11 Must Visit Cities Before Moving to Virginia

So you’re thinking about making a move to Virginia. Whether you’re seeking a change of scenery or want to be closer to family, Virginia has much to offer over its 39,000 sq miles. From mountains to the beaches, the DC metro to the Shenandoah Valley, it can be hard to decide precisely where in the state to live.

Start learning about where to live in Virginia by checking out a few of the Commonwealth’s top cities. Visiting these cities will indicate if the culture and lifestyle are right for you. Here are our 11 top picks for cities to visit before making a move to Virginia.

Charlottesville

If you’re looking for a lively city with a lot to do but not overwhelmed with traffic, Charlottesville in central Virginia is a place to try. This vibrant college town is home to the University of Virginia. It is filled with art galleries, museums, and historical sites. The C-ville downtown area always has something going on, whether a large festival or a special event at one of its quaint restaurants.

Nature lovers will be happy to know that Charlottesville is surrounded by beautiful parks and hiking trails. Situated at the upper Piedmont Plateau, the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills, and the Rivanna River headwaters, it is roughly midway between two natural attractions. The Blue Ridge Mountains begin north and stretch south towards Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To the west, they run along the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. At the same time, they envelop Rockfish Valley State Park to the east.

The Charlottesville real estate market had a median list price of $460,000 in July 2022, with 681 homes on the market. Prices were up 15% year-over-year.

Virginia Beach

Ready to live by the beach? Virginia Beach is the perfect spot for those who love the sun and the sand. Situated where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the over 30 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of opportunity for swimming, surfing, and fishing. When not at the beach, explore the three-mile boardwalk, home to surf shops, restaurants, and cafes.

If you’re looking for a little more excitement, Virginia Beach is home to several theme parks, including Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. The town has a thriving arts scene, with the ViBe Creative District serving as the home for artists, markers, and boutique cafes. Town Center has a lively nightlife scene with a comedy club, theater, and performing arts venue. For the animal lovers out there, the Virginia Aquarium is a must-visit.

Despite its size (around 500,000 residents) Virginia Beach is a relatively affordable option compared to similar cities. It also has one of the largest military populations outside the Pentagon, thanks to several stations in the area.

The Virginia Beach real estate market had a median list price of $350,000 in July 2022, with 819 homes on the market. Prices were up 10% year-over-year.

Arlington

Arlington is the perfect place for you if you’re looking for a more urban environment. Niche.com ranked it the no. 4 Best City to Live in America in 2022.

This city is right across the river from Washington, DC, making real estate in high demand. The Pentagon is inside Arlington limits; combined with the Arlington National Cemetery, the military presence here is strong.

However, residents know there’s much more to Arlington than its military roots. Nor do residents need to commute into the nation’s capital to have a good time. Arlington has several distinct neighborhoods with various things to do. Take a cycling tour to explore the many historical sites or hang out listening to live music at the local bar in Ballston Quarter. Crystal City and National Landing are highly walkable to various dining and entertainment areas. Rosslyn is known for its views of the DC skyline.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in heaven with all of the great restaurants to choose from. Families appreciate the top-ranked school system and its proximity to community parks.

The Arlington real estate market had a median list price of $744,500 in July 2022, with 669 homes on the market. Prices were up 15% year-over-year.

Alexandria

Alexandria, just south of Arlington and Washington, DC, is one of the most atmospheric and historic towns in the United States. Established in 1749 on the west bank of the Potomac River, its well-preserved buildings and architecture attract thousands of visitors each year who learn about its exciting history and culture.

On its cobbled streets and brick sidewalks are centuries-old homes, churches, and a few exceptional museums. Dine where the founding fathers dined. Don’t worry about outdated food, as award-winning eateries and local boutiques are spread throughout town.

The city’s proximity to the capital is perfect for commuting. I-395 and I-495 pass through, making it easy to visit other DC metro destinations.

The Alexandria real estate market had a median list price of $615,000 in July 2022, with 987 homes on the market. Prices were up 10% year-over-year.

Falls Church

Falls Church is a small city of around 15,000 residents in northern Virginia, just outside Washington DC by about nine miles. The vibe is an urban village, with residential real estate mixing with shops and dining areas. This charming town is perfect for those who want easy access to a big city’s amenities without actually living in one.

One of the big attractions here is the very low crime rate. Niche.com ranked it no. 30 of 162 suburbs in Virginia for factors like health and fitness, schools, and outdoor activities. Falls Church has around 12 city and county parks inside its borders, including the Old Dominion Trail. The local schools have a low student-to-teacher ratio and spend more per student than the national average.

A historic town, Falls Church museums and art galleries depict its colonial roots and involvement in Civil War. The community is diverse, so you’ll find a globally-inspired dining scene.

The cost of living is relatively high, but it’s still cheaper than living in DC itself. The Falls Church real estate market had a median list price of $725,000 in July 2022, with 306 homes on the market. Prices were up 10% year-over-year.

