Moving to Virginia: What You Need to Know
Virginia is essentially two states economically: the Northern Virginia (NoVA) corridor with its high-paying government, defense, and tech jobs tied to Washington DC, and the rest of the state with more moderate costs and a different pace of life. NoVA is home to Amazon's HQ2 (Arlington), numerous defense contractors, and one of the highest median household incomes in America. Richmond has undergone a renaissance as a food, arts, and brewery destination with much more affordable housing. The state has a strong university system and a stable economy with low unemployment.
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Cost of Living in Virginia
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500/mo
Avg Local Move
$1,100
Avg Long-Distance Move
$4,300
Taxes in Virginia
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 2%–5.75% (progressive) |
| Effective Property Tax | 0.82% |
| State Sales Tax | 5.3% (4.3% state + 1% local, higher in some regions) |
Job Market & Economy
Virginia Climate & Weather
Four seasons with mild to cold winters and hot, humid summers. Northern Virginia is similar to DC weather. The Blue Ridge Mountains are cooler. Coastal areas (Virginia Beach) are milder in winter. Occasional hurricanes and ice storms.
Best Cities to Move to in Virginia
Pros and Cons of Living in Virginia
Pros
- +Strong job market driven by federal government, defense, and tech
- +Moderate property taxes
- +Diverse geography from beaches to mountains
- +Excellent schools and universities (UVA, Virginia Tech, W&M)
Cons
- -Northern Virginia housing is very expensive due to DC proximity
- -Hot, humid summers in most of the state
- -Heavy traffic congestion in the NoVA/DC corridor
- -Cost of living varies dramatically between NoVA and the rest of the state
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move to Virginia?
A local move within Virginia averages $800–$1,400. Moving from the DC metro area within NoVA costs $1,000–$2,500. Cross-country moves to Virginia typically run $3,500–$7,000. NoVA moves can be complicated by condo/apartment building restrictions and HOA requirements.
Is Northern Virginia worth the cost?
NoVA is expensive -- median home prices in Arlington exceed $700,000, and Fairfax County averages $600,000+. However, salaries are among the highest in the nation due to government, defense contractor, and tech jobs. Amazon HQ2 in Arlington has added 25,000+ high-paying jobs. The trade-off is traffic congestion (I-95/I-66 are notoriously bad) and a high cost of living. Loudoun and Prince William counties offer slightly more affordable options with still-excellent schools.
How does Richmond compare to NoVA?
Richmond offers a dramatically different experience: median home prices around $320,000, a thriving food and craft beer scene (especially in the Fan, Carytown, and Scott's Addition neighborhoods), historic architecture, and a more relaxed pace. The job market is anchored by healthcare (VCU Health), finance (Capital One), and government. Richmond is increasingly popular with NoVA transplants seeking more space and affordability while staying in Virginia.
What is the job market like in Virginia?
Virginia's job market is one of the strongest in the country, with low unemployment driven by the federal government and defense. Major employers include the Department of Defense, Amazon (HQ2), Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics, and Capital One. Virginia Beach has a strong military economy (Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base). The tech sector in NoVA is massive, and Charlottesville and Richmond have growing startup scenes.
What are the best parts of Virginia for families?
Fairfax County and Loudoun County in NoVA have some of the highest-ranked public schools in the nation. Chesapeake and Virginia Beach offer beach-town family living with good schools. Charlottesville offers a UVA-centered lifestyle with excellent culture and dining. Roanoke is an affordable mountain city with good quality of life and outdoor access. Short Pump and Glen Allen in the Richmond metro are popular family suburbs with new development.