Retirement Communities Top Five Reasons to Retire in Tidewater, VA 7/2/2021 | By Rachel Marsh Retirees from all over the country find reasons to retire in Tidewater, Virginia. The Tidewater area is broad, and encompasses a range of east coast cities of Virginia: Williamsburg, Newport News, Poquoson, Hampton, Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. But no matter where in the Tidewater region you choose to retire, it’s hard to go wrong; and because of its appeal to seniors, it’s no surprise that there’s such an absolute abundance of retirement communities. 1. It’s Both Safe and Affordable Many retirees flock to Virginia because of its affordability. Investmentu.com explains that the state does not tax Social Security benefits, and seniors can deduct up to $12,000 in retirement income and pension. Retirement Costs in Tidewater, VA As far as safety, Virginia itself is generally a very safe state to live in – crime rates are well below the national average; in fact, according to Safewise.com, its violent crime rate is the lowest of all states in the South Atlantic region. And for the Tidewater region, Williamsburg and Poquoson made it onto the top 20 safest cities in Virginia list for 2021. 2. The Region Is Great for Military Retirees The Tidewater area, specifically Hampton Roads, is very welcoming to former service members; in fact, there are currently more than 50,000 military retirees from all branches of the military in the Hampton Roads region. Many are attracted to the area because of its proximity to various familiar military facilities. It’s the east coast epicenter of military activity, home to the renowned Naval Air Station Norfolk and Norfolk Naval Shipyard – plus other Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard facilities. The Department of Veteran Affairs also has a medical center in Hampton. 3. Waterfront Living The great part about retiring in Tidewater is that, wherever you settle, you’re never too far away from a coast – be it a river, bay, or the beach. And the perks of coastal living are numerous! Activity-wise, residents enjoy days filled with sailing, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and more. There are a variety of scenic nature trails and state parks. Plus, the region boasts a medley of attractions – from boardwalk entertainment, to events and festivals, to delicious dining. But, if you also just want to spend your days kicking back on the water, the coast will gladly welcome you. After all, the Tidewater region’s finest attraction is free! 4. The Area Is Rich in History and Culture Tidewater is an ideal location for retirees who want some character in their home. History-wise, the area encompasses some of the most historic regions in the state. Many retirees are drawn to Colonial Williamsburg, the largest live outdoor museum in the country featuring genuine and immersive 18th-century experiences. It’s also part of the historic triangle, featuring Jamestown and Yorktown. When it comes to culture, the area is replete with opportunities for art, music, theater, and more. Norfolk itself boasts cultural facilities such as the Chrysler Museum of Art, Harrison Opera House, and Chrysler Hall – which frequently hosts the Virginia Symphony and touring Broadway shows. Or head to Old Towne Portsmouth, a historic seaport town now full of museums, public art, and the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center. 5. A Welcoming Community with Friendly Residents Overall, the Tidewater area is home to many welcoming and approachable neighbors. Though the region is spread out, its communities are clustered together in a well-connected and close-knit manner. Many of its neighborhoods are walkable as well, giving residents ample opportunities for fresh air and easy friendships. It’s not hard to see why so many adults find reasons to retire in Tidewater! Read More Rachel Marsh Award-winning writer Rachel Marsh has written for many different sites and publications on a variety of topics. She is the multimedia editor for Seniors Guide and works hard to make sure seniors and their families have the best information possible. When she’s not writing for work, she can be found writing for fun. Really!