Virginia is a great place to live, with its mild winters, diverse geography, and historical sites. However, there are also some vital things that you should know before moving to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
We hope this article will help ease your transition into living in Virginia by providing you with important information about this state. Without further ado, let’s get into the details.
How is the weather in Virginia?
Virginia’s weather can be hot and humid in the summer, especially in low-lying areas such as Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. However, it does get cold for a few months of the year, and snowfall is possible.
The best time to visit the state of Virginia would be from April through October, when the weather is mild and dry, with temperatures averaging between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Driving Laws and Regulations in Virginia
Driving in Virginia can be challenging, but it is also gratifying. You will find that most people are amicable and the scenery is beautiful. However, you should know your legal rights before you hit the roads.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a severe offense in Virginia. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will face a one-year license suspension and up to $2500 in fines.
Based on recent studies, Virginia is considered one of the worst states for distracted driving. It would be best to take extra care while driving to avoid accidents and other distractions such as cell phones and loud music.
In addition, it is essential to obey speed limits and other traffic laws. You should also avoid reckless driving, which includes speeding through residential neighborhoods and running red lights.
State Laws and Regulations Concerning Employment
Virginia is an “at-will” employment state; therefore, employers can hire or fire individuals at their discretion without providing a reason. If you are looking for work in Virginia, be sure to research any company you would like to apply to before submitting your resume.
Where to Live in Virginia
Virginia is divided into five geographical regions: Northern Virginia; Central, or Middle, Virginia; The Shenandoah Valley; The Coastal Plain; and the Piedmont Region. Each part has varying weather and cultural influences, so it’s essential to be aware of this when you start looking for potential places to live.
Culture in Virginia
The culture of Virginia is influenced by many different groups, including African Americans, Irish Americans, and English Americans, among others. If you plan on moving from Denver to Virginia, you will find that the people here are warm and welcoming.
They could be a little shy at first, but they will start opening up to you once you get to know them. The most crucial part of getting along with your neighbors is knowing when to let go and lead yourself; this means not forcing your ways on others.
Education Systems in Virginia
Many celebrities and politicians completed their education in Virginia. This state has some of the top schools in the United States, including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology in Alexandria, ranked as one of the top high schools by U.S. News & World Report.
If you’re moving to Virginia with young children or teenagers, they will have access to a wide range of educational opportunities. If you are a certified educator and would like to further your career, you should consider Virginia a viable option; the state has over 184,000 educators working in public schools.
Taxes in Virginia
There is a significant amount of factors to consider when filing taxes, so you should always consult with a licensed tax advisor if you are unsure of where to begin. However, it’s good to know the basics before moving into Virginia so that you can become familiar with this aspect of state residency as well.
Since Virginia is a state that bases all taxation on sales and use, individual income tax rates are relatively low for those who do not reside within the Northern Virginia region.
The sales tax rate in Virginia ranges from 4% to 6%. This means that you will pay anywhere between $0 and $600 in additional taxes when purchasing significant items such as cars, appliances, and furniture.
If you plan on purchasing a car in Virginia, it is essential to know that an annual car tax must pay. For example, residents of Alexandria will pay $30 each year for their cars, while residents of Norfolk will only pay $20 per vehicle annually.
How are the real estate prices in Virginia going to look like in 2022?
The real estate market in Virginia has been steadily growing since 2010, and prices continue to rise. Experts predict that the average property value in Virginia will increase by 5%-8% and contain two future months of housing supply based on current trends.
This means that homes in Virginia could potentially be more expensive than they already are, but the average property value will not increase by more than 8%.
What are the absolute best cities to move to in Virginia?
There are many great places to live in Virginia, including:
- Arlington
- Alexandria
- Norfolk
- Chesapeake
- Richmond
- Virginia Beach
It is essential to consider your location preferences when deciding which place you would like to call home within the state. For example, if you prefer a coastal area with plenty of activity options nearby, then Norfolk might be the best option for you.
On the other hand, if you want to relocate to a place with plenty of space where you can have peace, then Richmond may be a better choice. When it comes to choosing an area that’s right for your needs, research is vital!
Arlington, VA – The good and bad
The first thing people notice about Arlington is how close it is to Washington, D.C, making this area perfect for those who wish to commute quickly and frequently.
On top of this, there are plenty of family activities available around the city (Arlington National Cemetery, Columbia Pike Library, The Ballston Common Mall, etc.).
However, Arlington does have a high cost of living, so you will want to be sure that your salary can cover these expenses. There are also parts of the city experiencing crime issues throughout the past year, so it’s essential to do your research before settling down in this area.
