Best Cities to Retire in Virginia

Virginia checks all the right boxes for retirees—lower taxes, a mild climate, and a strong sense of community. Social Security benefits are exempt from state income tax, helping ease financial burdens, while the low crime rate adds to the appeal.

To make your decision easier, we evaluated Virginia’s largest cities based on factors that matter most to retirees: the percentage of residents 65 and older, home and rental affordability, poverty rates, and sales tax.

If you’re exploring options beyond Virginia, take a look at our picks for the 10 Best U.S. Cities for Retirement and our breakdown of the Best and Worst States to Retire In.

Top 10 Best Cities to Retire in Virginia

Here’s how the top 10 cities for retirees stack up:

1. Roanoke, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 17.5%
• Median home sale price: $237,523
• Median rent price: $964
• Poverty rate: 19.7%
• Sales tax: 5.3%

Coming in at number one on our list, Roanoke is a scenic, affordable retirement spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It stands out with a low median home sale price of $237,523 and a median rent of $964, the most budget-friendly city on our list. With 17.5% of its population aged 65 or above, it is a retiree-friendly community.

While a low sales tax of 5.3% adds to its appeal, the city’s poverty rate of 19.7% is the highest on our list—well above the national average of 12.5%. Still, for those looking for low-cost living in a peaceful setting, Roanoke remains a strong choice.

2. Hampton, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 17%
• Median home sale price: $275,450
• Median rent price: $1,346
• Poverty rate: 13%
• Sales tax: 6%

Hampton offers coastal charm, a rich history, and a sizable senior community, with 17% of its residents aged 65 and older. It’s a great fit for retirees who want waterfront views and a slower pace of life.

The median home price in Hampton is $275,450, with a median rent of $1,346, offering a more affordable housing market than many cities in the state. While 13% of residents live below the poverty line, Hampton still provides financial stability for retirees looking for a coastal lifestyle at a reasonable cost.

3. Lynchburg, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 14.4%
• Median home sale price: $250,000
• Median rent price: $1,043
• Poverty rate: 17.4%
• Sales tax: 5.3%

Lynchburg sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a mix of nature and city life with affordable housing. With a median home sale price of $250,000 and a median rent of $1,043, it’s the second-most affordable city on our list. A low sales tax of 5.3% also helps keep everyday expenses low.

However, only 14.4% of the population is 65 or older, making it less of a senior-focused community. The poverty rate is also high at 17.4%, which may be a drawback for some. However, if affordability and accessibility matter most to you, Lynchburg is a great fit.

4. Virginia Beach, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 16.5%
• Median home sale price: $370,000
• Median rent price: $1,649
• Poverty rate: 8.4%
• Sales tax: 6.0%

If coastal living is a priority, Virginia Beach delivers with miles of shoreline and a thriving senior community, with 16.5% of its residents being 65 or older. It also stands out for its low poverty rate of 8.4%, offering a more financially secure environment compared to other cities on this list.

Beachfront convenience comes at a price. With a median home sale price of $370,000 and a median rent of $1,649, affordability can be a challenge. However, the 6% sales tax helps offset some costs. If you’re looking for a lively retirement by the ocean and don’t mind the higher housing prices, Virginia Beach could work well.

5. Suffolk, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 15.4%
• Median home sale price: $367,500
• Median rent price: $1,484
• Poverty rate: 9.9%
• Sales tax: 6%

Suffolk isn’t just the largest city in Virginia by land, it’s a place where you can find a secure and welcoming community. With 15.4% of the population aged 65 and older and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, it offers a sense of stability that many retirees look for.

However, living here doesn’t come cheap. With a median home sale price of $367,500 and a median rent price of $1,484, Suffolk is among the pricier cities on this list. If Suffolk is on your radar, a well-planned budget is key to making retirement here comfortable.

