Virginia is a beautiful state with a rich history and diverse culture. However, with its high cost of living, finding affordable places to live can be a challenge. Luckily, there are several cities in Virginia that offer a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality of life. In this article, we will explore the 10 most affordable places to live in Virginia, given how much it costs to live here.
1. Danville
- Cost of living is 21.6% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $675 per month
Experience a high quality of life in Danville! This charming city located in southern Virginia near the North Carolina border offers an affordable cost of living that is 21.6% lower than the national average. Renting an apartment in Danville averages around $675 per month, making it a smart choice for college students and young professionals.
Danville is a nature lover's paradise with plenty of parks and trails to explore. The Dan River also runs through the city, offering various water activities like fishing and kayaking. Discover history in Danville with its many historic sites, which include the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History and the Sutherlin Mansion, the last capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Danville is home to Averett University, a reputable private university that provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Students on a budget can also turn to Danville Community College for affordable education options.
2. Martinsville
- Cost of living is 25.9% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $650 per month
Located in southern Virginia near the North Carolina border, Martinsville is another small city with a population of just over 13,000. The cost of living in Martinsville is 25.9% lower than the national average, making it a very affordable option for those looking to settle down in Virginia. Renting an apartment in Martinsville averages around $650 per month, making it a great option for college students or young professionals.
Martinsville is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with several parks and trails throughout the city. The Smith River runs through Martinsville and provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Additionally, Martinsville is home to several historic sites, including the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center and Museum and the Virginia Museum of Natural History.
For college students, Martinsville is within driving distance of several universities, including Virginia Tech and Radford University. Additionally, Patrick Henry Community College provides affordable education options for those looking to further their education.
3. Lynchburg
- Cost of living is 9.3% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $900 per month
Lynchburg, Virginia, a bustling city with a population of over 80,000 that offers an affordable lifestyle with a cost of living 9.3% lower than the national average. Renting an apartment averages around $900 per month, making it perfect for students or young professionals.
Explore Lynchburg's outdoor recreation opportunities with several parks and trails throughout the city. The James River flows through Lynchburg, providing excellent fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Lynchburg is also home to historical landmarks such as the Lynchburg Museum and Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum.
Several esteemed universities such as Liberty University and Lynchburg College, as well as the affordable Central Virginia Community College, make Lynchburg an ideal location for furthering your education.
4. Roanoke
- Cost of living is 11.4% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $850 per month
Roanoke is a vibrant city with a population of over 97,000. With a cost of living that's 11.4% lower than the national average, Roanoke is the perfect place to settle down without breaking the bank. Whether you're a college student or a young professional, renting an apartment here averages around $850 per month.
Roanoke is known for being an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering plenty of parks and trails throughout the city. The Roanoke River is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. History buffs will also love the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Mill Mountain Star and Park.
For those seeking higher education, Roanoke is just a short drive away from Virginia Tech and Radford University. Plus, Virginia Western Community College provides affordable education options for students looking to pursue their dreams.
5. Staunton
- Cost of living is 5.3% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $850 per month
Located in western Virginia, Staunton is a smaller city with a population of just over 24,000. The cost of living in Staunton is 5.3% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to settle down in Virginia. Renting an apartment in Staunton averages around $850 per month, making it a great option for college students or young professionals.
Staunton is known for its rich history and architecture, with several historic sites throughout the city. The American Shakespeare Center is located in Staunton and offers performances of Shakespeare's plays throughout the year. Additionally, the city is home to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum and the Frontier Culture Museum, which showcases the history of early American settlers.
For college students, Staunton is within driving distance of several universities, including James Madison University and Mary Baldwin University. Additionally, Blue Ridge Community College provides affordable education options for those looking to further their education.
6. Waynesboro
- Cost of living is 5.4% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $850 per month
Waynesboro, Virginia- the charming and affordable city of scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and rich history. Home to only 22,000 residents, this quaint college town is 5.4% lower than the national average, offering affordable living for those who want to settle down in Virginia.
With an average monthly rent of around $850, Waynesboro is an excellent option for college students and young professionals. Waynesboro's outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant, with several parks and hiking trails throughout the city. Enjoy fishing and kayaking in the South River that runs through the heart of the city, or explore the historical Plumb House Museum and the Waynesboro Heritage Museum.
