Is Virginia a Good State to Retire In? What Salem Has to Offer

Is Virginia a good state to retire in? The state's tax benefits and low living costs make it financially appealing. With four distinct seasons, mountain scenery, a slower pace of life, and access to nearby cities and healthcare, Salem attracts retirees looking for comfort and balance in later years.

When most people hear "Salem," they think of the infamous witch trials in which 20 individuals were accused of practicing witchcraft. But that's the Salem over in Boston.

Salem, Virginia, is a small independent city that has no connection to the infamous witch trial history. Instead, this small city is known for its peaceful suburban lifestyle with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Many seniors are asking, "Is Virginia a good state to retire in?" We'll explore this question in more detail in this blog article.

Is Virginia a Good State to Retire In?

Virginia offers a well-balanced combination of tax benefits, four-season living, and healthcare access, making it one of the more retirement-friendly states in the union. In this section, we'll take a closer look at how Virginia supports seniors financially and why it's increasingly popular with retirees.

Financial Considerations

With inflation and the cost of living rising, many seniors in the US are worried about how they're going to fund their retirement. Many are looking to states like Virginia because the state offers various tax breaks for older adults.

For example, Virginia offers the following:

• Social security: According to the Virginia Department of Taxation, unlike many other states, Virginia doesn't tax residents on their social security payments.
• Military benefits: Retirees who've served in the military can exclude 100% of their military pension from Virginia state taxes.
• Retirement income: As the local tax code states, residents aged 65 and older can deduct up to $12,000 of qualifying retirement income

Thanks to these veteran-friendly policies, many who served in the military choose to relocate to Virginia in retirement. Some senior living communities also offer significant veterans' benefits, so by stacking these financial incentives, significant savings are possible.

Diverse Geography and Lifestyle

Seniors likely to consider retirement in Virginia are those who prefer living somewhere with distinct seasons and climates. While states like Nevada and Arizona are often popular with seniors sick of dealing with the cold, some find the relentless sunshine and endless desert monotonous.

Not only does Virginia have 4 distinct seasons, but senior living in Salem, VA, means you're close to varied natural biomes as well. For example, the following locations are all a few hours away from Salem by car:

• Virginia Beach: If you head southeast, you'll leave the Appalachian foothills for the flat, coastal plains of Virginia Beach.
• Shenandoah Valley: Driving northeast brings you to the Shenandoah Valley, a region of rolling farmland and vineyards, perfect for a scenic weekend getaway.
• Charlottesville and the Piedmont Region: Heading east, you'll find gentler hills, warmer temperatures, and historic towns like Charlottesville, where the cultural life and wineries thrive amid Virginia's heartland.
• Great Dismal Swamp: Traveling southeast for about five hours takes you into Virginia's coastal wetlands, home to cypress trees, quiet walking trails, and abundant wildlife.

For those who like varied weather and proximity to varied areas of natural beauty, Salem could be one of the best towns for retirement.

Accessible Cities

Is Virginia a good state to retire in if you're looking for city access? Salem is a quiet, small town, perfect for peaceful retirement. You still have some great cities right on your doorstep.

For example, the following cities are reasonably close:

• Roanoke: A mountain city that's perfect for hiking and biking thanks to its many miles of trails.
• Lynchburg: A small city with walkable historic neighborhoods and easy access to outdoor recreation.
• Greensboro: A lively city with hundreds of restaurants and over 100 attractions, from museums to gardens.
• Richmond: A capital city full of art, history, and dining-ideal for a weekend trip or big-city fix.

Unlike other quiet retirement towns, living in Salem doesn't mean compromising on healthcare. Access to these cities means seniors can access great healthcare when they need it, without having to live in a bustling, noisy city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Downsides of Living in Virginia?

While Virginia is largely a great place to live, there are some downsides to that perspective. For example, those with allergies and pollen sensitivities may struggle with Virginia's lush green environment. But this can be easily remedied with preventive measures, such as staying indoors during high pollen count days or taking antihistamines.

And while having four distinct seasons is something people come to Virginia for, the region is susceptible to some weather extremes. For example, in the summer, Virginia sees high levels of humidity. Just keep an eye on the weather reports, though, and you should easily stay nice and comfortable.

Virginia isn't a consistent red or blue state, and there are regions within Virginia that are highly conservative and also highly liberal. But this diversity allows you to choose a city that's politically aligned with your views.

What Is the Cost of Living Like in Salem, VA?

Salem, Virginia, offers a cost of living below the national average, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life. According to data from Payscale:

• Housing: About 5% below the U.S. average.
• Utilities: Around 17% higher than the national average.
• Groceries: Roughly 3% below the U.S. average.
• Healthcare: Approximately 12% below the U.S. average.

Discover Our Salem Community

Salem, Virginia, blends comfort, affordability, and natural beauty, making it a strong choice for retirement. For those asking, is Virginia a good state to retire in? The answer lies in its mild taxes, healthcare access, and scenic living. With the reasonable cost of care in Virginia, seniors enjoy balance and peace. 

For veterans, added value comes through our exclusive Veterans Program, where eligible new residents can receive half off their first month's rent and a one-time $1,000 discount on their second month's rent. Such savings make aging in place in Virginia or choosing senior living in Salem more affordable. Contact us today to set up a tour.