Virginia
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Moving to Virginia could be the best moving decision you ever make – and we mean it. You’ve probably heard that Virginia is for lovers, and everyone loves Virginia, now it’s time to find out why.

Virginia’s top-quality healthcare system, world-class education, low taxes, and low crime rates makes it one of the best places for families to call home in the United States.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is one of the wealthiest states in America with a stable economy, and a booming job market. Virginia is home to the largest data center market in the country and the second highest concentration of tech workers with an economic output of more than $41 billion.

Virginia houses breathtaking mountains, beautiful beaches, and tons of hiking trails that makes outdoor scenes and experiences absolutely remarkable. If you’d love to live in a state where you’ll enjoy all four seasons in a year, and a lot more, moving to Virginia is perfect for you.

But if you’re yet to decide whether moving to Virginia is right for you or not, we’ve curated all the key facts you need to know about the state before making up your mind about moving.

Demographics

Virginia Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Virginia.

Male vs Female Population of Virginia 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Virginia 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Virginia 2021

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Quick facts to note before moving to Virginia

  • The median annual income for Virginia households is $72,577. The U.S. average is $61,937
  • The poverty rate in Virginia is 9.9%. The U.S. average is 10.5%
  • The median home value in Virginia is $296,604
  • The average rental price for a home or apartment in Virginia is $1,250
  • The average hourly rate for hourly jobs in Virginia is $31 per hour
  • The cost of living in Virginia is rated 103.7. U.S. average is 100
  • Property and violent crimes rates in Virginia are lower than the national average

What’s the population of Virginia?

As per 2020 data, Virginia has a population of 8,654,542, which makes it the 12th most populous state in the country. Considering the land area of 42,774.2 sq mi, Virginia’s density is 206.7 sq mi.

How is the weather like in Virginia?

Virginia has a humid and subtropical climate and the state is not too cold and not too hot. While in winter, the average temperature would be around 40 ??? in Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore. In summer, the average day temperature would be 70s F.

In the mountains, the average winter temperature will be 0°F and the average summer daytime temperature will touch 90 ???. Throughout the state, precipitation averages from about 32 to 44 inches. Snowfall averages from a few inches in the southeast to about 30 inches in the mountains.

How fast can you commute in Virginia?

The average one-way commute in Virginia takes 28.2 minutes. That's longer than the US average of 26.4 minutes. About 10.4% of commuters in the state have one-way travel times exceeding one hour. The shortest average commute time in the state is in Blacksburg.

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Top 11 reasons why people are moving to Virginia

Is moving to Virginia right for you or not? Lots of people move to Virginia every year for several reasons. Here we’ve listed the ten reasons why people are moving here

  • Virginia is one of the wealthiest states in the U.S.

    Virginia’s annual GDP is almost equal to Saudi Arabia and it has the highest number of counties and independent cities, fifteen, in the top one-hundred wealthiest jurisdictions in the United States based upon median income.

  • Virginia has a low crime rate

    Virginia’s violent crime rate is the lowest of all states in the South Atlantic region. The state records 2.1 incidents per 1,000 people, which means the crime rate is 43% lower than the national average of 3.7. Virginia holds the second-lowest property crime rate in the South Atlantic region, and the crime rate is further dropping every year.

  • Virginia is close to DC making it suitable for government employees

    The proximity to Washington DC makes it easy for Virginia residents to commute daily to DC. A 95-mile drive from Richmond would take you to DC while many small towns are just 30 miles away from DC. This helps federal and government employees working in DC but residing in Virginia.

  • Virginia has the second highest concentration of tech workers in the U.S.

    About 436, 500 techies call Virginia their home. The state has the second-largest concentration of IT employees in the US, after California. About 10% of the total workforce in Virginia is from the technology industry.

  • Access to top-quality healthcare system

    Virginia ranks 10th in healthcare and is home to some of the best hospitals in the country. This means patient safety, person-centered care, care coordination, effective treatment, healthy living, and care affordability are much higher than in almost every state in the US.

  • Virginia is a great place for retirement

    Retiring in Virginia means beautiful landscapes and reduced taxes. In addition, the crime rate is also dropping every year. The unlimited festivals and high-quality medical care are other reasons that prompt retirees to move to Virginia.

  • Virginians enjoy all four seasons in a year

    Virginia is a four-season state. August days can be - on average - hot and humid, while January days can be cold and dry. The warmth in the air in early Spring, and the chill in the air in the Fall, "feel" different from other seasons. That's the climate pattern.

