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Home » 55+ » The 10 Best Places to Retire in Virginia in 2021

The 10 Best Places to Retire in Virginia in 2021

Nighttime view of the Arlington skyline reflected on the water.

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

Skip Ahead
Top Cities to Retire in Virginia
1. Martinsville
2. Danville
3. Petersburg
4. Bristol
5. Hopewell
6. Roanoke
7. Lynchburg
8. Staunton
9. Radford
10. Colonial Heights

1. Martinsville

bridge in martinsville, virginia

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

historic train station in bristol, virginia

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

Roanoke, Virginia skyline at sunset.

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

monument overlooking downtown cityscape in lynchburg, virginia

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

street in downtown staunton, virginia

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.

city name people over 65 violent crimes property crimes access to doctors median home price
Virginia Beach 13.70% 592.00 7,906.00 11 $280,800
Norfolk 10.90% 1,378.00 8,854.00 16 $206,700
Chesapeake 13.00% 1,120.00 5,551.00 12 $273,700
Richmond 12.80% 1,090.00 8,825.00 13 $230,500
Newport News 12.70% 1,059.00 4,487.00 14 $194,000
Alexandria 11.30% 293.00 2,522.00 33 $572,900
Hampton 15.00% 398.00 4,045.00 17 $186,700
Portsmouth 14.50% 905.00 5,518.00 16 $170,900
Roanoke 16.10% 389.00 4,412.00 5 $135,100
Lynchburg 14.10% 316.00 1,802.00 2 $160,100
Suffolk 14.20% 272.00 2,270.00 10 $254,400
Danville 20.30% 114.00 1,469.00 3 $90,500
Charlottesville 11.30% 177.00 1,305.00 2 $299,600
Manassas 9.70% 103.00 623.00 18 $324,600
Harrisonburg 9.00% 116.00 1,016.00 2 $203,600
Petersburg 16.70% 239.00 1,075.00 10 $108,100
Salem 19.00% 24.00 565.00 5 $181,900
Fredericksburg 10.80% 117.00 1,037.00 3 $367,200
Staunton 21.00% 56.00 473.00 3 $169,000
Winchester 15.90% 80.00 658.00 6 $244,900
Hopewell 15.50% 76.00 482.00 14 $122,900
Fairfax 14.90% 18.00 345.00 33 $533,300
Waynesboro 17.60% 57.00 476.00 5 $174,100
Bristol 20.40% 53.00 390.00 10 $111,700
Colonial Heights 20.40% 75.00 721.00 11 $171,700
Radford 8.70% 56.00 234.00 4 $170,800
Martinsville 18.70% 66.00 344.00 2 $87,700
Manassas Park 8.50% 21.00 154.00 20 $308,000
Williamsburg 15.70% 22.00 277.00 9 $306,000
Falls Church 12.90% 10.00 230.00 35 $789,300
Poquoson 19.60% 23.00 91.00 14 $323,100
city name people over 65 violent crimes property crimes access to doctors median home price

Other Virginia Resources

10 Best State Parks in Virginia
Best Tiny Home Builders in Virginia
The 10 Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Allergies
Top 5 Best Places to Live in Virginia
How to Build a House in Virginia
The 10 Most Affordable Cities in Virginia
Master Planned Communities Near Washington, D.C.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Virginia
Best Suburbs of Richmond, Virginia
Best Suburbs Near Washington, D.C.
Drew Port

Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.

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