10 Best-Kept Secret Places to Retire In Virginia

Virginia is a beautiful state with an abundance of parks, lakes for fishing, beaches, and historic attractions. Plus, the weather tends to be warmer than areas to the north. It’s popular with retirees due to the reasonable cost of living (32nd of the 50 states), things to do, access to shopping, and social opportunities with the friendly locals. We explore the 10 best-kept secret places to retire in Virginia.

Note that all average home prices are using Zillow’s pricing on January 4, 2024. On that day, the average home price in Virginia was $372,801. Populations are collected from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quick Facts. Finally, crime rates use 2019 reports compiled by the FBI.

Bristol

Bristol stretches from Virginia into North Carolina, and the North Carolina side is home to the Bristol Motor Speedway for racing fans. Bristol, Virginia, is home to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and a historic rail station that’s both a popular wedding venue and host of a yearly Polar Express train ride for all ages. A large shopping center is on the northeastern edge of the city, so shopping is convenient.

• Average home price: $192,544
• Population 65 and older: 23.5%
• Nearest hospital: Holston Valley Medical Center (22.6 miles)
• Crime rate: 880 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being property crimes

Martinsville

Fishing is a favorite pastime in Martinsville, with the Beaver Creek Reservoir, Martinsville Dam, Philpott Lake, and Smith River all within city limits. Trout fishing is especially popular on the Smith River. Martinsville also hosts a race track, historic downtown, and plenty of shops for groceries and other necessities.

• Average home price: $117,293
• Population 65 and older: 17.7%
• Nearest hospital: Sovah Health Hospital in the heart of the city
• Crime rate: 818 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being larceny/theft

Wytheville

With an abundance of shopping centers and smaller stores, retirees have no problem getting groceries and other necessities. Wytheville is a city in the northwestern corner of the state, which places you near several mountain trails. The downtown business district is surrounded by mountains and open spaces, which is why the eight-day Chautauqua Festival, a family-friendly music and hot-air balloon festival held each June.

• Average home price: $201,008
• Population 65 and older: 25.3%
• Nearest hospital: Wythe County Community Hospital in the heart of the city
• Crime rate: 403 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being larceny/theft

South Boston

Formerly known as Boyd’s Ferry, South Boston became an independent town in 1995. South Boston Speedway is on the outskirts, and the town also boasts a golf course and trails, gardens, and disc golf at Paul C. Edmunds Park. Right across Dan River, there’s a large shopping center and another is on the town’s northeast border, which provides everything retirees need in terms of groceries, pharmacy access, and other necessities.

• Average home price: $132,949
• Population 65 and older: 24.1%
• Nearest hospital: Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital in the heart of the city
• Crime rate: 734 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being property crimes

Pulaski

Claytor Lake, several parks with nature trails, and golf courses surround Pulaski. Within this town are several shopping areas, restaurants, and services that are vital for retirement in Virginia. As the Pulaski County seat, it’s also home to the county library and government offices.

• Average home price: 148,036
• Population 65 and older: 19.6%
• Nearest hospital: LewisGale Hospital Pulaski is in the city
• Crime rate: 625 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being property crimes

Hopewell

Hopewell provides a coastal living experience for those who need to watch their monthly spending. The average home prices are more than reasonable, and shopping is plentiful. One of the biggest attractions for Virginia retirees is the Old City Point Waterfront Park. This waterfront park overlooks the Appottomax River, provides fishing from the banks of the river, and is dog-friendly.

• Average home price: $207,832
• Population 65 and older: 14.7%
• Nearest hospital: Tri-Cities Hospital is in the city
• Crime rate: 1,113 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being property crimes

Abingdon

Abingdon is a county seat and a city packed with historic sites, including the Martha Washington Inn & Spa and the 1933 Barter Theater. Washington County Fairgrounds, established in 1950, are on the west side of the city and the historical Virginia Creeper Trail is on the southern border.

• Average home price: $264,566
• Population 65 and older: 23.8%
• Nearest hospital: Holston Valley Medical Center (22.6 miles)
• Crime rate: 250 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being property crimes

Vinton

Located just a mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Vinton is in a fantastic location for day trips. It’s also very close to Roanoke, so retirees enjoy access to the larger city while living in a suburb with a low crime rate.

• Average home price: $250,323
• Population 65 and older: 19.3%
• Nearest hospital: Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital (2 miles)
• Crime rate: 442 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being property crimes

Harrisonburg

Don’t let the higher crime rates keep you from considering Harrisonburg. As a college town, crimes are higher on and around the campus, and the majority are property crimes like vandalism. The city itself has so much to offer, including gorgeous nature trails through the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, the dog-friendly Hillandale Park, and golf at Heritage Oaks.

• Average home price: $319,791
• Population 65 and older: 9.6%
• Nearest hospital: Sentara RMH Medical Center on the southern edge of town
• Crime rate: 2077 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being property crimes

Smithfield

Don’t let the higher average home price in Smithfield turn you away. The area’s cost of living is still lower than in many areas, and some homes are very affordable. As one of Virginia’s hidden gems for retirees, golf, fishing, and nature trails are abundant. For birdwatchers, days spent at Windsor Castle Park are a must. The Eagle Nest Observation Platform provides year-round views of nesting bald eagles.

• Average home price: $360,225
• Population 65 and older: 18.3%
• Nearest hospital: Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View Hospital (11 miles)
• Crime rate: 334 reported crimes in 2019 with the majority being property crimes

Our Summary of 10 Secret Places to Retire in Virginia