From the shoreline to the mountain vary, Virginia’s numerous geography makes this state favorable to all who stay there. Take a hike by the Appalachian mountains or lay on the seashore on the sandy shores of Sandbridge Seaside; there are heaps to see and do in Virginia. Though there are numerous nice causes to stay right here, is Virginia a superb place to stay?
So whether or not you’re houses on the market in Richmond, contemplating renting an house in Chesapeake, or need to weigh out the explanations to maneuver to this state, listed below are ten execs and cons of dwelling in Virginia.
Fascinated by transferring to Virginia? Take a look at:Properties on the market in Virginia | Residences for lease in Virginia | Homes for lease in Virginia
Fast Info about Virginia
Is Virginia a superb place to stay?
Virginia can completely be a superb place to stay. This state has just a little little bit of every thing: thriving cities, quiet small cities, rolling mountains, and miles of shoreline. If you need the vitality of a fast-paced job market, Northern Virginia’s tech and authorities sectors have you ever coated. Choose a slower, extra scenic life-style? You’ll discover it in locations just like the Shenandoah Valley or alongside the Chesapeake Bay. Job alternatives are stable, particularly in tech, healthcare, schooling, and authorities—notably for those who’re close to D.C. Past the massive cities, you’ll discover tight-knit communities that take pleasure of their neighborhoods. Public colleges are usually well-rated, and the state constantly ranks nicely for healthcare and general high quality of life. Now, it’s not excellent — site visitors within the D.C. metro space generally is a headache, and housing costs in that area could be steep. In rural areas, job choices could be extra restricted, and public transportation isn’t all the time dependable. The climate can swing from muggy summers to unpredictable winters, so you may expertise every thing from hurricanes to snow, relying on the place you land.
1. Professional: Virginia has stunning, numerous landscapes
Virginia is house to a really numerous panorama. From the well-known Appalachian mountain vary to the favored Virginia Seaside shoreline, you’ll by no means tire of all the gorgeous surroundings. There are tons of nationwide parks in Virginia showcasing their distinctive magnificence and huge our bodies of water. The Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac, and 1000’s of acres of wetlands provide residents a wide range of locations to discover.
2. Con: Heavy site visitors and lengthy commute instances
If you happen to’re planning to stay in or round Northern Virginia—particularly close to D.C.—be ready for some severe congestion. The area constantly ranks among the many worst within the nation for site visitors, with lengthy commute instances and crowded highways being a part of every day life. Even exterior of Northern Virginia, cities like Richmond and Virginia Seaside can expertise rush hour slowdowns. For these used to lighter site visitors or shorter drives, adjusting to the tempo of metropolis commuting in Virginia may take some endurance.
3. Professional: Virginia’s economic system is robust
Virginia’s economic system is dynamic and sturdy, supported by a mixture of industries together with authorities contracting, know-how, protection, agriculture, and manufacturing. The state advantages from its proximity to Washington, D.C., which drives sturdy demand for federal jobs and associated companies. Tech hubs in Northern Virginia and rising sectors like cybersecurity and knowledge facilities provide plentiful alternatives for expert employees. This financial range helps present stability and a variety of profession choices for residents throughout the state.
4. Con: Virginia has a excessive price of dwelling
Whereas Virginia gives lots by way of life-style and alternative, it typically comes with a steeper price ticket—particularly in fashionable areas like Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, and the coastal area close to Virginia Seaside. The median house sale value within the state is round $465,000, which is greater than the nationwide median of $438,000. Renters face comparable pressures, notably in cities near Washington, D.C. or main employment hubs. On prime of housing, on a regular basis bills like groceries, fuel, healthcare, and eating out additionally development above the nationwide common in lots of components of the state. If you happen to’re eyeing a transfer to Virginia, particularly to one among its high-demand metros, it’s necessary to issue within the cumulative price of dwelling when weighing your choices.
5. Professional: Virginia has all 4 seasons
If you wish to expertise the heat of the summer time, the autumn foliage, and the snow of the winter, Virginia is a state to think about. Virginia has 5 local weather areas: Northern Virginia, Western Virginia, Piedmont, Tidewater, and Southwestern Mountain. And though these areas expertise slight temperature modifications, as a complete, most of Virginia has a damp subtropical local weather. You may expertise summer time temperatures exceeding 85 levels Fahrenheit, whereas southern and japanese components of the state expertise even greater temperatures starting from 90-95 levels Fahrenheit. Winters could be gentle, with temperatures starting from 30-50 levels Fahrenheit, with January being the coldest month experiencing snow and ice.
Krystal Bilberry, a neighborhood artist shares, “I love that Virginia offers all four seasons, which you can enjoy in any setting you choose. My family loves to vacation in the beautiful mountains of the Shenandoah Valley in the spring and fall. We spend our summers at the beach in historic Yorktown or Ft Monroe in Hampton Roads. In Virginia, we’re always a short drive away from the country, the mountains, the beaches, or the city.”
6. Con: Virginia has sizzling, humid summers
Though you get to expertise all 4 seasons right here, summers in Virginia could be lengthy, sweltering, and sticky—particularly within the central and japanese components of the state. Excessive humidity ranges mixed with temperatures that regularly climb into the 90s could make outside actions much less gratifying throughout peak summer time months.
7. Professional: Glorious public transportation choices in massive metros
Dwelling in a northern metropolis like Arlington means you’ll have entry to glorious transportation. Northern Virginia has a number of public transportation choices to get you the place you could go. In Giant cities like Alexandria, you’ll discover the Metrorail, Fairfax connector, trains, DASH bus, trolley, water taxis, and extra. If you happen to’re transferring to Virginia and don’t have a automobile, contemplate transferring to a northern metropolis.
8. Con: Plane noise close to navy bases
In components of Virginia, particularly close to cities like Virginia Seaside and Norfolk, the presence of huge navy air stations means residents typically cope with frequent plane noise. The sound of jets taking off and touchdown could be disruptive, notably for these dwelling near Naval Air Station Oceana or comparable amenities. Whereas the navy performs a significant position within the native economic system and neighborhood, the noise generally is a disadvantage for individuals delicate to sound or on the lookout for a quieter atmosphere.
9. Professional: There are historic websites and monuments everywhere in the state
From Colonial Williamsburg to Civil Battle battlefields and presidential estates, Virginia is full of historic landmarks that supply a tangible connection to the nation’s previous. Whether or not you’re exploring Monticello, touring the houses of Washington and Jefferson, or visiting monuments scattered all through the state, there’s all the time one thing to find. For historical past buffs and curious newcomers alike, Virginia gives every day alternatives to step again in time.
10. Con: Threat of hurricanes and flooding
Virginia’s coastal areas are weak to hurricanes and tropical storms, notably throughout late summer time and early fall. Heavy rainfall and storm surges can result in flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Residents in affected zones typically want to organize with insurance coverage and emergency plans.
