Is VA a Good State to Move to and Start a Family?

If you are looking for a new place to live, then you might want to consider moving to Virginia. Not only is Virginia a good state to live in, but it is centrally located on the East Coast.

Perfect for those who love history and nature, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With the beaches to the east and the mountains to the west, residing in Virginia is a great destination for families. 

In Virginia, you will find tons of southern hospitality, excellent education, diverse culture, great healthcare, and a growing economy.

Places like Richmond and Arlington rank high as popular places and major cities to relocate to when thinking about if Virginia is a good state to move to and start a family in the future.

Here are some reasons why Virginia is a good state to move and start a family whether you're making a new start or are being transferred through your job. Lots is going on in Virginia to keep you busy and happy once you decide to settle here.

Williamsburg

Nicknamed the Old Dominion, Virginia was the first permanent settlement of the British and was one of the original 13 colonies in the formation of America. Four of the first five presidents and founding fathers were born and raised in Virginia.

This includes George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. As the largest and most populated colony at the time, the state played a major role in the American Revolution. The famous speech “Give me liberty or give me death!” was delivered by Patrick Henry in Richmond in the year 1775. Considered the location of the end of the American Revolution, the British surrendered in Yorktown, Virginia in 1781 when Americans won their independence.

During the Civil War, Richmond became the capital of the Confederacy. Due to its close distance to Washington D.C. and abundance of manufacturers and mines, most of the battles of the war were fought in Virginia. The Battle of First Bull Run, The Battle of Fredericksburg, and The Battle of Malvern Hill are just some of the many battles fought in the state. All this rich history is what makes Virginia one of the country's most popular and what it is today.

If you want to see this colonial history, then make sure to visit the major city of Colonial Williamsburg. This historic district and interactive living history museum depict daily colonial times. Walk the streets or take a carriage ride and be transported back to the colonial era. Admire shops and workshops, enjoy fife and drum demonstrations, or eat at an eighteenth-century tavern.

Expensive But Worth It

Virginia is more expensive than other major cities and states to live in and the cost of living is above the national average and the taxes are high here too.

On a list of the top 10 states for income tax, Virginia was ranked at number seven. Since the real estate market is so diverse, it is possible to find an affordable place where the cost of living is cheaper to live and if it is in a rural area. If you are interested in finding a cheaper place, one of the major cities like the city of Covington was listed as number one for affordability.

But if you are wanting to be in a metropolitan area, you will be comfortable living in Richmond if your average salary is $83,000 a year; you'll be able to afford the cost of living here. Not only is it the state capital, but Richmond is the cheapest metropolitan area in Virginia.

Source: uphomes.com

Virginia Is Growing

With a current population of about 8,603,980 people, Virginia is growing and ranked number 12th in the country for population and 13th for growth. Over the past few years, Virginia has continued to grow at a steady pace

Education Among the Best

Virginia has some of the best public education institutions as well as colleges and universities in the country. It is well educated and is home to three of the top 40 public universities in the nation: The University of Virginia, The College of William and Mary, and Virginia Tech are all highly revered.

If you have children who will want to attend any of the schools in Virginia, having the in-state tuition makes it an affordable cost and a plus.

The University of Virginia was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and has the highest overall graduation rate in the United States.

The College of William and Mary is the second oldest institution in the United States as it was founded in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II. James Madison University and George Mason University are also in Virginia.

If you have younger children who will first be attending public school, then they will also be getting a top education. Some of the best public school districts in the state for elementary schools are Fairfax County Public Schools, Prince William County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, and Virginia Beach Public Schools.

From college towns to other places for a solid education Virginia ranks high and getting around is also easy thanks to a wide range of public transportation that abounds everywhere.

Lots of Military

There is a wide range of active military bases in Virginia; in fact, there are 27. Eight of these posts are Army bases. Each single service branch has at least one active base in the state. Many that are serving in the military move to Virginia with their families since the U.S. Military is the number one employer in the area. Even if you are not serving in the military, your neighbor probably is. Quantico, the FBI Academy is also in Virginia which is a law enforcement training and research center.

Wine Country

Virginia is the first wine-growing area in the country with more than 300 wineries in the countryside and is home to numerous award-winning wines.

Varietal red and white wines are grown in the area such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chardonnay.

Virginia Beaches

The Virginia coastline offers tons of sand, sun, and entertainment, as many quiet beach communities look out to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay.

Virginia Beach is the most famous beach in the state and is the most popular so do take a long walk along the three-mile boardwalk and check out the oceanfront views. Enjoy fresh local seafood, listen to live music, or watch surfers Hang Ten.

