Moving to Virginia: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Considering a move to Virginia? You’re in good company. The Old Dominion State draws people in with its energetic cities like Virginia Beach and peaceful small towns, offering a lifestyle that suits just about anyone.

Virginia has a lot going for it, but before you commit to buying a home and moving, it’s wise to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you should know about moving to Virginia so you can decide if it’s the place 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

While relocating to Virginia offers plenty of advantages, it also brings a few challenges you’ll need to consider.

Explore the key pros and cons of living in the Old Dominion State to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Pros of living in Virginia

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

Cons of living in Virginia

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

Things to do in Virginia

No matter why you’re relocating to Virginia—for a new job, to be closer to loved ones, or just for a change of scenery—you’ll discover a world of exciting opportunities as soon as you get here. With everything from popular hotspots to secret local treasures, Virginia is packed with experiences that make every day an adventure.

If you’re heading out with the whole crew or going solo and eager to meet new people, these destinations deliver. With so many options, you’ll easily find a spot that matches your energy and makes you feel right at home.

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 its own distinct personality, shaped by its history, culture, and people. Embracing local customs and unique quirks is the key to fully enjoying life in a new area.

Uncovering these fun facts about Virginia shows what makes the state unique—and could even spark your next 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 more densely populated state, for instance, might offer more job opportunities, entertainment, and infrastructure, while a smaller population could suggest a quieter lifestyle with tight-knit communities.

Average education levels reflect workforce opportunities or access to local schools and colleges, and political breakdowns could hint at 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

Weather has a big impact on daily life, so it’s worth thinking about when deciding if Virginia is a good fit for you. Checking the typical highs, lows, and precipitation for each season can give you a sense of how much outdoor time you’ll have, what weather you’ll need to prepare for, and how you’ll handle temperature swings.

Hot summer days can drive up your energy bills and keep you glued to the AC, while chilly winters mean you’ll want to prep your closet—and your heating system. And when it comes to snow, you could be dealing with anything from light dustings to heavy storms that disrupt travel and your daily plans.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, favor cooler weather, or want to skip the snow, understanding Virginia’s climate can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and comfort preferences.

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

Income and cost of living in Virginia

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and general living expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical and affordable life in Virginia really is.

Knowing which industries drive the local economy can help you gauge job opportunities and stability in your field. Plus, since housing costs are likely to be a major factor in your decision to rent or buy, they’ll play a big role in your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re here to help you compare your current lifestyle with what Virginia brings to the table, so you can make your move feeling confident and informed.

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*	100
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 top-notch schools and universities are important to you, exploring a state’s education system can reveal a lot about its job market and local vibe.

If top-tier schools are important to you—whether you’re heading back to class yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want great education options—Virginia deserves a spot at the top of your list.

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 have reviewed 2,756 moving companies across the country—including 95 right here in Virginia—and gathered real insights from movers and folks like you to spotlight the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Old Dominion State? Take a look at the best moving companies that can deliver your belongings safely, no matter where you’re coming 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 $136 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 that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for one person’s injury or death, $50,000 for multiple people, and $20,000 for property damage. Protect yourself further with uninsured motorist coverage that matches these limits. Make sure you meet these insurance requirements in Virginia to stay safe on the road.

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 hold a learner’s permit for 9 months. There are special licenses for motorcycles, commercial driving, and under-18 drivers. If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can convert it without testing. The DMV issues licenses that are good for 8 years. 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 100. 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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