Moving to Virginia: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Virginia, you’re not alone. The Old Dominion State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Virginia Beach and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Virginia, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Virginia to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Virginia information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to VA
Top car shippers to VA
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Virginia

Like any big move, relocating to Virginia comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Old Dominion State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in VA

✓Strong economy
✓Beautiful scenery
✓Abundance of outdoor activities
✓Enjoyable four season weather
✓Strong military presence

Cons of living in VA

✖High cost of living
✖Unpredictable weather
✖Bad traffic congestion
✖Lack of public transportation
✖Air noise pollution

Things to do in Virginia

Whether you’re moving to Virginia work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Virginia has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in Virginia

Virginia Beach
Colonial Williamsburg
Arlington National Cemetery
Busch Gardens
The Natural Bridge
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive
Richmond Canal Walk

Museums in Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Historic Jamestowne
Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
Military Aviation Museum
The Mariners’ Museum & Park
Amazement Square
George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor
White House of the Confederacy
Virginia Air & Space Science Center

Parks in Virginia

Mill Mountain Star & Park
Morven Park
The Mariners’ Museum & Park
Great Falls Park
Leesylvania State Park
Bull Run Regional Park
Oak Grove Lake Park
Ashburn Park
Pamplin Historical Park
Neptune’s Park

Fun facts about Virginia

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about Virginia, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

Virginia was named after Queen Elizabeth I, who was called the Virgin Queen.
The Virginia General Assembly is the oldest continuous law-making body in the New World. And it prohibits the governors from serving two consecutive terms.
Earthquakes in Virginia are rarely devastating because of their weak magnitude. The state experienced its largest earthquake of 5.9 magnitude in 1897 near Blacksburg.
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia in 2011 was felt by the almost 1/3rd of the population of the U.S. The Earthquake also did shake some neighboring Canadian provinces to some extent. The effect of the quake was so prominent that it cracked the Washington Monument.
After California, Virginia has the second highest concentration of tech workers of any state in the U.S.
In the early days, Virginia was also known as the “Birthplace of Presidents.”
Virginia is home to the largest office building in the world – the Pentagon.
In the Civil War, more battles were fought on Virginia soil than in any other state.
The first iron furnace was built in 1619 in Virginia.
“Virginia Is For Lovers” is one of the most well-known tourism campaigns ever. It was created by David N. Martin and George Woltz of Martin and Woltz Inc. in 1968.

Virginia population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Virginia, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Old Dominion State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Virginia, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Virginia
Population	8,715,698
Female	50.6%
Male	49.4%
College graduation rate	41.81%
Political leaning	Democratic 52-48
Crime index	19.3

Virginia weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Virginia is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Virginia aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	Virginia
Summer high	87ºF
Winter low	25ºF
Annual rain	44″
Annual snow	14″

Income and cost of living in Virginia

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Virginia.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Virginia and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Professional and business services ($103 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($75.1 billion)
Manufacturing ($45.3 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($39.4 billion)
Finance and insurance ($27.7 billion)
Retail trade ($26.6 billion)
Wholesale trade ($22.6 billion)
Construction ($21.3 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($18 billion)
Information ($17.2 billion)

Metric	Virginia
Average rent cost	$1,440
Average home cost	$392,682
Average income (per capita)	$87,249
Cost of living index*	Not available
Unemployment rate	2.9%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	5.75%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Virginia

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Virginia has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Virginia:

University of Virginia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
George Mason University
Virginia Commonwealth University
College of William & Mary
Liberty University
James Madison University
Old Dominion University
University of Richmond
Washington and Lee University
Radford University
Regent University
University of Mary Washington
Sweet Briar College
Virginia Military Institute

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Virginia

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Old Dominion State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Virginia

Before you take the leap to Virginia, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Virginia

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Virginia.

Virginia car insurance requirements

Drivers must have liability insurance to meet the state’s required minimum coverage: $25,000 for one person’s injury or death, $50,000 for multiple people’s injuries or deaths, and $20,000 for property damage. Enhance your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage that matches these limits. Stay prepared and compliant with these insurance requirements in Virginia.

Virginia drivers license requirements

To get a driver’s license, you need to pass written, vision, and driving tests. You must be at least 16 years old and have a learner’s permit for at least 9 months. There are special licenses for motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and for those under 18. If you already have a valid out-of-state license, you can convert it without a test. The DMV issues licenses that are valid for 8 years, and you can renew them online or in person.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Virginia?

Moving to Virginia is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Virginia is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Virginia?

On the cost of living index, Virginia has a score of . You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Virginia?

The average income in VA is $87,249, and the an unemployment rate is 2.9. Home prices are $392,682, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,440.

What is the downside of living in Virginia?

Like any place, Virginia has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Old Dominion State include:

High cost of living
Unpredictable weather
Bad traffic congestion
Lack of public transportation
Air noise pollution

Virginia Moving Resources

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