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Discover the Best Places to Live in Virginia

Jul 31, 2023|

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.

Richmond Virginia downtown skyline
 

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.

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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.

Cityscape of Arlington County Virginia
 

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.

Upgrade your Virginia home with Vivint

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.

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