If you are looking for a state with a vast amount of history, breathtaking nature and exciting outdoor activities, then Virginia is your destination! Virginia is centrally located on the East Coast and has something for everyone to appreciate.
NewHomeSource.com has found the top 10 places to retire in Virginia, making it easy to find the perfect retirement destination and new home for this next phase of your life.
Top Cities to Retire in Virginia
1. Martinsville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.7%
Median Home Value: $87,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 66
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 344
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2
The best place to retire in Virginia is Martinsville. This small town is known for the Martinsville Speedway and NASCAR racing, however, it has much more to offer. Martinsville is surrounded by peaceful lakes, scenic mountains and enjoys beautiful weather year-round. The Blue Ridge Mountains are visible from Martinsville, providing incredible views wherever you are in the city. Retirees who love the outdoors should check out Martinsville.
2. Danville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.3%
Median Home Value: $90,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 114
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,469
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 3
Those who are looking to retire in a city with a small-town feel and the amenities of a big city will find Danville to be an ideal place. Retirees can take a stroll along Danville’s Riverwalk Trail, enjoy a concert at the Carrington Pavilion or visit one of the city’s many museums. If you enjoy photography or painting, you will find the mountains east of the city to be picture perfect.
3. Petersburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.7%
Median Home Value: $108,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 239
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,075
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 10
By retiring in Petersburg, you will be immersed in all the rich history of yesteryear. Pamplin Historical Park, Centre Hill Mansion, and Historic Cameron Field are only a few of the attractions in Petersburg that revolve around its history. On the flip side, if you want to enjoy some outdoor activities, then you must visit Appomattox Riverside Park.
4. Bristol
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.4%
Median Home Value: $111,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 53
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 390
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 10
Bristol is located directly between the Tennessee-Virginia state line. It is considered the Birthplace of Country Music, and its museum is a top attraction for retirees. Additionally, you can enjoy a film at the Paramount Center for the Arts, relax at the Steele Creek Park or roam along State Street. In Bristol, you will always find something exciting to do.
5. Hopewell
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.5%
Median Home Value: $122,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 76
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 482
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 14
Hopewell is situated on the Appomattox River which means residents have beautiful views right in their backyard. The waterfront area in Hopewell is perfect for boating, fishing, long walks, and picnicking. After spending time outside, retirees can mingle with friends at one of the many tasty restaurants sprinkled across the city. The outdoors and good food, what more could you need?
6. Roanoke
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.1%
Median Home Value: $135,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 389
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 4,412
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 5
Attention avid hikers, rock climbers, recreational boaters and/or lovers of sports fishing: Roanoke is the best city for you to retire in! Make sure to visit Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke Valley Greenways, McAfee Knob, Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve, and Carvins Cove Natural Reserve to participate in outdoor activities and be enchanted by breathtaking views. Roanoke is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise.
7. Lynchburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.1%
Median Home Value: $160,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 316
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,802
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 2
If you are looking for a city with rich history and stunning views, then look no further. Lynchburg has 100-year-old churches, one of the oldest markets in Virginia, and an Academy Center for the Arts that has been around for 110 years. Lynchburg is located on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has gorgeous sights.
8. Staunton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21%
Median Home Value: $169,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 56
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 473
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 3
Staunton is known for having a lively downtown vibe. Here retirees can enjoy the arts, music, unique shops, and many delectable restaurants. Do not forget to hike the Blue Ridge Parkway and witness one of the most spectacular views in Staunton.
9. Radford
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 8.7%
Median Home Value: $170,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 56
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 234
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 4
Radford is a small town that is surrounded by nature; here you will find a plethora of activities to keep you busy and active. Retirees enjoy boating, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing and more. Additionally, throughout the year, Radford is home to more than 200 different types of birds, making it a great birding locale.
10. Colonial Heights
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.4%
Median Home Value: $171,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 75
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 721
Number of Hospitals Within 25 miles of the City: 11
Colonial Heights is located next to Petersburg – which earned our number three spot on our list of best places to retire in Virginia. The Appomattox River winds through the East side of the city and is a magnet for retirees. Furthermore, Colonial Heights is known for its museums and inviting parks that dot the city.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other Virginia Resources
Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.
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