Virginia has its share of retirement nightmares, and we’re here to expose them.
Before you commit to that quiet life in the countryside, see which towns might disturb your peace.
We’re counting down the top 20 towns that could turn your retirement dreams into restless nights.
1. Newport News, Virginia
Newport News is known for its rich history and significant military presence. The city is home to several large shipyards that have been vital to the U.S. Navy. Despite its waterfront charm, Newport News has some challenges.
The city has a higher-than-average crime rate, which might concern potential retirees. Its industrial nature also contributes to less-than-ideal air quality. The traffic congestion around major shipyards and military bases can be a nuisance.
Reason for Ranking: Its higher crime rates and industrial environment make Newport News less appealing for retirees seeking peace and quiet.
2. Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth has a vibrant waterfront and historic sites that date back to the colonial era. However, the city struggles with economic challenges. It has one of the highest unemployment rates in the region.
The city also suffers from a high crime rate, which can be a major deterrent for retirees looking for safety. Public services are often stretched thin, impacting the quality of life for residents.
Reason for Ranking: Portsmouth’s economic and safety issues place it on this list as a less desirable location for retirement.
3. Petersburg, Virginia
Petersburg is known for its significant role in the Civil War, housing many historic battlefields and museums. The city is steeped in history but faces modern-day challenges.
It has one of the highest poverty rates in Virginia, which impacts local services and infrastructure. Additionally, educational and health resources are limited, which is a significant concern for retirees.
Reason for Ranking: High poverty and limited local services make Petersburg a tough choice for retirees seeking comfort and accessibility.
4. Emporia, Virginia
Emporia is a small town that serves as a gateway to Southern Virginia. It is famous for the Virginia Peanut Festival and its quiet rural charm. However, the town has limitations.
Limited healthcare facilities and a lack of entertainment options can be problematic for retirees. The local economy is also not very robust, with few opportunities for part-time employment for those retirees who wish to stay active.
Reason for Ranking: The scarcity of healthcare and entertainment facilities places Emporia among the less favorable retirement destinations.
5. Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its outdoor activities. However, this city also has its downsides, particularly for retirees.
While it offers scenic views and nature trails, the city’s public transportation is not very retiree-friendly. This can be a significant issue for those who no longer drive. Additionally, the healthcare system is overstretched, with long wait times for medical services.
Reason for Ranking: Limited public transportation and stretched healthcare services make Roanoke less ideal for retirees who need frequent medical care.
6. Richlands, Virginia
Richlands is a small town in Tazewell County with a close-knit community. It’s quiet and relatively undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Yet, it lacks in several areas important to retirees.
The town has very limited medical facilities, which can be a concern for those in need of regular healthcare. The local economy is primarily based on mining, which does not offer much for retirees.
Reason for Ranking: The lack of medical facilities and limited economic diversity make Richlands a challenging place for retirees.
7. Suffolk, Virginia
Suffolk is the largest city in Virginia by area and is known for its peanuts and vast rural areas. Despite its size, the city struggles with access to quality healthcare and amenities.
Public transport options are limited, which can hinder mobility for those who do not drive. Additionally, some areas of Suffolk are prone to flooding, which can be a significant risk for residents.
Reason for Ranking: Suffolk’s limited healthcare access and transportation issues are significant drawbacks for retirees.
8. Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is a significant naval base and has a vibrant cultural scene. However, it faces challenges that may not be suitable for retirees. The city has one of the highest crime rates in the state.
Flooding is a frequent issue due to its coastal location, impacting properties and daily life. The cost of living, particularly housing, is also relatively high compared to other cities in Virginia.
Reason for Ranking: High crime rates and frequent flooding are major concerns for retirees in Norfolk.
9. Bristol, Virginia
Bristol straddles the border between Virginia and Tennessee and is famous for its country music roots. While it has a rich cultural history, it also has some drawbacks for retirees.
The economic situation in Bristol is not very strong, with limited job opportunities and high poverty rates. Healthcare facilities are fewer, and those available may not meet the needs of aging residents.
Reason for Ranking: Economic challenges and insufficient healthcare facilities make Bristol a less attractive place for retirees.
10. Pulaski, Virginia
Pulaski is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and fishing. It’s a town that appeals to those who enjoy a slower pace of life. However, it falls short in several key areas for retirees.
The town has a small population, which means fewer services and amenities. Healthcare options are limited, which can be a major concern as one ages. Additionally, the local economy is not very dynamic.
Reason for Ranking: Limited services and healthcare options make Pulaski a difficult choice for retirees looking for convenience and accessibility.
