4-minute read
As you research, explore, and consider moving to a Virginia community, here’s an overview of what you can expect when living in The Old Dominion State.
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Climate & Geography
Entertainment & Recreation
Cost of Living
Healthcare
Virginia, the "Old Dominion State," offers more than just a place to live—it's a chance to unwind in a rich tapestry of history, stunning nature, and thriving communities. Explore charming seaside towns like Virginia Beach, get lost in the beauty of pristine Atlantic Coast beaches, or hike through vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness.
The state’s top-rated communities boast a diverse range of housing options. Picture yourself teeing off at a golf course community, honing your skills on the pickleball courts, or finding peace in a beautiful waterfront estate. Ready to relax? Abundant retirement communities offer a tranquil atmosphere.
Featuring welcoming clubhouses, refreshing pools, well-equipped fitness centers, and green spaces nestled within a friendly neighborhood setting, master-planned communities in Virginia seamlessly blend history, nature, and modern amenities that cater to various lifestyles.
Virginia Climate & Geography
Virginia's beauty, geography, and climate is as varied as its history.
Regions & Landscapes
Virginia boasts five regions, each with its own character.
- The coastal Tidewater region offers beaches and the Chesapeake Bay.
- The Piedmont region is rolling hills and farmland.
- The Blue Ridge Mountains provide stunning scenery and outdoor activities.
- The Valley and Ridge region features fertile valleys and long ridges.
- The Appalachian Plateau is a higher-elevation region with forests and some coal mining.
Weather
The state's elevation ranges from sea level on the coast to over 5,700 feet in the mountains, which significantly impacts the climate.
Generally mild: Virginia has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and moderately cold winters.
Regional variations: Temperatures and precipitation vary depending on where you are. The east coast is warmer and wetter, while the mountains are cooler and drier.
Four seasons: Virginia enjoys all four seasons. Spring and fall are mild, summer offers sunshine and humidity, and winter brings occasional snow, especially in the mountains.
Virginia Entertainment & Recreation
No matter your interests, you're sure to find something to keep you entertained in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Historical Landmarks: Travel back in time in Colonial Williamsburg, where costumed interpreters bring the18th-century back to life. Explore the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown, or marvel at the architectural genius of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Civil War buffs can explore the state’s many battlefield monuments or delve deeper in the countless museums.
Beaches and Water Activities: Visit famed Virginia Beach, a vibrant resort town with miles of coastline, watersports galore, and a lively boardwalk scene. Explore the barrier islands of the Outer Banks, known for their wild horses, historic lighthouses, and charming beach towns with a laid-back vibe. Kayak through the lush marshes of the Chesapeake Bay, teeming with wildlife, or cast a line and try your luck reeling in a trophy fish.
Family Fun: Spark curiosity at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, get up close to majestic animals at the Virginia Zoo, or wander through the breathtaking floral displays at the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Pick your own fresh produce at a farm, learn about agriculture at a working farm, or explore Virginia's burgeoning wine scene with a family-friendly vineyard tour.
Virginia Cost of Living
- Overall: The cost of living in Virginia is the same as the national average.
- Housing: 2% higher than the national average.
- Taxes:
- Income tax: Ranges from 2% to 5.75%
- Property tax: .75% (average effective rate)
- Sales tax: 5.75% (average combined state and local)
- No tax on Social Security benefits
Virginia Healthcare
Virginia features nationally recognized medical centers, offering advanced care in various specialties. Community hospitals and clinics provide convenient access to primary and specialty care throughout the state.
Costs vary, but Virginia offers a public health insurance marketplace and most employers provide health insurance options. Medicaid and FAMIS programs support low-income residents.
Top medical facilities in Virginia include:
University of Virginia Health System: Renowned for its cancer care, heart and vascular services, and neurosciences.
Inova Health System: A network of hospitals known for its cardiac care, orthopedics, and women's health services.
Virginia Commonwealth University Health System: Offers a wide range of specialties, including transplant services and children's care.
Mayo Clinic in Virginia: A collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Sentara Healthcare, focusing on advanced care and research.