Where are the Best Places in Virginia for Retirement?
The Commonwealth of Virginia, affectionately known as the Old Dominion, is an Eastern US state rich in Colonial history. As one of the original thirteen colonies, it’s home to many famous landmarks of the American Revolution as well as the Civil War. The Chesapeake Bay, Appalachian Trail, and Arlington National Cemetary are just a few sites that make Virginia a popular state for history buffs and outdoorsmen alike.
Compared to the rest of the US, Virginia’s cost of living is around 3.7% higher than the national average (according to Best Places). It has a population of over 8.5 million people. And, of that number, 16.3% are aged 65 years and older. What’s drawing the older population there? It might just be these cities! Read on to learn about the best places in Virginia for retirement!
Middleburg
This town is truly a small town gem that barely shows up on the map. Middleburg takes up just a few small blocks but includes some of the world’s richest people who like to keep their horses there. Middleburg can easily be explored in one summer afternoon. The town has several upscale shops and great dining and coffee shops.
Monterey
Monterey is one of the most picturesque towns in all of Virginia. The town is situated in a gorgeous valley in the midst of the Shenandoah Mountains. The town is home to the extremely popular Highland Maple Festival that takes place in March of every year. Thousands of people from all over the state make the annual trek to the festival.
Staunton
This small town is a theater lover’s dream. The small town is currently undergoing a revival, making it one of the most popular small towns to visit. The theater is an exact match remake of the 17th century Bard indoor theater and showcases Shakespeare productions throughout the year. This old railroad town is the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson. The town’s comeback features a newly renovated downtown full of unique shops and great dining options.
Lexington
Lexington has been voted one of the best small towns in America for several years running by several travel publications. The town has a very energetic atmosphere due to the presence of the Virginia Military Institute. Lexington is steeped in military history and is the burial place of George C. Marshall, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. Lexington is a unique mixture of military history and collegiate energy wrapped up in one great small town.
Abingdon
Daniel Boone’s courage to blaze unchartered territory enabled Virginia’s Southwest Highlands to be opened up for habitation in the late 18th century. The result was a booming town springing up named Abingdon. Houses and buildings date as far back as 1790 and can still be found on Main Street, making it a great place to walk. The town is home to Barter Performance State where people are still able to barter for a ticket. Visitors love the slow pace, friendly atmosphere, and dining options in this wonderful small town.
Williamsburg
This is one of America’s most historical small towns. It celebrated 400 years in 2007. Adding to the town’s culture and history is the College of William and Mary, which is one of the oldest higher learning institutions in the country behind only Harvard. Within the past decade, Williamsburg has become a hotbed for planned communities and golf courses, which has made it an increasingly popular location for seniors to retire. Williamsburg VA has been rated a top retirement town by many.
Charlottesville
In the central portion of the Norfolk and Virginia Beach Area – popular with retiring military, located in the Chesapeake Bay area, VA. Charlottesville has probably the best Senior Center in the country with it’s many activities and programs. Nice towns with shops and the University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville and college towns are great places to retire.
55 Plus Communities in Virginia
Regency at Dominion Valley
Regency at Dominion Valley is a 55+ active adult retirement community near Haymarket in Prince William County, Virginia. It is a gated golf and country club community near Gainesville and Manassas, VA and is within the Dominion Valley Country Club.
Celebrate 55 Retirement Community
Celebrate 55 Retirement Community Virginia Del Webb is located on a historic property in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Celebrate by Del Webb not only offers the home you have always dreamed of owning, but the lifestyle you deserve. With a luscious golf course practically around the corner, an assortment of shops nearby, and a resort lifestyle, one might consider themselves to be on permanent vacation! This gated community will offer a variety of floor plans, including both detached single-family homes and attached villa homes. Celebrate will showcase a 29,000 square foot Clubhouse.
The Bindery Condominiums
The Bindery Condominiums in Staunton, Virginia, provide the comfort and convenience of maintenance-free living, allowing you the opportunity to live the active lifestyle you’ve always wanted. Prices from $295,000 to $850,000
Potomac Green
Potomac Green, by Del Webb is buzzing with life and activity, with more than 200 residents. Residents are enjoying block parties, barbeques, community events, and simply living the legendary lifestyle that has made Del Webb communities across the nation the top choice for active adults 55 and better.
This 300-acre, planned community will feature 136 acres of dedicated open space, and will blend a wide range of single-family homes, villa homes, and condos into a cohesive and attractive residential area. Developed to accommodate those active adults 55 and better who value on-site facilities and social interaction, Potomac Green will offer many of the amenities and activities that are the hallmark of all Del Webb communities.
A close drive to route 7, Loudoun County Parkway, and the Dulles Greenway, Potomac Green will afford its residents access to major shopping and entertainment opportunities. The low-maintenance living will reward the homeowner with time to pursue a wealth of recreational activities. And the convenient location will satisfy the demand to remain close to acquaintances that reside in the Washington Metropolitan area.
Colonial Heritage
Colonial Heritage is Virginia’s only gated golf community for active adults offering resort-like amenities and great real estate opportunities. There is nothing like Colonial Heritage in Williamsburg, Virginia. There is nothing like the lifestyle, the amenities, and the activities you will enjoy here. Because Colonial Heritage is much more than a unique collection of beautifully designed low-maintenance homes in a wonderful golf course community. It is the perfect place for active adults 55 years of age and better. It is a better way of living where you can enjoy life to the fullest.
Fawn Lake
Fawn Lake – spanning over 2,300 beautifully wooded acres of gently rolling Virginia countryside just nine miles from the small town charm of historic Fredericksburg, Fawn Lake offers a retreat from the stress of modern life. Here, you will enjoy peace of mind knowing there is a professionally manned stately brick gatehouse to welcome visitors. (Not age-restricted but has many activities for active adults.)
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Originally published January 31, 2024