Best Cities for Retirees in Virginia
Virginia ranks #15 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 68.4. Reston is its best city for retirees at 72.8.
- Virginia, all states
- #15 of 50
- Population
- 64,414
Why Virginia Works for Retirees
Virginia ranks #15 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 61/100 is middling — life expectancy of 77.5 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. 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 $414,662, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 79/100. 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 | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Reston | A+ | 72.8 | 75.8 | 80 | 94 | 38 | 64,414 |
| 2McLean | A+ | 72.8 | 72.6 | 88 | 100 | 18 | 49,627 |
| 3Arlington | A+ | 69.9 | 75.0 | 81 | 88 | 27 | 236,254 |
| 4Centreville | A+ | 69.0 | 71.5 | 79 | 88 | 40 | 71,706 |
| 5Leesburg | A+ | 66.7 | 69.7 | 66 | 91 | 39 | 49,171 |
| 6Alexandria | A+ | 65.8 | 68.9 | 66 | 78 | 36 | 156,976 |
| 7Tuckahoe | B+ | 65.8 | 61.8 | 65 | 71 | 61 | 49,183 |
| 8Virginia Beach | A | 65.0 | 63.1 | 51 | 65 | 62 | 456,349 |
| 9Charlottesville | A | 60.3 | 63.3 | 58 | 37 | 59 | 45,437 |
| 10Chesapeake | B+ | 59.7 | 59.4 | 44 | 64 | 64 | 252,583 |
| 11Dale City | B | 58.2 | 57.2 | 52 | 76 | 52 | 71,016 |
| 12Lynchburg | B+ | 57.9 | 58.8 | 45 | 31 | 81 | 79,497 |
| 13Suffolk | B | 57.5 | 56.0 | 38 | 63 | 65 | 98,796 |
| 14Harrisonburg | B+ | 57.3 | 59.4 | 50 | 20 | 74 | 51,392 |
| 15Hampton | C+ | 56.9 | 55.0 | 36 | 47 | 71 | 137,557 |
| 16Richmond | B | 55.9 | 56.5 | 46 | 35 | 67 | 229,359 |
| 17Norfolk | C+ | 54.8 | 54.1 | 40 | 39 | 71 | 233,596 |
| 18Roanoke | C+ | 54.3 | 53.4 | 34 | 31 | 81 | 98,355 |
| 19Newport News | C | 54.3 | 52.0 | 39 | 44 | 72 | 184,216 |
| 20Portsmouth | D | 50.3 | 48.4 | 32 | 35 | 73 | 97,190 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Virginia for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia a good state for retirees?
Virginia ranks #15 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 68.4/100. Its strongest relevant category is Safety (79/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (20/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Virginia?
Reston ranks #1 in Virginia for retirees with a score of 72.8/100, followed by McLean and Arlington.
What factors are most important for retirees in Virginia?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.