The Old Dominion

There is perhaps no place in the union more awash in history, natural beauty, cultural significance, and outdoor fun than Virginia, “our ancient dominion” as King Charles II of England referred to it in 1660.

5.3% state sales tax rate

Virginia does not tax social security benefits, and there is no estate or inheritance tax

The state’s cost of living index is 103.7, which is above the national average

Virginia’s average effective property tax rate is just 0.8%, below the national average

The Commonwealth of Virginia takes its name from a term dating back to 15th century England meaning “common well-being.” This state emerged as the cradle of our representative democracy and excels in the quality of its health care, offers a mild year-round climate for healthy outdoor recreation, and takes pride in the legacy of its abundant history. Virginia’s diverse geography flows west from the Atlantic Ocean and Tidewater coastal plains, across the Chesapeake Bay and its bounty of seafood, through the fertile piedmont region, and all the way up to the ancient peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. Visit in the fall to enjoy apple-picking, and discover the growing popularity of hard cider— a mainstay libation for Presidents Washington, Jefferson, and John Adams, who drank a tankard every morning!

Recreation Climate Health Care

Virginia scores a comfort index of 7.4 on a scale of 10, so it's one of the most pleasant places to live in the country. There are 205 days of sun each year, right at the national average. And Virginia’s average annual snowfall is only 13.8 inches, so it’s one of the least snowy of the 50 states. Elevations run from sea level in the east to over 3,000 feet in the western mountains.

The “2022 America’s 250 Best Hospitals” list for overall clinical excellence includes 12 facilities from Virginia, with nearly half of them located in Richmond. Virginia ranks #12 in overall health care access and quality. And median health care costs are the lowest in the central and eastern regions of the state.

Start with a sunrise jog on the beach, then paddleboard in the Tidewater estuaries, or backpack along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a day trip to Shenandoah National Park, Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, and Monticello. Marvel at the wild ponies of Chincoteague Island, find adventure at Busch Gardens amusement park, or tour the Luray Caverns—the largest in eastern America. Don’t forget winery tours, zip-lining, birding, national-class golf, and Washington D.C. just across the Potomac River.