Virginia is known for its fascinating topography and rich U.S. history. It has a unique combination of east coast beaches and stunning mountain ranges making it an exciting place to call home and to build your future Virginia home.
If you aren’t sure where to start in Virginia’s many great cities, here are our top five!
1. Lynchburg
Housing cost to income ratio: 3.92%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.22%
Violent crime index: 18.1
Nonviolent crime index: 35.3
Cost of living index: 82.9
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg has gorgeous scenery, an excellent climate, and a welcoming vibe. It has made it to #1 on our list of best places to live in Virginia. Lynchburg is a vibrant city in central Virginia with a population of over 80,000. Coming in as the seventh-largest city in the state, Lynchburg is a major regional center for commerce, culture, and education.
The yearly climate, which averages about 42 inches of rain, 14 inches of snow, and 218 sunny days per year, provides the perfect conditions for Lynchburg’s biggest attractions. You can hike the Appalachian Trail, bike the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy the water at James River, or shop for seasonal produce at the year-round farmer’s market.
Lynchburg is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The James River also runs through Lynchburg, providing opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Spend time making memories and connecting with nature at Blackwater Creek State Park, Peakland Park, Candler’s Mountain and Percival’s Island Natural Area.
Looking for fun? The many festivals held each year bring out residents and visitors. From music to culture to holidays, enjoy yourself at the Lynchburg Blues Festival, the Lynchburg Irish Fest, the Lynchburg Greek Festival, the Lynchburg Food Truck Festival, and the Lynchburg Christmas Parade. Enjoy dog-friendly parks throughout the area.
Lynchburg’s network of major highways, interstates, and Amtrak allow residents to make quick trips to Philadelphia and New York. The great location puts you only hours away from cities like Washington D.C. and Charlotte. Enjoy a variety of museums including the Amazement Square Children’s Museum, the Lynchburg Museum of History, the Lynchburg Art Museum, and the Maier Museum of Glass. Lynchburg is known for its historic architecture, including its many churches and antebellum mansions.
Four school districts and two hospitals serve Lynchburg’s welcoming, family-friendly communities. Excellent health care is found at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital and Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital. With a relatively low cost of living and a strong job market, Lynchburg offers great career paths with major employers like Liberty University, Centra Healthcare, General Electric, and BWX Technologies. You will also find the world’s largest pencil factory, Dixon Ticonderoga, here. Higher education institutions include Liberty University, Lynchburg College, and Randolph College. The economy of Lynchburg is strong. The city’s unemployment rate is below the state and national averages. The city is also home to a number of new businesses and startups.
Lynchburg is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. With a variety of new home communities in Lynchburg, you will love living in this part of the state. Begin your home search today!
2. Roanoke
Housing cost to income ratio: 4.41%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.21%
Violent crime index: 22.7
Nonviolent crime index: 59.6
Cost of living index: 84.1
You can’t miss Virginia’s 88-foot Roanoke Star perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Roanoke is known for its iconic Mill Mountain Star, which can be seen for miles around. Roanoke prides itself on the accessibility to the great outdoors and has been rated one of the top mountain bike destinations on the planet. Roanoke gives you many reasons to call it home. The low cost of living, strong economy, and recreation make it the right choice for potential homebuyers.
Residents can easily access the Appalachian Trails and over 70 parks where they can walk, hike, camp, and climb year-round. Roanoke residents experience each of the four seasons and experience an average of 42 inches of rain, 15 inches of snow, and 211 sunny days per year. The Blue Ridge Mountains will be your new playground when you choose to hike, camp, hunt, fish, swim, bike, and boat. You’ll find residents and tourists enjoying spots like Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, Mill Mountain Park, Roanoke River Greenway, Explore Park, and Smith Mountain Lake. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway that runs through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers stunning views.
Given its unique location, Roanoke is within a day’s drive from two-thirds of the U.S., opening the possibilities for schools, shopping, and attractions for residents. For those who prefer to stay within the city, there are four hospitals, seven school districts, and around 20 colleges and universities within a 60-mile radius. This, paired with the expansive public art collection, year-round live entertainments, and welcoming new home communities put Roanoke high on the list. These communities offer a variety of amenities, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and walking trails. They are also conveniently located near schools, shops, and restaurants.
