The 4 Reasons Why You Should Be Putting Down Roots in Virginia

I'll admit it—I'm certainly biased when it comes to Virginia. I've lived here for most of my life, and though I've also enjoyed living in other places, there's something wonderfully grounding about returning to the Old Dominion. But it's more than just a familiar place to call home. It's an adventure through history, food, small towns, and unparalleled natural beauty. In my experience, living in Virginia has meant balance: the mountains and the ocean, big cities and delightful small towns, historic treasures and contemporary amenities. Below are just a few reasons why you might consider putting down roots in Virginia, no matter your age.

1. Quality of Life in Virginia

Virginia consistently ranks among the top states for high quality of life, and it's not really surprising given its impressive infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities. Plus, there are the intangible qualities: beautiful landscapes, natural wonders, and a strong sense of community. In 2025, Virginia was listed as the fourth-best place for business by CNBC and the eighth-best state for overall quality of life. Data from America's Health Rankings indicate that over half of adults living in Virginia have reported "good or excellent health."

Of course, those statistics don't necessarily answer the pressing question: Is Virginia a good place to live? The answer is yes, and the reasons seem to revolve around the abundance of choices. Put another way, you don't need to drive more than a few hours to experience almost any kind of attraction you're looking for: a Michelin-star dining experience, a world-class healthcare institute, the largest living history museum in the world, or perhaps just a weekend in a storybook small town. And then there's the scenery. A road trip through Virginia reveals breathtaking mountains, tranquil lakes, and sandy shores. There are even a couple of islands to explore!

2. Affordability and Cost of Living

Life these days is expensive, but it matters where you live. Fortunately, Virginia is a relatively affordable place to live, especially compared to some neighboring states and nearby major metro areas. Northern Virginia is the most expensive region in the state, but for areas like Central and Southwest Virginia, affordability is still reasonable. Even in cities like Richmond, housing costs are typically lower than in other East Coast hubs, and property taxes are also lower than in cities in the northeast.

3. Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

You could live in Virginia your entire life and still never experience all the stunning landmarks. To name just a few will do a disservice to the impressive variety, but I'll try. Perhaps the most famous natural attraction of all is Shenandoah National Park, anchored by the 105-mile Skyline Drive. Continue along the same route headed south, and you'll find yourself on the Blue Ridge Parkway, an equally stunning adventure through the Appalachians. If you prefer sea level, you'll love exploring the dynamic Virginia Beach boardwalk or the quieter Cape Charles area. If you'd like something even more remote, places like the Eastern Shore will feel like a journey back in time.

As for weather and climate, Virginia has a little bit of everything. The seasonal variety is refreshing, and although winter and summer both have their extreme temperatures, it's hard to beat fall in Virginia (although spring in Virginia comes pretty close!)

4. Education and Family-Friendly Amenities

For the chapters where I lived briefly out of state, there was something surprising about Virginia that I missed: the parks. There's something about Virginia's state parks, regional parks, and neighborhood parks that's especially impressive. Other family-friendly and educational attractions you'll find in Virginia include the Children's Museum of Virginia, the Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg, the Frontier Culture Museum, and many more.

As for education, Virginia is home to many nationally ranked schools, colleges, and universities. In 2026, 15 Virginia colleges and universities made the coveted U.S. News & World Report’s Best National Universities list. Virginia is also known for its top-ranking high school graduation rate, which is among the highest in the nation (89% in 2022).

Of course, these are just a few reasons why Virginia might just be the best place to raise a family in Virginia. If you value balance, variety, and just a bit of the unexpected and downright magical, chances are you'll feel happy to call Virginia home. But don't take my word for it—plan your own trip through Virginia using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.