With landscapes ranging from gentle beaches to soaring mountains, Virginia is diverse. Depending on where you live in Virginia, you can experience vastly different cultures, job opportunities, crime rates, and climates. So, what makes Virginia's different cities so special? Whether you're looking for a new place to move to or you just want to learn about your state, here's what you need to know about the best places to live in Virginia.
People's favorite places to live in Virginia
Virginia has a little bit of everything. You can choose from big cities with a lot of excitement, peaceful and practical suburbs, or small towns surrounded by nature. Here are some of the top Virginia cities to live in.
Vienna
If you're interested in living in Virginia while being near Washington D.C., Vienna is an excellent choice. This suburban town is a great mix of single-family homes, parks, shops, and restaurants. It has excellent schools and healthcare, and its crime rates are well below national averages.
Vienna has been ranked as its number one place to live in Virginia because it offers big-city convenience with a small-town feel. You can shop at boutique stores and wander through gorgeous parks, but it's just a 30-minute drive to all the excitement of Washington D.C.
Purcellville
If your main question is, "Is Virginia safe?" then this is the city for you. Purcellville currently has the lowest crime rates in Virginia. It has only 4.7 crimes per 1,000 residents, making its crime rate 72% lower than state averages.
In addition to being one of the safest cities in Virginia, Purcellville is also a great spot for those who like small-town living. This peaceful town has just 8,200 residents, but it's known for its stunning hiking and local artist community. It also has plenty of delicious restaurants and many charming community events.
Let’s be neighbors.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more smart tips.
Chesapeake
Chesapeake is ideal for those who like Virginia Beach but don't want to live in an overly touristy area. As one of the largest cities in Virginia, Chesapeake has plenty to offer. It has a highly rated school system and reputable colleges. The city has delicious restaurants, fun nightlife, and special events. It's also close to the beach and the renowned Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Residents often say Chesapeake offers a small-town feel while having all the perks of big-city living. Though it has a large population, it doesn't have excessive traffic or noise. Its cost of living is affordable with plenty of housing options.
Abingdon
This little town in southwestern Virginia has a lot to offer. With its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll have regular views of beautiful, natural scenery. Abingdon is also a historic town that's been around since the 1770s, so you can enjoy a charming downtown area with historic buildings and interesting museums. Cute coffee shops, local boutiques, and art galleries provide plenty of entertainment.
In addition to all of its charm, Abingdon also has a lot of other perks. This area is very safe with a property crime rate of just 6 per 1,000 residents. Its public school system has excellent test results, and real estate is budget-friendly. Despite being small, Abingdon has an excellent job market with demand for those skilled in agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Arlington
Just across the river from Washington D.C., Arlington is one of Virginia's most popular areas. This town has a lot of green spaces, excellent public transportation, and well-paying jobs. It's a favorite of singles and young professionals due to its plentiful entertainment options. There's always something to do, and you'll never be bored in Arlington.
Arlington is fairly large, so the neighborhood you pick will make a difference. The most highly rated neighborhoods in Arlington include Colonial Village, Ballston, Radnor, and Bluemont. Some of the more sought-after areas can be pricey, so you'll need to decide whether you prefer living in the bustling downtown area or prefer a quieter suburb.
Hampton
Situated on the end of a peninsula, this waterfront town is an excellent option for those looking for a midsized Virginia city. Hampton is a popular choice for families because it provides an excellent mix of quiet neighborhoods, peaceful parks, and fantastic schools. Residents often report that Hampton has a relaxed, slightly artsy feel.
Hampton is also a favorite for those working in the government. It houses a lot of federal employers and military installations, so there are a lot of jobs to pick from. The area is quite affordable, and it's easy to commute to a lot of Virginia's larger towns as well.
Advantages of a home security system in Virginia
Whether you live in a bustling city or a small town, it's always smart to protect your home. An automated home security system can provide Virginia residents with these advantages:
Manage your security with ease: smart locks and smart garage door controllers connected to the Vivint app ensure that you don't have to worry about whether or not you remembered to lock up when you left the house. You can set up your system to lock doors automatically, and you can close and open your garage remotely.
Deter potential criminals: Vivint’s home security systems include outdoor cameras that use smart technology to identify and deter lurkers. By warning people that they are on camera, you can potentially prevent crimes like petty thefts and vandalism.
Get alerts for potential crime: A Vivint home security system can have everything you need to protect your home, including cameras, lighting, and security sensors. If something goes wrong, we'll let you know immediately so you can get your family to safety. Our monitoring team can even handle calling the police for you if there’s an emergency.
Simplify your life: Vivint’s smart home security systems can save you a lot of time and energy. For example, our smart thermostats keep your home comfortable while saving you money on energy bills.
