1. Virginia Is For Everyone
The “
Virginia Is For Lovers” tourism slogan is one of the most recognizable in all 50 states. Launched in 1969, it has gone on to be named one of the most iconic ad campaigns in the last 50 years by Advertising Age for its success. But the slogan was originally picked after deciding that the other campaign contenders of “Virginia Is For History Lovers”, “Virginia Is For Beach Lovers”, and “Virginia Is For Mountain Lovers” was too limiting. Virginia is for all of the above and more because Virginia has it all. And so, “Virginia Is For Lovers” was born. Nearly 50 years later, it’s just as true as it ever was.
2. Virginia Is For Businesses
Forbes’ list of Best States for Business has included Virginia for nine years running, eight of those years in the top two. The state still makes the top spot for head of the regulatory category, all thanks to its business-friendly government policies, strong incentives, and diverse economy that includes everything from government and military businesses to farming and agriculture.
3. Virginia Is For Graduates
The University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, and The College of William and Mary are among the top colleges and universities in Virginia. U.S. News & World Report’s list of 10 best public schools in the country included both the University of Virginia and William and Mary, providing an affordable and top notch in-state education for students.
4. Virginia Is For Families
Beaches to the east, mountains to the west, and great schools, thriving communities with low crime, and a wealth of history and entertaining things to do in between. That’s why families love living in Virginia.
5. Virginia Is For Thrill Seekers
With three epic parks to visit for thrills, there’s never a dull moment in Virginia. Located outside of
Williamsburg, Busch Gardens is like the Epcot of Virginia with an awesome European theme where you can drink and ride your way through countries. Kings Dominion is another place to get your kicks in just north of
Richmond, with a famous replica of the Eiffel Tower. And Water Country, USA is a great spot to beat the Virginia summer heat.
6. Virginia Is For History Buffs
Philadelphia has the Liberty Bell and
Boston has the Tea Party. But Virginia has the birth of the country.
Jamestown is marked as the focal point of where Pocahontas saved John Smith’s life by forging a peace treaty as well as where colonial America began. Virginia’s history is ripe with stories that include important roles in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. It’s also the state where eight U.S. presidents were born.
7. Virginia Has Its Act Together
While others are on the verge of bankruptcy, Virginia is one of five states that are famous for using immaculate budgeting tactics and rules and has been ranked with the most effective government by the Pew Center on the States numerous times. Virginia treats cities and counties equally, invests wisely in infrastructure and local roads, and has strict rules prohibiting governors for serving consecutive terms. When the recession hit, Virginia barely flinched thanks to being able to use approximately $2 billion it had in reserves.
8. All The Good Jobs Have Gone To Virginia
Looking for a job? Virginia is a great state to start your search. At 4.8 percent, the unemployment rate falls well below the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job growth has increased 2.34 percent in the past year and the future only looks brighter, with a projected growth estimated at 40 percent over the next ten years. Northern Virginia has six of the twenty highest-income counties in the United States, according to CNN Money Magazine, including the highest-income town in the country, Great Falls. Phoenix Marketing International reports that Virginia has the seventh-largest number of millionaires per capita in the country.
9. Virginia’s Price Tag Depends On Where You Live
Virginia might be a Southern state but it doesn’t come with the low cost of living that so many Southern states are famous for. However, where you are in Virginia will largely determine what price range you fall into. For example,
Roanoke is extremely affordable, with a cost of living that is nine percent cheaper than the Virginia average. However, residents in the highly desirable location of
McLean are looking at a sizeable increase, with a cost of living that is 95.8 percent greater than the national average.
10. Virginia Is Low On Crime
Another great perk to living in Virginia is the ability to walk through the streets of your neighborhood while feeling safe. Property crime is 5.6 percent lower than the national average and violent crime is 7.1 percent lower than the national average.
11. Oh Yeah: The Beaches Are Great, Too
People come from all over the world to experience the beaches along the Virginia coast. Whether you’re soaking in the sun in the resort area boardwalk of
Virginia Beach or crabbing in peaceful
Cape Charles, there’s a gorgeous beach for everyone to enjoy in Virginia.
