Moving from New York to Virginia

Both States Offer Unique Mid-Atlantic Culture and Variety

One benefit of relocating to Virginia from New York is that you may not feel as homesick as you think. Both states are technically considered part of the mid-Atlantic region, and as such share certain aspects of culture and tradition, with Virginia incorporating aspects of Southern culture and New York incorporating aspects of Northern culture. Additionally, both states are geographically varied and offer residents plenty of areas to explore. For instance, both New York and Virginia have plenty of:

• Big cities
• Small towns
• Beaches
• Nature reserves

The States Are Comparable in Size, But Virginia’s Population Is Smaller

If you like having plenty of room to wander and explore, you’ll find that Virginia offers about as much space as your home state of New York. New York has just under 123,000 square kilometers of space, while Virginia boasts circa 102,500 square kilometers. However, one noticeable difference is the population density. If you’re used to feeling cramped in New York, you may not have that problem in Virginia! While New York’s population is around 19.5 million, Virginia’s is significantly lower, at about 8.5 million. This means that most of Virginia is likely to have a more spread-out and even rural feel compared to most of New York State.

Northern Virginia Can Offer a NYC-Paced Lifestyle

If you’re moving from the fast-paced city that never sleeps, you might be wondering whether you can find a comparable vibe anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Fortunately, Virginia is a very diverse state that offers both high-paced lifestyles and laid-back ones, depending on which part of the state you choose to live in. The area of Virginia that’s most likely to provide an NYC flavor is the northern part of the state, aptly labeled Northern Virginia or NOVA by locals. This region, comprised entirely of suburbs of Washington, D.C., boasts:

• 5 million residents
• Over 1,304 square miles of space
• Proximity to Washington, D.C. and the nearby Maryland suburbs
• Booming government and tech job opportunities
• An area-wide metro system

Rural Virginia Can Provide a Slower, Upstate New York-Style Pace

On the other hand, if you’re from Upstate New York and prefer a slower pace of life, you might feel right at home in the rural parts of Virginia. The central, southern and western parts of the state offer a wide range of accommodations to fit any tastes. Depending on what type of environment you want to live in, you may want to explore the following areas for a more Upstate New York feel.

• Coastal towns in the Tidewater region on the Atlantic Ocean or the Chesapeake Bay
• Mountain towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the western part of the state
• Small towns nestled in the hills in Central Virginia

Virginia Offers Plenty of Opportunities for Excitement and Relaxation

Finally, you may be excited to learn that you’ll never have to worry about feeling bored when you’re living in Virginia. This varied and historically rich state offers boundless opportunities for both excitement and relaxation, no matter what activities you prefer. For instance, you can easily plan a Virginia weekend packed with trips to the beach, breaks on the ski slopes, hikes through the forest and more.

Although leaving New York and settling into your new home in Virginia may feel like a bit of an adjustment at first, there’s lots to love about the Old Dominion State that could help you get acclimated quickly. Whether you love big cities or small towns, history and culture or open spaces and natural beauty, Virginia’s got a little bit of something for everyone. Now that you know the ins and outs of your new home state, you can prepare for a smooth and enjoyable move.