The Towns In Virginia Where Retirees Are Moving To
Retirement advice points south, toward Florida and the Carolinas. A growing number of Virginians past 65 are ignoring it. In cities across the state, residents that age now move in faster than they move out. Nearly three older newcomers arrive in Suffolk for every one who leaves, and more than half come from outside Virginia. None of these are resort towns. They are working cities, from the Southwest mountains to the Hampton Roads waterways, and people are choosing them on purpose. Which cities, and why newcomers chose them, is what follows.
Suffolk
An estimated 882 adults age 65 and older moved into Suffolk annually from elsewhere in the country, compared with 313 leaving. A school built in 1922 has become one of the city's places to spend a retirement afternoon. The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts occupies the former Suffolk High School, which closed in 1990 and reopened as an arts center in 2006. The center hosts performances and arts classes.
Suffolk also has several entrances to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. At Washington Ditch, an elevated boardwalk provides a way into the swamp habitat without committing to a long backcountry outing. For a longer excursion, Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive runs six miles each way from the Railroad Ditch entrance, with three boardwalk stops along the route.
Bristol
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum on Country Music Way examines the 1927 recording sessions, including the work of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. The Smithsonian-affiliated museum also presents performances and changing exhibitions. Films and interactive displays explain how recording technology helped spread the music.
On the Virginia side of this state-line community, an estimated 222 adults age 65 and older arrived annually from other US communities, while 67 departed. That left a positive balance of 155 older residents in the 2020 to 2024 estimates. Those figures apply to Bristol, Virginia, separately from its Tennessee neighbor. Beyond downtown, the city maintains 400-acre Sugar Hollow Park, with trails and picnic areas. The park also has campsites and picnic shelters for longer visits with family.
Petersburg
Petersburg's old railroad depot has a second job: helping people find their way around the city. Built in 1854, South Side Depot now houses the visitor center on River Street. Nearby, Old Towne's restaurants and shops occupy a historic district that includes the Exchange Building and former industrial properties. At the Dixie Restaurant on North Sycamore Street, the same location has served diners since 1939.
The city recorded an estimated annual inflow of 458 people age 65 and older against 182 departures, a net domestic migration gain of 276 in the 2020 to 2024 estimates. Patton Park provides fishing access and a gravel canoe and kayak launch near Old Towne. The University Boulevard trailhead connects to a westward trail passing the Battersea bridges and dam.
Fredericksburg
Retirement in Fredericksburg can include a classroom schedule with no degree at the end. Mary Washington ElderStudy welcomes retirement-age learners for daytime lectures, with classes available in person, online, or in a hybrid format. Its classroom is on University Parkway, and the program also organizes tours and social events.
Fredericksburg gained an estimated 129 adults age 65 and older annually through domestic migration: 199 arrivals compared with 70 departures in the 2020 to 2024 figures. Beyond the classroom, the city's paved Canal Path runs 1.8 miles between Fall Hill Avenue and Princess Anne Street. It connects with the Rappahannock River Heritage Trail, which passes river views and Old Mill Park. Another option, the 2.7-mile Virginia Central Railway Trail, follows part of an old rail corridor and passes through Alum Spring Park.
Danville
In Danville, the Dan River links downtown with a string of places to spend time outdoors. The Riverwalk connects the Danville Science Center and Carrington Pavilion with parks, including Dan Daniel Memorial Park and Anglers Park. Its paved route gives walkers and cyclists access to a waterfront once closely tied to the city's industry.
Annual domestic arrivals among people 65 and older were estimated at 284, with 117 departures, leaving a net gain of 167 in the 2020 to 2024 data. Ballou Recreation Center on West Main Street runs dance and fitness classes, educational workshops, and trips. Danville Transit provides a half-fare discount on fixed-route service from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for riders 60 and older who show proof of eligibility.
Colonial Heights
Colonial Heights received roughly five incoming residents age 65 and older for every one who moved away: an estimated 182 arrivals against 35 departures annually, a net gain of 147 in the 2020 to 2024 figures. The city has a weekday meeting place for residents beginning at age 55. Its Senior Citizen Center, beside the Community Building on Roanoke Avenue, schedules exercise and activities along with trips. A separate nutrition program serves qualifying city residents age 60 and older.
At Fort Clifton Park, 24 acres overlook the Appomattox River, with hiking trails and Civil War earthworks on the bluffs. Nearby recreation choices include Lakeview Park's fishing pier and pickleball courts. The city's Appomattox River Trail has paved sections with benches, providing places to pause along a walk beside the water.
Chesapeake
At Great Bridge Lock Park, an afternoon by the water can include watching yachts pass through a working lock. The 19-acre public park occupies a small peninsula where the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal meets the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. Fishing and crabbing areas share the site with a walking trail and an accessible kayak and canoe launch.
Chesapeake drew an estimated 1,406 incoming residents age 65 and older each year from other US locations, while 882 left. That produced a net gain of 524 in the 2020 to 2024 estimates. For residents who prefer a woodland outing, the Chesapeake Arboretum has 48 acres of woods threaded by 3.5 miles of mulched trails, plus gardens around the Caleb Williamson Farmhouse.
For an older newcomer settling in the Petersburg area, a city address also determines access to some local services. Colonial Heights residents age 60 and older can register for its senior transportation program, which serves destinations throughout the city. Medical trips can also reach Petersburg and Hopewell, along with the Puddledock Road area of Prince George County. Adult residents of Colonial Heights who have disabilities can also qualify for transportation before age 60. Riders must register and arrange trips at least 24 hours in advance; the city recommends booking as soon as the need is known. The service charges no fare, although it accepts donations.
