With the current Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial going on in Fairfax, the state of Virginia is getting a ton of attention right now. But there are plenty of reasons to live in Virginia other than the legal battle of the century.
Virginia is for lovers. Lovers of nature, nightlife, history, the arts, food – the list goes on and on. It’s no wonder so many people move to the southeastern state.
In 2021, family and lifestyle were the most common reasons why people moved to Virginia.
Take a look at Roanoke houses for rent or Richmond apartments to settle into if you’re considering a move to the Old Dominion. And keep reading for 10 of the best reasons to live in VA!
Top 10 Reasons to Live in Virginia
1. Education is top notch.
Virginia is the 6th most educated state in the United States according to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Nearly 40% of its population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
George Mason University is the largest public research university in the state, having over 39,000 students. Other noted schools are Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth, and the University of Virginia.
For secondary and primary education, school districts in Falls Church, Arlington, West Point, and Yorktown rank high.
2. It’s city and country rolled into one.
If you like the fast-paced city life, you’ll find plenty of it in cities like Richmond and Charlottesville. Both places offer flourishing art and culture scenes and city amenities.
But if nature is more your style, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the coast of the Atlantic and Appalachian Mountains that make up Virginia’s landscape, as well as pockets of open countryside.
3. You can experience all four seasons.
Virginia residents get to see all four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters plunge into cold and dry weather. And certain areas of the state will see snowfall when the temperatures dip. You’ll also experience chilly spring mornings of sunshine.
Perhaps best, though, is Autumn. In Virginia, leaves turn gorgeous colors in the Fall.
Related Read: Autumn Love: 23 Cozy and Romantic Date Ideas for Fall
4. History buffs will love it.
Virginia is one of the original 13 colonies, so its history runs deep.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery, Historic Williamsburg, or Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home. Four of the first five presidents were born and raised in the state, which also played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.
5. The job market is strong.
Unemployment in the state is below the national average at 3.8 percent.
Leading industries include farming, military, healthcare, and business.
6. There is quality healthcare.
There are 89 hospitals throughout the state, and a ratio of 127 primary care doctors per 10,000 residents.
Inova Fairfax and the University of Virginia Medical Center are highly rated.
7. You can’t miss out on Busch Gardens.
This 422-acre amusement park in Williamsburg is open-year round, filled with thrill and water rides as well as special events like the Food and Wine Festival or Howl-O-Scream.
8. Nature is stunning, and varied.
Virginia Beach is the most popular in the state, and only skims the surface of the stunning sandy spots you’ll find along the Atlantic Ocean.
Virginia has eight mountain ranges and is home to one-fourth of the Appalachian Trail. It also has the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
9. The food is fantastic.
As a southern state Virginia serves up things like country ham, fried chicken, and barbecue. It also has fresh-caught seafood available in its coastal regions, while the country offers an abundance of apple orchards.
10. It’s a great place to retire.
Blacksburg has been named a top place to retire by Forbes because of its low crime rate and affordable housing.
Conclusion
As you can see, anyone considering a move to Virginia has plenty of reasons for finding it a perfect fit. I’ll be taking a trip of my own to the state this summer and I’m most definitely looking forward to that!
Let me know your thoughts on living in Virginia in the comments below!
4 Comments
I live in Virginia but, being from a tiny rural town, I did not know that the state was so well-rounded educationally. I agree completely that the seasons are utterly wonderful, and I love the historical elements I find throughout the country too. 🙂
That’s so great to hear! I’m glad you could relate to this one.
Do you live in Virginia? I live in VA in the DC metro area.
I don’t actually! But I find it interesting to look at the perks of living in different places.