10 Towns Perfect for Retirement in Virginia

Virginia, known by its nickname of "Old Dominion," holds a place in American history as one of the first thirteen colonies. It was key in both the American Revolution and Civil War, giving it a strong sense of history and pride.

So, if you are thinking of retirement in Virginia, well, look no further. From welcoming small towns tucked away in the Shenandoah Valley to the vibrant communities among the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia offers an array of ideal retirement spots.

If you want affordable living or beautiful outdoor settings, these ten towns provide everything you need to enjoy your golden years. Read on to find your perfect place to retire in the heart of Virginia.

Staunton

This town sits inside the Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges all around. Welcome to Staunton, a gem for anyone looking to retire in a gorgeous setting without breaking the bank.

Homes here have a friendly price tag—around $286,500 on average. And if renting is more your style, it is a pretty good deal at just $1,250 monthly, about $900 below the national average.

The town is home to highly respected hospitals, like Augusta Health, where you can get all sorts of medical help. Plus, Staunton is close to bigger cities like Charlottesville, so you can find specialized care when necessary.

Staunton is also a town alive with Virginia culture. It has the American Shakespeare Center where folks can watch live classic plays, and its old brick downtown is packed with art galleries, and places for music, and holds all sorts of festivals all year long.

Blacksburg

With a nice, mild climate, Blacksburg has a comfortable setting to set roots down into.

As the town is so near the Blue Ridge Mountains, it has ample outdoor opportunities like walking, cycling, and fishing. Trails like the Appalachian and nearby parks give nature enthusiasts lots of chances to get moving and have a grand time outside.

Since the town is home to Virginia Tech, there are tons of chances for retirees to partake in learning and culture. People can enjoy talks, classes, art shows, and shows.

Homes here cost a bit more than the average, about $405,590, but the town has some of the best health centers nearby, including the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and other medical spots.

Its downtown is a lively place, full of restaurants and fun stores to check out. Main Street is where everyone likes to hang out and spend a nice day outside. The Blacksburg Farmers Market will be a favorite of anyone who moves here and is open all year, selling all the best in local goods.

Winchester

Winchester is another option for retirement, full of charm and an abundance of nature, making it a perfect spot to consider.

There are plenty of fun things for retired folks to do here, like join clubs at the senior centers or trying their hand at volunteering. There are festivals to enjoy too. Every year, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is a grand old event that brings the whole community together.

With all these positives elements, you might think houses would cost a lot. But actually, the average house price is about $373,000.

If healthcare is a concern, the town has the Winchester Medical Center, a highly-ranked hospital with good healthcare and special services.

The town is also a treat for any retiree who is a history buff. Some of the most popular spots are places such as the Shenandoah Valley Museum and the Old Court House Civil War Museum.

Martinsville

This cozy town is famous for its NASCAR races and stunning nature spots like the Smith River.

The town has the double whammy of having affordable housing and good healthcare. The average house is just under $130,000 and has healthcare locations like Sovah Health - Martinsville, where you can find many kinds of medical care.

The town has lots of fun and interesting things to do. You can visit the Virginia Museum of Natural History, and enjoy a large collection of parks and trails. The town's local theaters, festivals, and community events are great for entertainment and meeting people.

If you are living the retired life but still crave some excitement, give Martinsville Speedway a go.

The track, often called the Paperclip because of its unique shape, holds the title as NASCAR's longest-running track still in action.

Onancock

This town sits on the eastern shore of Virginia, and has an old-fashioned, calm atmosphere which is great for people who have retired.

The United States Census says that 32 percent of the people living there are 65 or older. This means many other residents who share similar interests and are in the same stage of life.

Homes in this area are affordable, costing near $270,000. The town also has the Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and other places for medical care, so it is not difficult to find good health services.

When you are there, wander down to the Onancock Wharf. The historic waterfront area has been a central feature of the town's maritime history since its inception. Down at the wharf, you can find boating, fishing and scenic views of Onancock Creek.

Onancock's Waterman's Park is another outdoor option along Onancock Creek. It features open green spaces and a small pier where visitors can fish or simply relax by the water.

