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2019 Best Counties to Live in VirginiaAbout this List

Explore the best counties to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Ranking based on county data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 96
Best Counties
96 results

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  1. Loudoun County

    • County in Virginia
    • 167 reviews
    #1 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Loudoun County is known for its great school system, and that is true. The schools here have various opportunities for the students to excel and get involved in their community. As for life in this area, it's pretty quiet. No major events really happen around here. People just mind their own business, and this has to do with the fact that there aren't busy cities around here. It's quite peaceful and safe (hopefully it stays that way), and that leaves the nightlife lackluster. The communities here are well organized and it is easy to get involved and stay active and healthy by joining a nearby gym or attending a rec center.
    Read 167 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 374,558 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Albemarle County

    • County in Virginia
    • 117 reviews
    #2 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Albemarle County is just such a beautiful place to live with the blue ridge mountains. You feel like you're in the country without being far from the city of Charlottesville. It's great for people who love nature or being surrounded by trees. The weather is moderate; we don't worry about hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes, just the humid heat of the summer. The schools here are the top rated especially Western Albemarle High School. Overall, a great place to live.
    Read 117 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 105,105 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. York County

    • County in Virginia
    • 218 reviews
    #3 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: I like that it is family friendly. I would like more. Places for younger adults to hang out. York county is a beautiful and charming neighborhood, the walkways and bike paths make getting around both easy and fun. Everyone is kind, caring, and helpful. We all look out for each other and are invested in keeping our neighborhoods safe. I also love how animal friendly York county is, on beautiful days most people (including myself) walk their dogs through the neighborhood. The ponds also make the scenery even more beautiful.
    Read 218 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 67,196 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Fairfax County

    • County in Virginia
    • 477 reviews
    #4 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: I love living here! Fairfax County is an extremely diverse region, with one of the best public school systems in the United States. There are some really beautiful neighborhoods here, and I've never been to a part of Fairfax County that looked really "shabby" or not well-maintained. As Fairfax County is just a short distance outside of Washington, D.C., the cost of living is higher here than in more rural areas, but I do enjoy the proximity to a cultural center.
    Read 477 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 1,142,004 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Henrico County

    • County in Virginia
    • 317 reviews
    #5 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Henrico County is conveniently located just minutes from the city of Richmond. Henrico offers an abundance of shops, including outdoor malls, eateries, state of the art libraries, and parks, just to name a few. The area is generally safe considering its proximity to the city. Most of the public schools in the county are accredited, and school staff generally seem supportive. I am fortunate to live in a diverse neighborhood with down-to-earth, friendly neighbors. There are bike lanes and sidewalks, which give way to healthier living. Real estate in this area tends to be high, because the area is sought after. All in all, it's a great place to live!
    Read 317 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 324,073 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Chesterfield County

    • County in Virginia
    • 646 reviews
    #6 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: I have been living here my whole life and have loved it! I have lived in various different neighborhood around chesterfield county and they have all been good. No complaints from me! The people are nice. I went to elementary, middle and high school here as well and loved all 3 schools. What I would like to see changed are the roads being repaved
    Read 646 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 335,594 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. James City County

    • County in Virginia
    • 97 reviews
    #7 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Have loved raising my children here! We have a small town familiarity with the richness of activity provided by the College of William and Mary, Colonial Williamsburg and one hour proximity to beach and mountains!
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • NG
      Public Schools
    • 73,028 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Montgomery County

    • County in Virginia
    • 16 reviews
    #8 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Former Resident: Montgomery County has so many wonderful things here and also wonderful people. This county has some of the most friendly, kind and caring people as residents. It has also grew to be a fairly big town with all the new stores and new restaurants. If I were to change anything in Montgomery County I would change the amount of housing. It has really increased in the price to rent and buy a home.
    Read 16 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 97,692 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Goochland County

    • County in Virginia
    • 34 reviews
    #9 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Goochland County, Virginia is more of a family-sense community than anything else. The older generations are so supportive of the dreams, goals, and aspirations of the school-aged children. It is inspiring!
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 22,148 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Stafford County

