Downtown Historic Staunton, Virginia. Image credit MargJohnsonVA via Shutterstock

10 Most Comfortable Towns in Virginia for Seniors

Between its trademark Southern hospitality, vibrant culture, and unique history, the Old Dominion is an excellent destination for retirees looking to establish new roots. Virginia's diverse landscape, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, offers a wealth of charming small towns that cater to the needs and preferences of older adults. These communities provide a comfortable, secure, and enriching environment for seniors, with access to quality healthcare, ample recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

Whether it's the historic charm of 19th-century towns like Abingdon or the picturesque beauty allure of waterfront destinations like Warsaw, Virginia boasts an array of options that can truly make retirement years exceptional. Explore some of the most comfortable towns in Virginia for seniors.

Abingdon

Rustic buildings along a street in Abingdon, Virginia.
Rustic buildings along a street in Abingdon, Virginia. Image credit Dee Browning via Shutterstock

Over 20% of the residents in Abingdon are in the retirement age bracket, promising a welcoming community of peers for pensioners contemplating settling in the community. Newcomers have plenty of opportunities to establish friendly connections, including shopping and socializing at the Abingdon Farmers Market. Alternatively, they can join townsfolk in watching exciting stage productions at the historic Barter Theatre. This respected cultural hub is the state's longest-running theater, known for hosting professional musicals, plays, and dramas.

Retirees can access vital academic programs at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center tailored for older adults, which allows them to realize their learning aspirations locally. Finally, purchasing a home in Abingdon costs around $348,500, which sits below the national average.

Warsaw

Vibrant buildings in the downtown area of Warsaw, Virginia.
Vibrant buildings in the downtown area of Warsaw, Virginia. Image credit Warsawvirginia Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.

Warsaw's small-town atmosphere, combined with laid-back waterfront scenery and sunny weather year-round, presents all the hallmarks of comfortable retirement living. Retirees here access multiple ways of staying active and healthy, such as strolling along the Tom Rhodes Tree Carving Trail. Meanwhile, newcomers can get an enlightening backstory to the community at Menokin. This 1700s plantation of Francis Lightfoot Lee sheds light on the state's formative years.

With over 25% of the population 65 years or older, pensioners don't have to look far or wide to link up with their peers. Furthermore, the home median price in Warsaw is around $332,000.

Woodstock

The Woodstock Cafe & Shoppes in the historic district of Woodstock, Virginia.
The Woodstock Cafe & Shoppes in the historic district of Woodstock, Virginia. Image credit DwayneP Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.

Senior citizens planning to settle in Woodstock can look forward to countless recreational activities, thanks to Seven Bends State Park. This lovely nature area on the banks of the Shenandoah River allows locals to spend quality time indulging in fishing, camping, hiking, and boating. A strong appreciation for family and friends fosters overall camaraderie among residents, which is possible from constant social interactions at Mowery Orchard. Besides the friendly chats and good-natured exchanges, retirees can also shop for farm-fresh produce for healthy meals.

The Shenandoah County Senior Center does an excellent job of ensuring the elderly maintain a high quality of life. It organizes a range of activities, from social functions and trips to health programs, to keep residents engaged and entertained. Additionally, homes are relatively affordable in Woodstock, with the average cost at $349,900.

Amherst

Big Rocky Bow view in Amherst, Virginia.
Big Rocky Bow view in Amherst, Virginia.

This historical railroad town was once a vibrant hub for the mining and lumbering industries. With about 2,000 permanent residents, it maintains a small-town atmosphere tailored for senior life. Incoming retirees can discover its captivating story at the Amherst County Museum and Historical Society, home to an informative selection of artifacts and archives. Elsewhere, time outdoors can be spent on a round at the 18-hole golf course of Winton Farm, surrounded by the picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Amherst Senior Center schedules a variety of activities to provide pensioners with a sense of belonging. These allow them to link up with peers for exercise, Bingo, trips, shopping, and other fun pursuits. For aspiring homeowners, the local average housing cost is $319,900.

West Point

Downtown street and sidewalks in the small town of West Point which sits at the intersection of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers.
Downtown streets and sidewalks are in the small town of West Point, Virginia. Image credit OJUP via Shutterstock

Located where the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers interact, West Point promises retirees a high quality of life with adequate outdoor recreation, overall safety, and a small-town feel an hour’s distance from Norfolk. The quarter-mile West Point River Walk Trail invites hikers and bikers to explore the outdoors along a picturesque path cutting through woods and marshes, with picturesque views of the water. Senior citizens will fancy wine tastings every once in a while at Mattapony Reserve, which is housed inside one of the country's oldest Indian reservations.

While strolling through Main Street West Point, newcomers can pass by the Historical Society of West Point to familiarize themselves with local history and culture. The facility displays over 2,000 artifacts related to West Point's cultural, social, military, and artistic past. Finally, the average home price here is $316,000.

