
HOMEiA Score: 81/100
- Cost of Living: 18.3% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $169,000/$52,611 = 3.21 (buying homes is affordable)
- Income to rent ratio: $52,611/$10,332 = 5.09 (renting homes is affordable)
Staunton is a small town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. It is 40 miles west of Charlottesville off of Interstate 64. It borders Interstate 81, and is approximately 160 miles from Washington D.C. The Shenandoah Valley Airport is the closest medium-sized airport to Staunton; major airports farther away include Richmond International, Dulles, Reagan National and Baltimore Washington International.
STAUNTON MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $52,611
Staunton Cost of Living
- 18% Below the U.S. National Average
- 8% Lower than Harrisonburg, Virginia
- 26% Lower than New York City, New York
- 24% Lower than Chicago, Illinois
Staunton Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $169,000 | $14,460 | $10,332 |
Related article
10 Most Affordable States to Buy a House
If you have the flexibility to move anywhere in the U.S., where could you buy the cheapest home? After examining data from Zillow and World Population Review. Here’re 10 most affordable States in the South and the Midwest to consider when buying a house…
7. Vienna
HOMEiA Score: 92/100
- Cost of Living: 78.2% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $743,500/$161,196 = 4.61 (buying homes is expensive)
- Income to rent ratio: $161,196/$24,972 = 6.46 (renting homes is very affordable)
Vienna is a town in Fairfax County located north of Interstate 66, west of the Interstate 495 (the Capital Beltway) and, south of Route 267 (Dulles Access Rd.). Route 123 passes through town. The Washington & Old Dominion trail winds through Vienna, and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is nearby. Washington Dulles International is only 10 miles away, and Washington National Airport is just 12 miles. Baltimore Washington International Airport is also less than an hour from Vienna.
VIENNA MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $161,196
Vienna Cost of Living
- 78% Above the U.S. National Average
- 23% Higher than Herndon, Virginia
- 71% Higher than New York City, New York
- 66% Higher than Chicago, Illinois
Vienna Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $743,500 | $40,752 | $24,972 |
Related article
The 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Texas (updated)
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and for good reason. From some of America’s largest and active metropolitan cities to the host of recreational activities for people of all ages across the state to the many bigger-than-life personalities who call Texas home, Texas has plenty to offer for everyone. here’s the list of 10 lowest cost of living places…
8. Herndon
HOMEiA Score: 82/100
- Cost of Living: 45.1% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $442,700/$111,371 = 3.98 (buying homes is affordable)
- Income to rent ratio: $111,371/$21,684 = 5.14 (renting homes is affordable)
Herndon is located in northern Virginia, adjacent to Dulles International Airport. It is located near Routes 7, 28, 286, and 267 (Dulles Access Rd.). Herndon Pkwy encircles the center of town, and Sterling, Reston and Chantilly are located nearby.
HERNDON MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $111,371
Herndon Cost of Living
- 45% Above the U.S. National Average
- 19% Lower than Vienna, Virginia
- 38% Higher than New York City, New York
- 35% Higher than Chicago, Illinois
Herndon Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $442,700 | $28,224 | $21,684 |
Related article
10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Florida: Discovering Florida’s Hidden Gems
Florida, known for its sunny beaches, vibrant culture and diverse communities, is a dream destination for many. But living in this paradise doesn’t have to break the bank. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most affordable places in Florida that offer a great quality of life without the hefty price tag…
9. Bridgewater
HOMEiA Score: 94/100
- Cost of Living: 7.3% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $234,300/$62,870 = 3.73 (buying homes is affordable)
- Income to rent ratio: $62,870/$10,752 = 5.85 (renting homes is affordable)
Bridgewater is located southwest of Harrisonburg on Routes 42, 11 and 257 in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Appalachians to the west, Bridgewater and its surrounding communities have quite a unique environment in which to thrive. The nearest airports are the small Bridgewater Air Park and the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport.
BRIDGEWATER MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $62,870
Bridgewater Cost of Living
- 7% Below the U.S. National Average
- 4% Higher than Harrisonburg, Virginia
- 15% Lower than New York City, New York
- 14% Lower than Chicago, Illinois
Bridgewater Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $234,300 | $15,384 | $10,752 |
Related article
12 Key Factors to Know About Living in Washington, D.C.
The capital city of the United States has a reputation for being a busy political and business hub, but there is a lot more to discover and enjoy for residents of this diverse city. Washington, DC is consistently ranked among Business Insider’s and Niche’s top 50 cities to live in, and there are…
10. Warrenton
HOMEiA Score: 82/100
- Cost of Living: 34.3% above the U.S. national average
- Home price to income ratio: $342,600/$73,402 = 4.67 (buying homes is expensive)
- Income to rent ratio: $73,402/$15,768 = 4.66 (renting homes is affordable)
Warrenton is in the Piedmont region of Virginia, in Fauquier County, near the Blue Ridge Mountains where U.S. Highways 15, 17 and 211 converge. The closest interstate, I-66, is only 20 minutes away, and the closest major airport is Dulles, which is about an hour’s drive away. Surrounded by wineries, historic buildings, museums, parks, and horses, Warrenton has a rich history and is a beautiful place to be.
WARRENTON MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010-2020): $73,402
Warrenton Cost of Living
- 34% Above the U.S. National Average
- 22% Lower than Middleburg, Virginia
- 27% Higher than New York City, New York
- 25% Higher than Chicago, Illinois
Warrenton Housing Costs
| Median Home Value | Annual Spend for Homeowners | Annual Spend for Renters (Rent & Utilities) |
| $342,600 | $23,844 | $15,768 |
Related article
The Cost of Living in Florida vs. Texas: A Comprehensive Analysis
This analysis provides the foundation for making an informed decision based on your circumstances and priorities. Whether you choose Florida’s coastal charm or Texas’s economic opportunities, both states continue to attract new residents with their unique benefits and lifestyle advantages…
Conclusion.
Virginia has many fantastic places to live. The ten we’ve presented here have diverse characteristics that enrich the lives of the people who live in them. From fun-filled beach towns and busy cities near the nation’s capital to small rural communities and some of the most expensive neighborhoods in the nation, Virginia has it all.
Related Content
