Independent Living in Virginia

Virginia Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to facility records in Virginia.

In Virginia, independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Virginia is considered to be slightly less affordable than the national average. Virginia’s proximity to Washington D.C. as well as its pristine coastline and beachfront properties mean that certain parts of the state have a much higher cost of housing than others. This is especially true in the northern and eastern parts of the state. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

• Cost of Living: 102
• Groceries: 96
• Housing: 108
• Utilities: 99
• Transportation: 88

Demographics

About 15% of the population in Virginia are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, Virginia leaned liberal. This is mostly due to a left-leaning populace in the northern portion of the state surrounding the D.C. metro area. The southern parts of the state are known for being more conservative.

2016 Presidential Election

• 50% voted Democratic
• 44% voted Republican
• 6% voted third party

Population

• Median age: 38
• Over the age of 55: 28%
• 2018 population: 8,517,685
• 2020 population: 8,623,619
• Estimated 2025 population: 8,894,254

Miscellaneous

• 44% regularly attend a religious service
• 33% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
• The state has a total of 10,088 congregations
• There are 519 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

Virginia’s climate is classified as humid sub-tropical. This means that the state experiences long summers, while the winters are short and fairly mild. There is moderate rain year round and the coastal breezes keep summer temperatures pleasant. The average humidity level is around 70%, often peaking in August at around 80%.

Humidity and Precipitation

• Average humidity level: 69%
• Average monthly precipitation: 4”
• Average maximum monthly precipitation: 6” (September)

Air Quality

• Average air quality index rating: 32 (Good)
• Average maximum air quality rating: 40 in April (Good)

Seasonal Temperatures

• Average temperature: 55°F
• Average summer temperature: 74°F
• Typical summer high: 91°F (July)
• Typical summer low: 52°F (June)
• Average winter temperature: 37°F
• Typical winter high: 55°F (February)
• Typical winter low: 17°F (January)