Moving from New York City to Virginia

Life in Virginia is much different from NYC. However, it can be a great new adventure. There are many benefits to starting a slower-paced life in Virginia. You can enjoy clean air, beautiful natural resources, historic sites, and much more when you become a resident of the “birthplace of the nation.”

Benefits of Moving from NYC to Virginia 

Moving from NYC to Virginia takes some adjustment. If you are looking for a quieter life, Virginia might be the perfect place to start over. 

Lower Taxes

The taxes are significantly lower in Virginia, which means you keep more of your hard-earned money. Paying lower taxes means people who move from NYC to Virginia will enjoy almost immediate savings. 

Lower Living Costs

If you have been dreaming of a larger house, moving to Virginia means your dreams may come true. You can afford a much larger home in Virginia for the same price as your apartment in NYC. The cost of transportation, utilities, entertainment, and many other things are also more affordable. 

Mild Weather

The weather is lovely in Virginia. If you want to get away from the harsh winters in NYC but a tropical climate does not interest you, you will find that the weather in Virginia is nice. Winters are still cold, and for the most part, summers are not outrageously hot like they are in Southern states. 

Picturesque Views

Virginia has plenty of natural resources. There are lakes, rivers, state parks, mountains, beaches, and bays. Everywhere you look there is something beautiful to see, and if you enjoy watching the sunrise or set, Virginia skies are an excellent backdrop. Aside from natural resources, there are plenty of parks and gardens in the area, as well. 

Better Air Quality

The air quality in Virginia is good. Coming from New York City, which has some of the worst air quality in the country, Virginia is a breath of fresh air. 

Parks and Historic Sites

Virginia has plenty of historical sites, gardens, and national and state parks. So, there is always something to do outdoors. Some of the most popular sites for recreation in the state are: 

• The Blueridge Mountains
• Shenandoah National Park 
• Virginia Beach
• Bear Creek Lake State Park 
• Fort Hunt National Park
• Maggie L Walker Historic Site
• Chincoteague Pony Centre and Beaches

Cost of Moving from NYC to Virginia

The average cost of a move from NYC to Virginia is $2,182.55.

Many factors go into calculating moving costs: the number of belongings you are moving, distance, packing, unpacking, special items you own, and much more, so the best bet to know the true cost is to fill out the Instaquote form above.

Major Cities in Virginia

There are numerous metropolitan cities in Virginia, but all of the state's cities have a small town feel. After living in a large metro area, you may want to live in a town where you have easy access to restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and attractions. Luckily, there are plenty of great cities in Virginia. 

Virginia Beach 

Virginia Beach is one of the most populated cities in Virginia. It is a tourist location that attracts thousands of people each year, so there are always things going on. You can enjoy a day out on the beach or a night out on the town. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the 3-mile-long boardwalk along the coast with places to eat, as well as activities and little shops. 

Richmond

Richmond is the capital of Virginia. It has a population of just over a quarter-million residents. The area around Richmond includes numerous cities and a population of more than 1.2 million residents. So, whether you choose to live in Richmond or one of the surrounding neighborhoods, you can enjoy all that the city offers. 

Norfolk

If living in a coastal town with plenty to do sounds nice, Norfolk, VA, is a wonderful city. It has a population of nearly 250,000 people. There are several museums, including a maritime museum and an art museum. 

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a college town and home to the University of Virginia. It is a unique city in Virginia because the population is smaller, with just under 50,000 residents. However, there is plenty to do there. It is also home to a gateway to the Shenandoah National Park and a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Alexandria

Alexandria is a riverfront town lying on the Potomac River. It is a historic city with buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The historic buildings give the city with a population of more than 144,000 residents a small-town feel with all of the benefits of city living. 

Roanoke 

The mountain town of Roanoke, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a gorgeous place to live. It has a population of just under 100,000 residents. So, life is a bit more laid back, but you still have access to plenty of places to eat, shop, and live in the city. Trails, parks, and a zoo are also found in Roanoke, making it a perfect place for families or retirees. 

How to Move From NYC to Virginia

Moving from NYC to Virginia is relatively straightforward. You will need to adjust to life in Virginia after living in the city. None of the major cities in Virginia compare to NYC in terms of population, and even in the larger cities in the state, people are more spread out. However, building a life in Virginia is very rewarding. So, here are some tips to help you make your move. 

Decide Where You Want to Live

With so many great cities in Virginia, it can be difficult to pinpoint one to call home. When selecting your new home, you can consider some things that will make it easier to decide. Below is a list of amenities and the cities that offer the best access. 

• If you want to live by the beach - Virginia Beach
• If you enjoy mountains and hiking - Charlottesville
• If you want to be close to museums and nightlife - Richmond
• If you wish to access to the best schools in the state - Falls Church 

Get a Job

Depending on your reasons for moving to the state, you might need to find a job. It is always a good idea to seek employment before making your move that way; you are ready to start working as soon as you arrive in town. 

Decide When You Want to Move

Choosing when you should move is a big decision. If you plan on buying a house, the market is typically the best for buyers in the early summer or spring because that is when a lot of families move. If you have children, summer is a great time to move because your children can start school at the beginning of the year. It also gives you some time to get settled in before you have to enroll your children. 

Find a Home

With so many beautiful places to live, you should be able to find a great house in Virginia. 

Transfer Your Utilities

Before you arrive at your new home, you will want to make sure your utilities are on. Arriving at your new residence and not having lights, water, or gas will make the move chaotic. So, make sure you set up your utilities ahead of time. Below is a list of the services you will want to make sure you have before your move. 

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Cable
• Trash
• Internet

Hire a Moving Company

Moving between states is often stressful. You have to get everything packed and moved in one day, and you cannot go back and forth between your current residence and your new home. So, you have to have all the details worked out before you move. Working with a knowledgeable moving company can help to alleviate a lot of stress so that you can enjoy your new adventure.