8 Charming Virginia Communities To Retire Around Virginia Beach
Virginia does not tax Social Security benefits and offers deductions up to $12,000 for other types of retirement income. Its mild climate, proximity to the nation's capital, and relatively low tax rate lure many to retire to the Old Dominion State. While median home prices across the state-run higher than those of some other states, additional benefits found in Virginia may outweigh the costs. These include access to top-notch medical care, proximity to larger city amenities, and rich local history and culture. Read on to discover these eight charming small towns that are perfect for retirement, all within two hours' driving distance of Virginia Beach.
Kilmarnock
In the Lancaster and Northumberland Counties in Virginia, Kilmarnock is just two hours north of Virginia Beach in Eastern Virginia. As the town is at the mouth of the Rappahannock River near the Chesapeake Bay, it is in what is called the "Virginia River Realm." Of its population of just under 1,500, 37.3% are over the age of 65. Median home prices in Kilmarnock are $425,000, at the state average, according to Realtor.com. Kilmarnock's Main Street was recently voted Eastern Virginia's Best Main Street by Virginia Living Magazine readers. These are just a few reasons retirees are flocking to Kilmarnock.
Kilmarnock's downtown area showcases a quaint Main Street, as well as a pedestrian-friendly, open-air shopping district called Steptoe's District. Popular eateries here include NN Burger and Kilmarnock Inn. Independent shops such as Barkley's Boutique and Papeterie can also be found here. Small-town events in Kilmarnock include the summer carnival and the Christmas parade each December. The town also has Rappahannock General Hospital, which is suitable for most retirees' medical needs.
Cape Charles
Across the Chesapeake Bay from Kilmarnock and just an hour from Virginia Beach in Northampton County, on the Delmarva peninsula, Cape Charles has just over 1,100 residents, 36.6% of them over 65. Although median home prices here are $697,900, a bit higher than average, some retirees say that the town's pros outweigh its cons when it comes to making the decision to relocate here. The Cape Charles Town Beach, the only free public beach on Virginia's Eastern Shore that doesn't require an entrance or parking fee, is one of the town's major draws. Another is the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge, where a variety of birds can be spotted and peacefulness may be found.
The Historic Palace Theatre in Cape Charles presents a range of live performances year-round. Cape Charles hosts popular autumn small-town events, such as the Fall Mini-Fest and the St. Charles' Catholic Church Oktoberfest, both held each October. The Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock is the closest medical center, about a 40-minute drive from Cape Charles. It is easy to see why Cape Charles, often called a "hidden gem" on Virginia's Eastern Shore, is attractive to retirees.
Williamsburg
Some might think Williamsburg is only about colonial heritage and preservation, but it is also a small town in its own right to which many retirees move. The independent, colonial city of Williamsburg, not part of any county, is just over an hour's drive from Virginia Beach. Its population is a bit under 15,500, and 17% of its residents are over age 65. The median home price in Williamsburg is about 50,000$, somewhat higher than the state average. Keep in mind that those who move here will have to contend with the thousands of tourists the city draws each year, but they are not known to be rambunctious and do not normally cause problems. Williamsburg is also home to William and Mary, the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Seniors over age 60 may take free courses for audit or credit there.
The city's historic areas and downtown areas are easily walkable, and includes historical sites such as the Governor's Palace, and downtown attractions like Merchants Square. You can find specialty stores like Blink and eateries such as Berret's Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill in Merchant's Square. Annual events include Williamsburg's 4th of July celebration, which thrills visitors and residents alike. When in need of medical care, retirees may turn to Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center or Riverside Doctors' Hospital, also in Williamsburg.
Chincoteague
On Chincoteague Island, at the northern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore and two hours from Virginia Beach, is the small town of Chincoteague. With a population of just over 3,300 and 38.4% of its residents over the age of 65, it looks as if many have decided to spend their retirement years in Chincoteague. Median home prices here average $449,000. The natural beauty of Chincoteague draws many retirees to move here. Whether they wish to witness the pony roundups in the summer and early fall, visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, or simply birdwatch on the island, experiencing the great outdoors is the prime attraction of Chincoteague.
The Pony Express Trolley runs in the summer months and takes riders around Chincoteague's waterfront downtown area to souvenir shops such as Island Times and gift shops like The Brant. Waterfront dining can be experienced at AJ's on the Creek and at The Pearl. Every Labor Day weekend, the Chincoteague Decoy Carvers and Artists Festival is held in town, drawing many artists from around the world. Chincoteague Island Community Health Center provides primary care and imaging services to town residents and visitors. The nearest main hospital is Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, about 40 minutes away.
