Virginia spans beaches, mountains, bustling cities, and small towns alike. While they are not always the state’s top tourist attractions, many of the smaller towns in these different areas of “Old Dominion” make for wonderful places to live and visit.
Whether you and your family want a coastal escape or something more cozy nestled in the mountains, there are plenty of destinations that could become your new hometown. Consider visiting one of these Virginia destinations on your next road trip to the “Mother of States”.
Here are the best small towns in Virginia, in no particular order:
Lexington, VA
Nature lovers looking for a charming small town will undoubtedly find a home in Lexington. It had 7,320 people at the time of the 2020 US census and is located in Rockbridge County in the Shenandoah Valley.
Lexington is well-known for being a vibrant college town, as it is home to both Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute. Both of these colleges are rather small in size, as they each have an enrollment of under 2,000 students, but they nonetheless provide the community with many jobs, programs, and events.
Additionally, many people visit Lexington and the surrounding area to seek out opportunities for adventures in nature. Big House and Little House Mountains are popular for hiking, as they offer expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains at the top.
The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, George Washington and Jefferson national forests, as well as Natural Bridge State Park, have additional opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping.
The Lexington community is friendly and welcoming. The quaint downtown features boutiques and restaurants where people can try local foods, as well as wines, beers, and ciders. There is also no shortage of family-friendly activities in Lexington, including outdoor, cultural, and historical experiences.
Leesburg, VA
Leesburg is a lovely town in Loudoun County about an hour away from Washington, D.C. Though it’s so close to a large metropolitan hub, this community of 48,426 people in 2020 offers all the comforts of a cozy hometown with a rich history.
Loudoun County was originally home to many Native Americans, and it was then settled in the late 1730s. The Virginia General Assembly founded Leesburg in 1758 to honor the Lee family. Over the years, throughout different wars and eras, Leesburg has grown significantly and has been home to many politicians, artists, and other influential people.
Today, the picturesque downtown area has plenty of boutiques, restaurants, breweries, and more to keep residents entertained. A bit outside the historic district is the Leesburg Premium Outlets, one of the most popular shopping spots in the area.
Leesburg sits near the Potomac River and is full of natural beauty in addition to its economic opportunities. The Town of Leesburg’s Parks & Recreation Department manages 17 different parks, including different walking trails, gathering spaces, and the 138-acre Ida Lee Park.
Heading to Leesburg? Get to know your new home by downloading a walking tour of Leesburg, which includes sites such as the Leesburg Courthouse and the Loudoun Museum.
Damascus, VA
Though it is the smallest Virginia town on the list, Damascus offers numerous opportunities for tourists and locals alike. Nestled in the mountains, this adventurous and creative, yet relaxed and cozy small community of 792 residents (in 2020) is also known as “Trail Town USA”.
Several major trails, including the Appalachian Trail, intersect within the town limits of Damascus. These trails offer the community incredible hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. It’s also a hub for tourism and hospitality, as many hikers pass through Damascus while exploring the Appalachian mountains.
The town’s biggest event of the year is the Appalachian Trail Days Festival when tens of thousands of visitors come to celebrate the trail and its hikers. In addition to the iconic mountains and trails in Damascus, this small town has many other services available to the public.
The Damascus Town Pool is open in the summer months, and the local library offers specific resources related to outdoor adventures and the Appalachian Trail in addition to its classic collection. Damascus takes pride in its locals’ special talents. Stop by some artisan shops in the downtown area or try a signature beer at the local microbrewery to experience them for yourself.
Blacksburg, VA
Blacksburg is a quintessential college town with many community programs and recreational opportunities. It had a population of 44,163 at the time of the 2020 census and is an incorporated town in Montgomery County of Southwest Virginia.
The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech, has a huge amount of influence on Blacksburg. In addition to the nearly 30,000 students at the university, Virginia Tech also impacts its countless employees who live in town and the surrounding area.
In addition to university programs such as football and basketball games, Blacksburg also has many other community events. These include biweekly farmers markets, town council meetings, and holiday parades and festivals.
The Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department manages over 500 acres of parkland, including greenways, athletic fields, a disc golf course, and parks across town. Additionally, Blacksburg’s community center, which is home to a fitness and aquatic center, offers residents opportunities to socialize and get active with other community members.
Front Royal, VA
Front Royal is a small town conveniently located near both large cities and rural natural areas. It’s a primarily residential community of 15,109 people (in 2020) in the northern part of Shenandoah National Park.
Nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns, Shenandoah Valley, and Skyline Caverns. Between these outdoor recreation sites and Front Royal’s own local parks, residents and tourists enjoy biking, hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and other activities.
