Virginia
From mountain hideaways and communities along the water to vibrant university towns, Virginia has the perfect combination of amenities and beauty so you can create the full, vibrant life you desire. Many people who grew up in the state have chosen to move back to plant roots, while others who moved to Virginia for college have chosen to stay to grow their careers. Additionally, many remote workers have chosen to make Virginia their home state, as have veterans.
On average, the state is more affordable across all categories, from groceries to housing, than other states in the United States. But beyond Virginia’s cost of living, its cities have broad appeal, thanks to their unique quality-of-life amenities.
Virginia is known for having a variety of fun festivals throughout the year that draw crowds, like the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville and the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester. Plus, many of its cities boast flourishing arts scenes.
Food and restaurants play a key role in shaping the state. For example, the I-81/I-64 interchange, one of the busiest routes in the country, connects travelers while running alongside farms, vineyards and pastures that have fed the East Coast for generations. And Virginia is home to several craft breweries, like Big Lick Brewing Co. in Roanoke and Lost Barrel Brewing in Middleburg.
Outdoor recreation is also an asset of the state. Virginia boasts plenty of greenways and trails for cycling opportunities. And for those looking to go canoeing or kayaking, there are plenty of water trails to explore, from coastlines and fishing bays to more than 30 state parks with access points.
As far as business and industry, startups and small businesses across the Commonwealth benefit from strong networks, collaborative chambers of commerce and state programs designed to help them grow. Plus, the state is home to several reputable health care systems, like HCA Virginia Health System, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Inova and Sentara Healthcare, as well as small-to-medium size clinics and practices, giving those in the health care field plenty of opportunities when it comes to employment.
Virginia is also filled with several quality higher education institutions, like Virginia State, Norfolk State and William & Mary.
The state has even more to offer. Come explore Virginia for yourself.
Central Virginia
This digital edition of the Central Virginia is sponsored by Central Virginia Partnership.
Livability Washington County, VA
This digital edition of the Livability Washington County, VA is sponsored by Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
Quick Facts About Virginia
- Median Household Income
- $95,726
- Average Property Tax
- $3,005
- State Population
- 8,860,723
- Sales Tax Rate
- 5.3 %
- State Income Tax
- 2%
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,392
Places We Love In Virginia
Cities in Virginia on Livability.com
- Abingdon, VA
- Alexandria, VA
- Annandale, VA
- Aquia Harbour, VA
- Arlington, VA
- Ashburn, VA
- Ashland, VA
- Bailey’s Crossroads, VA
- Bedford, VA
- Belle Haven, VA
- Bellwood, VA
- Belmont, VA
- Bensley, VA
- Big Stone Gap, VA
- Blacksburg, VA
- Bluefield, VA
- Bon Air, VA
- Brambleton, VA
- Brandermill, VA
- Bridgewater, VA
- Bristol, VA
- Broadlands, VA
- Buckhall, VA
- Buena Vista, VA
- Bull Run, VA
- Burke Centre, VA
- Burke, VA
- Carrollton, VA
- Cascades, VA
- Cave Spring, VA
- Centreville, VA
- Chamberlayne, VA
- Chantilly, VA
- Charlottesville, VA
- Cherry Hill, VA
- Chesapeake, VA
- Chester, VA
- Christiansburg, VA
- Collinsville, VA
- Colonial Heights, VA
- Countryside, VA
- Covington, VA
- Crosspointe, VA
- Crozet, VA
- Culpeper, VA
- Dale City, VA
- Danville, VA
- Dranesville, VA
- Dulles Town Center, VA
- Dumbarton, VA
- Dumfries, VA
- Dunn Loring, VA
- East Highland Park, VA
- Emory, VA
- Emporia, VA
- Ettrick, VA
- Fair Lakes, VA
- Fair Oaks, VA
- Fairfax Station, VA
- Fairfax, VA
- Falls Church, VA
- Farmville, VA
- Fishersville, VA
- Floris, VA
- Forest, VA
- Fort Belvoir, VA
- Fort Hunt, VA
- Franconia, VA
- Franklin Farm, VA
- Franklin, VA
- Fredericksburg, VA
- Front Royal, VA
- Gainesville, VA
- Galax, VA
- George Mason, VA
- Glade Spring, VA
- Glen Allen, VA
- Gloucester Point, VA
- Great Falls, VA
- Greenbriar, VA
- Groveton, VA
- Hampton, VA
- Harrisonburg, VA
- Herndon, VA
- Highland Springs, VA
- Hollins, VA
- Hollymead, VA
- Hopewell, VA