Colonial Heights
Lying two hours northwest of Virginia Beach is the independent city of Colonial Heights, with a population of just over 18,000, with 18% of that population over the age of 65. Median home prices here are a reasonable $302,300. Colonial Heights is a suburb of Richmond, with its larger city amenities just a half hour away. Washington, DC, is only 120 miles away. Retirees who appreciate history, natural beauty, and community yet want to be close to the big city may wish to move to Colonial Heights.
Colonial Heights' nine parks contain over 75 acres of parkland. Many historical attractions, such as Violet Bank, Fort Clifton, and Old Brick House, may be explored in Colonial Heights. Southpark Mall, serving Colonial Heights, Petersburg, and Hopewell, provides 85 specialty shops (such as A.V. Brothers Jewelry) and four department stores (such as JC Penney) for shoppers to enjoy. Each May, the Fort Clifton Festival attracts artists, craftspersons, and vendors, along with visitors and residents. Bon Secours-Colonial Heights Emergency Care is in Colonial Heights for urgent medical needs. Bon Secours-Southside Medical Center in Petersburg is just a 15-minute drive away for other medical needs.
Ashland
Found In Hanover County, 15 miles north of Richmond, the town of Ashland has a population of just over 7,500, with 17.5% of them over age 65. Median home prices here are close to the state average, at $487,480. Locals call Ashland the "center of the universe," as it is less than two hours from Washington, DC, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, and Norfolk. It is also home to Randolph-Macon College, where seniors may qualify for grants to take classes if desired.
Ashland's downtown area features unique shops such as Caravati's Architectural Salvage, eateries like Andy's Restaurant and Lounge, and historical attractions such as the Secretariat Racing Into History statue. Annual events in Ashland include Ashland Train Day in April, the Ashland Strawberry Faire in June, and Lithia Artisans Market, held each weekend from March through October. Top-notch medical care can be found in Richmond, just 15 miles away, at places like VCU Medical Center and Parham Doctors' Hospital.
Emporia
An hour and forty minutes due west of Virginia Beach lies the independent city of Emporia, on the banks of the Meherrin River in southern Virginia, just north of the North Carolina line. Richmond is just 65 miles to the north, and Raleigh, NC, is 95 miles to the southwest. Emporia's population is just over 5,700, with 18.4% of residents over age 65. Low median home prices of $212,000, along with easy access to nature and excellent small-town amenities, attract many retirees to relocate to Emporia.
Emporia is known for its proximity to waterways, including the Meherrin River and Emporia Reservoir, which offer excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The arts and culture are valued here, as exemplified by the Meherrin River Arts Council and Emporia's Arts in Public Places program. Annual town events include the Virginia Peanut Festival each September and the Cinco de Mayo Taco Rita Festival each May. Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center in Emporia is suitable for most retirees' medical needs.
Bon Air
Two hours northwest of Virginia Beach in Chesterfield County is the small Victorian village of Bon Air, with a population of just over 18,000, 18.7% of whom are over the age of 65. Bon Air is a suburb of Richmond, which is nine miles away, meaning that larger-city amenities are nearby. Median home prices in Bon Air are average for the state, at $425,000. The town was originally a getaway for the upper class from Richmond, which accounts for its beautiful Victorian homes, many of which are still standing. Each May, Bon Air holds a Victorian Day Festival and Parade to honor its history.
For a small town, Bon Air has its share of diverse offerings. Bon Air Seafood and Good Foods Grocery are popular and quaint downtown shops. Dining options like Joe's Inn and Perk! Coffee and Lunchbox also cater to both visitors and townsfolk. Annual events in Bon Air include the Bon Air Fall Festival in October and the Bon Air Neighborhood Block Party in June. Medical centers near Bon Air include Johnston-Willis Hospital and Chippenham Hospital, both in Richmond. Its strong sense of community, combined with its rich Victorian history, draws many retirees to move to Bon Air.
Ideal Retirement Destinations Near Virginia Beach
Retirement bliss may be discovered in any of these eight towns that are just two hours from Virginia Beach. Whether you want to experience the enduring history of Williamsburg or the beach life found in Cape Charles, these towns all offer varied benefits to those looking to retire here. Settling in any of these towns may provide retirees with peace, harmony, and happiness.
