Is Moving to Virginia Worth It in 2026?

Where you live shapes how you live. It sounds obvious, but most people only think about it when they are considering a move.

If you are looking into Virginia, you probably have a reason. Maybe it is the job market, maybe it is the cost of living where you currently are, or maybe you just want a change.

The number of people moving into Virginia is now 2.5 times the number moving out, and that gap more than doubled between 2024 and 2025. That kind of growth tells you something about what the state has going for it.

In this guide, let’s give you a straight and detailed answer to the question you are actually asking: Is moving to Virginia worth it in 2026? And by the end, you will have a clear enough picture to decide for yourself.

Why People Are Considering Moving to Virginia in 2026

Most people do not just wake up one day and decide to move states. The idea builds over time, usually because something about their current situation stops making sense, or just the feeling that they have outgrown where they are.

Here are some reasons why people are considering moving to Virginia in 2026:

Job Market

Virginia's employment is expected to grow by 10.4% in 2026. For people relocating for career reasons, that kind of growth is hard to ignore, especially when the state has 24 Fortune 500 companies and ranks number one in the country for doing business.

Proximity to Washington D.C.

Many Virginia towns are just 30 miles from D.C., and Richmond is only a 95-mile drive away. People who work in or around the capital but want more space and lower housing costs are finding Virginia to be the practical solution.

Schools

For families, this is what closes the decision. Virginia ranks number one in the country for public school quality, and some of the schools receive national recognition.

Lower Crime Rate

Virginia's violent crime rate is the lowest in the entire South Atlantic region, around 43 percent below the national average. For families and retirees, that matters more than most things on this list.

Outdoor Access for Remote Workers

Once your job is remote, your location becomes a lifestyle choice. Virginia has 22 national parks, covering one-fourth of the Appalachian Trail. It is a strong option for people who want nature without giving up modern conveniences.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Virginia

Cost of Living in Virginia in 2026

The overall cost of living sits about one percent above the national average, which means the gap is small.

Housing Costs (Rent vs Buying)

Housing is the biggest variable in Virginia. Northern Virginia near D.C. is expensive by any standard. But move slightly south or west, and the cost changes considerably.

Utilities, Groceries, and Transportation

Outside of housing, day-to-day expenses in Virginia are fairly reasonable.

Taxes in Virginia

Virginia's state income tax ranges from two percent to 5.75%, and the state sales tax rate is 5.3% in most areas, though some counties bring the combined rate up to seven percent.

Job Market and Employment Opportunities in Virginia

People researching a move to Virginia usually want one clear answer: Can I earn enough to live well here?

For most people, the answer is yes, and in many cases, considerably better than where they currently are.

Major Industries and Employers

Virginia's job market is built on industries that do not disappear overnight.

Key Industries in Virginia

• Federal government and defense contracting
• Technology and cybersecurity
• Healthcare and life sciences
• Finance and professional services
• Logistics, shipping, and maritime
• Education and the public sector

Major Employers in Virginia

Average Salaries vs Cost of Living

The average salary in Virginia in 2026 is approximately $70,400 per year, which is above the national average of $63,800.

Average Annual Salaries in Virginia (2026)

Best Places to Live in Virginia

Virginia is not a one-size-fits-all state. Where you should live depends entirely on what you are looking for, because a family with school-age kids has a very different checklist than a retiree or a remote worker.

Best Cities for Families

These areas are consistently chosen for their highly rated school districts, safe neighborhoods, and access to major employment centers.

• Arlington

• Leesburg

• Chesapeake

• Virginia Beach

• Williamsburg
• Blacksburg

Best Places for Retirees

These cities attract retirees because of healthcare access, affordable housing, and a slower pace of life.

• Norfolk

• Hampton
• Lynchburg
• Staunton
• Newport News
• Charlottesville

Affordable and Growing Areas

These cities are popular for their lower home prices, growing communities, and good access to jobs and daily needs.

• Richmond

• Roanoke
• Lynchburg
• Fredericksburg
• Bristol

What Daily Life Is Like in Virginia

Education and Schools

Virginia's school system is one of the strongest in the country. For the 2026 school year, Virginia has 2,139 public schools serving 1,257,026 students, along with 1,033 private schools serving an additional 153,833 students.

Around 89 percent of K-12 students attend public schools, in line with the national average.

The state has 131 Blue Ribbon Schools, 203 magnet schools, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. Math proficiency is at 68 percent, and reading proficiency is at 70 percent statewide.

Here are some of the top-ranked schools in Virginia (2026) based on proficiency and overall ratings:

Healthcare Access

Healthcare quality in Virginia is world-class in the major metro areas, but it becomes more of a challenge once you head into the rural countryside.

If you live near a city, you will have access to some of the highest-rated medical professionals in the country.

Top Healthcare Systems and Facilities

• UVA Health University Medical Center (Charlottesville)

• Inova Fairfax Hospital(Falls Church)

• VCU Medical Center(Richmond)

• Sentara Norfolk General Hospital(Norfolk)

Healthcare access facts

• Virginia is ranked second in the country for hospital patient safety in 2026. Almost 60% of its hospitals received an “A” grade for providing high-quality care.
• Cities usually have faster medical emergency services. However, people living in rural areas may wait up to 10 minutes longer for an ambulance than people in cities.