For those seeking higher education, Waynesboro is just a short drive from several universities, including James Madison University and Mary Baldwin University. Blue Ridge Community College offers affordable education options to help students achieve their goals.
7. Hopewell
- Cost of living is 21.6% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $775 per month
Located in southeastern Virginia, Hopewell is a smaller city with a population of just over 22,000. The cost of living in Hopewell is 21.6% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to settle down in Virginia. Renting an apartment in Hopewell averages around $775 per month, making it a great option for college students or young professionals.
Hopewell is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with several parks and trails throughout the city. The Appomattox River runs through Hopewell and provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Additionally, Hopewell is home to several historic sites, including the City Point Historical District and the Weston Manor.
8. Petersburg
- Cost of living is 27.6% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $725 per month
Located in southeastern Virginia, Petersburg is a smaller city with a population of just over 32,000. The cost of living in Petersburg is 27.6% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to settle down in Virginia. Renting an apartment in Petersburg averages around $725 per month, making it a great option for college students or young professionals.
Petersburg is known for its rich history, with several historic sites throughout the city. The Petersburg National Battlefield Park showcases the history of the Civil War, while the Centre Hill Museum showcases the history of Petersburg itself. Additionally, Petersburg is home to several art galleries and theaters, including the Petersburg Regional Art Center and the Sycamore Rouge Theatre.
9. Emporia
- Cost of living is 25.5% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $600 per month
Looking for an affordable place to live in Virginia? Look no further than Emporia, a picturesque city located in the south of the state near the North Carolina border. With a population of just over 5,000, Emporia offers a peaceful and tranquil living experience that's great for college students and young professionals.
But that's not all. The cost of living in Emporia is 25.5% lower than the national average, allowing you to live life on a budget without sacrificing quality. Apartments in the area average around $600 per month, making it a great place to call home without breaking the bank.
In addition to being affordable, Emporia offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. From parks and trails to the scenic Lake Gaston, you'll find plenty of ways to explore and connect with nature. And if you're a history buff, be sure to check out the area's many historic sites, including the Greensville County Historical Society Museum and the Emporia-Greensville Recreation Association.
10. Franklin
- Cost of living is 16.2% lower than national average
- Rent for apartments averages around $675 per month
Located in southeastern Virginia, Franklin is a smaller city with a population of just over 8,000. The cost of living in Franklin is 16.2% lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for those looking to settle down in Virginia. Renting an apartment in Franklin averages around $675 per month, making it a great option for college students or young professionals.
Franklin is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with several parks and trails throughout the city. The Blackwater River runs through Franklin and provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Additionally, Franklin is home to several historic sites, including the Southampton County Historical Society Museum and the Paul D. Camp Community College Regional Workforce Development Center.
For college students, Franklin is within driving distance of several universities, including Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University.
Housing Grants and Support Programs
For those looking for additional support when it comes to housing costs, there are several housing grants and support programs available in Virginia. The Virginia Housing Development Authority offers several programs, including the Homeownership Education and Counseling Program, which provides education and counseling services to first-time homebuyers. Additionally, the Virginia Housing Trust Fund provides financial assistance to those in need of affordable housing.
For college students, many universities offer housing grants and support programs to help with the cost of living on campus. For example, Virginia Tech offers a Housing Scholarship Program for students with demonstrated financial need, while the University of Virginia offers a Housing Assistance Program for graduate students.
Proximity to Campus
For college students, proximity to campus is often a top priority when it comes to finding affordable housing. Luckily, many of the cities on this list are located near several universities and colleges. For example, Lynchburg is home to Liberty University and Lynchburg College, while Roanoke is within driving distance of Virginia Tech and Radford University.
Crime Rate
When considering where to live, it's important to take into account the crime rate of a given area. While all of the cities on this list have a lower cost of living, some have higher crime rates than others. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program, the cities with the highest crime rates on this list are Petersburg and Hopewell. However, it's worth noting that crime rates can vary widely within a given city, so it's important to do additional research when considering a specific neighborhood or area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Virginia offers several affordable and cheap places to live, with options ranging from small, rural towns to larger cities. Each city on this list offers its own unique attractions and opportunities, from outdoor recreation to historic sites and cultural events. For college students, many of these cities offer proximity to campus and affordable education options. By taking advantage of housing grants and support programs and doing additional research on crime rates and neighborhoods, it's possible to find an affordable and enjoyable place to live in Virginia.
