9 Reasons to Move to Virginia Right Now
From its gorgeous geographic landscapes to its full four seasons, Old Dominion is an undeniably beautiful place to call home. But beyond its natural beauty, there are numerous reasons to move to Virginia. Here are nine to consider:
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1. You have access to higher education.
No matter which part of Virginia you are looking to move to, chances are there’s a reputable college or university nearby. Examples include Virginia Tech, The University of Virginia, George Mason University and William & Mary, just to name a few. These institutions offer a wide range of courses and fields of study, empowering students to pursue whatever career they desire. With such a great selection of schools to choose from, adults looking to further their education or students just starting on their postsecondary journey have just what they need to succeed.
2. There are plenty of jobs available.
It’s true. One of the many reasons people move to Virginia is because it offers great jobs. Many industries are well-represented here, from technology to education, military, health care, logistics and more.
“Virginia has a really nice mixture of agriculture and manufacturing, especially in the western part of the state,” says Matt Clarke, CEO of Clarke Precision Machine, a machine shop in Wytheville. “Manufacturing is the key industry providing jobs, so we have companies like Hitachi, Gatorade, Pepsi and Mitsubishi. There are always jobs.”
Other major employers throughout the state include Dollar Tree, Hilton, Wells Fargo and Lockheed Martin.
3. You’ll love the arts and music scenes.
No matter where you move in Virginia, finding quality arts and entertainment is easy. Off the coast, there’s the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, best known for its annual Boardwalk Art Show. In Richmond, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts adds to the state’s creative offerings. And as far as theaters, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts in Harrisonburg stands out, as does Buchanan County’s Community Arts Mainstage (CAM).
“CAM has become a staple in our community for both youth and adults,” says Jessica Savage, a Buchanan County resident.
4. The outdoor options are amazing.
There are fun things to do outside all year throughout the state. Thanks to the many national and state parks, trails and greenways in Virginia, hiking and biking opportunities abound for residents. Shenandoah National Park, First Landing State Park and New River Trail State Park are just a few places you need to add to your list. Watersports, like canoeing, tubing and kayaking, are also big here, and Smith Mountain Lake in the Roanoke Region is a great place to start.
“I live in rural Southwest Virginia, and the mountains and outdoor landscape make this place that I call home so wonderful,” Savage says. “Breaks Interstate Park and the Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure center connect to the Coal Canyon Trail System, which is so great.”
5. It’s easy to find your perfect setting.
From urban to suburban to rural, you are sure to find a community that feels just right when you move to Virginia. Northern Virginia, closer to Washington, D.C., tends to skew more urban, while other parts of the state, like Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville, offer a more suburban, college-town-like atmosphere. If rural is more your speed, the Shenandoah Valley or the mountains in the Southwest or Eastern Shore regions offer tranquil escapes from the hustle and bustle.
6. There’s an abundance of diverse food.
Sure, there’s a good amount of Southern comfort food in Virginia, which many people love. But you’ll find a smattering of other flavors, as well, from Vietnamese Pho at Pho 85 or Pho Towda in Northern Virginia to seafood shacks like The Oyster Farm at Kings Creek in Cape Charles.
“We also have the best barbecue restaurant in Virginia right here off of Highway 81 called High Plains Barbecue,” Clarke says. “You don’t have to be in Tennessee to get some of the best barbecue in the country.”
7. It’s family friendly.
Many families move to Virginia for its laid-back, quieter communities, but no matter where you choose to live, there’s no denying how easy it is to find activities the whole family can enjoy. Outdoor adventures are a must, whether it’s exploring the caves at Luray Caverns in Luray or looking at wildlife at Virginia Safari Park in Natural Bridge. Other family-friendly attractions include Dinosaur Land in White Post, Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly.
8. It’s easy to get involved.
Virginians are incredibly welcoming, and communities embrace newcomers. Plus, it’s easy to get involved, whether through nonprofits, young professional groups, city offices or community organizations.
“I moved to Virginia from a larger city in North Carolina about 25 years ago, and I found the community to be very welcoming, especially if you want to get involved,” Clarke says. “I’ve served on many boards throughout those years, and it’s been very rewarding.”
9. It’s affordable.
Your dollar goes a lot further when you move to Virginia, especially in the more suburban and rural areas. With lower housing and living expenses, residents can enjoy more quality-of-life amenities and opportunities for recreational enjoyment.
“Our taxes are some of the lowest in the country on property,” Clarke says. “When I show people from out of town the houses they can afford to have here versus in other states, they’re always amazed.”
This article is sponsored by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.