Look to Carilion Clinic, Virginia College, FedEx, and Wells Fargo for welcoming career opportunities. These are just a few of the major employers. Cultural attractions and museums add to the allure of Roanoke. Check out some of the intriguing exhibits at Taubman Museum of Art, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, Mill Mountain Park Discovery Center, Roanoke Pinball Museum, and Center in the Square.
There’s always food, music, fun, and more at the many festivals held in Roanoke. Get your share of entertainment at the Roanoke Valley Music Festival, Roanoke Star & Sentinel Festival, Roanoke Chow Chow, Festival in the Park, and the Roanoke Valley Veterans Day Parade.
You have options for educational opportunities for your family. Roanoke has a good public school system and a variety of private schools including Virginia Episcopal School, Roanoke Country Day School, Roanoke Catholic School, and North Cross School. Virginia Tech, Roanoke College, and Hollins University are the higher educational institutions ready to provide a variety of undergraduate degrees. Healthcare decisions are easy with great medical care at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. Mill Mountain Star, Roanoke, Virginia
A deciding factor of purchasing a home in Roanoke is the city’s affordability. The cost of living in Roanoke is relatively low, and there is a variety of new homes available to choose from. Give Roanoke new home communities some serious consideration. Daleville, Salem, and Wytheville are some of the popular suburbs.
3. Norfolk-Newport News
Housing cost to income ratio: 5.04%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.54%
Violent crime index: 24.5
Nonviolent crime index: 55.5
Cost of living index: 91.8
Norfolk and Newport News are part of the metropolitan region known as Hampton Roads. Located on the southeast coast of Virginia, where the James River meets the Chesapeake Bay, this area is well known for its outdoor water activities like fishing, sailing, paddle boarding, and swimming. Norfolk and Newport News are two of the most populated cities in Virginia and are major tourist attractions.
Norfolk is a vibrant city with a lot to offer residents. The city is home to historical attractions, including the USS Wisconsin battleship museum, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the Nauticus Science Center. Norfolk is also known for its beautiful beaches, including Ocean View and Chesapeake Beach. Newport News is a family-friendly city providing residents with an array of attractions like the Virginia Living Museum, the Mariners’ Museum, and the Christopher Newport University campus. Newport News is also known for its beautiful parks and recreation areas, including Newport News Park and James River Park.
Both cities have a strong economy bolstered by the U.S. Navy, Norfolk State University, Sentara Healthcare, Huntington Ingalls Industries, NASA Langley Research Center, and Newport News Shipbuilding. You won’t have to worry about educational opportunities for your family. Outstanding public schools and private schools, colleges, and universities, including Norfolk Public Schools, Newport News Public Schools, Christopher Newport University, Thomas Nelson Community College, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Hampton University are ready to serve you.
There’s plenty to keep boredom at bay with festivals sure to bring music, entertainment, food, and fun. Some of the festivals held here include Harborfest, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Newport News Food Truck Festival, the Norfolk Jazz Festival, and Hampton Roads Seafood Festival. With several restaurants, shops, spas, and services, this area is the complete package.
You’ll be glad to know the Hampton Road transit system provides access to these attractions and more. This coastal area gets about 47 inches of rain, five inches of snow, and has 215 sunny days annually, making the climate perfect for enjoying all Norfolk and Newport News have to offer. Take a relaxing bike ride or walk the Elizabeth River Trail. You’ll find plenty of folks out in kayaks and canoes on Lafayette River. The beaches allow for fun sunbathing, swimming, and fishing. Golfers have their share of pristine golf courses. Norfolk-Newport News is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world calling the area home. Surrounding cities like Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake all provide the same amenities without the hustle and bustle of the big cities. These amenities include 11 hospitals, five school districts, lively downtown strips, and year-round events. Enjoy life by the Chesapeake Bay in a new home in Norfolk-Newport News.
4. Danville
Housing cost to income ratio: 1.91%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 2.00%
Violent crime index: 30.3
Nonviolent crime index: 58.9
Cost of living index: 71.5
Right along the Virginia – North Carolina border, Danville is known for its beautiful rolling countryside and small-town charm. This city is moderately liberal and prides itself on being geared toward families of all ages. Danville is known as the “Textile Capital of the World” because of its rich history in the textile industry. Danville is also home to the world’s largest cast iron fountain, the Dan Fountain. The famous artist and illustrator, Norman Rockwell, was born in Danville.
