Best counties to retire to in Virginia

Written by:
February 1, 2021
Rutke421 // Wikimedia Commons

Best counties to retire to in Virginia

Buyers and sellers of real estate alike—when asked what are the three most essential considerations about a property—will nearly always reply "location, location, location." While this answer is sometimes tongue-in-cheek, it is often quite accurate, and this reply perhaps applies to retirees more than any other demographic. Settling down after a lifetime of working and perhaps raising a family calls for the perfect location: a spot where you can enjoy life with as few concerns as possible.

When seniors aged 65 years or older decide on where they want to live out their golden years, they consider very specific factors, such as the cost of living, government services, health care facilities, weather and overall climate, crime rate, outdoor recreational activities, eating establishments, cultural and entertainment opportunities, and more.

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to retire in Virginia using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, healthcare, recreation and weather.

Location is critical as retirees determine where to spend their senior years enjoying favorite activities; however, it’s a very unique decision based on a multitude of preferences and needs. Whether it be bustling downtowns or access to parks, affordable home prices or cultural amenities like museums, retirees seeking to settle in a permanent spot are sure to find a private paradise in any of these counties recommended by Niche because, in the end, there is no place like home—no matter the location.

Read on to discover the best counties to retire to in Virginia.

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Lzgoss // Wikimedia Commons

#15. Bedford County

- Population: 77,908
- Median home value: $200,500 (82% own)
- Median rent: $852 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $61,541
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Alexiskferia // Wikimedia Commons

#14. Northampton County

- Population: 11,957
- Median home value: $164,000 (65% own)
- Median rent: $736 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $43,553
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Greenjettaguy82 // Wikimedia Commons

#13. Westmoreland County

- Population: 17,638
- Median home value: $210,900 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,009 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $54,268
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Pubdog // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Nelson County

- Population: 14,812
- Median home value: $243,800 (74% own)
- Median rent: $698 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $62,446
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Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#11. Henry County

- Population: 51,588
- Median home value: $94,200 (72% own)
- Median rent: $592 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $36,683
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Skye Marthaler // Wikimedia Commons

#10. Bland County

- Population: 6,447
- Median home value: $102,400 (83% own)
- Median rent: $663 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $50,511
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Jquesen2003 // Wikimedia Commons

#9. Patrick County

- Population: 17,859
- Median home value: $116,400 (76% own)
- Median rent: $549 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $40,486
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O. David Redwine // Wikimedia Commons

#8. Middlesex County

- Population: 10,700
- Median home value: $263,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $868 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $51,917
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Skye Marthaler // Wikimedia Commons

#7. Pulaski County

- Population: 34,234
- Median home value: $144,800 (72% own)
- Median rent: $657 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $52,638
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Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#6. Mathews County

- Population: 8,796
- Median home value: $224,800 (87% own)
- Median rent: $953 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $67,009
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Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD // Wikimedia Commons

#5. Roanoke County

- Population: 93,583
- Median home value: $194,800 (74% own)
- Median rent: $949 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $65,467
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Ser_Amantio_di_Nicolao // Wikimedia Commons

#4. Northumberland County

- Population: 12,223
- Median home value: $285,900 (85% own)
- Median rent: $820 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $58,677
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David Broad // Wikimedia Commons

#3. Lancaster County

- Population: 10,804
- Median home value: $237,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $817 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $50,739
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Rutke421 // Wikimedia Commons

#2. Washington County

- Population: 54,406
- Median home value: $141,300 (75% own)
- Median rent: $684 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $46,262
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Mojo Hand // Wikimedia Commons

#1. James City County

- Population: 74,153
- Median home value: $339,600 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,248 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $83,048

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