While the town may seem quaint and calm overall, Front Royal’s historic downtown area has plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and socializing. The town’s Main Street is decorated with iconic murals by some of the region’s best artists, and the area is dotted with local wineries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and breweries.
Residents love living in Fort Royal – and for good reason. In addition to the tight-knit, vibrant community they experience in their small town, they are located just 70 miles from Washington, D.C., meaning that anything they need is always a short drive away.
Chincoteague, VA
Though it only had a 2020 population of 3,328 people, Chincoteague is both a thriving community of residents and a calm vacation destination. The town is a seven-by-three-mile-wide island, and its location gives it the perfect position for outdoor and water activities.
“Chincoteague” is said to mean “beautiful land across the water”. Tourists and locals alike enjoy water activities here such as boating, crabbing and clamming, kayaking, and even spending time at the local water park, Maui Jack’s.
The nearby Assateague Island also has a popular public beach. Other common activities in the Chincoteague area include minigolf, shopping at farmers’ and artisan markets, biking, and horseback riding.
Historically, the area was used for livestock grazing. It was made famous by Chincoteague ponies and the novel Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry. Today, the Town of Chincoteague’s major annual event is the Pony Swim, when the entire community and tens of thousands of tourists watch ponies swim across the Assateague Channel.
Fredericksburg, VA
Found in Northeast Virginia on the Rappahannock River, Fredericksburg is a popular town with 27,995 residents in 2020. It’s best known for its Civil War history, as well as having a thriving shopping and dining scene in the downtown area.
Fredericksburg’s small population is supplemented by its tourism. Many guests travel long distances to visit historical sites such as the four battlefields of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.
Many folks also enjoy taking advantage of its location near nature, as it’s on the Rappahannock River and very close to the Potomac River. This makes it the perfect place to take part in water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as general outdoor activities such as camping, rock climbing, and photography.
The bustling Historic Downtown Fredericksburg area showcases something for people of all interests. Art galleries, antique shops, chef-owned restaurants, and more can be found in the 40 blocks of original 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Fredericksburg provides its residents with great schools and other services, despite being a relatively small town.
Williamsburg, VA
One of Virginia’s most popular tourist destinations, Williamsburg, is also a wonderful place to live. This town of around 15,445 people in 2020 near the Atlantic coastline is rich in history, educational experiences, and fun activities for the whole family.
From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg was the capital city of the Virginia Colony. Today, it preserves its legacy of impact throughout the colonial and revolutionary periods through Colonial Williamsburg.
This iconic downtown area is complete with carriage rides, actors in period dress, historic buildings, and shops modeled after those that would have been here years before. In addition to being a unique tourist and hospitality hub, Colonial Williamsburg provides the community with many jobs, as well as events and programs throughout the year.
Williamsburg is also home to many opportunities for fun and adventure. Busch Gardens and Go Ape are perfect for people looking for an adrenaline rush, while the 2,705-acre Waller Mill Park offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding on the large lake. Additionally, community members can take part in pickleball, volleyball, and basketball at the Quarterpath Recreation Center.
Outside of history and adventure, the area has everything from art museums, countless local boutiques, and the prestigious College of William & Mary.
Culpeper, VA
Culpeper is a Northern Virginia town of 20,156 people at the time of the 2020 census. It offers a unique mix of history and modernity, outdoor experiences, and many opportunities for shopping and dining.
Historic homes, churches, and other buildings in Culpeper memorialize the town’s notable history. Civil War battles took place at the local Brandy Station, Cedar Mountain Battlefield, and Kelly’s Ford.
Famous figures including General A.P. Hill and Baseball Hall-of-Famer Eppa Rixey once called this place home. It’s now a thriving community of businessmen, outdoor adventurers, and friendly locals.
In recent years, Culpeper has revitalized its Main Street and overall downtown area. It’s full of stores, restaurants, and employment options alike that keep locals busy and entertained in their community.
Additionally, in the great outdoors, many Culpepper residents enjoy hiking, camping, and playing disc golf. Its close proximity to Luray and the Shenandoah National Park, in addition to its own parks and outdoor areas, make this an easy and enjoyable part of everyday life.
The vibrant Culpeper community comes together to put on numerous events throughout the year. Most notable is the 4th of July celebration, which consists of a 5K run and a car and bike show.
No matter where in Virginia you end up visiting or living, there are small towns all over the state that are sure to keep you satisfied. Stay busy with history lessons, outdoor adventures, plus modern shopping and dining. Any of these pretty towns will quickly start to feel like home in the Old Dominion.
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