Virginia
Virginia

It's All Here

Virginia has everything you need to build a bright future.

Virginia / iStock/Troy Wojtaszek
Home >

Virginia

From mountain hideaways and communities along the water to vibrant university towns, Virginia has the perfect combination of amenities and beauty so you can create the full, vibrant life you desire. Many people who grew up in the state have chosen to move back to plant roots, while others who moved to Virginia for college have chosen to stay to grow their careers. Additionally, many remote workers have chosen to make Virginia their home state, as have veterans.

On average, the state is more affordable across all categories, from groceries to housing, than other states in the United States. But beyond Virginia’s cost of living, its cities have broad appeal, thanks to their unique quality-of-life amenities.

Virginia is known for having a variety of fun festivals throughout the year that draw crowds, like the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville and the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester. Plus, many of its cities boast flourishing arts scenes.

Food and restaurants play a key role in shaping the state. For example, the I-81/I-64 interchange, one of the busiest routes in the country, connects travelers while running alongside farms, vineyards and pastures that have fed the East Coast for generations. And Virginia is home to several craft breweries, like Big Lick Brewing Co. in Roanoke and Lost Barrel Brewing in Middleburg.

Outdoor recreation is also an asset of the state. Virginia boasts plenty of greenways and trails for cycling opportunities. And for those looking to go canoeing or kayaking, there are plenty of water trails to explore, from coastlines and fishing bays to more than 30 state parks with access points.

As far as business and industry, startups and small businesses across the Commonwealth benefit from strong networks, collaborative chambers of commerce and state programs designed to help them grow. Plus, the state is home to several reputable health care systems, like HCA Virginia Health System, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Inova and Sentara Healthcare, as well as small-to-medium size clinics and practices, giving those in the health care field plenty of opportunities when it comes to employment.

Virginia is also filled with several quality higher education institutions, like Virginia State, Norfolk State and William & Mary.

The state has even more to offer. Come explore Virginia for yourself.

Quick Facts About Virginia

Median Household Income
$95,726
Average Property Tax
$3,005
State Population
8,860,723
Sales Tax Rate
5.3 %
State Income Tax
2%
Median Monthly Rent
$1,392

Cities in Virginia on Livability.com

Experiences & Adventures in Virginia

Equestrian bronze statue of General George Washington in the Boston Public Garden surrounded by green trees.

From Sea to Shining Sea: The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating America’s 250

Gear up for July 4, 2026! Discover the ultimate guide to celebrating America's 250th birthday, featuring historic 13 colonies sites, the Civil Rights Trail and new museum openings.

Photo of a cabin in Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge after sunset.

Where to Stay at America’s 25 Best National Parks: Lodges, Hotels and Airbnbs

Planning a national park getaway? Book one of these charming lodges, hotels and Airbnbs for your next park visit.

Person watches an airplane take off into the sunset.

How to Maximize Your PTO in 2026 – And Where to Spend it

Want to know how to turn 14 days of PTO into 45 days off this year? Maximize your PTO at these must-visit destinations across the country.

Food Scenes in Virginia

Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey

5 Unexpected Regions in the US Producing Great Whiskey

Move over, Tennessee and Kentucky. These states are producing some of the most exciting whiskey in the country right now.

Lost Barrel Brewing

8 Craft Breweries You Need to Check Out in Virginia

Find your perfect pint at these Old Dominion breweries.

Maude & the Bear in Staunton

4 Chef-Recommended Restaurants in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley  

From New American to Salvadoran cuisine, culinary adventures abound in west-central Virginia.

Healthy Places in Virginia

Health Care

Why I Love Working in Health Care in Virginia

Meet three clinicians who have built successful careers in the Commonwealth.

Southwest Virginia Community Health

Find High-Quality Health Care in Washington County, VA

Southwest Virginia residents don't have to travel far to find top-notch services.

Virginia: Where to Live Now

Discover the top 25 cities in the Southeast, offering a high quality of life, affordability and unique experiences. Find your perfect home in this vibrant and diverse region.

Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southeast

Southern charm is at its finest in these 25 Southeastern cities.

Downtown Roanoke, Virginia stock photo

5 Reasons to Move to Roanoke, Virginia

Thinking of relocating? From great food to family-friendly activities, here's why Roanoke, VA, should be at the top of your list.

D.C. Suburbs

The 6 Best Washington D.C. Suburbs 

Live near the capital for less, thanks to these popular D.C. area suburbs.

Education, Careers and Opportunity in Virginia

Military

Why Virginia Is Perfect for Veterans

Former military members find jobs, resources and community in the state.

Harrisonburg

I Moved to Virginia for College and Stayed for My Career

Learn what’s convincing young professionals to plant roots in Virginia.

Kirk Cox

Considering College in Virginia? Here Are the Top Things to Know

A professional offers advice to students eyeing higher education in Virginia.   

Virginia: Love Where You Live

Houses and Riverfront of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Virginia during dawn with magenta, purple, and pink clouds. Portsmouth, VA is part of the Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads metropolitan area.

Discover the Thriving Communities of Hampton Roads, VA

Welcome to Hampton Roads, the flourishing Coastal Virginia region that has something for everyone.

Italy is hosting the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

50 Things You Didn’t Know About the Olympics

Can't make it to Milano Cortina for the Winter Games and have some serious FOMO? Us, too! Here are 50 things you might not know about the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.

Image

The Cities That Raised Football Players

The journey to the big game started in some unexpected places for these football stars.

Data used on Livability.com is provided from the most recent release (November 2025) by Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS). Our LivScore is calculated in partnership with AGS. Sales tax sources: Sales Tax Clearinghouse, Tax Foundation, and State Revenue Departments. Local rates are population-weighted to account for municipal variations.

Newsletter Sign Up