11. Fredericksburg, Virginia
Fredericksburg is rich in colonial and Civil War history, making it an attractive town for history buffs. However, the town has its challenges that may affect retirees negatively.
It has heavy traffic due to its location along major highways, which can be frustrating for daily commuting. Although it has a range of historical sites, the cost of living is quite high, which can strain retirees’ budgets.
Reason for Ranking: The high cost of living and heavy traffic make Fredericksburg less ideal for retirees looking for a peaceful and affordable retirement.
12. Franklin, Virginia
Franklin is a small town known for its paper mill and tight-knit community. The town offers a quiet lifestyle, but it faces significant environmental and economic challenges.
The paper mill, while a major employer, also contributes to air quality issues that might concern health-conscious retirees. Economic diversification is limited, affecting job opportunities for those who wish to continue working part-time.
Reason for Ranking: Environmental concerns and economic limitations place Franklin on this list as a less desirable retirement destination.
13. South Boston, Virginia
South Boston, once a thriving tobacco market town, now struggles with the decline of this industry. The town retains a certain charm with its historic districts and community events.
However, it has a limited healthcare infrastructure, which is a critical factor for retirees. The local economy is also slow, with few new businesses or growth opportunities.
Reason for Ranking: Limited healthcare and slow economic growth make South Boston a challenging place for retirees.
14. Ashland, Virginia
Ashland is known as the “Center of the Universe” by locals, famous for its small-town charm and close proximity to Richmond. However, this proximity also brings drawbacks.
Property prices in Ashland are rising due to its desirable location, making it less affordable for retirees on fixed incomes. Additionally, the town can become quite congested, particularly during peak tourism seasons or events.
Reason for Ranking: Rising property prices and occasional congestion are significant downsides for retirees in Ashland.
15. Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake, with its extensive wetlands and waterways, offers plenty of natural beauty. However, the city also faces challenges such as occasional flooding and high living costs.
These environmental concerns can be a dealbreaker for retirees looking for stability and predictability in their living conditions. Moreover, the city’s sprawl makes it difficult to navigate without a car.
Reason for Ranking: Environmental risks and high cost of living make Chesapeake a less favorable option for retirement.
16. Farmville, Virginia
Farmville is known for its historic significance in the Civil Rights Movement and as a center for education with Longwood University. Despite its historical and educational appeal, it has drawbacks for retirees.
The town is relatively isolated, which means limited access to specialized healthcare. This isolation also affects the availability of cultural and recreational activities that are vital for a fulfilling retirement.
Reason for Ranking: Isolation and limited healthcare access make Farmville less appealing to retirees seeking convenience and active social lives.
17. Colonial Heights, Virginia
Colonial Heights offers a suburban feel with plenty of shopping and convenient access to Richmond. However, it doesn’t quite meet the needs of retirees looking for a tranquil retirement.
The area is densely populated, leading to crowded facilities and services. Additionally, while there are many commercial areas, these can contribute to noise and traffic, detracting from the peaceful environment retirees may seek.
Reason for Ranking: The bustling, crowded environment makes Colonial Heights less ideal for those seeking a quiet retirement.
18. Danville, Virginia
Danville boasts a rich textile history and scenic river views, but faces economic and social challenges. The city has struggled with job losses and economic downturns, impacting the community’s overall prosperity.
Healthcare options are limited, and the public transport system is not robust, making it difficult for retirees without personal transportation.
Reason for Ranking: Economic difficulties and limited transportation options place Danville on this list of less desirable places for retirees.
19. Hopewell, Virginia
Hopewell is an industrial city with a strong focus on the chemical industry. While it provides jobs, it also brings environmental concerns that may not be ideal for retirees.
The city has issues with air and water quality due to industrial activities. Additionally, it lacks cultural and recreational activities that enrich the retirement experience.
Reason for Ranking: Environmental concerns and a lack of recreational options make Hopewell less attractive for retirees.
20. Martinsville, Virginia
Martinsville is known for its NASCAR speedway and textile heritage. Despite these attractions, the city has economic and healthcare challenges.
It has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state and limited healthcare facilities, which are crucial for retirees. The local economy’s focus on manufacturing does not provide much for the retired community.
Reason for Ranking: High unemployment and limited healthcare options make Martinsville a tough choice for retirees.
I don’t understand why Danville was not at the top of the list. Our choices for all shopping from groceries to clothes, furniture and all household items is absolutely disgraceful. Our hospital is a complete joke and seeing a doctor is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I could go on but I want because thinking about what has happened to this city is just so very depressing. 😭 😭 😭 😡 😡