Best Affordable Places to Live in Virginia in 2025

On this page:

    By Jason Steele

    (Last Updated – 03/2025)

    Virginia offers a little bit of everything: beaches, mountains, peaceful farmland, historic sites, and so much more. It’s a good option for those looking for an affordable place to live, whether they want a home in the city or the countryside.

    Virginia can be a wonderful place to build a life for young adults, families, and retirees alike. Here are the best places to live in Virginia for different incomes, ages, and stages.

    Best Places to Live in Virginia

    When comparing the cost of living by state, Virginia ranks 32nd out of 50. While the state as a whole is not inexpensive, there are bargains to be had.

    Virginia has a number of popular and affordable towns and cities. If you’re trying to get the most for your money, consider locations like Big Stone Gap or Covington. Those who prefer city life may want to check out Richmond, which offers plenty of culture and entertainment at an accessible price point. Families searching for a quieter lifestyle might be drawn to a town like Culpeper with its relaxed pace of life.

    As you consider the best places in Virginia to live, here are some options to explore.

    💡 Quick Tip: With SoFi, it takes just minutes to view your rate for a home loan online.

    Best Affordable Places to Live in Virginia

    While busy cities like Alexandria and Virginia Beach get all the attention, smaller, lesser-known towns, such as the ones below, tend to be the most affordable to live in.

    1. Big Stone Gap

    Big Stone Gap, Virginia

    Photo credit: Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0

    Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and located near Kentucky and Tennessee, Big Stone Gap offers those who love to be outdoor an endless variety of things to do, including fishing, mountain biking, and hiking in the nearby national forests. A former coal mining town, Big Stone Gap has a quaint main street with restaurants and shops. If it appeals to you, you might get started with the mortgage preapproval process so that you’ll be well-positioned when you find a house you like.

    Population: 5,114

    Median Household Income: $51,059

    Cost of Living Ratio: 81% of the U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $2,950

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.50

    Recommended: Tips to Qualify for a Mortgage

    2. Bluefield

    Bluefield, Virginia

    Photo credit: iStock/Wirestock

    Bluefield is a small town located on the border of West Virginia. It’s known as “Virginia’s Tallest Town,” and claims to be the highest town east of Denver, Colorado. It’s a quiet place — there aren’t a lot of restaurants or stores here. However, Bluefield is affordable and offers the benefits of small-town living, such as knowing your neighbors. And when you need your city fix, Roanoke is less than two hours away.

    Population: 9,272

    Median Household Income: $43,826

    Cost of Living Ratio: 88% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $900

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.88

    3. Pulaski

    Pulaski, Virginia

    Photo credit: Flickr/Kipp Teague , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0

    If you’re a baseball fan, Pulaski could be the home run you’ve been looking for. Historic Calfee Park, the ninth oldest professional in-use Minor League Baseball park in the U.S., is now home to the Pulaski River Turtles, a summer collegiate baseball league. When you’re not at a game, you can hike or fish in one of the many nearby state parks.

    Population: 8,858

    Median Household Income: $50,409

    Cost of Living Ratio: 80% of the U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $850

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.07

    💡 Quick Tip: If you refinance your mortgage and shorten your loan term, you could save a substantial amount in interest over the lifetime of the loan.

    Best Places to Live in Virginia for Families

    Parks, cultural and entertainment activities, affordability — Virginia has a lot to offer parents and kids. Here are five of the best places to live in Virginia for families.

    1. Culpeper

    Culpeper, Virginia

    Photo credit: Flickr/Doug Kerr , Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0

    Culpeper is located just 70 miles from Washington, D.C., but it feels like a world away. The town has a long history, and in fact, it changed hands 78 times during the American Civil War. Today, Culpeper offers families a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants and plenty of outdoor spaces and parks for kids to run around. Residents also appreciate the area’s good schools. If you think Culpeper is right for you, you might look into first-time homebuyer programs in Virginia to help make a down payment more affordable.

    Population: 21,012

    Median Household Income: $91,429

    Cost of Living Ratio: 94% of the U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,695

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.61

    Recommended: Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval

    2. Harrisonburg

    Harrisonburg, Virginia

    Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Famartin , Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

    This medium-sized city offers families plenty to do, including cultural events, museums, sports, and restaurants. It’s in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, which means residents are surrounded by mountains, and there are miles of trails for walking, biking, and hiking. James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, which gives parents access to college students for babysitters and tutors.

    Population: 51,082

    Median Household Income: $59,752

    Cost of Living Ratio: 84.5% of the U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,050

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.33

    3. Virginia Beach

    Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Photo credit: iStock/Davel5957

    The most populous city in the state, Virginia Beach offers good schools, plenty of job opportunities, and endless entertainment to keep your kids — and you! — busy. There’s the beach, the boardwalk, state parks, museums, and an aquarium. Your family can hike, bike, kayak, and even paddleboard for fun. Ready to make a move? Check out a home loan help center to understand your mortgage options.

    Population: 453,649

    Median Household Income: $90,685

    Cost of Living Ratio: 112% of the U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $2,100

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.44

    Best Places to Live in Virginia for Young Adults

    Young adults looking for a place to live with an active social scene and plentiful job opportunities will likely want to stick closer to Virginia’s cities. However, in some cities, it may be more affordable to rent than buy. Just keep in mind that smaller cities can offer opportunities to save on housing costs.

    These are some of the best places to live in Virginia for young adults.

    1. Virginia Beach

    Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

    Virginia Beach has a lot to offer young adults. The beach is a large draw, and the area also has good employment opportunities, a vibrant nightlife, lots of restaurants and shops, plus concerts and other activities. The cost of living in Virginia in this town is a bit below the national average, meaning it could be an affordable option.