  • Virginia has a low tax rate

    Virginia is highly tax-friendly. While the social security retirement benefits are not taxed, other types of retirement income, such as pension income and retirement account withdrawals, are deductible up to $12,000 for seniors. Property and sales tax rates are also low.

  • Virginia has a growing economy with a strong job market

    Virginia is one of the wealthiest states and its economy is further growing. And the unemployment rate in the state is lower than the US national average. This proves you have got more chances to grab a job in Virginia than any neighboring state.

  • You can opt for city living or country living in Virginia

    Virginia has got big cities as well as the highly developed countryside. And since the job opportunities are high even in the countryside, you can pick a small town as your new home.

  • Easy access to world-class education

    Virginia ranks 12 in education and the state has got many top-notch schools and colleges.

pros

Pros & Cons of Living in Virginia

Considering the pros and cons of moving to Virginia can help you decide if living in the state is right for you or not. Below are the pros and cons of living in Virginia to help you weigh your options carefully.:

What are the pros and cons of moving to Virginia?

Is moving to Virginia right for you or not? Consider the pros and cons of living in Virginia before making up your mind about moving to the Commonwealth state.

Pros of living in Virginia
  • Virginia has a reputable health care system
  • Education system in Virginia is rated as world-class
  • Virginia has a low crime rate
  • Virginia has a healthy job market
  • Virginia is a politically moderate state
  • Virginia is home to several beaches and mountains
  • Virginia has a thriving economy
  • Virginia has friendly weather making outdoor moments more exciting
  • Virginians are known for being a polite people
Cons of living in Virginia
  • The traffic congestion in Virginia is terrible
  • The cost of living in Virginia is above the national average
  • Virginians are slammed with a fine for swearing
  • Virginia is home to four nuclear power plants
  • Noise pollution from jets, especially if you live in Virginia Beach
  • Homes are expensive in some areas of Virginia such as Blacksburg, Williamsburg, and Lexington etc.
  • If you have a peanut allergy, stay away from Virginia

Best places to live after moving to Virginia

Virginia is home to several cities, states and communities. Since you’re considering moving to Virginia, living in the best places in the state should be your top priority. So, we’ve curated a list of the ten best places to stay in Virginia using data from Home Snacks to help you make the right choice.

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1 Vienna 16,488 3.3% $711,100
2 Falls Church 14,067 3.9% $757,300
3 Bridgewater 5,983 2.9% $219,100
4 Purcellville 9,709 4.5% $454,000
5 Leesburg 52,125 2.7% $413,400
6 Poquoson 12,039 5.3% $325,000
7 Lexington 7,110 4.2% $203,600
8 Alexandria 156,505 3.3% $557,000
9 Virginia Beach 450,135 4.9% $274,300
10 Fairfax 23,865 4.0% $533,300
 

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How to move to Virginia from anywhere in the United States

Moving to Virginia from anywhere in the United States is pretty easy. All you have to do is request for free moving quotes and you’ll get multiple quotes from professional long-distance moving companies near you.

The long-distance moving companies provide stress-free moving services and you have the freedom to opt for whatever company you want. You can also calculate your moving cost using this free Moving Cost Calculator to help you plan your moving budget.

The best part is all the moving companies have been carefully prescreened to ensure they provide the highest quality of service in the industry. Also, all the movers have the right insurance policies and are registered with the FMCSA as required by law and assigned with a USDOT number.

Virginia Cities Moving Guides

What’s the cost of living in Virginia?

The cost of living in Virginia is 103.7. Based on a national average of 100, the cost of living in Virginia is slightly higher than the United States average.

What’s the average home rental cost in Virginia?

The average rental cost for a home or apartment in Virginia is $1,250. The U.S. average is $1,470. Only 2% of apartments and homes in Virginia are open to rent. If you’re considering renting a home after moving to Virginia, you’ll enjoy your stay in the state. About 39.8% of the state’s population are renters.

Here’s a simple breakdown of Virginia’s rental cost:

  • Average cost of a Virginia Studio Apartment is $982. The U.S. average is $821
  • Average cost of a Virginia 1 Bedroom is $1,030. The U.S. average is $930
  • Average cost of a Virginia 2 Bedroom is $1,209. The U.S. average is $1,148
  • Average cost of a Virginia 3 Bedroom is $1,614. The U.S. average is $1,537
  • Average cost of a Virginia 4 Bedroom is $1,968. The U.S. average is $1791

What’s the median home value in Virginia?

