Explore Jobs in the Best Places to Live in Virginia

Historic Virginia was the first permanent British settlement in North America. After Jamestown was officially established on the southern shore in 1607, Virginia was given its domain status by Charles II - hence its nickname, "Old Dominion." Aside from its rich history, the picturesque state is known for its breathtaking and distinct landscapes. The best places to live in Virginia offer access to spectacular mountain ranges, remarkable wilderness areas, lush green forests, and stunning coastlines.

If you're looking to join the workforce here, you'll be pleased to know that Virginia's economy is robust and as diverse as its geography. There are plenty of opportunities if you're interested in working in government, healthcare, education, manufacturing, technology, or life sciences.

Top Benefits of Living in Virginia:

• The median household income in Virginia is among the nation's highest.
• The state has a low unemployment rate compared to the U.S. average.
• It ranks as one of the safest states to live in the country.
• Virginia has a significant military presence with over 25 military bases.
• It's known for its highly-rated public school system and universities.
• It ranks as one of the states with the best healthcare in the country.
• There are plenty of natural attractions in Virginia, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, Assateague National Seashore, Shenandoah National Park, and the Appalachian Trail.

Are you ready to move to the “Dominion State” to find a new job? We explore some of the best places to live in Virginia, where you can start a successful career and enjoy a high quality of life.

Virginia Beach

Iconic Virginia Beach is one of the best cities to live in Virginia if you're looking for a charming coastal community and laid-back lifestyle. Nestled between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is a popular tourist destination with stunning ocean views, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of cultural attractions and outdoor activities. The Maritime Museum, Virginia Aquarium, Beach Boardwalk, and the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge are some of the places residents love to explore.

The job market in Virginia Beach is healthy and diverse. Plus, residents earn a much higher median household income than the state average. Home to the highest concentration of active-duty military personnel and numerous military-related companies, you can find plenty of government, defense, and engineering jobs here. The tourism sector is also very strong in Virginia Beach.

Find Virginia Beach, VA jobs on Monster.

Roanoke

The city of Roanoke lies in southwestern Virginia at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's one of the best places to live in Virginia as the overall cost of living is much lower than in the rest of the state, and housing is much more affordable than in other cities. Roanoke's revitalized downtown area is a hotspot for boutique shopping, live music, museums, and art galleries. If you love the outdoors, you can take advantage of cycling, hiking, and mountain biking along the city's numerous trails, parks, and lakes.

Several key industries fuel the region's economy, including healthcare, finance, transportation, retail, and hospitality. Some of the largest employers include Advanced Auto Parts, Wells Fargo, UPS, and Walmart.

Find Roanoke, VA jobs on Monster.

Chesapeake

The stunning coastal city of Chesapeake is one of the best places to live in Virginia for families. People searching for jobs move here because of the excellent schools, low crime rate, and high quality of life. In addition, residents make a high median household income compared to the rest of the state and the national average. If you're a nature lover, Chesapeake has it all. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Drummond, and the Elizabeth River are some of the stunning natural attractions in the area. Plus, you'll be just a short drive away from the stunning coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.

What else positions Chesapeake among one of the best places to live in VA? For starters, the unemployment rate is much lower here compared to the state average. The city also boasts a strong economy fueled by the logistics, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare industries. Companies including Canon, Hewlett-Packard, and HSBC are some of the area's largest employers.

Find Chesapeake, VA jobs on Monster.

Norfolk

The waterfront city of Norfolk is home to the world's largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk. It's one of the best places to live in Virginia if you're looking for defense, government, or engineering jobs. There is also a flourishing art and culinary scene here with an array of museums, art districts, and eclectic restaurants, which means you can find plenty of work in the creative, food service, and hospitality sectors.

One of Norfolk's greatest assets is its excellent location. To the east, you'll find the beautiful coastal region of Virginia Beach; to the north is the historic hamlet of Williamsburg. Plus, the cost of living here is much lower than the national average, and homes are considerably cheaper than in other cities in Virginia.

Find Norfolk, VA jobs on Monster.

Alexandria

The historic city of Alexandria lies along the banks of the Potomac River, just south of Washington, D.C. There are so many reasons to consider moving here to find a new job. One of the first European settlements in North America and the former hometown of George Washington, Alexandria is bursting with history. Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Town and the historical district, brimming with museums, art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques.

But that's not all that makes Alexandria one of the best places to live in northern Virginia. The city has a notably low crime rate, and residents earn a much higher median household income than the state average. Because of its proximity to the Capital, Alexandria's strong economy is fueled by the federal government. The United States Department of Defense and the United States Patent and Trademark Office are the city's largest employers. However, you can also find many positions in transportation, education, healthcare, and hospitality.

Find Alexandria, VA jobs on Monster.

Your Ideal Job in One of The Best Places to Live in Virginia is Waiting for You, Join Monster Today

You don't have to climb a mountain or cross a river to find excellent job opportunities in "Old Dominion." Just set up your free profile on Monster and start clicking on jobs that interest you. Want to make your search easier? Sign up for job alerts that are customized to fit your career goals, and never miss out on a great opportunity. Also, when you upload your resume, you have the chance to connect with top recruiters directly.