Abingdon

Found in the southwest corner of Virginia, Abingdon is only about an hour's drive from 3 different nearby states.

If you are a retiree with a passion for local culture, this town has it in spades. This town has a real arts vibe, featuring spots like the Barter Theatre, one of the oldest professional theaters in the US. As well, Abingdon’s historic district is filled with aged, rustic buildings, and offers a beautiful setting and a touch of the past.

The town has affordable housing, with an average house just north of $260,000. Having good healthcare is a must for retirees, and in Abingdon, they have access to quality medical centers. One of these is the Johnston Memorial Hospital.

Also important is keeping active as the years add up. Here in Abingdon, retirees have all sorts of walking and cycling options in the parks and trails close by, like the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Trail.

Covington

Where the Jackson River and Dunlap Creek meet, Covington presents a safe, affordable place to call home.

Want to save some money? Rent here is only about $800. Buying a house is also comparatively cheap, sitting in the $130,000 range.

There is a real sense of community here and town prides itself on its community-building events, like the Annual Covington Heritage Festival and Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon.

It also has some perfect examples of small-town charm to offer retirees. You can check out the Historic Masonic Theatre a magnificently restored venue hosting a variety of performances, serving as a cultural hub for residents.

The Covington Farmers Market, held regularly, has fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music, creating a lively community atmosphere.

Lastly, the Rosedale Historic District features charming heritage homes, showcasing Covington’s architectural past and providing a historical experience.

Bridgewater

How does living in the splendor of the Shenandoah Valley sound? People here can take in all sorts of trails, try out fishing, and discovering the amazing outdoors, like nearby Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest.

Based on info from the US Census Bureau, many people in Bridgewater are over 55 years old, which makes it a friendly spot to find like-minded friends.

Plus, it is near top-notch hospitals, including Sentara RMH Medical Centre in Harrisonburg.

The town has lots of fun and interesting things to do, like local events and festivals. Bridgewater College is actually a prime spot for that. The college has cultural events, talks, and shows that people who have retired might enjoy to see.

Every July, the Bridgewater Lawn Party lights up the community. The event is a big party that brings everyone together, with awesome rides, tasty food, and heaps of other cool stuff.

Warsaw

This small town in Richmond County is known for its downtown core and its closeness to both the Northern Neck and the Rappahannock Rivers.

Zillow says homes in Warsaw go for about $235,000, which is a good price for folks thinking about retirement. The town hosts Rappahannock Community College, offering diverse educational programs for the life-long learners out there.

Riverside Tappahannock Hospital is only 15 minutes from Warsaw and has a range of medical services, including emergency care.

There are all sorts of culturally enriching landmarks to take in too. Just outside of Warsaw, there is a historical site called Menokin. It was where Francis Lightfoot Lee lived, one of the people who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Every year, Warsaw throws the Richmond County Fair, which celebrates local traditions with fun displays, rides, and shows for everyone.

Farmville

Looking at the name, it is not hard to see where Farmville's roots come from. After it was founded in the 18th century, the area quickly became well-known for its growing prowess and favorable farming conditions.

If having the outdoors at your doorstep is an important part of retirement, Farmville has the nearby Appomattox River and High Bridge Trail State Park at its disposal. This calm and beautiful environment makes for a nice place to enjoy retirement in peace.

Houses here are a great find, costing right under $250,000. If renting is more up your alley, the average rent you would pay for any size place is $1,200.

Farmville is where Longwood University is located, which offers chances to keep learning through classes, talks, and cultural activities.

Furthermore, there is a huge collection of events to take in. That includes events like the Heart of Virginia Festival, the Farmville Wine Festival and much more.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right retirement spot is a big decision, and Virginia can offer you all sorts of charming towns to fit every preference.

From the historic allure of Staunton and Winchester to the vibrant community of Blacksburg, each location provides unique benefits for a retirement home.

Affordable housing, quality healthcare, and abundant recreational opportunities make these towns ideal for enjoying your golden years in the heart of Old Dominion.