Retiring in Virginia Isn’t All Charm—Here Are 6 Things Residents Don’t Love

Virginia is often considered a dream location for retirees.

But no place is perfect, and many retirees have a few things they’d change about living in the Old Dominion.

Cost of Living

Virginia isn’t the cheapest state to live in, and that’s something many retirees feel in their wallets.

From housing costs to everyday expenses like groceries and gas, the state’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. But even though it’s only about 1% higher, many states are significantly cheaper to live in.

This can make it difficult for retirees on a fixed income to stretch their dollars as much as they’d like.

While areas like Martinsville and Covington offer relatively more affordable options compared to the Washington, DC area, retirees in much of Virginia often face sticker shock.

Compounding the issue is the state’s taxes. While Virginia doesn’t have the worst retiree tax policies in the country, they’re still significant enough compared to states such as Florida and Wyoming.

Traffic Woes

Virginia’s traffic, especially in and around the D.C. metropolitan area, is a major complaint for Virginians trying to enjoy their retirement.

Even though retirees can avoid rush hour traffic, they often find themselves frustrated by congestion that can happen at all hours of the day, making even short trips take far longer than expected.

For those who had envisioned peaceful drives through scenic countryside, sitting in gridlock is a rude awakening.

Even outside the D.C. area, highways like I-64 and I-95 can become bottlenecks, particularly during peak travel times and holiday weekends.

Some retirees want to see better public transportation options and improved infrastructure to ease the burden of road travel.

Healthcare Access

While Virginia has some excellent medical facilities, access to quality healthcare can vary depending on where you live.

According to the United Healthcare Foundation, Virginia ranks 20th place in the nation for its quality of senior care.

Retirees in rural areas often struggle to find specialists or have to travel long distances for routine care. This can be a significant inconvenience for those managing chronic conditions or needing frequent appointments.

In addition, wait times for certain services can be lengthy, even in urban areas.

Retirees often wish for more streamlined healthcare systems and additional resources to ensure timely access to care.

Weather Extremes

Virginia’s climate might be appealing to some, but it’s not without its challenges.

Summers can be hot and humid, which isn’t always comfortable for older residents. Additionally, the occasional hurricane or tropical storm can cause damage and disrupt routines, adding stress to retirement living.

Winter isn’t much better in certain areas.

While Virginia doesn’t experience the harsh winters of states farther north, snowfall and icy conditions can still pose risks, particularly for retirees who aren’t as steady on their feet.

Taxes on Retirement Income

Yes, we’re circling back to taxes because it deserves a whole section on its own.

Virginia’s tax policies on retirement income are a sticking point for some retirees. While Social Security benefits aren’t taxed, other forms of retirement income, such as pensions and withdrawals from 401(k) plans, are subject to state taxes.

Some retirees wish for greater tax breaks or exemptions to ease this financial burden.

While other East Coast states like Georgia and Florida offer more generous tax policies for seniors, Virginia’s approach feels less accommodating.

Rising Utility Costs

Utility bills in Virginia can be a source of frustration for retirees, particularly during extreme weather months.

The cost of heating during winter and cooling during summer can add up quickly, stretching fixed incomes thin. Electricity rates in Virginia are higher than the national average, which doesn’t help matters.

Additionally, some retirees feel the state’s energy policies don’t do enough to promote affordability or renewable energy options.