Charlottesville, Lexington and Smith Mountain Lake are the priciest, driven up by a large influx of people attracted to horses and boating at the lake. Look for the cheapest land in the rural areas closer to far Southwest Virginia. If you're in the market for a retirement community, start early. Allow yourself up to a year to compare and visit locations, especially if you need a large space.
Many communities have waiting lists for two-bedroom units, which are tougher to come by.
In the 1800s about 25 families made up the population of Salem. But when South Salem was annexed in 1953 followed by the eastern corridor in 1960, Salem became the largest town in Virginia with a population of more than 16,050. A walking tour along Main, Clay and Calhoun streets will take you past 22 historical sites that figured in the town's development. The price of land in the Blue Ridge is considerably lower than in other parts of the country, especially the Northeast and West Coast.