7 Budget-Friendly Towns in Virginia for Retirees

Living on a fixed budget doesn’t have to be boring. These seven budget-friendly towns in Virginia mix vibrant, lively towns with tranquil mountains and scenery. Live the laid-back life golfing, fishing, hiking, and boating while strolling through local farmer’s markets and festivals all in your backyard. The best part is that these towns are incredibly affordable for seniors on a fixed income. Many have top-rated hospitals and lively retirement villages for all walks of life. Whether you long for the seclusion of the mountains or need more excitement, there’s something here for all kinds of retirees.

Abingdon

Abingdon gives you all the warmth and fuzzies of a small town with the amenities of a larger city. Situated near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s no shortage of easy walking trails and scenic public parks in town. Spend an afternoon in the historic district, or do your weekly produce shopping at the Abingdon Farmers Market. Grab a show at the beautiful Barter Theater, and finish off the evening with dinner at The Tavern. There’s a top-notch hospital, Johnston Memorial Hospital, right in town, so retirees won’t need to travel for optimal healthcare. With an average home costing around $278,000, $120,000 less than the state average, it’s also an affordable city to spend one’s golden years.

Woodstock

The small town of Woodstock is one of Virginia's oldest communities, overflowing with history. With historical sites dating back to the Revolutionary War, this sleepy town has no shortage of things to see. One of the most prized local possessions is the courthouse, which was built in 1795 and designed by Thomas Jefferson. For a more lively time out, seniors can spend the weekend at the lovely Muse Vineyards or head downtown to the Woodstock Brewhouse. Another way to have a fun time is to head to one of the many public parks and local festivals that keep retirees occupied year-round. With a population of just over 5,000 and an average house costing $323,000, it’s a wonderful town for retirement on a budget. Moreover, the Shenandoah Memorial Hospital is located right in town and is one of the highest-rated hospitals in the area.

Lexington

For retirees who want to continue learning in their golden years, there’s no better town than Lexington. Seniors here can pick and choose classes at Washington and Lee University to keep their minds active. Those interested in history can explore the stunning University Chapel & Galleries and the Jackson House Museum or take a trip to the Oak Grove Cemetery. History buffs love that this cemetery is the final resting place of some notable figures, like General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson.

While Lexington is a fine place to keep your mind active, you can keep your body active at one of its many scenic parks. Jordan’s Point Park provides easy hiking trails and tranquil views of the Maury River. The average home price is around $327,000, making it an affordable town for retirees in Virginia.

Warsaw

Retirees looking for water views and woods should consider the scenic town of Warsaw in Virginia. This stunning destination can be found on the Northern Neck on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. To this end, there is no shortage of outdoor opportunities to keep one’s mind and body active, such as the Warsaw Town Park and Tom Rhodes Tree Carving Trail. On the other hand, one can absorb the rich history at Menokin. Menokin, or the Francis Lightfoot Lee House, is one of Warsaw's most cherished landmarks. It offers local programs and events, so there’s something to do every week out of the year. With a low population and house prices averaging $239,000, Warsaw is a great place to retire. Moreover, if there is anything missing in town, the urban center of Richmond is just an hour’s drive away.

Waynesboro

Driving down the streets of Waynesboro is like stepping back in time. Situated at the Blue Ridge Mountains base, everywhere you look offers scenic mountain views. If you long for a sleepy town with easy access to amenities while nestled in the mountains, look no further than Waynesboro. Catch a show at the beautiful Wayne Theater or check out a seasonal festival downtown.

The town is a hop, skip, and jump away from noted naturist attractions like the Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail, and Blue Ridge Parkway. The downtown area offers public events, festivities, and plenty of museums and shops to keep you occupied. Moreover, while it’s nestled in the mountains, it’s only a 30-minute drive from the thriving city of Charlottesville. With an average home price of around 357,900, around $40,000 less than the state average, it’s an excellent destination for budget-conscious retirees.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a great place to retire for a budget-friendly and comfortable retirement. While the median home value is $444,000, slightly higher than the state average of $397,000, the price is worth it. This is because Williamsburg is full of urban amenities minus the hustle and bustle of the big city. For example, healthcare is abundant, with various centers like the Eastern State Hospital and Riverside Doctors’ Hospital providing state-of-the-art care. Similarly, retirement homes like Williamsburg Landing offer a great social environment and specialized care at affordable prices.

To stay active, Williamsburg has a host of scenic parks right in town. Retirees can go golfing at the beautiful course at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club or stay active in winter at the James City County Recreation Center.

Pearisburg

Seniors interested in hiking are sure to fall in love with Pearisburg in Giles County, a.k.a. Virginia's Mountain Playground. It offers all the amenities (shopping, hospitals, parks) retirees need in a tight-knit community, so there is no need to ever leave. The most popular way to spend an afternoon in town is by soaking up the sun at Whitt-Riverbend Park or Cascade Falls. Plus, it’s not too far from the Appalachian Trail.

However, the weather isn’t always sunny and bright in Pearisburg. Seniors can keep their bodies active in the Pearisburg Recreation Department in the cooler months. Situated along the New River, it’s also a fantastic spot for fishing. The best part of Pearisburg is that it’s one of the most affordable towns to buy a home on this list, as the average home price is around $197,000.

Settle into These Budget-Friendly Towns

If you’re on a budget, the best thing about Virginia is admiring their mountain ranges is completely free. Take in the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains in your own backyard while settling into these historic and affordable towns. They’re perfect for those lazy afternoons hiking accessible trails, walking farmer’s markets, or just grilling in your backyard. The best part of these sleepy towns is they have all the amenities that seniors need without the hectic bustle of the bigger cities.