Apartment for Rent in Virginia Virginia is the birth place of no fewer than 8 American presidents and it has gained Virginia the nick name “Mother of Presidents”. The Virginia General Assembly is proud to be the oldest legislature in the country. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Virginia is sandwiched between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay.

Virginian economy is diverse with military, media and IT sectors providing employment as well as governmental bodies such as the Department of Defence and the CIA being major employers. Virginia has a strong economy and there is a rich diversity of employment opportunities in transportation equipment, chemicals, textiles, consumer electronics and agriculture.

The three most populated areas in Virginia are Northern Virginia, Richmond-Petersburg and Hampton Roads. Richmond is the capital of the state and the city has a population of some 1.2 million inhabitants. Norfolk is the centre of the Hampton Roads area, with 1.6 million people living in county, which houses the world’s largest naval base at the Naval Station in Norfolk.

Virginia has 39 major cities and is divided into 95 different counties. The state is rich in history and culture, from its role during the American Civil War to Pulitzer Prize winning writers like Ellen Glasgow and literature greats such as William Styron (Sophie’s Choice) or Tom Wolfe (I am Charlotte Simmons).

The Southern States are famous for their unique cuisine and Virginia is no exception. Virginia wine is produced throughout the state and gourmets can sample Smithfield Ham along with many other locally produced delicatessens. Architecture is colonial and neoclassical in style and the many historic buildings reflect this. Famous for their very different way of life are the Pennsylvania Dutch, whose lives meander along simpler lines than those of their neighbours.

Virginia has lots to offer for art lovers and those interested in cultural pursuits. Norfolk boasts the Harrison Opera House, home to the Virginia Opera.There are the Science Museum of Virginia, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the National Air and Space Museum, the Chrysler Museum of Art and many open air museums, which deal with its colonial past.

The Frontier Culture Museum and the Colonial Williamsburg sites stage some of the famous battles as well as providing educational resources dealing with the founding of the modern American state. Places of particular interest are George Washington’s former home at Mt. Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello. A visit to the Shenandoah National Park is a must for everyone who loves outdoor pursuits and the Blue Ridge National Parkway provides spectacular views.

The cost of living is average with the average cost of an apartment to rent in Virginia starting at $600 to $800 for a one bed room property. However, Richmond’s cost of living is considered lower than national average with housing being far more affordable than Alexandria, which attracts higher rentals due to being so close to Washington DC, where rents per month can be several thousand dollars for a one bedroom property.