What to know as new resident in Virginia: Research local laws and regulations. Discover top-rated schools and districts. Explore Virginia's diverse climate conditions. Learn about public transportation options. Understand housing market trends. Familiarize with local healthcare facilities. Identify popular Virginia attractions. Engage with community events. Get to know Virginia's tax structure. Connect with local social networks.
Research local laws and regulations.
To understand Virginia residency, it is crucial to know that you must maintain a place of abode in the state and live there for more than 183 days in a taxable year. This affects tax obligations, in-state tuition eligibility, and other legal and administrative requirements such as obtaining a driver's license and registering to vote. For detailed information, you can visit the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission website to guide you through the steps of becoming a Virginia resident, ensuring you meet all necessary criteria and obligations.
Discover top-rated schools and districts.
In Virginia, the top-rated school districts include Falls Church City Public Schools, ranked No. 1, and Arlington Public Schools, ranked No. 2, according to Niche's 2025 rankings. Both districts have earned overall A+ ratings and are known for excelling in academics, teacher quality, and college preparation. These accolades highlight the commitment and excellence of the educational systems within these communities.
Explore Virginia's diverse climate conditions.
Virginia has a humid climate with very warm summers and moderately cold winters, featuring significant regional variation due to its diverse geography, including the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains in the west and the Atlantic coastal region in the east. The state experiences increasing temperatures, more intense extreme heat and precipitation events, and periodic droughts, with annual precipitation projected to increase, especially in the coastal regions. For more detailed information, you can visit the Virginia State Climate Summary.
Learn about public transportation options.
In Virginia, particularly in the Northern Virginia area, public transportation options include Metrorail with 98 stations and 128 miles of track, Metrobus operating 24/7 with 1,500 buses, and various local bus systems such as Arlington Transit, Fairfax Connector, and Alexandria Transit Company's DASH system, as well as commuter rail services like Virginia Railway Express and OmniRide.
Understand housing market trends.
In Virginia, the housing market in 2024 is characterized by relatively flat sales but significantly rising prices, with a median sales price increase of 10.3% to $419,200, and an increase in active listings. However, the market remains tight and favors sellers, especially in areas like Northern Virginia and Richmond.
Familiarize with local healthcare facilities.
To familiarize yourself with local healthcare facilities in Virginia, this website provides a comprehensive list of hospitals, long-term care facilities, HMO physicians, nursing homes, and rehabilitation hospitals across various cities in the state. It includes detailed information on the locations and types of healthcare services available. For further insights, visit the Virginia Health Facilities List, which is a valuable resource for understanding the diverse healthcare options and finding specific services tailored to your needs.
Identify popular Virginia attractions.
Virginia is home to a diverse range of attractions, including historic sites like Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Colonial Williamsburg, natural wonders such as Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns, and the Natural Bridge, as well as popular destinations like Virginia Beach, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The state also boasts numerous battlefields, museums, and outdoor adventure spots like the New River Gorge and the barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague. For more details, visit the comprehensive guide on Virginia Tourist Attractions to explore all that Virginia has to offer.
Engage with community events.
As a new resident in Virginia, you can engage with the community by attending a variety of events, such as the Bull Run Festival of Lights, the Annual Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl, and cultural festivals like the Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival. These events offer opportunities to connect with diverse communities and enjoy local culture, music, and traditions. Explore more events and connect with the Virginia community through Eventbrite.
Get to know Virginia's tax structure.
Virginia features a graduated income tax system divided into four brackets: 2% on income up to $3,000, 3% for income between $3,001 and $5,000, 5% on earnings from $5,001 to $17,000, and 5.75% for income exceeding $17,000. It's essential to file a Virginia state income tax return if your Virginia adjusted gross income surpasses $11,950 for single filers or those married filing separately, or $23,900 for couples filing jointly. For more detailed information on the tax structures and requirements, you can visit the comprehensive guide offered by NerdWallet.
Connect with local social networks.
To connect with local social networks in Virginia, consider using the MyBalbo app, a free, non-partisan platform that helps users learn about and engage with key community issues, vote, and participate in roundtable discussions with local residents and officials. Another option is to join Nextdoor, a platform used by Fairfax County to connect with verified residents, share information on local government, programs, and services, and engage in community discussions and emergency alerts.