    • County in Virginia
    • 487 reviews
    #10 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Stafford County is a quiet place to live with a fair price of living and it's proximity to D.C. provides numerous opportunities for pursuing a career. Locally, its residents form a cooperative and thriving community where connecting with neighbors is an open and fulfilling experience. Stafford also has a variety of retail stores and supermarkets to suit the majority of consumer needs. Much pride is held in the county's schools which bolster high academic success and leadership for their students. Students have a wide range of access to scholarships, internships, clubs, volunteering opportunities, and engaging course work. The high schools, in particular, actively participate in events on- and off-campus for the betterment of the community. Stafford County is well protected by its local sheriff department as well as an excellent first responders system and local hospital as well.
    Read 487 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 141,159 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Prince William County

    • County in Virginia
    • 275 reviews
    #11 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: I have been in Prince William over 14 years! I have seen a lot of development. Many people choose Prince William because of the location. Many have an easy commute to Washington DC.
    Read 275 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 450,763 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Roanoke County

    • County in Virginia
    • 71 reviews
    #12 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: It is an overall great place to live. People are typically nice and the school systems are great! There are a lot of businesses to look around at including clothing stores, restaurants, arts and craft stores, the mall, antiques, bakeries, libraries, movie theaters, entertainment places and more. It is looked at as a small part of Southwest Virginia, but it has a lot of personality and the community is based on togetherness.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 93,419 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Hanover County

    • County in Virginia
    • 112 reviews
    #13 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Hanover County is a great area to live in with a wonderful rating in its public schools and a very booming place to live with lots to do. From shopping centers to going to your favorite restaurant, Hanover County has it all incorporated within its borders. The area is very family friendly with lots of rating child care providing locations and the local restaurants are out of this world!
    Read 112 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 103,218 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Rockbridge County

    • County in Virginia
    • 28 reviews
    #14 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Niche User: The crime in our area is fairly low. We have a strong police presence. I have had the opportunity through my previous job to work with local law enforcement & they are dedicated to the safety of our community. There are alert systems in place to update citizens on issues that arise in the area, which I find is helpful in avoiding safety or hazard issues.
    Read 28 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 22,440 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Powhatan County

    • County in Virginia
    • 59 reviews
    #15 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Powhatan, Virginia is a place where you can just relax and get away from the city life. I have lived in Powhatan County since I was born and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Powhatan is a country town which is surrounded by farm land and little shopping centers along the main highway. Most of the houses around here have space between your neighbors, unlike in the city where you can see into someone else's house. In Powhatan you can also have the ability to have bonfires and enjoy time together with the family. Powhatan is so quiet at night you can hear the crickets chirping at night and wake up to the sound of birds chirping. Powhatan County is truly a place where you can feel free.
    Read 59 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 28,364 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Botetourt County

    • County in Virginia
    • 29 reviews
    #16 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: I have lived here all my life. Botetourt is a very family friendly to grow up and raise a family. The schools are great. The neighborhoods are safe. The job opportunities are growing. The houses are big and cheap. I could not imagine growing up any where else. It gives you a small town feel with easy access to the towns around. I imagine I will come back to live in Botetourt because most of my family lives here. There is little diversity here though. Most everyone is white Christian families. However, with the growing job opportunities, the diversity will sure to increase over time. Speaking of churches, there are a variety here in Botetourt to serve your every spiritual need. I attend one in Fincastle, but there are many in Botetourt.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 33,149 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. New Kent County

    • County in Virginia
    • 41 reviews
    #17 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: I have lived in New Kent County nearly all of my life. My husband and I got married here and bought our first home, and I think that it is a beautiful and peaceful place to be. There are a lot of farms and animals, domesticated and wild, however I think that the choices that the county has made as far as what stores can build here is a little unbecoming. All we have is gas stations, fast food places, and a few family owned Italian restaurants. Recently, we got a Dunkin Donuts, which I guess is okay, but their donuts aren't as good as the family owned place up the street from them. There is retail space available, but I'm afraid someone is going to use it to put something that we don't need, like a a nail salon or hair place. Other than that, it's a nice place to live, and it isn't too far from Williamsburg or Richmond.
    Read 41 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 20,523 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. King George County