12. But The Virginia Mountains Are Always Calling
Virginia might be known for its beaches, but Virginians know that nature comes in all shades and altitudes. From the peaks of Shenandoah through the Blue Ridge of Roanoke, the green spaces of Virginia will take your breath away.
13. The Many Wonders Of The Chesapeake
As one of the only 10 bridge tunnels in the world, the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel is something that everyone should experience at least once. Stretching 23 miles across the Bay, you’ll never grow tired of the stunning views of the water and horizon. But the bridge isn’t the only thing to know about the Chesapeake. Along with having some of the best seafood you’ll ever try, learning the importance of the oyster population and ecosystem of the Bay is something everyone should take the time to do.
14. The Weather Brings A Little Bit Of Everything To Virginia
Virginia weather include a little bit of the best and a little bit of the worst of what Mother Nature has to offer. Spring and fall are gorgeous, with mild temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low-70s.
Summer is standardly hot and humid, with average July highs in the high-80s to the low-90s and also brings some extreme thunderstorms and tropical rainstorms. And don’t think you’ll be able to escape snow, either. While you won’t get slammed like
New York and
Boston do, you should still expect some depending on where you live. The mountains in Burge Gardens gets hit with 52.9 inches, and
Arlington sees an average of 14.5 inches, while Suffolk and Williamsburg get around five.
15. There’s Always A Reason To Toast Virginia
And always a great glass of alcohol to toast with. Virginia’s wine country includes 2,400 acres of wineries and vines from Monticello to the Eastern Shore. But the craft beer scene is exploding, too, with over 100 Virginia breweries and beer trails, festivals, and craft beer months across the state including cities like Richmond,
Chester,
Harrisonburg, and more.
16. Virginia Has One-Of-A-Kind Events
You’ve heard of the Running of the Bulls, right? Well, replace the bulls with ponies and put them in the ocean and you have the annual Pony Swim & Auction of the feral ponies of Chincoteague Island. The event takes place at the end of July every summer and is a unique local tradition that you won’t want to miss that includes a week-long carnival.
17. Virginia Is The Land Of Peanuts And Ham
Just like any proper state, Virginia has its own set of culinary traditions. Smithfield Ham, otherwise referred to as Virginia Ham, is a country ham that is so special to Virginia, it’s protected by state law and can only be made in the town of
Smithfield. There are also 12,000 acres of land in the state devoted to growing peanuts, sold all over the state in many mom and pop shops in paper bags or turned into peanut soup. Peanuts are even celebrated at the Suffolk Peanut Festival. Other popular foods include shoofly pie, Virginia sausage, Brunswick stew, blue crabs, Chesapeake Bay seasoning, Virginia-style barbeque, and fried peaches.
18. Virginia Is A Red, White, And Blue State
With over 20 military bases in each branch of the armed services, it goes without saying that Virginia has an extremely strong military presence. Hampton Roads is perhaps the strongest of that presence, with 20 different facilities, the Virginia War Museum, and the unmistakable reminder of jets flying overhead regularly. You’ll also find the Quantico Marine Corps Base, National Museum of the Marine Corp, FBI Center, and much more throughout the state.
19. Virginia Loves Going Around In Circles
The Richmond International Raceway and
Martinsville Speedway host NASCAR as well as other racing events, which is what makes Virginia even more NASCAR-centric than most other Southern states, which is really saying something.
20. There’s Always Somewhere To Have Fun
Whether you’re tubing down the river or taking a ride around Virginias Drive-Through Safari Adventure, entertainment comes in all shapes and sizes, offering a little something for everyone. Dive deep into the Luray Caverns, feed the giraffes at the zoo, visit the Virginia Living Museum, or smell the roses at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
21. The Virginia Party Never Stops
With awesome festivals and events honoring the state’s many unique traditions, there’s always a way to celebrate living in Virginia. The State Fair of Virginia moved from Richmond to Meadow Event Park in
Doswell with all of the traditional rides, awesome food, and events of state fairs.
Celebrate
Fairfax is an event with popular music performances and Virginia Beach’s Neptune Festival brings thousands of people all over to the boardwalk to party at the waterfront. Other events include
Norfolk’s Harborfest, The Virginia Lake Festival in Clarksville, Anime USA, Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, to name a few.
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