Best Cities for Retirees in Virginia
Why Virginia Works for Retirees
Virginia ranks #12 nationally for retirees, making it a strong destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's strong fiscal health (63/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 8.86% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Virginia's health score of 78/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure β life expectancy here is 78.4 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.86% of income. The 5.75% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 0.76% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.
At $444,000, median home prices are above the national average β retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 80/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McLean | A+ | 67.9 | 64.9 | 88 | 100 | 31 | 50,232 |
| 2 | Arlington | A+ | 67.3 | 68.2 | 81 | 88 | 42 | 234,162 |
| 3 | Reston | A+ | 66.0 | 63.9 | 80 | 87 | 47 | 66,070 |
| 4 | Centreville | A | 64.9 | 62.5 | 79 | 86 | 48 | 71,374 |
| 5 | Leesburg | A+ | 63.1 | 65.9 | 66 | 87 | 48 | 48,788 |
| 6 | Alexandria | A | 60.9 | 63.3 | 66 | 73 | 50 | 155,230 |
| 7 | Dale City | A | 60.7 | 60.7 | 52 | 81 | 60 | 70,529 |
| 8 | Tuckahoe | B+ | 59.9 | 59.8 | 65 | 67 | 57 | 48,610 |
| 9 | Virginia Beach | B+ | 57.8 | 57.8 | 51 | 64 | 65 | 453,649 |
| 10 | Chesapeake | B | 54.1 | 54.6 | 44 | 65 | 66 | 253,886 |
| 11 | Suffolk | C+ | 51.5 | 52.0 | 38 | 57 | 67 | 100,659 |
| 12 | Lynchburg | C+ | 50.7 | 52.4 | 45 | 35 | 76 | 79,535 |
| 13 | Charlottesville | B | 49.5 | 54.3 | 58 | 29 | 64 | 45,863 |
| 14 | Hampton | C+ | 49.5 | 50.7 | 36 | 47 | 71 | 137,098 |
| 15 | Richmond | C+ | 48.5 | 51.0 | 46 | 34 | 69 | 229,247 |
| 16 | Harrisonburg | C+ | 48.2 | 51.2 | 50 | 19 | 73 | 51,492 |
| 17 | Norfolk | C | 45.2 | 46.7 | 40 | 35 | 71 | 230,930 |
| 18 | Newport News | C | 44.4 | 45.7 | 39 | 41 | 72 | 183,118 |
| 19 | Roanoke | C | 43.0 | 45.8 | 34 | 26 | 77 | 97,171 |
| 20 | Portsmouth | D | 39.7 | 41.2 | 32 | 33 | 72 | 96,793 |