A home security system from Vivint for your Virginia home can help keep you and your family safe. Since our team handles installation and monitoring for you, you can sit back and relax while we go to work. We deal with the details so you can enjoy extra protection and convenience.
Are you ready to get a custom home system for your Virginia property? Call us at 855.822.1220 for a free consultation today.
Get a free quote today.
A Vivint Smart Home Pro will contact you within 24 hours. Or skip the form and call now: 844.481.8630.
Learn more about crime in West Virginia and how it impacts the most populous cities. Find out which cities have crime rates higher than the state average.
Are you thinking of relocating and eager to learn more about living in West Virginia? Discover some of the best places to reside in The Mountain State.
Planning on Living in Colorado? Consider These Top Places to Call Home
Colorado cities big and small offer excellent outdoor activities and career opportunities. Discover the best places to live in Colorado in this helpful guide.
All offers are subject to availability and may not be available in all states, provinces, or zip codes. Taxes and additional fees may apply.
HomeProtect Offer Terms
Vivint’s standard HomeProtect package includes 1 Vivint Security Hub, 3 Vivint Door & Window Sensors, 1 Vivint Motion Sensor, 1 Vivint Keypad, and 1 Vivint yard sign. The HomeProtect equipment package is regularly priced at $349.99, with professional installation priced at $199 and Vivint system monitoring at $29.99/mo., unless otherwise advertised. Offer for new Vivint customers only.
HomeProtect Pro Offer Terms
The HomeProtect Pro Offer is available to new and existing Vivint customers and requires a minimum $749.99 expenditure on equipment (after discounts), professional installation and execution of a Vivint services agreement. Monthly service fees vary based on the products and services you select. HomeProtect system purchases and reactivations of previously-installed systems are not eligible for this offer.
Financing Options
Financing for equipment purchases is subject to credit approval by one of Vivint’s third-party financing partners. Qualified customers may finance at 0% APR for up to 60 months, with terms varying by offer. Financing requires a separate agreement with the financing partner. Month-to-month service agreements are available when equipment is purchased upfront.
Vivint Systems & Services
System can support multiple cameras, subject to sufficient WiFi speeds. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). Contact a Vivint representative for complete equipment, services, and pricing details. Products and services in Louisiana provided by Vivint Louisiana Commercial Certificate #58280. See Vivint license numbers here. Click here for full terms of service.
Professional Installation
$199FREE
Hassle-free installation
In-person system training
Guaranteed compatibility
Ongoing support and troubleshooting
Expert setup and configuration
Real-time customization
No guesswork. No DIY. Our pros install and optimize your system so it works exactly as it should.
We’ll walk you through your system and app, so you’re confident using it from day one.
We ensure every device in your Vivint system connects and works seamlessly together.
We test every device and back you up with expert support long after install.
Don’t lift a finger. Just schedule professional installation when it’s convenient for you.
Not sure what you need? We’ll help tailor your setup on install day with any added products.
All Vivint security system purchases include professional installation
Pay at your own pace, from 0% interest
We offer flexible financing options based on your order size, with terms up to 36 months at 0% interest. Checking your eligibility will not impact your credit score.
Pay in 4 - available on any order
12 months@ 0% -$299+
18 months@ 0% -$599+
24 months@ 0% -$999+
36 months @ 0% -$1,499+
Vivint 24/7 Professional Monitoring
Starting at $44.99/mo
Alarm event monitoring
Emergency response coordination
Immediate threat detection
Instant smart notifications
Always-on protection
False alarm management
Whether it’s a break-in or fire, we respond to every critical alarm type—so you’re always covered.
When seconds count, talk to us right through the panel—we’ll dispatch first responders for you.
Smoke, motion, glass break—whatever the danger, it’s detected instantly for quick action.
Get real-time alerts on your phone or Smart Hub so you stay informed and in control.
We’re always on—and your system always works with built-in cellular and 24-hr. battery.
Cancel false alarms quickly from your phone or panel while we verify and keep you covered.
All Vivint security system purchases include required 24/7 monitoring
Vivint 24/7 Professional Monitoring
Starting at $24.99/mo
Alarm event monitoring
Emergency response coordination
Immediate threat detection
Instant smart notifications
Always-on protection
False alarm management
Potential break-in? We have you covered—our professionals respond to every critical alarm.
When seconds count, we’ll give you a call—we’ll even dispatch first responders if we can’t reach you.
Unexpected movement or entry breached—whatever the threat, it’s detected instantly for quick action.
Get real-time alerts in the app on your smartphone so you stay informed and in control—from anywhere.
We’re always on and ready to help—and your system always works with built-in cellular and 4-hr. battery.
If an alarm is triggered, we’ll call to make sure everything’s OK. False alarm? Just give us the all clear.
All Vivint security system purchases include required 24/7 monitoring