Is Virginia a good place to retire? Absolutely! Virginia offers an appealing combination of affordability, four-season living, a thriving arts and culture scene, and stunning natural beauty waiting to be explored. And that’s before we even mention its rich historical significance.
From the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Coast, Virginia’s diverse landscape includes bustling cities, charming small towns, scenic mountains, and relaxing beaches. Like most states, active adult communities are concentrated in more populated areas, with top options in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Fredericksburg, and Charlottesville.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Virginia a great place to retire—from its welcoming 55+ communities to its top attractions—so you can decide if the Old Dominion is the perfect place to call home.
The Benefits of Retiring in Virginia
Affordable Living
Virginia strikes an excellent balance between affordability and quality of life. It has a graduated income tax from 2% to 5.75%, according to AARP. The state taxes most retirement income sources, including traditional IRAs, pensions, and 401(k)s. However, Virginia doesn’t tax Social Security income.
Virginia’s average cost of living is about $48,250 a year, according to SoFi, and a good chunk of that goes to housing and utilities. Housing costs are highest in cities like Charlottesville and Richmond. Retirees can choose between less costly rural areas and moderately priced suburban or urban communities.
Scenic Diversity
Virginia offers diverse landscapes, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. Retirees can enjoy hiking trails, beachside relaxation, and long, relaxing drives. Seasonal changes bring colorful fall foliage and mild winters, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round.
Culture & History
Virginia’s rich history shines through its landmarks, museums, and cultural events. As the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents and home to iconic sites like Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello, history fans find endless opportunities for new adventures. Arts and entertainment venues, local festivals, and farmers’ markets round out the offerings nicely.
Retiring in Richmond
Richmond, the state capital, is in east-central Virginia, about two hours south of Washington, D.C. It mixes urban sophistication and small-town charm with style and has quite a few 55+ neighborhoods. With a rich history, thriving art scene, and growing culinary reputation, it’s ideal for busy retirees.
Top Attractions
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Explore extensive collections of art from around the world.
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – A serene spot for gardening enthusiasts.
- Canal Walk – Perfect for strolls along the James River.
- Civil War Battlefields – A must-visit for history buffs.
Richmond 55+ Communities
Settler’s Ridge – Richmond, VA
Low $400ks – High $400ks
Built by Hamlin Homes and Eagle Construction of VA, Settler’s Ridge will have 166 new and resale single-family homes when work is complete. It offers 12 floor plans with two to three bedrooms and bathrooms, first-floor primary suites, and attached garages. There’s also a 4,000-square-foot clubhouse with meeting rooms, a fitness center, a ballroom, and a pool.
The Villas at Archer Springs – Richmond, VA
Mid $500ks – High $500ks
This 55+ community, built by StyleCraft Homes from 2015 to 2018, has 95 resale single-family residences. Located 11 miles from Downtown Richmond, The Villas has a centrally located community park, with more parks and natural space around it. The floor plans range from 1,522 to 2,268 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, two baths, and two-car garages.
CrossRidge – Glen Allen, VA
Mid $500ks – Mid $500ks
This gated active adult community, built by Eagle Construction and completed in 2013, has 746 condo, townhome, duplex, and single-family homes. It’s 15 miles from Richmond and offers resale homes divided into six neighborhoods. Homeowners enjoy features like sunrooms, screened-in porches, and lofts. Also, CrossRidge amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pools, a fitness center, and a broad range of clubs, groups, activities, and classes.
Chickahominy Falls – Glen Allen, VA
Mid $400ks – High $700ks
StyleCraft Homes, Boone Homes, and Cornerstone Homes contributed floor plans to this modern 55+ community six miles from CrossRidge. It has 400 attached and single-family homes and something unique—a fully functioning farm on the grounds. There’s also a fishing pond, a boardwalk, a clubhouse, and an outside pool and patio. Chickahominy Falls homes range from 1,683 to 3,650 square feet, with two bedrooms, two- to two-and-a-half baths, and attached two-car garages.