Bridgewater

Street view in Bridgewater, Virginia.
Street view in Bridgewater, Virginia. Image credit Idawriter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pocket Hercules, Bridgewater hits above its weight class with a refreshing variety of attractions and a local median housing cost of $377,500. The small town delivers a wealth of outdoor opportunities in its multiple nature areas. Oakdale Park is the largest in the community and has a family-friendly atmosphere with ball fields, picnic spaces, a playground, and more. Pensioners can also look forward to a lifelong supply of great-tasting wines at Bluestone Vineyard and Winery to fuel their sunset years. Finally, those who prefer to stay ahead of their physical and mental health can seek membership at Bridgewater 24/7 Family Fitness.

Strasburg

Street in Strasburg, Virginia.
Street in Strasburg, Virginia. Image credit refrina via Shutterstock

Rooted in Civil War heritage and cultural vibrancy, Strasburg is an enticing option for fresh retirees. The tiny village was established in the 1760s by Peter Stover and harbors several historical landmarks, led by Hupp's Hill Historical Park. Here, you can peruse a selection of Civil War artifacts from the Battle of Cedar Creek. A deeper dive into local history awaits at the Strasburg Museum. Walking along its hallways reveals a vast collection of old artifacts and antiques showcasing the town's chronology, starting with the Indian occupation.

Strasburg residents get their daily supply of fresh produce at the Woodbine Farm Market. Apart from buying healthy meal ingredients, retirees can also use this opportunity to mingle and make new friends. Meanwhile, potential home buyers will be glad to learn that Strasburg's median housing price of $319,900 is less than the United States average.

Staunton

Downtown road in the town of Staunton, Virginia.
Downtown road in the town of Staunton, Virginia. Image credit Claire Salvail Photos via Shutterstock

This small college town is nationally recognized as the hometown of President Woodrow Wilson. Retirees interested in American presidential history will have a blast exploring Wilson's legacy at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. A vibrant culture scene allows newcomers to easily fit and settle in the community by joining townspeople in watching engrossing classical theatrical productions at the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriar's Playhouse.

For time outdoors, retirees will prefer heading to Gypsy Hill Park. This 200-acre sanctuary impresses with a wealth of recreational amenities, from ball fields and a swimming pool to a fishing pond and playground. Buying a home in Staunton costs an average of $330,000.

Pearisburg

Giles County Courthouse, U.S. Route 460 and State Route 100 Pearisburg, Virginia.
Giles County Courthouse, US Route 460 and State Route 100 Pearisburg, Virginia, By Skye Marthaler - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Between its wealth of outdoor adventures and affordable housing costs, senior citizens in Pearisburg enjoy the perks of small-town life in Virginia. The region's median home price is $265,000, among the lowest you can find. Meanwhile, retirees can take advantage of remarkable wine opportunities at JBR Vineyard. Besides presenting a pleasant outdoor setting for relaxing, the establishment crafts sweet-tasting wines from locally grown grapes.

History enthusiasts will feel at home browsing archives and documents at the Giles County Historical Society, which vividly recounts the region's chronology over the years. Pearisburg also hosts multiple senior living communities for pensioners needing a sense of belonging, including the Giles County Senior Citizens Center.

Buena Vista

Aerial view of the Maury River and Blue Ridge Mountains, in Buena Vista, Virginia.
Overlooking the Maury River and Blue Ridge Mountains, in Buena Vista, Virginia.

Buena Vistas offers a beautiful rural location for retirees to establish a forever home, enveloped by stunning natural landscapes and a serene atmosphere. The 300-acre Glen Maury Park is the hub for all things outdoor adventures in Buena Vista. It has several nature trails for hikers and bikers, an Olympic-sized pool, campgrounds, and other crucial amenities. Seniors can enjoy multiple expeditions in the backcountry, including a short hike leading to the fabulous Panther Falls. Other than the photo opportunity, the is a lovely swimming hole for those who don't mind a dip.

Pensioners who just started living in Buena Vista will benefit from touring the Buena Vista Visitor Center. This welcoming venue provides important information for familiarizing with the community, including its top points of interest. Lastly, buying a house in the area costs an average of $289,000.

Best Places To Retire In VirginiaVirginia’s rich history, scenic landscapes from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, and proximity to both the tranquility of nature and urban amenities make it an ideal choice for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.

These delights towns in Virginia for seniors provide residents with quality healthcare, ample recreation, and a strong sense of community. From the historic charm of Staunton to the picturesque setting of Strasburg, Virginia's towns offer a diverse range of amenities tailored to older adults. With easy access to services, abundant activities, and welcoming locals, they allow retirees to enjoy their golden years to the fullest. As more discover the allure of Virginia's small-town lifestyle, these charming towns continue to emerge as premier retirement destinations in the United States.

Share
  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Cities
  4. 10 Most Comfortable Towns in Virginia for Seniors
Cynthia Levy November 16 2024 in Places

More in Places