Alexandria, VA – The good and bad
The first thing about Alexandria that many people notice is how quickly it is growing. This small city has become a significant hub for jobs, entertainment, and education, so there are plenty of opportunities available to those who live here.
One negative aspect is the fact that transportation can be slow-moving due to excess traffic throughout the day. However, most residents can get where they are going in a reasonable amount of time.
There are also parts of Alexandria experiencing gentrification issues due to the increasing demand for residential homes. Finding an affordable house may be more challenging, but you can still find one if you know where to look!
Norfolk, VA – The good and bad
Since Norfolk is the second-largest city in Virginia, many opportunities are available to those who live here.
If you love the water and wish to spend your free time on a boat, this is also one of the best cities in Virginia to have access to plenty of water activities.
However, there are few jobs available in the region (especially for younger adults), and it may take a long time to get somewhere due to congestion.
The downtown area is beautiful, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and activities for residents to enjoy. The city recently underwent renovations so you will find modern buildings around every corner.
There are also plenty of public parks available throughout the city, so you’ll have plenty of green space to breathe in.
However, finding a parking spot can be difficult as there are no affordable lots available. Instead, you will need to absorb the cost of street parking for each evening you plan to stay out late.
Chesapeake, VA – The good and bad
Chesapeake has grown exponentially over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. For one thing, there is plenty of entertainment available for those who live here, such as:
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park
- Chesapeake City
- Park Marina
Not to mention that you can access Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge within a short distance from the city.
Many young adults rave about how this city is family-oriented as there are plenty of activities for those who wish to avoid nightlife (Chesapeake Museum, Sunset Park, etc.).
Chesapeake is also home to an amusement park, so you can enjoy some time at the mall while your children play on the rides and in the arcade.
However, there is a high cost of living in Chesapeake, so be sure that your salary can support these expenses before you commit to this area.
Furthermore, public transportation is difficult to access if you plan on commuting, so you will want to purchase a car when moving into this city.
Richmond, VA – The good and bad of
Richmond is a lovely city with plenty to do and see, but complex issues can also become frustrating. The first thing that people notice about Richmond is how much of the town has been renovated.
Perfect if you wish to live in an area where buildings and homes have been updated recently rather than older structures.
However, the city also has a significant gentrification problem, so many areas have become too expensive for residents living in poverty.
There are also issues with crime throughout the city, so it is vital to find out which neighborhoods are safe before settling down here.
Virginia Beach, VA – The good and bad
The first thing that many people pay attention to with regards to Virginia Beach is how it has a large military population.
On top of this, the city also has a high percentage of married couples and families with young children, which makes it ideal for those who want to settle down right away.
There are always plenty of activities available within the city, and you will never get bored during the weekends.
However, there are also plenty of issues with Virginia Beach. For one thing, it is located near a naval base, which means that you will always feel the tension between military personnel and civilians living in the area.
Another issue many people complain about is how expensive it can be to live here due to property rates and low pay. You will need to be ready for higher living expenses when moving into this city.
What are some benefits of living in Virginia?
There are lots of benefits to living in Virginia that people enjoy. For example, residents can expect a warm climate all year-round with average temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Great if you enjoy being outside on the weekends and participating in outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and even skiing!
Although it may seem counterintuitive, education in Virginia is ranked among the best in the country, making it an ideal state for families with young kids.
The major cities are also experiencing positive growth, which means there’s plenty of opportunities available if you want to find a new career!
In addition, Virginia also offers lower property taxes for those who plan on purchasing a new home.
What are some negatives of living in Virginia?
People who live here tend to complain about its high cost of living, making it difficult to save money. For example, the typical cost-of-living index is 12% higher than the average in the United States.
There are also poor traffic conditions throughout the state, making it challenging to commute if you work outside your city. This is especially problematic if you wish to use public transportation as roads tend to be small and not very well-maintained.
In addition, the state has a high unemployment rate hovering around 5% and can be problematic if you’re looking for a job and experience significant delays.
Get a free moving estimate for your move to Virginia
With busy lives and so much to do, we understand how it can be challenging to find reputable long-distance moving companies in Denver, CO. Let us take care of everything with our white-glove moving service!
We offer a free in-home or video estimate and a guaranteed price when moving out of state. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, and we don’t collect a full payment until your move is complete.
We genuinely care about our customers moving needs and experiences with us, so we’re here to walk you through the entire moving out of state process!
Get in touch today at (720) 370-2707 for more information. You can also fill out our “Get A Quote” form on the top.
