When thinking of great moving destinations, Virginia might not be on your shortlist initially. However, the state has a variety of great locations to start and raise a family in. Choosing where you settle down will have a major impact on your children’s lives and the opportunities they can enjoy. When moving you’ll have to consider things such as school districts, public transportation, crime rates, and much more. So if you’re interested in checking out some family-friendly locations in Virginia where should you look? Here are the best cities in Virginia to raise a family.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is often thought of as just a vacation destination, but it’s actually a great location to raise a family. To start, there are absolutely gorgeous natural areas and beaches all around, allowing your children to spend a lot of time outdoors. Surely, your children will be overjoyed with one of the nation’s most popular beaches practically in their backyard. There’s also a good amount of job opportunities in the area, giving you plenty of options to help support your family. However, Virginia Beach’s housing prices can skew towards the more expensive side, so you may want to look for houses for rent in Virginia Beach, rather than to buy.
Chesapeake
Chesapeake is a fantastic all-around option for raising a family. One of the biggest draws of this area is the welcoming and safe community. In addition to this, Chesapeake is home to a variety of top-notch schools, providing your children with a high-quality education. There are also several outdoor areas like parks that give you and your family plenty of space to enjoy outdoor bonding time. Chesapeake may not be the most thrilling option, but it is calm and reliable, making it a fantastic location to raise a family.
Hampton
Hampton is another solid option for Virginia families looking to settle down and start a family. Like Chesapeake, Hampton is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. The area is home to several research centers and bases like the NASA Langley Research Center, Langley Air Force Base, and the National Institute of Aerospace. These locations provide many high-paying local jobs, boosting the local economy. Also, one of the best features of Hampton is its proximity to both Richmond and Norfolk, making it easy to travel to bigger cities.
Newport News
Newport News is one of the best locations in the country for young professionals to advance their careers and start a family. The area provides residents with the classic suburban feel, providing the perfect environment for raising a family. There is a wide selection of shops, stores, and restaurants as well, giving you everything you need in close proximity. Throw in Newport News’ above-average public school system and the plethora of job opportunities you can find in the area, and you have the recipe for a great family-friendly location.
