10 Best Cities to Retire in Virginia in 2026

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Virginia is for lovers and retiring there means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes.

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Nestled along the East Coast of the United States, the Old Dominion State boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from the rolling hills of the Piedmont to the picturesque beaches of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and temperate climate, Virginia provides retirees with a welcoming and enriching environment to enjoy their golden years.

Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of cities like Richmond and Williamsburg, the tranquil beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or the coastal allure of towns like Virginia Beach, the state offers a myriad of opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and community engagement.

Is Virginia a good place to live for retirees?

Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. But the state does have a slightly higher cost of living than some areas of the country. If you can find a more affordable city with access to amenities, you may be able to enjoy the best of all possible worlds.

Is Virginia tax-friendly for seniors?

Virginia is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security income is not taxed, but other types of retirement income, like private and public pensions and withdrawals from accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are taxed. However, retirees may qualify for a deduction of up to $12,000 on their taxes if they meet the age and income requirements.

Do seniors in Virginia pay property taxes over 65?

Seniors generally pay property taxes in Virginia, but most cities and towns offer property tax relief for retirees over the age of 65. The tax relief will be calculated based on your income and the value of your property, and will vary from municipality to municipality.

What benefits do seniors get in Virginia?

Virginia’s Office of Aging Services offers a number of programs for seniors and retirees, including transportation, legal services, disease prevention and nutrition help, as well as your standard programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Where is the best place to retire in Virginia?

Before you plan your Virginia retirement, take some time to look around at the many options the state has to offer. You can retire to the beach, the suburbs, a small town, or the mountains. If you’re a history buff, the state has plenty to offer there, as well.

Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite Virginia towns to help you start your search.

Falls Church

CITY POPULATION: 14,658

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.7%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 45.2% above the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $693,339

MEDIAN RENT: $2,602

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

This suburb of Washington, D.C. is one of the best places to retire in Virginia for those who like access to shops and restaurants. Anything you can’t find in Falls Church will be available in nearby D.C., which is a short 20-minute drive away.

Williamsburg

COUNTY POPULATION: 15,425

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16.8%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2.1% above the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $426,158

MEDIAN RENT: $2,024

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

History buffs can’t go wrong with Williamsburg, which is one of the oldest cities in the country. But Williamsburg personifies the answer to the question, “is Virginia a good place to live?” You’ll get access to museums, antique shops, and restaurants, as well as a growing over-65 population.

Virginia Beach

CITY POPULATION: 459,470

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 15%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 13.2% above the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $385,290

MEDIAN RENT: $2,079

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

Beach lovers looking for the best cities to live in Virginia will likely gravitate toward Virginia Beach. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, it’s still low when compared to other beachfront communities. You’ll get all the amenities typically found in a touristy area, including plenty of restaurants and shopping.

Abingdon

CITY POPULATION: 8,376

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 23.8%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 11.6% below the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $266,564

MEDIAN RENT: $1,275

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

A bustling 65-plus population makes Abingdon one of the best towns in Virginia for retirees. There are plenty of activities, including both a senior center and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center’s College for Older Adults.

Charlottesville

CITY POPULATION: 46,553

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 12.6%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6.5% below the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $458,393

MEDIAN RENT: $1,950

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

In addition to lower Virginia retirement taxes, Charlottesville also gives you plenty of culture. The charming downtown area includes art museums and a pedestrian mall, and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer all the outdoor recreation you could want.

Blacksburg

CITY POPULATION: 44,826

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 7.9%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3.6% below the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $387,095

MEDIAN RENT: $1,940

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

A growing population puts Blacksburg on the list of Virginia’s best places to live for some. The area is perhaps best known as home to Virginia Tech University, which gives you the amenities typically found in a college town without the chaos of the big city.

Alexandria

CITY POPULATION: 159,467

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13.3%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 45.2% above the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $614,454

MEDIAN RENT: $2,389

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

Another Washington, D.C. suburb, Alexandria is on the list of best places in Virginia for waterfront living. The town combines history with big-city life, bringing buildings from the 1700s together with shopping and dining. Many of the residents work for the federal government, but the 65-plus community is a thriving one, as well.

Roanoke

CITY POPULATION: 100,011

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 17.7%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3% below the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $248,169

MEDIAN RENT: $1,150

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

History and culture make Roanoke a great location for your Virginia state retirement. The large 65-plus population means you’ll have plenty to do, including gatherings at community centers. Four hospitals and plenty of medical offices will help you keep your healthcare options open.

Lexington

CITY POPULATION: 7,320

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 14.6%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 5.9% below the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $313,116

MEDIAN RENT: $1,000

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

Less than an hour from Roanoke is this small town. A low cost of living and quiet lifestyle make this one of the best retirement communities in Virginia. The town is full of historical sights and cultural attractions to ensure you always have something to do.

Winchester

CITY POPULATION: 28,120

SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16.4%

COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 44.7% above the national average

MEDIAN HOME VALUE: 4356,511

MEDIAN RENT: $1,650

TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly

Winchester is one of the best towns to live in Virginia if you prefer to be close to D.C. and the airport. Although the town prides itself on its slower pace, the population is one of the fastest-growing in the area. Special events and cultural attractions will give you plenty to do.

Bottom Line

Is Virginia a good place to retire? That depends on your budget and preferences. But with so much to offer, the state has a little something for everyone. Since each person has different budget requirements, your retirement planning will be different from someone else. Retirable specializes in helping people come up with a plan that will ensure they’re well prepared for their later years.