Greenwich Walk – Moseley, VA
High $300ks – Mid $500ks
Greenwich Walk is approximately 30 miles southwest of Richmond. It offers 350 condo, attached, and single-family homes from StyleCraft Homes, HHHunt, and Ryan Homes. Also, it’s part of the FoxCreek master-planned community, so homeowners can join Fox Creek’s Terrace Swim & Racquet Club. These refined homes range from 1,721 to 2,212 square feet, with features like patios, flex rooms, and open floorplans.
Retiring in Virginia Beach
For retirees who love coastal living, Virginia Beach offers oceanfront views, outdoor activities, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s on the state’s southeast coast, just outside Norfolk and Newport News. This city gets many tourists, but its peaceful residential areas are perfect for retirees.
Top Attractions
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk – A three-mile stretch of oceanfront ideal for walking and biking.
- First Landing State Park – Offers hiking trails, kayaking, and camping opportunities.
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center – A family-friendly attraction for visiting grandchildren.
- Cape Henry Lighthouse – A historical site with stunning coastal views.
Virginia Beach 55+ Communities
The Villages at West Neck – Virginia Beach, VA
Mid $300ks – Low $600ks
The Villages at West Neck has eight subdivisions with 936 condo and single-family homes. There are 408 condo units, sized from 1,535 to over 1,900 square feet. Some offer upgrades like balconies and garages. The 528 single-family homes range from 1,640 to 2,539 square feet, with two bedrooms, two baths, and two-car garages. Also, homeowners enjoy a community clubhouse with a resort-style pool, a catering kitchen, and a large event room.
Sommerton – Chesapeake, VA
High $400ks – Mid $500ks
Located 23 miles west of Virginia Beach, Sommerton is an intimate 55+ community with 90 attached residences designed by Stephen Alexander Homes. The floor plans range from 2,200 to 2,800 square feet, with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and two-car garages. Standard features include in-home elevators, high ceilings, and stainless steel kitchen appliances. Although Sommerton doesn’t have a clubhouse, it’s near three golf clubs and close to the Intracoastal Waterway. Also, the Greenbrier Mall is 20 minutes away.
Eagle Pointe at Cahoon Plantation – Chesapeake, VA
Mid $300ks – Low $600ks
Can’t decide if you want to downsize or upsize? Eagle Pointe at Calhoun Plantation offers 501 resale condos, attached homes, and single-family homes. This resort-style 55+ community has an 18-hole golf course plus a country club with two pools. There are also scenic lakes and ponds on the grounds. Designed by Eagle Construction of VA, the floor plans range from 1,602 to 2,994 square feet—ask about features like lofts, gourmet kitchens, nine-foot ceilings, and first-floor master suites.
The Retreat at Greenbrier – Chesapeake, VA
Low $400ks – Low $600ks
Weldenfield of Virginia built this Chesapeake community from 2003 to 2015, with 184 attached and single-family homes. The 12 floor plans range from 1,402 to 2,535 square feet, with two to three bedrooms and two baths. This pristine property has stocked fishing lakes, lighted trails, and community garden plots. Also, its clubhouse has activity rooms, a fitness center, and a heated outdoor pool.
Retiring in Fredericksburg
Drive an hour north from Richmond, and you’ll arrive in Fredericksburg, closer to D.C. Fredericksburg is also a historic city; its charming downtown is overflowing with old-world character and modern amenities. Retirees appreciate its tree-lined streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong sense of community.
Top Attractions
- Old Town Fredericksburg – A charming district with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park – A historical landmark showcasing Civil War battlefields.
- The Potomac River – Great for fishing, boating, and riverside picnics.
- Mary Washington House – A well-preserved piece of colonial history.
Fredericksburg 55+ Communities
Celebrate – Fredericksburg, VA
High $300ks – Mid $600ks
Here’s an aptly named gated 55+ community from Del Webb, with 1,100 new and resale attached and single-family homes. Like other Del Webb communities, Celebrate has resort-style amenities and a full schedule of adult activity clubs and events. Residents spend quality time at the clubhouse, swimming pools, sports courts, and fitness center. There’s also an indoor walking track and an outdoor amphitheater. The floor plans range from 1,399 to 3,338 square feet, with up to five bedrooms and four baths. All the models have garages.