The median home value in Virginia $296,604. About 70.2 percent of Virginians are homeowners, this means homes are highly affordable in the state.

If you’re considering buying a home before or after moving to Virginia, experts predict that the state’s home values will rise by 6.7% next year. Over the past year, home values in the state have increased by 4.8%.

Median House Price in Virginia vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Virginia vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Virginia vs USA 2021

Virginia Job Market

What are the Top industries in Virginia

Famous for being the internet capital of the world, Virginia is home to some of the leading industries in the country. Here’s a list of the leading industries in Virginia:

  • Corporate Services
  • Food & Beverage Processing
  • Information Technology
  • Life Sciences
  • Manufacturing
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Unmanned Systems

What are the top career options in Virginia?

If you’re considering getting a new job or starting a new career after moving to Virginia. You may be interested in the top career options in the state. Here we’ve made a list of the fastest growing jobs in Virginia to give you a head start:

Rank Job Title Growth % Average Wage Jobs in 2024
1 Occupational Therapy Assistant 152.5% $62,890 1,220
2 Physical Therapy Aide 147.8% $24,950 1,670
3 Home Health Aid 145.9% $22,640 14,490
4 Nurse Practitioner 143.5% $101,060 5,050
5 Physical Therapist Assistant 142.6% $54,990 2,980
6 Physician Assistant 140.1% $94,810 2,900
7 Interpreter And Translator 139.9% $74,130 3,330
8 Statistician 137.9% $81,780 1,310
9 Physical Therapist 135.8% $90,360 6,670
10 Operations Analyst 135.1% $106,490 7,510

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What’s Virginia’s median salary?

How much will you most likely earn for paid jobs if you move to Virginia? Your potential median income in Virginia depends on several things including your profession, employee, and the industry etc. We’ve curated a list of the average income in Virginia regardless of the profession or industry:

  • The average median salary in Virginia per year is $64,607
  • The average monthly salary in Virginia is $5,383
  • The average weekly salary in Virginia is $1,242
  • The average hourly rate for hourly jobs in Virginia is $31 per hour

What’s the unemployment rate in Virginia?

Since you’re considering moving to Virginia, odds are that you may be considering a new job after relocating. Your chances of getting a job in Virginia most likely depends on the unemployment rate in the state. Below is a simple breakdown of Virginia’s job market compared to the rest of the United States:

  • The average income per capita in Virginia is $36,268. The U.S. average is $31,177
  • The average household income in Virginia is $68,766. The U.S. average is $57,652
  • The unemployment rate in Virginia is 2.90%. The U.S. average is 3.70%
  • Recent job growth in Virginia is 1.74%. The U.S. average is 1.59%.
  • Future job growth in Virginia is 34.88%. The U.S. average is 33.51%

Top Employers in Virginia 2020

If you’re considering getting a new job after moving to Virginia, odds are that you might be hired by one of the leading employers in the state. Here’s a list of the top ten employers in Virginia, their locations and size of their workforce.:

Rank Company City Employees
1 US Army Alexandria 500,000
2 Dollar Tree Chesapeake 176,100
3 Hilton Worldwide Holdings McLean 169,000
4 DXC Technology McLean 130,000
5 General Dynamics Falls Church 98,800
6 Northrop Grumman Falls Church 85,000
7 Brink’s Richmond 62,150
8 Bechtel Reston 52,700
9 Smithfield Foods Smithfield 50,200
10 Capital One McLean 49,301

What’s the average commute time in Virginia?

It takes 28.2 minutes to complete the average one-way commute time in Virginia. The national average for the same commuting time is 26.4 minutes. This is one of the key things you’ll have to consider before making up your mind about moving to Virginia.

Here’s a simple stat about how people commute to work in Virginia:

  • 77.3% of Virginians drive their own car alone
  • 9.3% of Virginians carpool with others
  • 4.8% of Virginians work from home
  • 4.4% of Virginians take mass transit

Number of Households by Income Level in Virginia

Median Income in Virginia vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Virginia vs USA

Taxes in Virginia

How much will you pay in taxes in Virginia?

Taxes in Virginia aren’t rated among the highest in the entire United States. However, depending on where you’re moving from, you may end up paying a higher or lower amount in taxes by moving to Virginia. The good news is that most taxes in Virginia are lower than the national average.