Danville’s yearly average of 45 inches of rain, five inches of snow, and 221 sunny days makes it easy to get out and enjoy the nationally recognized parks and trails that dot the city. Families can also take advantage of the city farmers market every Saturday from May to October, and Wednesday in the summer. Danville is a family-friendly city providing family-friendly attractions, including the Danville Science Center, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, and the Danville Community College Arboretum. Danville is also known for its beautiful parks and recreation areas, including the Dan Riverwalk and Rivermont Park.
Danville is served by two school districts with more than 20 campuses of varying grade levels. Residents have a short commute to two colleges or universities. Private schools include the Danville Christian Academy and Galileo Magnet High School. There are 16 hospitals in the area for any medical needs. This city is quickly becoming a hub for culture and art appreciation. Whether it’s a museum, an art gallery, a theater performance, or a live concert by any of the many musicians who stop in Danville, you will never be at a loss for entertainment in its growing River District.
Enjoy the performances at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Summer Concert Series. It is always a good time at the Danville Science Center Spring Festival and the Danville Food Truck Festival. The holidays are enhanced by the annual Danville Christmas Parade. In addition to its many attractions, Danville has a strong economy, and a good school system. Major employers offer career opportunities. Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Dan River Fabrics, and Riverside Health System all elevate the economy.
New homes in the Danville, Virginia area provide everything from starter homes to luxury estates to suburban living. A deciding factor of purchasing a home in Danville is the city’s affordability. The cost of living in Danville is relatively low. Invest in your family and future in one of Danville new home communities boasting modern floor plans and amenities.
5. Harrisonburg
Housing cost to income ratio: 5.53%
Average childcare cost to income ratio: 2.21%
Violent crime index: 35.7
Nonviolent crime index: 43.8
Cost of living index: 89.5
Rounding out our list of best cities in Virginia is Harrisonburg. Located in the heart of Shenandoah Valley, you will find a welcoming atmosphere, diverse neighborhoods, strong liberal beliefs, and an emphasis on community involvement. Harrisonburg is the birthplace of noted author and poet John Updike. Known as The Friendly City, you will feel right at home in this welcoming community.
On average, Harrisonburg receives about 40 inches of rain, 24 inches of snow, and has 178 sunny days a year, giving outdoor lovers a great climate to enjoy all the parks and trails. Harrisonburg loves its bicyclists and holds annual events to celebrate its biking residents; it has even been named a Bronze Level Biking Center by the International Mountain Biking Association. Outdoor adventures include hiking and biking in Shenandoah National Park, kayaking and canoeing on the Shenandoah River, and playing a round of golf at one of the many courses.
Annual events include the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, the Harrisonburg Arts Council Fall Festival, and the Harrisonburg Christmas Parade. Museums offer an array of art, science, and historical exhibits. Don’t miss out on excellent performances at Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. Downtown Harrisonburg hosts a variety of shops and museums, and the Culinary District offers an array of restaurants ranging from fine rooftop dining to food truck parks.
Harrisonburg has one school district with multiple campuses around town and two colleges in the area. Private school options include Harrisonburg Christian School and Eastern Mennonite University. Students can attend one of 59 colleges and universities that lie within 100 miles of the city. There are nine hospitals in the area, so residents are never far from medical attention. The city is home to two major hospitals: Sentara RMH Medical Center and UVA Health System – Harrisonburg.
In addition to its many attractions, Harrisonburg has a strong economy and a diverse population. The city is home to a variety of major employers, including James Madison University, Sentara RMH Healthcare, Bridgewater College, and Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, the world’s largest poultry processing plant.
Live in Virginia in a Harrisonburg area new home that elevates your quality of life. Some of the more popular suburbs include Waynesboro and Staunton. Virginia is for Lovers and for new homebuyers. The most difficult decision will be which location is best for you!
This list was compiled using statistics for cost of living, average housing costs, average childcare costs, and crime indices.
Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for New Home Source. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
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