Then visit Sandbridge Beach which is more relaxed and great for families. If you have a dog and want to bring him along then Colonial Beach may be a good option as Colonial Beach is pet-friendly from the beginning of October to the end of March if you keep your pet on a leash.

Mountain High

Virginia has eight mountain ranges, five are over 5,000 feet tall and ready to be explored. The breathtaking views of the Virginia mountains have attracted people from all over the country. Home to one-fourth of the Appalachian Trail, the Shenandoah National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, you and your family will love the spectacular views and hiking adventures that await.

Of course, the Virginia mountains are also home to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Named for America's founders, this national forest spans over 1,664,110 acres. With miles of streams, different species of trees, animals, and endangered plants, this forest is a terrific place to have a grand adventure. You can hike, bike, paddle, fish, camp, or drive through this mountainous terrain and wilderness area at your leisure.

Strong Economy

The Virginia economy is diverse and was ranked number 13 in state economy rankings by U.S. News and World Report making it an affordable cost to many.

Also ranked number 24 in growth, number five in employment, and number 14 in a business environment, the top industries are healthcare and retail. With shipbuilding along its shore, farming in the rural areas, seafood harvesting along the coast and rivers, and wineries in the countryside, all industries are doing well.

Job growth and the employment rate have grown an average of 1.8% recently while the national average is 1.4%. Compared to other states the Virginia economy and employment rate seem in good shape and where the cost of living might be perfect for you.

Food Flavors

There are various flavors and cuisines that Virginia produces including barbeque, country ham, fried chicken, and hearty stew. Located along the coastline, fresh-caught local seafood is readily available for your faves. In the countryside, there are acres of apple orchards where you can bring the family out to pick apples and have a true family outing.

Many well-known eateries not to miss and that are local favorites include:

The Ashby Inn and Restaurant: Located in Northern Virginia, this home was built in 1829 and serves as a farm-to-table restaurant. Serving vegetables picked from the restaurant's garden and ingredients from local farms, this inn is highlighting a new menu every day.

The Market Table Bistro: Found in Lovettsville, it has fresh salads, corn cakes, and vegetable pot pies in a quaint farm-to-table restaurant.

The Tavern: Once a hospital during the Civil War, this 1779 tavern in Abingdon is serving upscale German cuisines like spaetzle and Wienerschnitzel and local varieties of wine.

Source: uphomes.com

A Place for All Seasons

Virginia has a humid subtropical climate and thus means residents will enjoy hot summers, mild winters, and moderate levels of rainfall throughout the year. This is a four-season state: Summers are super-hot and humid while the winters are cold and dry and there's snowfall depending on the area of the state. The weather is always changing in Virginia since it rains approximately 44 inches annually. Before moving here, make sure to pack for all seasons since it changes on a dime.

Washington D.C.

Northern Virginia is right next to Washington D.C. and most that live in this area end up working in Washington D.C. since it is so close. While residents in this area have the benefits of being close to Washington D.C. and the nation’s capital and all the amenities there are some cons to consider.

Living near Washington D.C. means that traffic is busy and stressful, plus home prices will be higher in Northern Virginia.

Excellent Healthcare

It's not surprising that Virginia has some of the healthiest cities on the planet as healthcare in Virginia is known to be superb and offers a wide range of services such as nursing home care, community care, community emergency care, domiciliary emergent care, tons of health care professionals and other care teams around the clock to assist with healthcare needs.

There are plenty of medical services, dental services, and much more to keep you happy and healthy while living in Virginia.

Also, U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Virginia Medical Center as the number one hospital in Virginia for the past five years. Both Sentara Norfolk General which specializes in cardiology and Inova Fairfax Hospital are also nationally recognized and nationally ranked. Virginia was also among three states that showed improvement in public health rising to the 15th spot in America's health rankings.

Neat Attractions

Virginia has some of these cool attractions that are must-see:

Parade of Sail:  Harborfest in Norfolk which is held every year in the Downtown Norfolk Harbor and where you can see Admire Navy ships, antique boats, cruisers, and more.

Edgar Allen Poe Museum: This museum has the largest collection of everything Edgar Allen Poe in the world. Poe used to live in Richmond which is where the museum sits today. It has personal letters, manuscripts, belongings, and a lock of his hair.

George Washington's Mount Vernon: Built in 1734, visit the home of the first President George Washington and his wife Martha at their estate in Mount Vernon. Learn about his legacy and life and celebrate this founding father.

Conclusion on Moving to Virginia

 With a low crime rate, quality healthcare, and a strong economy, Virginia is one of the best places to live and buy a home. There’s tons of history and you will be living in the heart of where America started.

If you are moving to Virginia or planning to contact a qualified and professional real estate specialist to help with your relocation to Virginia.

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