Moving to Virginia: A Relocation Guide
Thinking about moving to Virginia? Here's a practical starting point for newcomers.
Key facts
- Capital: Richmond
- Largest city: Virginia Beach
- Population: 8,631,393 (2020 census)
- Nickname: The Old Dominion
- Region: South
What should you consider before moving to Virginia?
- Where to live: Major cities include Virginia Beach and the state capital Richmond. See our Virginia state guide and city guides for details.
- Cost of living: Compare housing, utilities and taxes carefully — costs vary significantly across the state.
- Lifestyle: Virginia's south location shapes daily life, from climate to recreation. Explore the top things to do to get a feel for the state.
- Jobs & schools: Research local employers and school districts in your target city before committing.
City guides: Richmond, Virginia Beach, Alexandria, Charlottesville.
Frequently asked questions
What are the largest cities in Virginia?
The largest city in Virginia is Virginia Beach, and the capital is Richmond. See the city guides for local detail.
What is the population of Virginia?
The 2020 census population of Virginia is 8,631,393 (2020 census).
What should I research before moving to Virginia?
Compare housing, utilities, taxes, jobs and school districts in your target city. The moving guide above and the Virginia state guide are a good starting point — verify current costs with local sources.
Next steps
This guide is a starting point — Red Rock Daily is building detailed, city-level relocation coverage across the country. For now, combine this overview with the Virginia state guide and local city pages.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (2020 census population figures); official state records. Cost-of-living details should be verified with current local data.