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Retire in Martinsville, Virginia?
Overview: Martinsville sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in south central Virginia and started out in the late-1700s, founded by a Revolutionary War general. It has a history of chewing tobacco production and furniture manufacturing.
Today the town is known for its Martinsville Speedway, the oldest and shortest track in the NASCAR Cup Series. Racecar fans come from around the region to watch races and take tours throughout the year. The Smith River that flows to the west of Martinsville is part of the Smith River Trail System, a scenic blueway with 10 river access points and more than 20 miles of greenway. It is a perfect spot for fishing, canoeing and paddleboarding. Nearby 2,900-acre Philpott Lake boasts hidden waterfalls, scenic rock outcrops and three islands. It also has equestrian trails. The Smith River Artisan Trail is dotted with art galleries and studios, while music events, including morning jamborees at various locales, take place nearly every day.
The Rooster Walk Arts and Music Festival, the Brewster Walk Craft Beer and Music Festival, the Wine by the River Festival and Oktoberfest are some of the local events. Small, fun eateries are in good supply and include the Checkered Pig, famous for its BBQ and ribs. Neighborhoods are leafy and rural, dotted with Colonials, ranch ramblers, bungalows, Federalist styles and more.
Population: 13,500 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 45%
Cost of Living: 28% below the national average
Median Home Price: $85,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, while winter temperatures are in the 20s, 30s and 40s. The area receives 46 inches of rain and six inches of snow per year on average.
Public Transit: Yes, but it is limited
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Public Library: Yes
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? Yes
Political Leanings: Liberal
College Educated: 21%
Is Virginia Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Somewhat
Cons: Martinsville has lost 4% of its population during the last decade.
Notes: A housing dollar goes a long way here.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes, although the population loss is a concern.
Virginia:
The Commonwealth of Virginia is on the southern Atlantic coast. Nicknames include Old Dominion and Mother of Presidents (eight American presidents were born here). The motto for the state is Sic Semper Tyrannis, meaning Thus Always to Tyrants. This motto is on both the state's seal (designed in 1776) and the state's flag (first used in the 1830s).
The Virginia Company established the Colony of Virginia and Jamestown in 1607. The state was one of the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution and joined the Confederacy during the Civil War. Richmond was even named the Confederate capital. Today, the Virginia General Assembly is the oldest continuous legislative body in the Western world.
Western Virginia has a distictly rural, southern feeling while eastern Virgina is home to military installations and northern Virginia is where many Washington, D.C. lobbyists and government workers live.
The Blue Ridge Mountains, Chesapeake Bay, the Shenandoah Valley and miles of eastern shore beaches are Virginia highlights.
Stats:
Population - 8,411,808
Persons 65 years old and over - 15%
High school graduates, persons age 25+ - 88%
Bachelor's degree or higher, persons age 25+ - 36%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin - 9%
White persons, not Hispanic - 62%
Median household income - $65,015
Median home value - $245,000
Social Security taxed? No
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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