6. Newport News, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 14.6%
• Median home sale price: $254,950
• Median rent price: $1,285
• Poverty rate: 15.1%
• Sales tax: 6%

Newport News offers affordable homeownership in a well-connected location. Sitting in the Tidewater region, it provides easy access to nearby cities like Yorktown and Virginia Beach. For retirees looking to buy, the median home price of $254,950 makes it one of the more budget-friendly options. Renters also benefit from affordability, with a median rent of $1,285, ranking among the lowest on our list.

The 6% sales tax helps keep daily expenses manageable, making it a cost-effective choice for retirees. However, with only 14.6% of the population aged 65+, the city has fewer retiree-focused amenities compared to other areas.

For those seeking affordability and convenience, Newport News is worth shortlisting.

7. Chesapeake, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 15%
• Median home sale price: $400,000
• Median rent price: $1,523
• Poverty rate: 8.7%
• Sales tax: 6%

Chesapeake offers a suburban feel with scenic neighborhoods, making it an attractive place to retire. With a low poverty rate of 8.7% and a 6% sales tax, it provides a cost-conscious and stable environment for retirees.

That security comes with some challenges. With a median home sale price of $400,000 and a median rent of $1,523, Chesapeake is one of the most expensive options on our list. Finding the right neighborhood could make all the difference in balancing cost and quality of life.

8. Portsmouth, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 15.3%
• Median home sale price: $264,000
• Median rent price: $1,266
• Poverty rate: 17.6%
• Sales tax: 6%

Portsmouth is a budget-friendly choice if you are looking to stretch your savings. With a median home sale price of $264,000 and a median rent of $1,266, it’s one of the more affordable cities on this list. 

The senior community is also sizable, with 15.3% of residents aged 65 and older. Add in the city’s historic charm, waterfront views, and antique homes dating back three centuries, and it’s easy to see why some retirees choose to settle here.

However, affordability comes with trade-offs. Portsmouth has a poverty rate of 17.6%, which is notably higher than the state average. If long-term financial stability is a top priority, you should weigh the pros and cons before making a move.

9. Norfolk, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 13.7%
• Median home sale price: $314,900
• Median rent price: $1,246
• Poverty rate: 17.3%
• Sales tax: 6%

For retirees who love waterfront living, Norfolk is worth considering. With easy access to the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways, it offers a coastal lifestyle without the sky-high prices of some other cities. If you’re planning to rent, it’s one of the more affordable options, with a median rent of $1,246. While renting is manageable, buying a home here isn’t as budget-friendly, with a median home sale price of $314,900. 

On the flip side, Norfolk isn’t the most senior-friendly city. Only 13.7% of its population is 65 or older, the lowest among our top 10 cities to retire in Virginia.

10. Richmond, Virginia

• Share of population 65+: 14.6%
• Median home sale price: $367,000
• Median rent price: $1,314
• Poverty rate: 18.8%
• Sales tax: 6%

As Virginia’s capital, Richmond offers city conveniences with a moderate cost of living. The median home sale price sits at $367,000, and the median rent is at $1,314, making it a mid-range option compared to other cities on this list.

However, if a strong senior community is a priority, Richmond may not be the best choice as only 14.6% of residents are 65 or older. The poverty rate is also the highest on this list at 18.8%, which could be a drawback for those looking for long-term financial stability.

See Where Your Virginia Community Ranks for Retirement

Didn’t see your city on the list? Here’s a ranking of the top 15 Virginia cities we compared to determine the best places for retirement.

Methodology

To identify the best cities to retire in Virginia, we evaluated communities with populations over 40,000, focusing on key factors that are most relevant to retirees. Each metric is weighted to reflect its significance in the decision-making process.

Our research is backed by credible sources. Population, median monthly rent, and poverty rates came from the 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Median home sale prices are from Redfin as of February 2025, and sales tax rates were gathered from the Virginia Department of Taxation.

Here’s how each factor contributed to the overall rankings:

• Percentage of Population 65+: 30% 
• Median Home Sale Price: 20% 
• Median Monthly Rent: 20% 
• Poverty Rate: 20% 
• Sales Tax: 10%

Reference policy 

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Article sources

1. 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
2. Redfin
3. Virginia Department of Taxation

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