Crime and Safety

Virginia is generally considered one of the safer states in the country, especially when it comes to violent crime. While property crime is also lower than the national average, it remains the more common concern for residents.

Safest Places with Lower Crime Rates

Several cities in Virginia consistently report crime rates that are significantly lower than the state and national averages:

• Buena Vista
• Bridgewater
• Purcellville
• Vienna

Crime in Other Areas (Higher Risk)

Not every part of Virginia has the same reputation for safety. A few cities struggle with much higher crime figures that require more caution:

• Petersburg:This city reports the highest crime levels in the state, with over 13 violent crimes and 48 property crimes per 1,000 residents.
• Portsmouth:Violent incidents and vehicle break-ins are frequent here.
• Richmond:While the city is improving, some neighborhoods still face high rates of aggravated assault and property theft.
• Norfolk:Certain areas near the naval base and specific residential zones see higher rates of robbery compared to the safer suburbs.

Population and Demographics

Virginia’s population is growing steadily. Most of this growth is happening in a few major areas. The population is also becoming more diverse and more highly educated.

Virginia Statewide Population (2026 Estimates)

• Total population:~8,862,188 residents (based on current 2026 growth projections)
• Population density:~212.5 people per square mile
• Median age:~38.6 years

Race and Ethnicity Breakdown

Income and Economic Demographics

Households and Living Arrangements

• Number of households:~3,365,732
• Average household size:~2.52 people
• Median home value:~$414,320

Educational Attainment

• High school graduate or higher:~91.4 %
• Bachelor’s degree or higher:~41.8 %

Best Attractions in Virginia

Virginia has many famous places that combine rich American history with beautiful natural scenery.

Popular Attractions in Virginia

These are the most visited destinations that appeal to both locals and travelers looking for the quintessential Virginia experience:

• Colonial Williamsburg

• Virginia Beach & Boardwalk

• George Washington’s Mount Vernon

• Luray Caverns

• Arlington National Cemetery

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Museums in Virginia

Virginia’s museums are world-class, covering everything from the birth of the nation to the future of space exploration:

• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum(Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center)

• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts(VMFA)

• Jamestown Settlement

• American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

• The Chrysler Museum of Art

Parks in Virginia

From the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the wild ponies on the coast, the state's parks offer some of the best outdoor experiences on the East Coast:

• Shenandoah National Park

• Assateague Island National Seashore

• Great Falls Park

• First Landing State Park

• Grayson Highlands State Park

• Natural Bridge State Park

Weather and Climate in Virginia (2026)

Seasonal Highlights

Who Should Consider Moving to Virginia

You should seriously consider moving to Virginia if:

• want access to a massive and diverse job market with high-paying tech and defense roles
• value top-tier public schools and world-class university systems
• work in government contracting, cybersecurity, or aerospace industries
• enjoy having access to both mountain ranges and coastal beaches in the same state
• are raising a family and want a state that consistently ranks high for child safety and education
• are a retiree looking for a state that does not tax Social Security benefits
• prefer a climate with four distinct seasons and a mix of urban and rural living
• are comfortable with a slightly higher cost of living in exchange for better career stability

Who Virginia May Not Be Right For

Virginia may not be the right choice if:

• depend on living in a state with no state income tax or no vehicle property tax
• want a low-density state with very little traffic or congestion in major areas
• prefer a very dry climate and want to avoid high humidity during the summer months
• are looking for the absolute cheapest housing market in the United States
• want a fast-paced, 24/7 city life that is affordable without a high-income job
• rely on public transportation as your primary way to get around outside of the D.C. suburbs
• expect entry-level wages to be as high as they are in places like New York City or San Francisco

Best Moving Company For Your Relocation To Virginia

After reviewing numerous moving companies in Virginia and analyzing real customer feedback, we identified the best movers in Virginiathat consistently deliver reliability, fair pricing, and safe handling of belongings.

If you are preparing for a move to the Old Dominion, the companies highlighted here are known for getting belongings to their destination securely and on time.

Whether you are relocating from a nearby state or across the country, these movers have experience handling long-distance moves into Virginia.

American Van Lines

4.4 out of 5

Stress Free Moving

No Deposit Required

Customer Satisfaction

Get Free Estimates

Colonial Van Lines

4.6 out of 5

Industry Experience

Competitive Rates

Safe Handling

Get Free Estimates

Mayzlin Relocation LLC

4.2 out of 5

Stress Free Moving

Professional Team

Expertise and Reliability

Get Free Estimates

Cost of Moving to Virginia

The cost of moving to Virginia depends largely on distance, home size, and the type of moving service you choose. On average, professional movers in Virginia charge around $175 per hour for a local crew of two, though total costs increase for larger homes and long-distance relocations. If you want a clearer breakdown, check out our guide on the cost to hire movers in Virginia to plan more accurately. If you want a clearer breakdown, check out our guide on the cost to hire movers in Virginia to plan more accurately. How you move has a direct impact on your budget.