10 Top-Ranked Towns In Virginia For Retirees

A recent study ranked Virginia among the top states in America for retirees, crediting its friendly tax landscape, mild weather, natural beauty, and outdoor opportunities as the primary pull factors. The Old Dominion offers retirees a comfortable lifestyle without state income or sales taxes on social security and pension benefits. The natural scenery ranges from rugged Appalachian Mountains to beautiful Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean coastlines. Plentiful parks, trails, and golf courses help retirees enjoy an active lifestyle.

With a mix of vibrant metro areas and charming small towns, Virginia has something for every pensioner. This article explores towns in Virginia that consistently feature on lists as great places to retire. Factors like affordable housing, accessible healthcare, amenities, community engagement opportunities and climate are also considered to help you choose a retirement destination that best suits your needs.

Danville

Situated along the banks of the scenic Dan River, Danville offers retirees natural beauty, cultural attractions, and amenities amid a small-town feel. Lush forests, lakes, and surrounding mountains provide the backdrop for delightful outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and boating along the Dan Riverwalk Trail. Additionally, Danville presents diverse social opportunities for seniors through activities, events, and local amenities. For example, the Dan Daniel Memorial Park is a popular gathering spot where retirees can enjoy a baseball game or simply connect with their peers.

Despite its relatively small size, Danville maintains crucial big-city conveniences, such as accessible healthcare through well-regarded centers like Sovah Health. Also, over one-fifth of the population is 65 and older, allowing retirees to engage with fellow community members easily. These attributes have earned Danville a reputation as an especially retirement-friendly town where both mind and body wellness can be prioritized.

Falls Church

About 20 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., you'll come across the rural community of Falls Church. Home to a modest population of about 14,500, it offers respite from the fast pace of life in the capital without locking you out of all its creature comforts. A strong sense of community encourages harmonious living among residents, apparent during the Falls Church Farmers Market, where the atmosphere is always festive as locals trade in farm-fresh produce. This camaraderie among Falls Church townsfolk allows the crime rate to remain below the national average.

The town also delivers a bustling arts scene and exciting shopping opportunities. At the State Theater, locals frequently assemble to enjoy various live performances, from music and comedic acts to dance shows. While the cost of living is above the national average, the proximity to Washington, D.C., assures seniors access to some of the country's best health and social amenities.

Ashburn

Another cozy Washington, D.C. suburb, Ashburn, offers a nice mix of big-city attractions, promising to keep retirees engaged and entertained throughout their golden years. Outdoor opportunities abound in several nature spaces across the town, including hiking, picnicking, and sports inside Trailside Park. When the grandkids visit, retirees can take them to IFLY Indoor Skydiving for unforgettable thrills above ground or the popular Hyper Kidz Ashburn for unadulterated fun. Downtown Ashburn is a bustling corridor with an eclectic mix of businesses and several hangouts. Dynasty Brewing offers a nice spot where pensioners can catch up with friends over a cold glass of craft beer.

Although the cost of living here is above the national average, due to proximity to D.C., Ashburn is cheaper than almost half of Virginia's cities. The crime rate is below the national average, and the presence of multiple assisted living societies, such as Ashby Ponds Senior Living Community, provides needed care to seniors in their vulnerable states.

Charlottesville

Home to the prestigious University of Virginia, Charlottesville grants retirees the opportunity to realize their academic aspirations late into their sunset years. The college's presence has dramatically elevated the local arts and culture scene, providing multiple events where residents gather to celebrate the arts, including the Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia and the Paramount Theater. Stepping outside is a promising activity for seniors, with the sprawling Shenandoah National Park less than an hour away. Retirees can find countless recreation opportunities to stay active, from hiking and camping to wildlife watching.

Charlottesville's living cost is slightly above the national average, and health care is reliable, thanks to the University of Virginia Medical Camp. The town also offers over ten retirement communities, including Rosewood Village Assisted Living.

Winchester

Idyllically situated within the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Winchester is an ideal retirement setting, according to national outlets like AARP Magazine. It borders the tranquil Shenandoah National Park, treating retirees to natural beauty and a friendly community atmosphere. History buffs will enjoy exploring Winchester's well-preserved Old Town district and its numerous landmarks commemorating past conflicts of the Civil War and Revolutionary era, such as the informative Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum. The welcoming town of approximately 28,000 residents maintains a sizeable senior population of around 16%, ensuring new retirees have no trouble connecting with peers.