    Population: 453,649

    Median Household Income: $90,685

    Cost of Living Ratio: 112% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $2,100

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.44

    2. Roanoke

    Roanoke, Virginia

    Photo credit: iStock/SeanPavonePhoto

    With nearly 100,000 residents, Roanoke is a medium-sized city in the southwestern part of the state. It’s in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so there are plenty of outdoor activities for young adults, like hiking, biking, and camping. There is also a large local brewery scene in Roanoke, along with plenty of restaurants and bars, so young adults can enjoy an active social life here. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may find programs to assist you with purchasing in Roanoke.

    Population: 97,171

    Median Household Income: $52,671

    Cost of Living Ratio: 92% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,300

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.93

    3. Richmond

    Richmond, Virginia

    Photo credit: iStock/traveler1116

    A vibrant college town (Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond are both located here) Virginia’s capital draws many young adults. There are plentiful employment opportunities, along with trendy restaurants and bars, shops, museums, and festivals. Whitewater rapids run through downtown Richmond, and it’s the only city in the country that can claim this distinction.

    Population: 229,247

    Median Household Income: $62,671

    Cost of Living Ratio: 101% of the U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,595

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.60

    Best Places to Live in Virginia for Retirees

    Retirees will find a lot to like in Virginia. There are many affordable towns and cities to choose from, glorious scenery, and outdoor and indoor activities that offer a chance to meet others.

    1. Danville

    Danville, Virginia

    Photo credit: Flickr/Joseph , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0

    On the border of North Carolina, Danville, with its rolling countryside and a river that runs through it, has the qualities of a small town and the amenities of a city. Cultural attractions include a fine arts museum, a theater company, and a symphony orchestra. Many retirees live here because of the relaxed and affordable lifestyle.

    Population: 41,837

    Median Household Income: $42,778

    Cost of Living Ratio: 80% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,200

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.36

    2. Martinsville

    Martinsville, Virginia

    Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Sleddog116 , Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

    Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, retirees can live an active life here, with hiking, boating, and biking. There are also museums and other cultural attractions for them to enjoy in town. For those times they want to go to the city, Roanoke is about 50 miles away.

    Population: 13,763

    Median Household Income: $42,434

    Cost of Living Ratio: 67.6% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $875

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.08

    3. Staunton

    Staunton, Virginia

    Photo credit: iStock/Jon Bilous

    Retirees who choose to live in Staunton can enjoy all that Charlottesville has to offer (The city is just 40 minutes away) without paying Charlottesville prices. Staunton itself is known for being friendly. The town has museums, parks, shops, and restaurants, so there’s plenty to do close to home. Retirees on a fixed income may want to explore the different types of mortgage loans to learn their options.

    Population: 25,915

    Median Household Income: $62,586

    Cost of Living Ratio: 90% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,483

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.59

    Best Places to Live in Virginia Near the Beach

    Virginia has over 7,000 miles of shoreline, including near the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and tidewater rivers. Always dreamed of living by the water? These are some of the best places to live in Virginia near the beach.

    1. Hampton

    Hampton, Virginia

    Photo credit: iStock/littleny

    Hampton has 26 miles of shoreline along the coast of the Chesapeake, including four public beaches. The waterfront city also has historic attractions, museums, restaurants, and shops. It’s conveniently located near a number of other cities, including Newport News.

    Population: 137,098

    Median Household Income: $67,758

    Cost of Living Ratio: 91% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,650

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.89

    2. Virginia Beach

    Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Photo credit: iStock/Kyle Little

    Located where the Chesapeake meets the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is a fun, family-friendly beach city, with three miles of boardwalk. The city is filled with restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and an aquarium.

    Population: 453,649

    Median Household Income: $90,685

    Cost of Living Ratio: 112% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $2,100

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.44

    3. Norfolk

    Norfolk, Virginia

    Photo credit: iStock/halbergman

    Norfolk has over seven miles of public beaches along the Chesapeake Bay. The city has a rich history and is home to the largest naval base in the world. Because of this, you’ll see plenty of naval ships and commercial vessels near the port.

    Population: 230,930

    Median Household Income: $64,017

    Cost of Living Ratio: 102% of U.S. average

    Average Rent Price: $1,600

    Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.58


    The Takeaway

    If you’re thinking about moving to Virginia, there are plenty of great locations to choose from, including the best places in Virginia for families, young adults, and retirees.

    Before you settle down, be sure to investigate such factors as job prospects, entertainment, and commuting time. Fortunately, Virginia offers many affordable towns with plenty to offer for those looking to purchase a home.

    If you’re ready to start the home-buying process in Virginia, you can learn about the different mortgage options available.

    Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

    SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

    View your rate

    Browse Other States

    FAQ

    What is the best city in Virginia 2025?

    The best city in Virginia depends on your preferences. Beach-goers will like Virginia Beach or Norfolk. Richmond offers plenty to do as the capital of the state, plus it has a thriving foodie scene.

    Where is the nicest place to live in Virginia?

    Virginia has many nice places to live. If you’re looking for an urban vibe, you’ll appreciate cities like Richmond and Virginia Beach. If you prefer a smaller town, places like Big Stone Gap offer plenty to do and are quite affordable.

    Is Virginia the most affordable state to live in?

    While Virginia is an affordable place to live, it’s not the most affordable state. Currently, Mississippi has the lowest cost of living of any US state. Virginia is ranked as the 32nd most affordable state to live in.


    SoFi Loan Products
    SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

    SoFi Mortgages
    Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

    *SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

    Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
    Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice. SOHL-Q125-125

    TLS 1.2 Encrypted
    Equal Housing Lender