Life in Virginia: pros, cons, things you should know before moving

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in Virginia? Virginia is a state with a lot of diversity, charm, and history.

It offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a scenic getaway, a cultural experience, or a bustling city life Virginia’s lifestyle offers it all.

In this blog post, I’ll share with you some of the pros and cons of living in Virginia, and give you some tips for those who are thinking about moving to the state.

Pros of living in Virginia

Virginia offers a wide range of benefits to its residents. Some of them are:

• Colorful life in Virginia
• Virginia is full of history 
• Strong economic basis for all Virginians
• Virginia’s cost of living is lower than its neighbors

Colorful life

One of the biggest advantages of living in Virginia is its beautiful natural scenery. Virginia has a variety of landscapes, from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy Atlantic beaches to the lush Shenandoah Valley. You’ll always have places to explore and enjoy nature while you live in Virginia.

There is no need to boast about its beauty, the pictures are more than enough to tell the story.

Rich historical background

Another attractive side of living in Virginia is its rich history and culture. Virginia is one of the original 13 colonies and the birthplace of many famous figures, such as THE George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.

If you want to experience a place with traces of the founding fathers, settle in Virginia.

You can visit historical sites like Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, and Mount Vernon, and learn more about the state’s role in the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Virginian life also boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, with museums, theaters, festivals, and music venues you can explore.

Even if you are not an art and culture person, Virginia’s rich historical and cultural background will get your attention.

Strong and growing economy

Who would want  to live in a place that has poor employment capabilities? I would assume no one. But thankfully, this won’t be a problem for you if you decide to live in Virginia.

If you’re looking for a career opportunity, Virginia has plenty of options. Virginia has several thriving cities with diverse industries, such as Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Arlington. 

Some of the major employers in the state include the federal government, the military, technology companies, healthcare providers, and education institutions.

Virginia has a thriving tech sector, with many big tech companies that have an office in Virginia, making it a good place to live if you want prestigious jobs. Some of the most notable ones are:

– Amazon: The e-commerce giant has chosen Arlington as the site of its second headquarters, dubbed HQ2. The company plans to invest $2.5 billion and create 25,000 jobs in the area over the next decade.

– Microsoft: The software company has a large presence in Virginia, with offices in Reston, Richmond, Herndon, and Tysons. Microsoft also operates several data centers in the state, supporting its cloud computing services.

– Google: The search engine company has an office in Reston, where it works on projects related to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Google also has a data center in Loudoun County, part of its global network of servers.

– Facebook: The social media company has an office in Tysons, where it focuses on developing new products and features for its platforms. Facebook also has a data center in Henrico County, which is powered by 100% renewable energy.

– Apple: The iPhone maker has an office in Reston, where it works on software engineering and customer support. Apple also has a data center in Prince William County, which is part of its commitment to run on 100% renewable energy.

Virginia also has a strong education system, with some of the best public schools and universities in the country. Some of the top-ranked colleges in Virginia include the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, and George Mason University.

It means that not only do you get great employment options, but your children also get access to quality education while you live in Virginia.

Lower cost of living than neighbors

Another pro of living in Virginia is its lower cost of living compared to some other East Coast states. 

While Virginia is not the cheapest state to live in, it is more affordable than states like New York or Massachusetts. The median home price in Virginia is $281,700, compared to $341,100 in New York and $433,900 in Massachusetts.

The sales tax rate in Virginia is also lower than those states at 5.3%, compared to 8.52% in New York and 6.25% in Massachusetts.

So if you decide to live in East Coast, but also want a more affordable place, then you should definitely try living in Virginia!

Cons of living in Virginia

Of course, living in Virginia is not all roses and sunshine. There are also some drawbacks to living in the state that you should be aware of before making a decision.

Cost of living

One of the biggest cons of living in Virginia is its high taxes. While the sales tax rate may be lower than in some other states, the property tax rate is higher at 0.8%, compared to 0.62% in New York and 0.87% in Massachusetts. The income tax rate in Virginia ranges from 2% to 5.75%, depending on your income bracket.

Sometimes, the weather is bad

Another downside of living in Virginia is its weather. Depending on where you live in the state, you may experience humid summers or cold winters, or both. The average high temperature in July is 87°F, while the average low temperature in January is 26°F. The state also gets an average of 43 inches of rainfall and 20 inches of snowfall per year.

If you love a gentle breeze on your skin, a warm sun on your face, and a cool drink in your hand, then life in Virginia may not be for you. In other places like Hawaii and California, the weather would be perfect to go for a walk or have a picnic in the park, but in Virginia, you would have to take your coat when leaving your house.

Traffic gets bad

Traffic congestion is another issue that many Virginians face, especially in urban areas like Northern Virginia. Northern Virginia ranks as one of the worst regions for traffic congestion in the country, with drivers spending an average of 102 hours per year stuck in traffic. The lack of public transportation options in some parts of the state also contributes to this problem.

Political reasons, as always

Finally, some may find that living in Virginia does not suit their preferences or values. Some areas of the state are more conservative or rural than others, which may not appeal to everyone. For example, according to Gallup.com, 41% of Virginians identify as conservative and 35% identify as moderate or liberal.

Additionally, according to WorldPopulationReview.com, about 70% of Virginians live in urban areas and 30% live in rural areas.

So, if you are extremely sensitive about the political compass of people, rural regions where you encounter less with humans could be better than living in Virginia.

If you’re still interested in moving to Virginia after weighing the pros and cons, here are some tips and advice that may help you make a smooth transition.

Tips and advice for moving to Virginia

– Do your own research. Everything said in this post is a good starting point. But it is just that, a starting point. Make sure you do some research on your own on the cost of living, the housing market, the job opportunities, the schools, the culture, and the lifestyle of the area you’re interested in.

– Plan your budget. Moving to a new state can be expensive, so you need to plan your budget accordingly. You should consider the costs of transportation, utilities, groceries, entertainment, health care, and taxes in Virginia. You should also factor in the expenses of moving itself, such as hiring movers, renting a truck, packing supplies, and storage fees.

– Find a place to live. Depending on your preferences and needs, you may want to rent or buy a house or an apartment in Virginia. You should look for a place that suits your lifestyle, budget, and commute

– Get a driver’s license and register your vehicle. If you plan to drive in Virginia (and let’s be honest, you will have to), you need to get a Virginia driver’s license and register your vehicle within 60 days of moving to the state. You can visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to find out what documents you need and where to go. You should also check the state’s driving laws and regulations to avoid any fines or penalties.

– Update your address and contact information. You should notify your bank, credit card company, employer, insurance company, utility company, and any other relevant parties of your change of address as soon as possible. You should also update your voter registration and mail forwarding with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). You can do this online or at your local post office.

– Explore your new surroundings. Once you settle in your new home, you should take some time to explore your new surroundings and get to know your neighbors. You can join local clubs, groups, or organizations that match your interests and hobbies. You can also visit local attractions, landmarks, parks, museums, restaurants, and shops to experience the culture and history of Virginia.

– Enjoy your new life in Virginia. Moving to a new state can be challenging but also rewarding. You should embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with living in Virginia. You should also keep in touch with your friends and family from your previous state and share your experiences with them. Living in Virginia can be a great adventure if you make the most of it.

Moving to Virginia

In the end, deciding to move or not is your own choice. You live your life and you should decide how you want to live. Virginia is an exceptional place to live that has a great balance between culture, education, nature, and economy.

If you have decided to move to Virginia, then congratulations. Virginia welcomes you!