A testament to its commitment to citizens of all stages, Winchester has multiple independent living communities for those requiring additional care, such as Green Valley Manor. Overall, this scenic environment fosters quality living and ample opportunities to engage through heritage and fellowship.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg charms senior citizens with its rich historical heritage, having served as the first capital of the Virginia Colony. A popular tourist destination, the tiny hamlet presents a nice mix of restaurants, museums, galleries, and shopping boutiques, maintaining a lively atmosphere in the community. Retirees can immerse themselves in a rich historical experience at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and the Governor's Palace. Multiple family-friendly attractions come in handy when kids visit, promising day-long fun at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Bounce House Family Entertainment Center.

Retirees don't have to worry about burning through their pensions; Williamsburg is conveniently cheaper than America. It also assures seniors support at centers like Commonwealth Senior Living during the sunset years.

Abingdon

With more than 23% of the population comprising residents 65 years or older, Abingdon is an easy choice for fresh retirees looking for a permanent home. Its bustling senior community welcomes newcomers to join their friendly fold and enjoy various fun activities. The Abingdon Farmers Market is a popular meeting spot for the community, offering an excellent opportunity to mingle and make lifelong friends. For indoor fun, pensioners can browse unique artifacts inside the William King Museum or catch a moving live show at Barter Theater.

Abingdon is a tax-friendly town that goes easy on retirement earnings, and pensioners will appreciate that the cost of living here is below the national average. Furthermore, they can access lifelong learning opportunities at Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center's College for Adults.

Blacksburg

Thanks to the presence of Virginia Tech, retirees with aspirations of going back to school don't have to commute too far from home to access quality college education. The college has also raised Blacksburg's portfolio as an arts center and sports hub, with venues like Lyric Theater and Lane Stadium providing year-long entertainment for pensioners. Those who prefer the outdoor scenery will enjoy the chill atmosphere of Hahn Horticulture Garden, while any cravings to socialize and establish friendships can be curbed at the bubbly Blacksburg Farmers Market and Market Square Park.

Blacksburg is a safe community with a crime rate lower than the state and national averages. The same applies to the cost of living, ensuring retirees have a safe and affordable experience in their sunset years.

Lexington

Like the proverbial phoenix, Lexington has risen from the ashes since its near-complete decimation during the American Civil War and currently ranks among the top towns in Virginia for retirees. The town has a string of historical and cultural markers that will keep pensioners occupied indoors, including the VMI Museum and the University Chapels & Galleries. Lexington also hosts the Washington and Lee University, allowing pensioners with higher learning aspirations to continue pursuing their dreams.

A quiet lifestyle, a low cost of living, and a relatively safe environment add to Lexington's appeal as a retirement destination. Furthermore, Roanoke is less than an hour away, presenting easy access to superior health care and social amenities in the big city.

Bedford

The incredible Blue Ridge Mountains and picturesque Smith Mountain Lake views highlight Bedford's scenic natural surroundings. Dotted with scenic parks and trails, such as those found at Falling Creek Park, retirees can explore the outdoors to stay active. History enthusiasts will be drawn to the evocative National D-Day Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of World War II army men and presenting a unique opportunity to discover intimate chapters of American military history. Bedford's trademark Southern hospitality and charm are evident through a strong sense of community, experienced at beloved gathering spots like Town Kitchen & Provisions.

Outstanding senior living facilities, like Cardinal Senior Communities, offer peace of mind for older residents requiring additional care. Safety is also a priority, with statistics showing that the chances of violent crime are only 1 in over 440, allowing retirees to embrace small-town life without constantly worrying.

These top-ranked towns in Virginia offer outstanding quality of life and retirement amenities. From natural beauty and recreational activities to low costs of living and supportive communities, they allow retirees to live fully and comfortably. Whether seeking a small-town atmosphere or amenities of a larger metro area, something in the Old Dominion will suit different interests and lifestyles. With their emphasis on health, happiness and engagement of seniors, these places will continue attracting retirees wanting to embark on an enjoyable stage of life.