10 Friendly Towns To Retire In Virginia
Virginia's diverse landscapes, from the Atlantic Coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains, provide the perfect backdrop for retirement living. Add to this its temperate climate, bustling arts scene, and rich cultural heritage, and the result is a setting that appeals to retirees seeking both relaxation and enrichment. Across the state, small towns blend Southern charm with modern conveniences, offering welcoming communities, scenic surroundings, and easy access to quality healthcare.
Whether drawn to waterfront serenity, mountain views, or historic main streets, Virginia has a destination that fits your ideal pace and lifestyle. These destinations offer affordable living, a tight-knit community, and plenty of opportunities to stay active, without the congestion of urban hubs. Here are friendly towns to retire in Virginia for your next chapter.
Abingdon
Abingdon's thriving senior population creates a welcoming atmosphere for new retirees, allowing them to settle in an established community of peers. The town boasts an impressive historic district featuring a cluster of well-preserved old buildings, including the 1860s Fields-Penn House Museum. The community takes great pride in its rich arts and culture scene, with locals convening at the historic Barter Theatre to support local talent and watch outstanding productions, featuring comedies, musicals, dramas, and more.
Meanwhile, the Abingdon Farmers Market portrays a picture of the tight-knit relationships between community members, punctuated by good-natured conversations and hearty laughter. There is no need to worry about quality medical care with the presence of Johnston Memorial Hospital. Lastly, the average home value in Abingdon is $275,993, according to Zillow, which is lower than the state average of $403,170.
Big Stone Gap
This lovely area of Wise County offers a blend of history, music, culture, and outdoor adventure. Settling in Big Stone Gap ensures retirees a fulfilling and active lifestyle, with easy access to Bullitt Park. The entire community gathers here to picnic, play, walk, sightsee, and bask in the cool mountain air. A visit to the Southwest Virginia Museum offers newcomers a rare glimpse into the region's captivating heritage. The venue showcases more than 60,000 artifacts that bring Southwestern Virginia's rich history to life.
Big Stone Gap celebrates its musical heritage during the Blue Highway Fest, headlined by some of the best of Bluegrass, country, and Americana musicians from the area. Senior citizens have access to quality medical services at Lonesome Pine Hospital, while those looking to acquire a property should be aware of the average home value, which is $139,780.
Bowling Green
128 miles from Norfolk, this unassuming village in Caroline County boasts a rich heritage steeped in horse racing and a delectable dining scene. Food-loving retirees can expect delicious, internationally inspired flavors whenever they crave a dining experience outside, including authentic Mexican fare at Los Dos Amigos Restaurant. The serenity of the open spaces beckons at Robert Farmer Park. Here, both the young and old can make good use of well-maintained pathways, playgrounds, picnic areas, and pavilions for their isolation and relaxation.
The annual Harvest Festival is one of the largest events in Bowling Green, attracting at least 15,000 participants and bringing life to the community through pumpkin painting, car shows, craft vending, and day-long entertainment. Active seniors can maintain their physical well-being through regular visits to the Bowling Green Health & Rehabilitation Center. Lastly, the average home value here is $344,288.
Bridgewater
An hour from Charlottesville, Bridgewater is a hotspot for quality outdoor living in Rockingham County, renowned for its abundant park areas. It perfectly suits senior citizens who love to stay active by granting access to a serene 10-acre playground at Wildwood Park. This combines picnic lawns, hiking trails, and birdwatching zones along the North River to deliver the perfect recreational hub. New residents wishing to connect with the community's heritage can inspect a diverse collection of archives at the Bridgewater Historical Society Museum.
Elsewhere, those who simply want to feel a sense of belonging and mingle with fellow community members will enjoy the welcoming environment of the Sipe Center, where locals come together to watch movies, plays, live performances, and attend social events. The Bridgewater Health Center addresses all common medical care needs in the community, and the average home value in Bridgewater is $370,780.
Broadway
Broadway offers great food, historical sites, and vibrant festivals to help retirees settle seamlessly into this Rockingham County region. Families and individuals often converge at Broadway Community Park whenever they crave outdoor activity. This recreational hub features amenities, including ball fields, walking trails, and playgrounds. Main Street Broadway is lined with a couple of inviting diners where retirees can enjoy excellent dishes, from Italian cuisine at Italian Touch to American fare at the Gobbler Grill.
