Where to Live in Virginia: 9 Small Towns That Should Be on Your Radar

Did you know that over 8 million people live in Virginia?

It’s not hard to believe when you consider that Virginia is packed with iconic destinations like Williamsburg and Shenandoah National Park. With so much to offer, you might be thinking about moving to Virginia yourself.

However, not everyone is looking for urban life in cities like Virginia Beach or Norfolk. So, which are the best small towns in Virginia?

We’re here to fill you in. To find out where to live in Virginia, check out our guide below of nine of the best small towns!

1. Falls Church

Commuting to D.C. or Alexandria for work? Falls Church is an excellent small community to settle down in.

The municipality is close enough to easily commute to the city, but it also gives you the feeling of small-town living. This helpful moving guide can help you learn more about settling down in the unique urban-suburban hybrid areas that border D.C. and Alexandria.

Despite its small size, Falls Church offers residents 14 parks to enjoy. Along with parks, you’ll find a year-round farmers market, the State Theatre, and the East Coast’s largest Vietnamese shopping center.

2. Smithfield

Smithfield is the perfect coastal town to call home. This beautiful town has plenty of Southern charm and is famous for ham—yes, you read that right! Smithfield Foods is the largest pork producer in the world, so you’ll have the convenience of purchasing a famous Smithfield Ham in your own town!

You’ll find that Smithfield is sprinkled with history, from its Victorian-style homes to its location just south of Jamestown. The town is situated on the Pagan River, so you can enjoy waterside views all year long.

3. Fincastle

If you want to know where to live in Virginia in order to get a rural living experience, the answer is Fincastle. With less than 400 residents, this charming tiny town is an affordable corner of Virginia to settle down in.

In fact, it’s a perfect place to raise your family as well. The area has well-ranked schools, and you can buy a large plot of land at a decent price if you want to try your hand at designing your own home.

4. Wachapreague

Wachapreague is the place to go if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities. In Wachapgreague, you can find solace in nature and enjoy the charm of its historic architecture.

This quiet town has a remarkably small community. In fact, Wachapreague had a population of only 232 according to the 2010 census. If you’re looking for a town where you’ll know your fellow townspeople by name, this is one of the best towns in Virginia to do so!

Wachapreague is home to undeveloped wetlands, making it a great place for watching wildlife, sports fishing, and kayaking. Residents also enjoy biking, as the terrain is incredibly flat and you won’t be fighting against urban traffic.

5. Abingdon

Abingdon is one of the best small towns in Virginia if you want to surround yourself with the arts. However, you’ll also find that it weaves its diverse art community together with its old-world charm.

In Abingdon, you’ll find the William King Museum of Art, which was established in the 1980s in a former school building from 1913. One of the town’s oldest attractions, the Barton Theatre, has been around since the 1930s! You can also get involved at the Art Depot, which is a restored railroad station from 1870 that now houses two galleries along with working art studios.

6. Manassas

Manassas is a gem found in Northern Virginia. While it’s a little larger than some of the other small towns on this list, it’s still got plenty of small-town charm!

Manassas is well-known for being a historic hotspot, especially for Civil War history buffs. In fact, both the First and Second Battle of Bullrun were fought nearby.

Along with endless historical activities, you’ll also find a flourishing art community. The downtown area actually showcases pieces by local artists, so you can enjoy their works as you walk the streets of Manassas.

7. Staunton

Staunton is a town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and is only a 45-minute drive away from Charlottesville. Staunton is well-known in the surrounding area for its charming downtown area, which is home to dozens of small businesses.

It’s a fantastic town to settle down in if you’re looking for an affordable place to raise a family. Along with a collection of local businesses to peruse, you’ll also find that Staunton offers plenty of parks, museums, and bed-and-breakfasts— it’s the perfect place for a staycation even after you’ve moved in!

8. Onancock

With just over 1,000 people, the little town of Onancock is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the Eastern Shore. The town is bordered by Onancock Creek, which funnels into the Chesapeake Bay.

It’s ideal for outdoor lovers, as you can watch for wildlife on the town’s wharf or by walking the Nature Trail that lines Onancock Creek. You’ll find both Victorian houses and waterfront homes in this charming town. It’s extremely walkable, and you’ll have the chance to explore its downtown, which is bursting with local artists and small businesses.

9. Lovettsville

Lovettsville is a cozy town located two miles south of the Potomac River. It offers residents a variety of yearly festivals, from weekly summer movie nights on the Town Green to its famous Oktoberfest.

Lovettsville also offers a variety of regionally crafted wines and unique eateries. From Creek’s Edge Winery to the farm-to-table restaurant Patowmack Farm, foodies will enjoy nights out in Lovettsville.

Discovering Where to Live in Virginia

With so many appealing options, it can be difficult to narrow down where to live in Virginia. Its beautiful small towns have something to offer everyone, whether it’s local art or lush parks. If you’re planning your own move, the list above will help you find the perfect place to put down roots!

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