If you’re looking for reasons to live in Virginia, you’ll discover a TON. I know why I love Virginia, but that’s because I’m lucky enough to live here. So this one’s for the rest of you: those who are looking for reasons to move to Virginia, but aren’t sure. Or maybe you’re in Virginia, but your best friend lives in Connecticut. Better yet, your parents have retired, and you could use some babysitters – I mean, family – close by. Whoever you are, if any of these apply to you, or someone you know, then it’s time to call the moving trucks.

1. You love all 4 seasons.

Matthew Paulson / flickr
William & Mary / flickr
Jill/Blue Moonbeam Studio/ flickr
vastateparksstaff / flickr
Winters are cold, sure. But the snow is pretty and it’s rarely too much – this isn’t Boston, after all. Summers are hot – that’s why we have so many amazing lakes, beaches, and rivers. But you can have hot or cold anywhere. In Virginia, it’s spring and fall that make all it all worthwhile.

2. You want to be at the heart of it all.

Huebi / Wikimedia Commons
Virginia is within a day’s drive of 50 percent of the U.S. population. So, "but I’ll never see my old friends" is simply not an excuse! You'll never lack for day trips in Virginia.

3. You love the mountains.

Bob Mical / flickr
You can reach some of the most beautiful mountains in the world within just a few hours from anywhere in Virginia. Here's a peek at just some of the most beautiful mountains in Virginia.

Shenandoah National Park is one of our favorite places to enjoy Virginia's mountains - take a look:

4. But you also love the beach.

Bud / flickr
Same goes for the beach. We have some of the most amazing beaches anywhere and they’re all within a short drive, no matter where you live in the state. If you're asking what is good about Virginia? Here's your answer: Virginia's beaches.

5. You appreciate a good economy.

401(K) 2012 / flickr
The Washington Post calls Virginia "the best state in America" when it comes to managing budget shortfalls. We’ve managed to keep the economy on an even keel even when the rest of the world seems to be in a spin.

6. You want the best schools for your undergrads.

Flickr/Philip Lawson
Virginia has three of the top 40 public colleges and universities in the nation: University of Virginia, College of William and Mary, and Virginia Tech. But that’s saying nothing of all the other amazing schools – you can’t go wrong with a Virginia education.

7. And your under-undergrads.

Exchange Photos / flickr
For your pre-college crew, rest assured that good schools abound. Wallethub, an online financial site, ranks Virginia K-12 schools as some of the best in the nation.

8. You’re looking for a great place to retire.

Steve Tatum / flickr
Maybe it’s time to be closer to the grandkids or Florida just got too hot. Virginia is the perfect place to land when you’re ready to put your feet up. Forbes named Blacksburg one of its top places to retire in the nation thanks to a cost of living, low crime, and good housing. Williamsburg tops the U.S. News and World Reports list for historic places to retire.

9. You’re an entrepreneur.

Taber Andrew Bain / flickr
Forbes has ranked Virginia as one of the best places for business. For you big business moguls out there, 23 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered here.

10. You consider shopping a valid form of exercise.

ShashiBellamkonda / flickr
Cayce / flickr
Whether you’re looking for high-fashion shopping or just a day out antiquing, Virginia has some of the best finds on the East Coast.

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11. Or you take your exercise very seriously…most of the time.

Bob Mical / flickr
Bob Mical / flickr
Va. Dept. of Conservation and Recreation / flickr
For those of you with a competitive streak, Virginia hosts races of every kind – from marathons and triathlons to dress-crazy-and-jump-in the mud obstacle races. There’s something for everyone and no shortage of people to get out there and train with you.

12. Wine and cheese are two of your favorite food groups.

steve loya / flickr
The West Coast is nice, don’t get me wrong. But Virginia wine country is beyond compare. Our award-winning wines, 230+ vineyards, and incredible countryside can’t be beat. Have some cheese with that wine – we have hundreds of locally made-in-Virginia cheeses available at farmers’ markets, specialty shops, and nationwide chain grocers. The only hard part will be choosing your favorite. Which Virginia winery will you visit first?