Richmond

Richmond, the capital of Virginia since 1780, is one of the most historical cities in America. The city on the James River features beautiful antebellum architecture and federalist-style homes. Many Civil War sites are scattered throughout its streets. 

Downtown is the epicenter for museums, art galleries, and historical sites, while the surrounding neighborhoods offer a more laid-back vibe. With several beautiful riverside walks, a dozen craft breweries, and plenty of picturesque options, it’s no wonder many people come to visit and linger.

Those who love adventure can also enjoy white water rafting, canoeing, swimming, and boating on the James or Appomattox River. Richmond is home to Kings Dominion & Soak City, a Treetop Zoofari course, and a Zoo. If you’re looking for more laid-back activities, try the Virginia Museum of Fine Art or one of the five other distinct museums. Take a tour of the many murals around the city. Quirky Carytown has a hipster vibe, with nine blocks of unique shops and thrift stores.

Richmond is home to several colleges and universities, including Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond.

The Richmond real estate market had a median list price of $348,000 in July 2022, with 1,772 homes on the market. Prices were up 16% year-over-year.

Vienna

Another suburb town outside Washington DC, Vienna is one of those small towns you’ve likely never heard of yet ranks highly on so many lists. Vienna’s received accolades as one of the top cities to live in the state and the nation based on its unemployment rate, high median income, location, great schools, and overall high quality of life.

A walkable downtown area adds to Vienna’s charm. This close-knit community is perfect for families, and the schools are some of the best in the state. The local shopping mall is among Virginia’s largest and ranks at the top in the country for its size. Maple Avenue is a blocks-long destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The cost of living in Vienna is relatively high. Still, for those who want top-ranked amenities and to live close to the nation’s capital, Vienna is the perfect compromise.

The Vienna real estate market had a median list price of $974,900 in July 2022, with 233 homes on the market. Prices were up 5% year-over-year.

Centreville

Centreville is known in the DC metro for being a highly educated town. With over 74,00 residents, the locals have a high number of high school and collegiate graduates. Located south of Dulles International, it’s far enough away from the DC metro to feel like a separate area with fast access via I-66 available.

Families appreciate the low crime rate and the proximity to Washington, DC.

The public schools are among the country’s best. Another advantage is the high-quality healthcare facilities located right in town. Centreville has several historical sites, like the Manassas National Battlefield Park and Bull Run Regional Park.

The Centerville real estate market had a median list price of $577,500 in July 2022, with 189 homes on the market. Prices were up 20% year-over-year.

Bridgewater

Bridgewater is a small town with 5,000 residents in western Virginia, near the border of West Virginia. This quaint community is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle of city life for the rolling hills and peaks of the mountains.

The town ranks among the state’s safest, with a low crime rate. It also is one of the more affordable cities on this list, with an overall cost of living 15% below the national average. Residents enjoy a bi-weekly farmer’s market and a local vineyard.

For a town of its size, residents have local dining and events to enjoy. Parks and recreation areas make it easy to enjoy the outdoors and the local scenery. The cost of living is relatively low, making Bridgewater a great option for those on a budget.

The Bridgewater real estate market had a median list price of $348,000 in July 2022, with 23 homes on the market. Prices were up 20% year-over-year.

Williamsburg

Modern Williamsburg is a small town located in eastern Virginia, near the border of North Carolina. This historic town served as the epicenter of colonial America. It is perfect for those who want to experience the early days of American history.

Around 15,000 people live in Williamsburg. Besides the museums and historical sites, locals enjoy a small-town feel with contemporary amenities like the Busch Gardens theme park. Merchants Square is a shopping and entertainment center for residents. Historic College of William & Mary is in the town and is a premier research university.

The cost of living is relatively high, but it’s still cheaper than living in nearby Norfolk.

The Williamsburg real estate market had a median list price of $435,000 in July 2022, with 629 homes on the market. Prices were up 13% year-over-year.

Chincoteague

Chincoteague is a small island town off the coast of Virginia. This quaint community is perfect for those who want to escape to the beach and live a laidback lifestyle. Tourism is a big draw, with the Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge nearby.

Expect the town to be busier in the summer months as tourists flock to the waters for vacation. The town oozes seaside charm, with many cozy cottages, B&Bs, camping, and hotels. Seafood restaurants and ice cream parlors reflect its coastal character. The cost of living is relatively low, making Chincoteague an excellent option for those seeking waterfront living on a budget.

The scenic and serene wildlife refuge is a great place to hike and bike. The island is known for its wild ponies, wind-swept beaches, and beautiful views over the surrounding waters.

The Chincoteague real estate market had a median list price of $399,000 in July 2022, with 46 homes on the market. Prices were up 25% year-over-year.

What cities to visit in Virginia

As you can see, Virginia has a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for a bustling beach town or a quiet historic town, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home in Virginia. Use these cities as a jumping-off point to find the right home for you.