Falls Run – Fredericksburg, VA
Low $300ks – Mid $500ks
Also a Del Webb community, Falls Run has 199 attached and 582 single-family homes completed in 2005. Its impressive clubhouse has meeting rooms, lighted tennis courts, a large swimming pool, and a fitness center. These well-designed homes range from 1,100 to 2,000 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, two baths, and attached garages. Some of the models also have dens and basements.
Virginia Heritage at Lee’s Parke – Fredericksburg, VA
High $400ks – Mid $600ks
Built by Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton, Virginia Heritage at Lee’s Parke is a gated active adult community with 795 resale single-family homes. It’s part of a master-planned community but provides its own 16,000-square-foot clubhouse. Residents enjoy the outdoor pool, tennis, bocce ball, indoor pool, and a fitness center. The floor plans range from 1,366 to 2,816 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, two to four baths, and attached garages.
Regency at Chancellorsville – Fredericksburg, VA
Low $500ks – High $500ks
This gated 55+ community, finished by Tricord Homes in 2019, has 225 single-family homes. Its private clubhouse, the Regency Club, has indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a kitchen, a tavern room, a bar, a putting green, and walking and biking trails. The floor plans range from 1,650 to 2,026 square feet, with two or more bedrooms, first-floor master suites, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages.
Summerlake – Fredericksburg, VA
Mid $300ks – High $300ks
This smaller 55+ community from Lennar and M/I Homes has 161 resale attached and single-family homes on a lovely gated property. The community’s activity hub is the private clubhouse with a heated outdoor pool, kitchen, and activity rooms. There’s also a park and stocked fishing lake on the grounds. The modern homes range from 1,462 to 1,969 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, one to three baths, and garages. Upgrades may include hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, patios, and remote-controlled awnings.
Retiring in Charlottesville
Perfectly positioned in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is known for its scenic beauty, cultural vibrancy, and academic influence. Its connection to Thomas Jefferson’s legacy and the University of Virginia creates a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere for retirees.
Top Attractions
- Monticello – Thomas Jefferson’s iconic estate.
- Downtown Mall – A pedestrian-friendly area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Shenandoah National Park – A short drive away, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails.
- Carter Mountain Orchard – A seasonal favorite for apple picking and scenic views.
Charlottesville 55+ Communities
University Village – Charlottesville, VA
High $600ks – High $800ks
University Village has 94 resale condos ranging from 900 to 2,500 square feet with one to two bedrooms, one to three baths, and garage parking. These condos have open floor plans, large master suites, and private balconies. Neighbors quickly become friends here, spending time at the Village Club, exercising at the fitness center, and relaxing at the indoor pool. Other amenities include a business center, restaurant, gardening plots, and hobby rooms.
Four Seasons at Charlottesville – Ruckersville, VA
Mid $300ks – Mid $500ks
This K. Hovnanian-built has a lot going for it—144 new and resale single-family homes, a gated entry, and a long list of clubs, activities, and classes. There’s also a clubhouse with a restaurant, pool, ballroom, fitness center, and scenic lakes and ponds on the grounds. The models range from 1,440 to 5,000 square feet, with two or more bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Some of these homes have custom features like spa-style tubs and gourmet kitchens.
The Villages at Nahor – Palmyra, VA
Mid $200ks – Low $400ks
Our last Charlottesville-area 55+ community is also one of our most affordable. Built by Southern Development, The Villages at Nahor has 102 attached and single-family homes about 22 miles south of Charlottesville. Its residents enjoy a private clubhouse with a fitness center, outdoor pool, and activity rooms. Also, the community features a children’s playground, ponds, and lakes. The floor plans range from 1,449 to 2,467 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half baths, and attached garages.
Connect With A Local Agent to Learn About 55+ Communities in Virginia!
So, is Virginia a good place to retire? If you agree with us that the answer is “yes,” then you may be ready for the next step. Continue your journey with 55places.com, connect with our local agents for expert guidance, and discover the community that fits your lifestyle and goals. Contact 55places.com to find your perfect home today!