13. You just like food in general. There’s down-home country cookin’ or fine dining within reach in just about every part of the state.

ehpien / flickr
Warren In The Weeds / flickr
We have some of the best BBQ, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, and country ham you’ll ever have the pleasure of eating. Or try one of Virginia’s many fine-dining restaurants. Our gourmet cuisine has hit the nation’s best restaurant lists more than once – and that’s up against the likes of New York and San Francisco.

14. You don’t just like festivals. You love them.

Brian Gray / flickr
Whether you’re looking for big-city food and culture or small town celebrations, there’s a festival in just about every part of the state on any given weekend.

15. Run with the big dogs or get off the grid – your choice.

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Walt Stoneburner / flickr
If you want the fast track, big city life, you can have it. Northern Virginia is one of the nation’s top job growth areas and offers limitless options. But if you want a quieter speed, then take your pick of beautiful small towns where life is slower, but every bit as rich.

16. You don’t want to get sick, but if you do…we have world-class healthcare.

alexanderromero / Wikimedia Commons
Our hospitals are nationally ranked for care, including specialties like cardiology (Sentara Norfolk General) and neonatology (Inova Fairfax).

17. You like things that go fast. We make our horses fast and our cars faster.

David Clow / flickr
Todd Martin / flickr
Virginia horse country is not to be messed with. If you love horses, we have steeplechase, polo, and countless horse shows and competitions. If NASCAR is your thing, we have the Martinsville Speedway, Richmond International Raceway, and Bristol Motor Speedway. For Formula 1 and stock car racing, Virginia International Raceway in Alton and the Virginia Motor Speedway in Jamaica, Virginia, fit the bill.

18. You support the troops.

Virginia Guard Public Affairs / flickr
Men and women in uniform are part of the fabric of Virginia. We were founded on a proud tradition of protecting our beliefs and today, Virginia has more than 20 military bases representing all four branches of the armed services, plus a strong National Guard presence.

19. Music makes you happy.

Bill Dickinson / flickr
Bristol, Virginia is called the birthplace of country music for a reason. This is where some of the first commercial recordings were made with artists like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. We’ve taken it from there and now Virginia has a diverse and eclectic music scene with festivals for almost any genre, plus large commercial venues, small clubs, and everything in between.

20. You can just be you.

Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Virginia is for lovers - and that means no matter who you are, what you love, or how you choose to live your life, Virginia has a niche where you can belong.

What do think are some of the best reasons to move to Virginia? If someone asked, what would tell them are the top reasons to live in Virginia? Let us know in the comments! Then take a peek at the 15 best places to live in Virginia. Once you’re settled in, you can show off your state pride by wearing your roots for all to see!

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More to Explore

Reasons To Live In Virginia

Beth Price-Williams | June 01, 2022

What are some reasons to live in Virginia?

If you’re wondering, “why live in Virginia,” you really have to visit to understand. No matter where you go in the state – from NOVA (where you’re just a metro ride away from Washington D.C.) to Richmond in the southern part of the state – you’ll find an abundance to do. Living in Virginia means trips to the beach without leaving the state and a whole lot of amazing destinations. Virginia’s akin to paradise for American history lovers with a slew of attractions including Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Lee Chapel, and Booker T. Washington Museum. Nature lover? Get out and explore one of Virginia’s hiking trails. Living in Virginia means experiencing all four seasons – although you likely won’t see as much snow as your northern counterparts. Even an inch or two of snow can bring some small Virginia towns to a standstill.

What is good about Virginia?

You’ll find that so much is good about Virginia – from its eclectic assortment of restaurants all over the state to its rich history. It’s a great launching point for day trips to Washington, D.C., and Maryland. If you’re looking for reasons to move to Virginia, look no further than its charming small towns. The best small towns in Virginia will likely win your heart. Small towns like Lexington, for example, offer all the charm and friendliness of yesteryear. You can walk everywhere in the downtown area and will find some of the most adorable bakeries and restaurants. Just outside of the darling downtown sits the old-fashioned Hull’s Drive-In, the perfect summertime destination. If you prefer the city to small towns, you’re in luck. Discover some of the best mid-size cities in Virginia including Roanoke, Staunton, and Charlottesville. If you’re a fan of the arts and history, you’ll love the bustling city of Charlottesville, home of the Virginia Festival of the Book.

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