Thinking about moving to Virginia? You are not alone! Over 276,000 people moved here in the last year. With its 24 Fortune 500 companies, 228,000 job openings, and top rankings for business environment, it offers plenty of opportunities to grow and thrive here.
From outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains to cultural events in Richmond and the coastal lifestyle of Virginia Beach, there’s always something in Virginia worth exploring. This blog is your all-in-one guide to relocating to Virginia in 2025.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Virginia’s job market is booming with 24 Fortune 500 companies and 228,000+ job openings in 2025. The state ranks #1 in the U.S. for business and education.
- Housing is affordable in many areas. While the statewide median is $420K, cities like Roanoke ($274K) and Gladstone ($239K) offer budget-friendly options.
- First-time buyers are eligible for perks like 10–15% down payment grants and $2,500 toward closing costs.
- Cost of living is reasonable—just 1% above the national average, and lower than major coastal states like NY or WA.
- You’ll enjoy all four seasons with 205 sunny days a year and tons of outdoor activities—from beaches to mountains.
- There is plenty to explore year-round, from vibrant cities and mountain getaways to coastal escapes.
4 Reasons to Move to Virginia
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1. Affordable Housing
The median house price in Virginia is $420,667, largely due to high median home prices in northern Virginia. However, cities like Gladstone and Roanoke offer affordable housing in Virginia with median housing prices of $239K and $274K, respectively.
Additionally, Virginia offers home buyer’s assistance programs, including DHCD Homeownership DPA with grants covering up to 10%–15% of the home’s price and $2,500 for closing costs. These programs make housing in Virginia even more affordable.
2. Strong Job Market
Home to 24 Fortune 500 companies, the Old Dominion state offers diverse employment across industries like defense, technology, logistics, and finance. Major employers include RTX, Amazon, Newport News Shipbuilding, Capital One, and VCU Health.
Additionally, the state is ranked #1 for doing business and education in America. With its proximity to Washington, DC, Northern Virginia is a major job hub in the region. Most of the workforce in this area works in high-paying jobs in the tech and cybersecurity sectors.
3. Excellent Education System
Ranked #1 for public school quality, Virginia’s schooling system serves over 1.2 million students across 132 school districts. Top school districts like Falls Church, Arlington, and Loudoun are nationally recognized for academic excellence and student graduation rates.
Plus, the University of Virginia ranks as the #4 best law school in the country, and Virginia Tech is renowned for its top-tier engineering programs. Virginia offers the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) with benefits up to $12,750 annually.
4. Climate in Virginia
Virginia has a diverse climate with four distinct seasons. The winters are usually mild with temperatures ranging from 20-47°F, while summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 93°F, depending on your location.
Additionally, the state enjoys an average of 205 sunny days per year. However, Virginia is prone to hurricanes, storms, and flooding, especially along the coastal areas. The residents must follow the state guidelines to stay safe during storm season.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Virginia
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of relocating to VA:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. With 24 Fortune 500 companies, the state has a strong job market. | 1. Median housing price in the northern areas is significantly higher than the national average. |
| 2. The state benefits from its central location with easy access to D.C. and North Carolina. | 2. Heavy traffic congestion in Northern Virginia, especially on I-66, I-495 (Capital Beltway). |
| 3. Four-season climate with mild winters and warm summers. | 3. Higher chance of seasonal allergies due to high pollen counts. |
| 4. High-quality K–12 education and top universities like UVA and Virginia Tech. | 4. The state is prone to hurricanes, floods, and storms, particularly in the coastal areas. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Virginia ✅
Before entering the Virginia housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Registering Your Vehicle and Driver’s License: After moving to VA, you are required to register your vehicle and acquire a Virginia driver’s license within 30 days. Teens in Virginia can also apply for a learner’s permit starting at age 15 years and 6 months.
- Firearm Laws in Virginia: Open carry is legal for individuals above 18 years. However, for concealed carry, you will need a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). This permit is usually available for anyone above the age of 21 years.
- Pet Ownership & Registration Laws: Most of the counties have rabies vaccination and pet licensing laws. For example, in Prince William County, dogs must be leashed or kept under control at all times and are not allowed to roam freely.
- Recreational Marijuana: Adults 21+ can legally use and grow up to four cannabis plants at home in Virginia. However, as of 2025, retail sales are still prohibited, so you can not legally purchase it in stores.
- New Laws Effective July 1, 2025: Starting July 1, 2025, allowing unlicensed minors to drive will be a crime, with penalties up to $2,500 and one year in jail. Also, seatbelts are mandatory for all, including passengers in the back seat.
Cost of Living in Virginia
The cost of living in Virginia is only 1% higher than the national average. This simply means you will spend more on daily expenses like renting and healthcare. However, the cost of utilities, food, and transportation is lower than the national average.
This makes it an attractive option as compared to other states like New York and Washington on the East Coast, where the cost of living is 30% and 29% higher than the national average, respectively.
How to Move to Virginia?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to Virginia seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you don’t want any hassle and want to hire a professional mover, you can expect to pay around $115 per hour[3]. Depending on the size of your belongings and the distance, you may end up paying between $449 and $3,817.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks:
- Electricity and Gas: Electricity in most of Virginia is served by Dominion Energy. However, gas services are provided by companies like Washington Gas and Columbia Gas. Visit their website for online setup.
- Water & Sewer: These services are usually managed by your local city or county utility department. You’ll need to call or visit the utility department office to set up service.
- Internet and Cable: Internet service providers may vary depending on the region. Major internet and cable providers in the state include Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and Cox Communications. Visit their respective websites to get started.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: Your child must be at least 5 years old for kindergarten and 6 for the first grade by September 30th. Keep in mind that you’ll need to submit proof of residency, a birth certificate, immunization records, and a recent physical exam form.
- For Older Students: If your child is older, you will need the documents mentioned above plus transcripts from the previous school. The new school will handle transfer paperwork.
- Transfer & Special Cases: This is usually handled by the local school districts. For mid-year moves or special education placement, contact the school directly.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: If you work remotely and are moving to Virginia, check with your employers for state-specific tax and employment policies. Virginia taxes remote workers based on where they live, so your employer may need to update payroll records.
- Find a New Job: You can start applying through platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Virginia Workforce Connection. Target your job search based on your new location and align your start date with your move-in timeline for a smooth transition.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular cities like Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Roanoke, the average rent ranges between $100-$118,000[2], depending on location and nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a coastal city, on average, homes for sale in Clarksville cost around $311K[2]. On the other hand, cities like Martinsville and Covington offer affordable options with median housing costs of $132K[2] and $152K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to Virginia?
Yes, you should definitely move to Virginia. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Virginia isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Virginia’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Virginia is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Virginia, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Virginia
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Virginia, long before the moving boxes are packed.
