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Home | Virginia | Average Costs

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Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!

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Smithfield, Virginia

Charming Smithfield is Along the Pagan River in Southeastern Virginia and is Known for its Beautiful Historic Architecture, Touristy Downtown and Colorful Pig Statues

Incorporated in 1752, charming Smithfield is in the Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia. It is on the Pagan River and is known for its beautiful 18th-century Colonial, Federal, Georgian and Victorian architecture.

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In fact, the touristy, nationally-recognized downtown has more than 70 historic structures, including the Old Courthouse of 1750 and St. Luke's Church, as well as antique shops, art galleries, cafes, shops and more. Locals and visitors both enjoy the scenic riverfront walking path, the murder mystery dinner theater and festivals such as the annual Olden Days Festival and the Bacon and Bourbon Music Fest. Smithfield is also the corporate headquarters of Fortune 500 company Smithfield Foods, the world's largest ham producer. The company employs nearly a third of Smithfield's residents and its attractive headquarters sits in the center of town. Colorful pig statues line the main street, and pictures of happy pigs adorn many a Smithfield building and billboard.

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Private homes come in all shapes, including Victorian, Colonial, ranch rambler, bungalow and more. There are also some nice waterfront and golf communities.

Population: 8,800 (city proper)

Percentage of Population Age 45 or Better:  37%

Cost of Living: Meets the national average

Median Home Price: $410,000

Climate: Smithfield has warm, humid climate.  Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s.  Winters are mild with temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s.  

Public Transit:   Yes, provided by Hampton Roads Transit, but it is limited.

Crime Rate:   Below the national average

At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients?    No, but the Riverside Regional Medical Center 10 miles outside of Smithfield accepts Medicare patients. 

At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission?  No, but the Riverside Regional Medical Center 10 miles outside of Smithfield is accredited by the Joint Commission. 

Political Leanings: Conservative

College Educated:   32%

Is Virginia Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement?     Somewhat

Cons:   None, although the town would suffer if Smithfield Foods ever moves its headquarters.

Notes:  Smithfield has grown 6% within the last decade.  Home prices have maintained their value since last year. Most shopping takes place in neighboring Chesapeake or Newport News.

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Recommended as a Retirement Spot?   Yes

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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.

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