Since you’re considering moving to Virginia, we’ve collated relevant information about key taxes in the state to help you make a fair comparison.

  • Virginia’s income tax is 2% - 5.75%
  • Sales tax in Virginia is 5.35 – 7%
  • Gas tax in Virginia is 21.95 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
  • Virginia gas tax is 26.02 cents per gallon of diesel

What is Virginia most known for?

Virginia is known for so many reasons. While it’s impossible to list all of them, we’ve made a list of the ones the state is most known for. Since you’re considering moving to Virginia, here are the things the state is most known for:

  • Virginia is known as the state for lovers

    The iconic slogan ‘Virginia is for Lovers’ was launched to promote tourism and has now become a daily jargon among Americans. The concept was to make the world know that Virginia has got everything you love. Mountain lovers, history lovers, beach lovers, and music lovers have got something in store in Virginia.

  • Virginia is known as the birthplace of a nation

    Since Virginia was the site of the first permanent English settlement, the state is known as “the birthplace of a nation.” West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and, even a part of Minnesota were all a part of the original Virginia territory.

  • Virginia is known for its tobacco production

    Since the introduction of tobacco in 1619, Virginia has been one of the largest cultivators of tobacco and the state produces 28 percent of the flue-cured tobacco grown in the United States. Approximately 40 percent of that grown in Virginia is exported as a non-manufactured leaf. About 8 percent of all dark fire-cured tobacco is produced in the state.

  • Virginia is known for being George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon

    The former plantation of George Washington, Mount Vernon on the banks of the Potomac River is an American landmark. The mansion was the residence of the first president till his death. Mount Vernon is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Virginia is known as the mother of presidents

    Virginia is nicknamed as ‘Mother of presidents’ as 8 US presidents, including the first 5 were born here.

    The presidents born in Virginia are:

    • George Washington
    • Thomas Jefferson
    • James Madison
    • James Monroe
    • William Henry Harrison
    • John Tyler
    • Zachary Taylor
    • Woodrow Wilson
  • About half of the civil war was fought in Virginia

    The American Civil War (1861-1865) began after Virginia and ten other states in the southern United States seceded from the Union and about half of the battles were fought in Virginia.

  • The first Thanksgiving was in Virginia

    The first recorded Thanksgiving occurred in Virginia after King James gifted 8,000-acres of land to Virginia Company in 1619 when it sailed the Good Ship Margaret with 35 settlers. The land is the current site of Berkeley Plantation.

  • Virginia is known for being the home of the Blue Ridge Mountains

    The Blue Ridge Mountains form a part of the Appalachian Mountains range and are noted for having a bluish color when seen from a distance. With 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, 300 miles of hiking trails, and 100 miles of trout streams, Blue Ridge is a perfect scenic paradise for a holiday.

  • U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet home base is in Virginia

    Naval Station Norfolk is a major base for the US Atlantic Command, US Atlantic Fleet, and other fleet forces, operating in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian Ocean. The naval station is also the headquarters for the Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic, Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic, Commander Submarine Force Atlantic and Commanding General, and Fleet Marine Force Atlantic.

  • Virginia is known as the internet capital of the world

    Loudoun County in Virginia is nicknamed the internet capital of the world as more than 70%i of the world’s internet traffic funnels through data centers here.

  • Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, the largest in the world is in Virginia

    The 17.6-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connecting the Virginia mainland at Virginia Beach near Norfolk with Virginia's Eastern Shore is one of the seven man-made wonders of the world.

  • The only Oyster museum in the world is in Virginia

    The Museum of Chincoteague Island focuses on the historic role of islanders as watermen, lightkeepers, and shipwreck rescuers. The museum also exhibits the island's oyster industry, its maritime history, and the wild ponies of neighboring Assateague Island.

  • The Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia

    The 199,173-acre Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. It encompasses a part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and about 40% of the park is a protected wild area.

  • Arlington National Cemetery – military cemetery in Virginia

    The military cemetery in Arlington County across the Potomac River has the graveyards of soldiers who fought for the country starting from the Civil War. The 639-acre Arlington National Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Virginia.

Best Schools & Universities in Virginia

Virginia is home to some of the top-rated colleges and universities across the country. Since you’re considering moving to Virginia, here’s a list of the best schools, colleges and universities in the state.

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