10 Virginia Cities Retirees Should Consider Moving To
Virginia is more than just for lovers. From access to luxurious golf courses and iconic landmarks to awe-inspiring nature and national parks, it’s also a fantastic place for retirees.
SmartAsset ranked Virginia’s best cities to settle down in. You’ll want to take notes if the Old Dominion is on your list of contenders for states to live in during retirement.
Working For You
SmartAsset studied several factors to rank the best areas to retire in Virginia, including healthcare access, retirement-focused recreational centers, and overall tax burden. These are the top ten places they recommend.
1: Fairfax County
Want to retire in the top spot in Virginia? Look into Fairfax County. It doesn’t get more American than retiring near the nation’s first sanctuary for bald eagles. Fairfax County offers more than 300 miles of hiking trails, and for non-outdoorsy retirees, there are over 200 regional shopping centers. Niche.com reports that 13% of the population in Fairfax is 65 and older.
2: Falls Church
If you’re not ready to let go of a vibrant city lifestyle in retirement, Falls Church has an urban feel with top amenities for active seniors. You’ll be in good company with access to luxury golf courses and more than 55 retirement communities. Niche.com says the median rent is about $1,867, with almost half its residents renting homes instead of buying.
3: Abingdon
Retirees who aren’t afraid to get a bit of paint on their hands will love what Abingdon has to offer. SmartAsset goes as far as to say it’s among the best places for creatives in the country. Every year, the city hosts iconic arts festivals and events that trace its roots to the 1980s. In addition, there’s plenty of nature to enjoy, including Jefferson National Forest.
4: Williamsburg
Retiring in Williamsburg is like taking a step back into the past. Seniors can audit classes for free at William & Mary, one of the nation’s oldest colleges. In addition to hosting multiple highly rated healthcare facilities, Williamsburg has no shortage of immersive historical sites to explore. It’s easy to stay active and engaged in this enjoyable city.
5: Bedford
Another easy-going city to enjoy your retirement in is Bedford. Like many other Virginia cities, it has some must-see destinations, including the National D-Day Memorial. For retirees looking for something adventurous, the Peaks of Otter near the Appalachian Trail encapsulates more than 6,900 acres of national park.
6: Fredericksburg
If you want to connect with your inner historian in retirement, consider planting your roots in Fredericksburg. George Washington was born nearby, and a 40-block national historic district is nestled downtown. SmartAsset says the Fredericksburg region has considerably more hospitals than any other top-ranking place to retire in Virginia.
7: Vienna
Like Billy Joel said, Vienna waits for you. Home to more than 52 colleges and universities with ongoing events, Vienna provides opportunities to stimulate your brain in your golden years. There are more than 100 golf courses within 30 miles here for the golfers. Plus, the city’s downtown area allows residents to easily explore all D.C. metro area attractions.
8: Woodstock
It may not be where the iconic free-spirited festival occurred, but Woodstock, Virginia, is an incredible place for retirees looking to connect with their outdoorsy side. Nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Mountains, staying active and outside year-round with golfing, kayaking, skiing, fishing, and biking is near-effortless.
9: Winchester
Winchester has garnered much attention as a prime place for retirees in Virginia. Reader’s Digest ranked it among the top 10 best small towns in America for retirees, and AARP also named it an affordable spot to throw in the towel. There’s something in Winchester for all nature, arts, and history buffs to enjoy. Plus, it offers about six medical facilities per 1,000 people, meaning you are never far from quality healthcare services.
10: South Boston
Despite being a small town, South Boston is a southern Virginia spot with a big city feel and lots to do for retirees and the young at heart. According to Niche.com, 21% of South Boston’s population is 65 and over. They even have a World of Sports, a spot to enjoy a theatre, bowling alley, skating rink, arcade, and restaurant all in one place.
Takes the Cake
Not only is Fairfax the number one spot to retire in Virginia, it landed the distinction of the second best place to retire in the country, second only to Anchorage Municipality, Alaska.
Senior Discounts
Retirees are in for the good life in Virginia, as it’s very tax-friendly. The state doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and if you’re a senior, you can deduct up to $12,000 in pension and other retirement income from your state-taxable income.
Health Is Wealth
Since Virginia is tax-friendly, you’ll want to maximize your potential benefits. One way to do so is to open a health savings account (HSA). These special accounts help you pay medical bills with pre-tax dollars, helping you get more out of your money. The federal government won’t tax you if you use your earnings and withdrawals for qualified health expenses.
Get More Out of Retirement
Need more convincing? Virginia’s retirement system is one of the world’s 50 largest private or public pension funds. If you end up moving there to settle down, invest in tax-advantaged programs like a 401(k) or individual retirement account. SmartAsset says it’ll help add to a holistic retirement plan.
Most to Least Expensive States To Retire
Are you hoping to settle down in a cheaper state during retirement? These are the states to consider and, equally important, those you’re better off avoiding.
Most to Least Expensive States To Retire Ranked From 1 to 50
6 Retirement-Friendly Destinations in California
Are you thinking about calling California home during retirement? These are six cities to consider, plus cautionary advice from a certified financial planner.
