
Joseph Woods
Best Places to Retire in Virginia ⭐| Guide to Retirement in Virginia [Taxes, Cost of Living + Towns for Retirees]
Last Updated On: 15th January 2026, 11:00 pm
Virginia is a beautiful state full of rich history, amazing food, and friendly people, so it is no surprise that many people choose it as a place to retire. The state has a great mix of both urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy nature while still having easy access to everything that modern living has to offer. But where is the best place to retire in Virginia? We’ve put together a guide to the best places to retire in Virginia for you to consider. Once you are ready to get started retiring in Virginia, give our experienced senior movers a call to help you get settled into your new community.
Is Virginia a good place to retire? According to Bankrate, Virginia makes the list of the Top 20 Best States to Retire In. You’ll find several wonderful cities to settle down in, as well as an abundance of amazing retirement communities.
One of the biggest benefits of retiring in Virginia is the outdoor recreation you can enjoy when living in the state. Whether hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or swimming at one of the incredible Virginia beaches, you can always head outside for a breath of fresh air. When residing in Virginia, you will enjoy all four seasons, with very warm summers and moderately cold winters.
Although Virginia is known for its gorgeous nature, it also offers a great mix of urban cities. Places like Richmond, Norfolk, and Arlington have a population of over 200,000 and are home to incredible museums, restaurants, and other fun attractions. Retiring in Virginia is great for those who want a healthy balance of urban and rural living.
One important aspect to consider before retiring in Virginia is the level of crime in the state. According to The Free Lance-Star, Virginia ranks as one of the 10 safest states in America. Virginia has the sixth-lowest statewide violent crime rate and the 11th-lowest property crime rate. Although a few cities in the state have above-average crime rates, Virginia is generally a very safe place to live.
When you choose to retire in Virginia, you will experience several tax benefits. Property and sales tax rates are already low, and Social Security retirement benefits are not taxed in Virginia. Retirement income, such as pension income and retirement account withdrawals, are deductible up to $12,000 for seniors.
Lastly, Virginia has a fairly low cost of living. Virginia’s Cost of Living Index is 104.2, meaning that the state is 4.2% more expensive than the national average of 100. The highest costs you will encounter when living in the state are housing and healthcare. Grocery, utility, and transportation costs in Virginia are all below the national average.
Is Virginia A Good State To Retire In?
Is Virginia a good place to retire? According to Bankrate, Virginia makes the list of the Top 20 Best States to Retire In. You’ll find several wonderful cities to settle down in, as well as an abundance of amazing retirement communities.
One of the biggest benefits of retiring in Virginia is the outdoor recreation you can enjoy when living in the state. Whether hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or swimming at one of the incredible Virginia beaches, you can always head outside for a breath of fresh air. When residing in Virginia, you will enjoy all four seasons, with very warm summers and moderately cold winters.
Although Virginia is known for its gorgeous nature, it also offers a great mix of urban cities. Places like Richmond, Norfolk, and Arlington have a population of over 200,000 and are home to incredible museums, restaurants, and other fun attractions. Retiring in Virginia is great for those who want a healthy balance of urban and rural living.
One important aspect to consider before retiring in Virginia is the level of crime in the state. According to The Free Lance-Star, Virginia ranks as one of the 10 safest states in America. Virginia has the sixth-lowest statewide violent crime rate and the 11th-lowest property crime rate. Although a few cities in the state have above-average crime rates, Virginia is generally a very safe place to live.
When you choose to retire in Virginia, you will experience several tax benefits. Property and sales tax rates are already low, and Social Security retirement benefits are not taxed in Virginia. Retirement income, such as pension income and retirement account withdrawals, are deductible up to $12,000 for seniors.
Lastly, Virginia has a fairly low cost of living. Virginia’s Cost of Living Index is 104.2, meaning that the state is 4.2% more expensive than the national average of 100. The highest costs you will encounter when living in the state are housing and healthcare. Grocery, utility, and transportation costs in Virginia are all below the national average.
Best Places To Retire In Virginia
Whether you are searching for waterfront retirement communities in Virginia or a busy city to settle down in, there is a place for you. These are just a few of the best places to live in Virginia for retirees.Richmond - Home To Some Of The Best 55 And Older Communities In Virginia
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- Population: 226,610
- Share of population 65+: 13.8%
- Crime rate: 3,270 crimes per 100,000 people (96.4% higher than state average and 39.4% higher than national average)
- Average home price: $350,000
Falls Church - Beautiful City Just Outside of D.C.
- Population: 14,658
- Share of population 65+: 13.7%
- Crime rate: 1,613 crimes per 100,000 people (3.1% lower than state average and 31.2% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $622,500
Trilogy at Lake Frederick - One Of The Best Retirement Communities In Virginia
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- Population (of Lake Frederick): 2,321
- Share of population 65+ (in Lake Frederick): 44%
Virginia Beach - One Of The Best Places To Retire In Virginia For Ocean Lovers
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- Population: 459,470
- Share of population 65+: 15%
- Crime rate: 1,610 crimes per 100,000 people (3.3% lower than state average and 31.4% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $365,000
CrossRidge - One Of The Most Sought-After Virginia Retirement Communities
- Population (in Glen Allen): 16,187
- Share of population 65+ (in Glen Allen): 15.2%
- Crime rate (in Glen Allen): 2,023 crimes per 100,000 people (5% higher than the state average and 14% lower than the national average)
- Average home price (in Glen Allen): $422,680
Charlottesville - Located In The Heart Of The Blue Ridge Mountains
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- Population: 46,553
- Share of population 65+: 12.6%
- Crime rate: 2,318 crimes per 100,000 (39.2% higher than state average and 1.2% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $374,950
Williamsburg - Cozy Community Great For Retiring In Virginia
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- Population: 15,425
- Share of population 65+: 16.8%
- Crime rate: 1,352 crimes per 100,000 people (18.8% lower than state average and 42.4% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $406,085
Vienna - Wonderful City With Gorgeous Real Estate
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- Population: 16,473
- Share of population 65+: 14.6%
- Crime rate: 1,352 crimes per 100,000 people (18.8% lower than state average and 42.4% lower than national average)
- Average home price: $1.15 million
Map Of Best Places To Retire In Virginia
Check out this map of the best 55+ communities in Virginia as well as the best places in Virginia to retire. There are plenty of options to consider when searching for the best places to retire in Virginia. Once you’ve found the best place to retire in Virginia for your lifestyle, then let the best moving company in the state give you a hand. On The Fly Moving Guys is the best moving company in Virginia and will do everything we can to make your upcoming move a great one. Give us a call today at 804-836-4954 to discuss your move and receive a free quote.
Joseph Woods
The founders of On The Fly Moving Guys, Joseph Woods and Jordan Berry, are two childhood friends who in their teen years learned to love the moving industry. After perfecting their crafts, they launched On The Fly Moving Guys in 2018 and the rest is history. Since then they worked hard to build the most trustworthy and reputable moving company in Richmond Virginia. Our 5 star ratings and thousands of happy customers prove it.
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