The annual Broadway Autumn Festival & Car Show is one of the most exciting times in the community, and offers a prime opportunity to familiarize yourself with the area's culture while making lasting friendships. Those in need of medical services can find them at Sentara Timber Way Health Center, just 5 minutes from downtown. Also, Broadway has an average home value of $311,879.
Chase City
Chase City has an average home value of $136,910, which makes it a great option for economical seniors on our list of friendly towns to retire in Virginia. Despite its notable affordability, there is no compromise to the quality of life in the area. Seniors can find plenty of room for play and socializing at Mecklenburg Country Club, featuring a tranquil 9-hole golf course. There is more to see and do at the MacCallum More Museum & Gardens, home to a rustic 1920s mansion with lush gardens and winding walkways.
Elsewhere, the South Central Fair attracts attendees from across the surrounding region for a fun-filled jamboree celebrating family, community, and agriculture through a long list of fun events. The Chase City Health & Rehab Center ensures access to critical rehabilitation and treatment services to local folks.
Christiansburg
This lovely community in Montgomery County charms retirees with the peace of living in the countryside and the convenience of accessing urban-grade amenities. On the one hand, Christiansburg offers a variety of green spaces for residents to enjoy, including strolling and picnicking at Downtown Park. On the other hand, they don't have to travel out of town to access modern facilities such as the Christiansburg Aquatic Center. This state-of-the-art facility features a 50-meter swimming pool that offers excellent physical therapy.
Elsewhere, Sinkland Farms serves as the cultural hub in the community by hosting performances and events, including the Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival every fall. Finally, the Christiansburg Senior Center is an invaluable asset for older adults in the town, and its average home value is $297,961.
Gordonsville
Gordonsville lies about 60 miles northwest of Richmond, which provides quick access to the capital city when required. The town's rich history dates back to the 1800s, and this is preserved in a handful of heritage sites, including the Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum. This dilapidated building was a hospital at the height of the landmark conflict. Gordonsville is also known for its antiquing, allowing treasure hunters to indulge in their hobby of choice at the Old American Barn.
Meanwhile, the annual Gordonsville Fried Chicken Festival offers a glimpse into the town's vibrant culinary heritage and lends credence to its nickname, "Fried Chicken Capital." Retirees planning to invest in a property should be aware that the average home value in this area is $393,326. Lastly, Sentara Spring Creek Family Medicine is just 15 minutes away in case of emergencies.
Hillsville
Hillsville leverages its robust sense of community and affordable cost of living to attract senior citizens, making this Carroll County community their home. The village hosts multiple events and festivals, offering opportunities for social connection. It is recognized for the Hundley Flea Market, which is the East Coast's largest flea market and gun show, attracting a crowd of over 500,000. Its downtown district houses a couple of vintage gems, welcoming historians to glimpse into the past at the Hale Wilkinson Carter Home, a Federal-style dwelling built in 1845.
Retirees should also remember to maintain an active lifestyle through walks and hikes along the Beaver Dam Creek Hiking Trail. Elsewhere, Commonwealth Senior Living offers a great spot for the ageing demographic to come together and feel a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, Hillsville's average home value of $173,637 allows newcomers to own a home without sacrificing a fortune.
New Market
New Market is a beautiful town in the Shenandoah Valley region, whose rich heritage features playing a significant role during the Civil War. Among its major points of interest is the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. This fantastic facility sheds light on the Battle of New Market, fought in 1864, through photographs, artifacts, archives, and relics. Meanwhile, the New Market Community Park is an important gathering spot for both young and old, with residents connecting over recreation in a lovely outdoor setting.
Another great time to seek social connection is during the Cross Roads Music Fest in the summer, which features a series of concerts in town. Finally, nursing homes like the Life Care Center of New Market are particularly beneficial for pensioners during their vulnerable years, and the average home value in the region is $324,034.
Appalachian Serenity
Whether you have already called time on your career or are contemplating the same in the near future, these friendly towns to retire in Virginia make the transition much easier by offering comfort, community, and a pace that encourages true enjoyment in the United States. They offer a welcoming environment, provide access to essential amenities, and showcase the natural beauty for which Virginia is renowned. With rich culture, outdoor recreation, and warm hospitality, these destinations help one embrace retirement with enthusiasm.