    • County in Virginia
    • 59 reviews
    #18 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Former Resident: I have been in King George for over half of my life time and I absolutely enjoyed it! Since the county is relatively small in population, everybody knows everybody and it feels like one big family! The only downside is that the city is almost an hour drive.
    Read 59 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 25,564 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Spotsylvania County

    • County in Virginia
    • 276 reviews
    #19 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Overall, I like living in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. However, one thing I wish was different is internet access. Most homes in Spotsylvania County have high speed internet, however, my neighborhood doesn't. I have contacted the Spotsylvania County government about it and they sent someone from Xfinity to take a look at my neighborhood. Their conclusion was that the closest internet hook up is 1.3 miles away, but they will not run it to my neighborhood because they don't want to run the cable through the train tracks that you have to cross on the way to my neighborhood. It is hard to live with no high speed internet while in college. We have to get our internet through a hotspot and satellite. Both of which have data limits.
    Read 276 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 130,159 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Appomattox County

    • County in Virginia
    • 30 reviews
    #20 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Love this little community, everyone knows everyone! The town is quaint, and the yearly railroad festival is one of my favorite things in this community!
    Read 30 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 15,462 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Prince George County

    • County in Virginia
    • 44 reviews
    #21 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Prince George is the perfect place for someone who wants to live in a country-style atmosphere yet remain within minutes to multiple big cities. The public schools are great and have a wonderful mix of kids from all over the world seeing as Fort Lee students come and go. The sports and academics are these schools are top notch! There isn't much nightlife in Prince George, but you can hit interstate 95 and have a night out on the town within a short driving distance. Overall, Prince George is one of the best places to raise a family. Lots of recreational sports, parks, and events hosted by the county.
    Read 44 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 37,704 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Rockingham County

    • County in Virginia
    • 34 reviews
    #22 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: The County & Lexington are pretty-lots of classic old houses. Unique/non-chain restaurants.Watch out many closed Mondays. County is rural. The Maury River provides summer recreation.Goshen Pass- gorgeous picnicking area. 2 universities add to crowds at certain times of the year but students add vibrancy to area. VA Horse Center is a plus! Buena Vista-a bit run down but has its own appeal for home buyers as Lexington is over priced while County houses are better priced.Friendly for visitors. Harder as a new resident-non-natives are always outsiders. Conservative area/ less diversity than I'd like to see as former NYC person. But seems to be a gathering place for artists & artisans-think Sedona but smaller.Good paying jobs are hard to find beyond the universities.Many are service industry only.Sidewalks roll up at night! Downside is only 2 grocery stores & one big chain store.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 78,653 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Washington County

    • County in Virginia
    • 30 reviews
    #23 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Niche User: I love this area! There is so much to do and so many incredible places to see. There are countless trails to hike, lakes to swim in and beautiful views to soak in. I am very proud to be from southwest Virginia/northeast Tennessee and wouldn't want to live anywhere else!
    Read 30 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 54,457 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Fauquier County

    • County in Virginia
    • 69 reviews
    #24 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Fauquier County is a beautiful part of Virginia, consisting of forests, farmland, and fun. There are multiple public parks, including Northern Fauquier Park, that provide a safe and exciting environment for families. The public schools in Fauquier County engage in friendly competition in the forms of football games, fundraising, music concerts, and many other events. I would recomend visiting Fauquier County, Virginia for vacations, school trips, or any other occasion.
    Read 69 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 68,406 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Fluvanna County

    • County in Virginia
    • 20 reviews
    #25 Best Counties to Live in Virginia

    Current Resident: Fluvanna is easily accessible from interstate. Both Richmond and the City of Charlottesville are easily accessible. Fluvanna has everything to offer an outdoor enthusiast could want : river, lake, hiking trail, horse back riding trails, large public parks and so much more !
    Read 20 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 26,109 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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