Virginia
South · Capital: Richmond · Colonial history, federal jobs, and Blue Ridge beauty.
Population
8.7M
Median Home
$380K
Median Rent
$1,550/mo
Avg Salary
$68,000
Income Tax
5.75%
Cost of Living
Why people move to Virginia
Virginia blends colonial history with a modern, high-income economy anchored by proximity to Washington, D.C. — Northern Virginia is a data-center and defense-contracting powerhouse, home to a huge share of the world's internet infrastructure. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, its geography is as varied as its economy.
Northern Virginia carries a high cost of living, but the rest of the state — Richmond, the Shenandoah Valley, Hampton Roads — is far more affordable. Strong schools, plentiful government and tech jobs, and a mild climate make it a consistent favorite for families and professionals.
Region
South
Capital
Richmond
Homeownership
67%
Unemployment
3%
Top cities
Virginia Beach
Population 455K
The state's largest city, with beaches and naval bases.
Richmond
Population 230K
Historic capital with a thriving food and arts scene.
Arlington
Population 238K
Dense D.C. suburb and tech-employer magnet.
Norfolk
Population 235K
Home to the world's largest naval base.
Chesapeake
Population 250K
Fast-growing suburban city in Hampton Roads.
Alexandria
Population 159K
Historic riverfront city just outside D.C.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). Virginia's overall cost index is 102 — a high cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$380K
Median Rent
$1,550/mo
Property Tax
0.82%
Homeowners
67%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | High cost | $1,950/mo |
| Richmond | Moderate cost | $1,550/mo |
| Arlington | Very High cost | $2,475/mo |
| Norfolk | Moderate cost | $1,550/mo |
| Chesapeake | Moderate cost | $1,550/mo |
About 67% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 0.82% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in Virginia
Explore Virginia vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- Amazon
- Northrop Grumman
- Huntington Ingalls
- Capital One
Unemployment
3%
Remote-friendly
High
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
Virginia public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Virginia Beach area schools, Richmond area schools, Arlington area schools.
Universities & colleges
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Tech
- College of William & Mary
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- VCU Medical Center
- UVA Health University Hospital
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Virginia Beach. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
42/100
Transit
The D.C. Metro serves Northern Virginia; Amtrak and buses connect other cities, but much is car-dependent.
I-75, I-85, and I-10 link fast-growing metros across the region. Average one-way commute is about 31 minutes; walkability scores near 42/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Arlington
Reagan National, near D.C.
Dulles
United Airlines hub
Weather & natural disaster risk
Humid subtropical with hot summers, mild winters, and cooler mountain highlands.
Taxes
State income tax
5.75%
State sales tax
5.3%
Property tax
0.82%
State income tax: 5.75%. Statewide sales tax is 5.3% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 0.82% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
30 days to register, 60 days for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Required (some counties)
Typical license fee
$55–$110
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$100
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Vibrant
Best for founders
Yes
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $100. Startup resources include the Richmond Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at University of Virginia.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Virginia Beach and Richmond. Rates track the state's high cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
A giant boardwalk celebration marking the end of summer.
Richmond Folk Festival
One of the largest free folk festivals in the nation.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
Historically Anglican, now diverse with strong Baptist, Catholic, and growing immigrant faith communities.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Virginia Beach and Richmond are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Northern Virginia is highly diverse, with major Vietnamese, Korean, Salvadoran, and Indian communities.
The honest take on Virginia
Pros
- Strong job market in tech and government
- Diverse geography from beach to mountains
- Excellent schools and universities
Cons
- High cost of living in Northern Virginia
- D.C.-area traffic congestion
- Uneven prosperity across regions
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