- Huntington, VA
- Hybla Valley, VA
- Idylwood, VA
- Independent Hill, VA
- Innsbrook, VA
- Kings Park West, VA
- Kingstowne, VA
- Lake Barcroft, VA
- Lake Monticello, VA
- Lake of the Woods, VA
- Lake Ridge, VA
- Lakeside, VA
- Lansdowne, VA
- Laurel Hill, VA
- Laurel, VA
- Leesburg, VA
- Lexington, VA
- Lincolnia, VA
- Linton Hall, VA
- Long Branch, VA
- Lorton, VA
- Loudoun Valley Estates, VA
- Lowes Island, VA
- Lynchburg, VA
- Madison Heights, VA
- Manassas Park, VA
- Manassas, VA
- Manchester, VA
- Mantua, VA
- Marion, VA
- Martinsville, VA
- Marumsco, VA
- Massanetta Springs, VA
- McLean, VA
- McNair, VA
- Meadowbrook, VA
- Mechanicsville, VA
- Merrifield, VA
- Montclair, VA
- Montrose, VA
- Mount Vernon, VA
- Neabsco, VA
- New Baltimore, VA
- Newington Forest, VA
- Newington, VA
- Newport News, VA
- Norfolk, VA
- North Springfield, VA
- Oakton, VA
- Petersburg, VA
- Pimmit Hills, VA
- Poquoson, VA
- Portsmouth, VA
- Potomac Mills, VA
- Pulaski, VA
- Purcellville, VA
- Quantico Base, VA
- Radford, VA
- Reston, VA
- Richlands, VA
- Richmond, VA
- Roanoke, VA
- Rockwood, VA
- Rose Hill, VA
- Salem, VA
- Sandston, VA
- Seven Corners, VA
- Short Pump, VA
- Smithfield, VA
- South Boston, VA
- South Riding, VA
- South Run, VA
- Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
- Springfield, VA
- Staunton, VA
- Sterling, VA
- Stone Ridge, VA
- Strasburg, VA
- Stuarts Draft, VA
- Sudley, VA
- Suffolk, VA
- Sugarland Run, VA
- Timberlake, VA
- Triangle, VA
- Tuckahoe, VA
- Tysons Corner, VA
- University of Virginia, VA
- Vienna, VA
- Vinton, VA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Wakefield, VA
- Warrenton, VA
- Waynesboro, VA
- West Falls Church, VA
- West Springfield, VA
- Williamsburg, VA
- Winchester, VA
- Wolf Trap, VA
- Woodburn, VA
- Woodlake, VA
- Woodstock, VA
- Wyndham, VA
- Wytheville, VA
- Yorkshire, VA
Experiences & Adventures in Virginia
How to Maximize Your PTO in 2026 – And Where to Spend it
Want to know how to turn 14 days of PTO into 45 days off this year? Maximize your PTO at these must-visit destinations across the country.
Why Harrisonburg, VA, Is the Perfect Shenandoah Valley Escape
Hang your hat in Harrisonburg for the perfect escape to the Shenandoah Valley.
3 Virginia Communities with Must-Visit Arts Scenes
The Commonwealth has become a destination for the arts.
Food Scenes in Virginia
5 Unexpected Regions in the US Producing Great Whiskey
Move over, Tennessee and Kentucky. These states are producing some of the most exciting whiskey in the country right now.
8 Craft Breweries You Need to Check Out in Virginia
Find your perfect pint at these Old Dominion breweries.
4 Chef-Recommended Restaurants in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
From New American to Salvadoran cuisine, culinary adventures abound in west-central Virginia.
Healthy Places in Virginia
Why I Love Working in Health Care in Virginia
Meet three clinicians who have built successful careers in the Commonwealth.
Find High-Quality Health Care in Washington County, VA
Southwest Virginia residents don't have to travel far to find top-notch services.
Virginia: Where to Live Now
Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southeast
Southern charm is at its finest in these 25 Southeastern cities.
5 Reasons to Move to Roanoke, Virginia
Thinking of relocating? From great food to family-friendly activities, here's why Roanoke, VA, should be at the top of your list.
The 6 Best Washington D.C. Suburbs
Live near the capital for less, thanks to these popular D.C. area suburbs.
Education, Careers and Opportunity in Virginia
Why Virginia Is Perfect for Veterans
Former military members find jobs, resources and community in the state.
I Moved to Virginia for College and Stayed for My Career
Learn what’s convincing young professionals to plant roots in Virginia.
Considering College in Virginia? Here Are the Top Things to Know
A professional offers advice to students eyeing higher education in Virginia.
Virginia: Love Where You Live
50 Things You Didn’t Know About the Olympics
Can't make it to Milano Cortina for the Winter Games and have some serious FOMO? Us, too! Here are 50 things you might not know about the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
The Cities That Raised Football Players
The journey to the big game started in some unexpected places for these football stars.
9 Reasons to Move to Virginia Right Now
Find out why this state is the perfect place to start your next chapter.
