Virginia (VA)

Known as the "Old Dominion," Virginia is a state rich in history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. As the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents and home to iconic landmarks, Virginia blends colonial heritage with modern attractions. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to scenic coastal shores, the state offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, historical exploration, and Southern charm.

• Population: ~8.7 million
• Weather: Humid summers (75-90°F); mild to cold winters (25-50°F).
• Famous Sites: Colonial Williamsburg, Shenandoah National Park, Monticello, Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia Beach.
• Top Activities: Hiking, wine tasting, historical tours, beach trips, scenic drives, visiting museums.

Virginia’s job market is robust, with strong demand in healthcare, technology, government, and engineering. The state offers excellent career opportunities with competitive salaries. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Virginia based on earnings and job openings. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Virginia features many thriving cities known for bustling city life, historic charm, and strong college communities. The state's largest cities are home to notable universities and colleges that attract students from across the country. The following table offers an overview of Virginia's 10 largest cities, including their approximate populations and college enrollment numbers.

Virginia is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in engineering, business, healthcare, and the humanities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Virginia

• University of Virginia (UVA) – One of the nation's top public universities, known for its rigorous academics, business programs, and law school.
• Virginia Tech – A leading research university with strong engineering, technology, and business programs.
• William & Mary – The nation's second-oldest college, renowned for liberal arts, law, and business programs.
• George Mason University – Known for programs in economics, cybersecurity, and public policy.
• James Madison University (JMU) – Offers excellent business, education, and health sciences programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Virginia

• Washington and Lee University – A prestigious liberal arts college with a renowned business and law school.
• Liberty University – One of the largest private universities, offering strong online and on-campus programs across various fields.
• University of Richmond – Known for outstanding business, law, and liberal arts programs.
• Hampden-Sydney College – One of the few all-male liberal arts colleges, emphasizing leadership and classical education.
• Randolph-Macon College – A respected liberal arts college with strong pre-med, business, and science programs.

Virginia is home to some of the best public and private high schools in the nation. These schools provide students with excellent academic programs, strong extracurricular activities, and outstanding college preparation. Whether focusing on STEM, the arts, or leadership development, these schools set high standards for education and student success.

Top Public High Schools in Virginia

• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria – A nationally recognized STEM-focused school known for rigorous academics and top-tier college placements.
• Langley High School, McLean – Offers advanced placement courses and outstanding extracurricular programs, including award-winning fine arts.
• McLean High School, McLean – Known for high academic performance, strong sports programs, and exceptional teaching staff.
• Oakton High School, Vienna – Provides a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on technology, research, and college readiness.
• Yorktown High School, Arlington – Recognized for its strong AP program, dedicated teachers, and extensive student support services.

Top Private High Schools in Virginia

• The Potomac School, McLean – A prestigious private school offering an excellent liberal arts education with a focus on leadership and innovation.
• Episcopal High School, Alexandria – A highly respected boarding school known for academic rigor, athletics, and character development.
• Norfolk Academy, Norfolk – Offers an advanced college preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on ethics and leadership.
• St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, Alexandria – Provides a personalized learning experience, strong arts programs, and competitive athletics.
• Collegiate School, Richmond – Known for academic excellence, strong student-teacher relationships, and extensive college counseling services.

Virginia does not have a team in the "big four" major professional leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), but the state has a strong sports presence with minor league teams and teams in other professional leagues. Additionally, Virginia is home to passionate college sports fans, especially for programs like the Virginia Cavaliers (University of Virginia) and Virginia Tech Hokies (Virginia Tech).

Although Virginia lacks a top-tier major league team, the state hosts several minor league and professional teams across baseball, basketball, soccer, and hockey.

Minor League & Professional Teams in Virginia

Baseball 🏟️

• Norfolk Tides (Triple-A – Baltimore Orioles affiliate) – A highly competitive team in the Triple-A level with a strong fan following.
• Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A – San Francisco Giants affiliate) – Known for their exciting game-day atmosphere and enthusiastic support.
• Salem Red Sox (Single-A – Boston Red Sox affiliate) – A key part of the Red Sox farm system, developing future MLB talent.
• Fredericksburg Nationals (Single-A – Washington Nationals affiliate) – A new but growing minor league team with a dedicated fan base.

Soccer ⚽

• Richmond Kickers (USL League One – Third-tier professional league) – One of the longest-running pro soccer teams in the U.S.
• Loudoun United FC (USL Championship – Second-tier professional league) – The reserve team for D.C. United, giving young talent a place to develop.

Hockey 🏒

• Norfolk Admirals (ECHL – Mid-level professional hockey league) – A competitive minor league team with a deep local following.

Basketball 🏀

• Capital City Go-Go (NBA G League – Washington Wizards affiliate) – Plays in nearby Washington, D.C., but represents the broader regional fan base, including Virginia.

While Virginia does not have a team in the major leagues, the state’s numerous minor league and semi-pro teams create a strong sports culture for fans to enjoy.

1. First English Colony in America 🏡 – Virginia is home to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the U.S., founded in 1607.
2. Birthplace of Eight U.S. Presidents 🇺🇸 – More U.S. presidents have been born in Virginia than in any other state, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
3. Home of the Pentagon 🏢 – The Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, is located in Arlington and is one of the largest office buildings in the world.
4. Chesapeake Bay’s Blue Crabs 🦀 – Virginia is famous for its delicious blue crabs, which are a beloved seafood specialty in the Chesapeake Bay region.
5. America’s First Thanksgiving 🍂 – The first recorded Thanksgiving in America took place in Virginia in 1619, one year before the Plymouth feast in Massachusetts.
6. Shenandoah National Park’s Beauty 🌿 – This stunning park in the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, and the famous Skyline Drive.
7. The Largest Naval Base in the World ⚓ – Norfolk, Virginia, is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base on the planet.
8. Richmond Was the U.S. Capital – for a Day! 🏛️ – Richmond served as the U.S. capital for just one day on June 23, 1783, when Congress met there.
9. Home to the "Lover’s State" Slogan ❤️ – The famous phrase "Virginia is for Lovers" was created in 1969 and remains one of the most iconic tourism slogans.
10. Monticello’s Hidden Gadgetry 🏠 – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate in Virginia is filled with cool inventions, like a hidden writing desk and an automatic door.