11 Pros and Cons of Moving to Virginia

Moving to a new state can be an exciting and challenging experience. Everyone is eager to know their new neighbors, witness the scenery, and experience novel cultural values. Virginia offers a vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and other exceptional pros. Many immigrants claim that moving to Virginia has been a life-changing decision.

The state has a strong economy, less to negligible crime rate, and first-hand healthcare. You’ll also find unique cuisines, job markets, and shopping venues. This post explores the pros and cons of living in Virginia. After reading, you’ll know whether Virginia can be your dream homeland.

Pros of Moving to Virginia

Moving to Virginia offers a lot of perks. Here is a list of the most evident ones.

1. Historical Significance

Virginia has a rich history dating back to the colonial period. The state was one of the first settlements of colonists and housed the initial governing body.

There are great historic sites for touring. But the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and Manassas Battlefield are the two most famous tourist attractions [1]. The state also served as the battleground for two of the most iconic wars, the Civil War and the American Revolution, which strengthened the military influence in the area.

2. Landscape Beauty

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, moving to Virginia will be the best decision you’ll ever make. You can undertake diverse activities, from hiking to caving to climbing and canoeing. Additionally, you can visit the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and Shenandoah Valley.

Virginia also welcomes nature lovers warmly; the Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive are popular destinations offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.

3. Moving To Virginia Brings Safety

Safety is one of the significant highlights of moving to Virginia. Due to a strong military presence, the state offers a meager crime rate. There are about 27 military bases within the state, so if you are sensitive about an invasion, or a zombie apocalypse, Virginia is your best shot.[1]

Owing to the solid military culture in the state, there are about 60,000 veterans living in Virginia state which makes up about 10 percent of the state’s population.

4. Political Stability

Political racket is a common issue and one of the major concerns among the moving folks. However, if you are living in Virginia, you can stay relieved as the state is politically moderate. The folks of Northern Virginia are more into literacy, while the people of Southern Virginia are more into conservativeness. These diverse political interests make it a swing state.

Thanks to the political inclination of the state, you get to experience various political ideologies and participate in campaigns.

5. Education

Virginia is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, which makes it occupy a high place on every mover’s link. Thanks to the top-class education system, Virginia has the highest graduation rates in the USA.

Therefore, it makes the perfect place to call home whether you want to relocate for a pre-high or a post-high school education. Some of Virginia’s most popular schools include Old Dominion, Graham, and Kingston Elementary. Additionally, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and George Manson University offer remarkable opportunities for pursuing higher education.

6. Job Opportunities

The state is home to several major employers, including the federal government, defense contractors, and technology companies, providing a stable job market and potential for career growth.

Due to the strong employment hub, the state has a significantly lower unemployment rate than the national average. If you are interested in finding employment under a governmental official, there are about 27 bases, while the state also houses more than 500 private-owned companies. [2]

If Virginia’s job market is different from your liking, the state’s proximity to Washington, D.C., offers an endless job market as well. You can also relocate your office to the state to increase community-specific leads.

Cons Of Moving to Virginia

While Virginia is an exceptional place to live, there are some things that one must be aware of to decide whether Virginia can serve as a potential home for them.

1. Higher Taxes

Where the cost of living in Virginia is relatively lower, the taxation will drain the money you saved from residency. According to the GoBankingRates list, Virginia ranked seventh with the highest taxes. [4]

2. Unpredictable Weather

Commonly the state experiences hot and humid weather. But it can be reasonably unpredictable as well. Residents have claimed to observe about a 30 F change in temperature within the same day. The climate of the place also depends upon your residency spot. For instance, the summer weather can be significantly humid and hot if you live near the coast.

If your new home is in the coastal region, the winter may be an excellent time to relocate rather than spring or summer.

3. Traffic

Another con you should know before moving to Virginia is that the traffic could be more generous here. Residents face serious traffic jams in dense population areas. On average, a traffic jam lasts about 30 minutes and is six miles long.

Although the state is closer to Washington, DC, reaching DC may also mean staying in traffic for hours. Therefore, it is ideal for checking traffic updates before leaving for your weekend getaway.

4. Unbelievable Laws

Swearing is illegal in Virginia, and until July 2020, the deed was punishable with a fine of 250 dollars. The illegality of swearing is still understandable, but several other strange regulations exist.

For instance, driving by the same place in under 30 minutes is illegal, per Virginia’s Atlantic Ave. So it is a red alert that you should hire a professional moving company to deliver your belonging rather than getting fined. Similarly, deciding who will pay the bill by flipping a coin is illegal in Richmond.[4]

5. Limited Transportation

Although the transportation system within the cities is excellent, the same doesn’t remain true for outer areas. So as soon as you are out of the populated premises of Virginia, public transportation will become extinct. If you are a travel enthusiast and plan to tour from city to city, you must purchase a car before moving to Virginia.

Conclusion

Virginia is a beautiful place to call home. But knowing about the highs and lows is essential if you decide to relocate. Moving to Virginia offers many benefits, from top-class education, historical prominence, job opportunities, and a lesser crime rate. It is a great place for financial growth or starting a family.

However, there are some downsides as well. For instance, the traffic jams are nerve-racking, the taxes are inescapable, and the unavailability of public transit outside the cities is frustrating. So it is essential to cross-check that you-specific facilities are present in the area you want to relocate to.

FAQs

1. Why is Virginia an excellent place to live in?

Virginia ranks as the country’s 10th safest state. Moreover, you’ll find high-class educational institutes and healthcare facilities here.

2. Which are the most popular cities in Virginia?

The most famous cities of the state include Richmond, Alexandria, Williamsburg, Norfolk, etc.

3. Which cities in Virginia are the most affordable?

The overall cost of living in Virginia is relatively higher. But some cities are still pocket-friendly, like Petersburg, Roanoke, Vinton, etc. [3]

4. Which Virginia city has the lowest cost of living?

A small town named Maxton in North Carolina has a significantly lower living cost. But one needs to know the availability of the job market and other facilities.