From its four seasons and the natural beauty of its mountain ridges, lakes and forests to the social, educational and cultural activities provided by its various communities, Southwest Virginia has a lot to offer retirees.Along with second-home owners, retirees have been attracted to the region for generations. Many of the individual towns in the region have friendly small-town atmospheres, but as their populations are growing, more and more big-city conveniences are moving into these once-small communities, bringing in the best of both urban and rural living.
Take a closer look at 13 of the best places (listed in alphabetical order) to retire and see for yourself the array of benefits the region provides.

BEDFORD

Bedford. One of the first five Virginia Main Street cities, Bedford offers a small-town atmosphere with big-town advantages.

Bedford offers a lot of cultural and recreational activities for people of all ages,” says Sergei Troubetzkoy, tourism and welcome director of the Bedford County Welcome Center. “It is located next to a couple of large metropolitan areas as well.”

Bedford’s small town feel and big town amenities make it perfect for retirees. Nature lovers and wine aficionados will both enjoy Peaks of Otter, with hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views, and also the Peaks of Otter winery. The arts community is alive also, with the non-profit Bedford Community Orchestra and the Little Town Players community theatre. Local museums and a zoo offer other opportunities to get involved in the community, and history buffs can visit the National D-Day Memorial and Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Seasonal farmers’ markets and many community festivals are held throughout the year. —MB

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Blacksburg/New River Valley

Downtown Blacksburg. In addition to Virginia Tech, the New River Valley offers downtown areas with small-town atmospheres. PHOTO BY DOUGLAS MILLER

The New River Valley combines the excitement of a world class university with the natural beauty of the mountains,” says Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam.

Recognized by Reader’s Digest as “the most wired town in America,” Blacksburg combines a small town atmosphere with the latest technology. The Blacksburg Electronic Village is the town’s online resource, featuring information regarding community events and a section especially for seniors. Virginia Tech, the state’s largest university, hosts many events open to the public, including plays, concerts and art exhibits. A variety of museums and theaters also provide opportunities for community involvement, and the area boasts many outdoor activities, including the Appalachian Trail and the nearby New River. The town also has an excellent transportation system, including a bus route to Roanoke via the Smart Way Bus. —MB

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Botetourt County

Botetourt County reminds me of where I grew up in the Finger Lakes Region of Central New York,” says Kevin Costello, tourism coordinator of Botetourt County. “The county has a lot of unique history and small town hospitality that makes residents proud to call Botetourt home.”

Surrounded in natural splendor, Botetourt is a rural retreat with convenient access to city life. It offers a small-town feel but still enables residents to take advantage of bigger cities benefits found in Roanoke and Lexington. The Botetourt County Recreation Department offers a variety of programs, such as ballroom dancing and day trips to area attractions. Botetourt is also home to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, with opportunities for fishing and hiking. The Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway also provide alternative outdoor escapes. —MB

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Franklin County

Franklin County. The Rocky Mount Farmers’ Market is located downtown.

In Franklin County, you’re close to big cities like Roanoke, but you still have the privacy of a rural area,” says resident Margaret Torrence.

With its bucolic scenery and rolling hills, a low cost of living and low crime rate, Franklin County is an excellent retirement haven. Retirees can enroll in classes at Ferrum College, and hiking and camping in several different parks in the area and around Smith Mountain Lake are perfect for nature lovers. Anyone in the public can also become members of the Willow Creek Country Club or the Westlake Golf & Country Club, where some of the state’s best golfing can be found nestled in the beautiful scenery of the area. Fishing and canoeing on the Blackwater and Pigg River are also popular, and with Turkeycock Mountain and nearby access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, nature and scenery lovers will be more than satisfied. —CE

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Lexington/Rockbridge County

Lexington. Lee Chapel is just one of the historical sites Lexington has to offer.

A lot of retirees come here for the amenities of having higher education,” says Jean Clark, director of tourism for Lexington and Rockbridge. “There are more higher education opportunities here than in other communities this size.”

Home to three universities - the Virginia Military Institute, Washington and Lee University and Southern Virginia – Lexington is a location ripe for exploration during retirement. For the Civil War buffs, Lexington is home to Robert E. Lee’s chapel and museum, Stonewall Jackson’s house and memorial cemetery, and Hunter’s Raid Civil War Trail. The area is also home to many scenic attractions, including Boxerwood Gardens, Lexington Valley Vineyard and the Virginia Gold Orchard. Rockbridge County is the back drop of the Natural Bridge, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, while downtown Lexington is perfect for a day of urban delight, including shopping, and dining. Art galleries are also abundant, and the nationally renowned outdoor theatre at Lime Kiln is a must-see. —CE

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Lynchburg

From its scenic views of the Blue Ridge mountains to its historic areas and urban amenities, Lynchburg is another perfect retirement getaway. Home to Liberty University, the city is a blend of “a little bit of city life, and a little bit of rural outdoor life,” says Michele-Marie Iungerich, city marketing coordinator. Iungerich’s mother recently retired to the area from Northern Virginia to live in a less stressful place
“It’s a slower pace of life,” she says.

For active seniors, the Parks and Recreation Department of the city offers a senior adult program that includes activities such as yoga, special education opportunities, recreational sports and book clubs. History buffs will find the Legacy Museum of African American History, the Rightmire Children’s Museum and the Federal-era mansion Point of Honor highlights. —CE

Martinsville

Martinsville-Henry County offers a wide range of activities and the perfect pace of life for retirees,” says Mark Heath, president of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation. “For the outdoorsmen, boat on Philpott Lake, fish the Smith River, or hike any one of our countless trails.

Martinsville Courthouse. The city offers a variety of parks and outdoor recreation activities as well access to many urban amenities. PHOTO BY DOUGLAS MILLER

For the cultural enthusiast, there’s art on the walls at Piedmont Arts, a performing arts series and hands-on classes available at the Southern Virginia Artisan Center.”

In addition to offering opportunities to explore the outdoors, there are museums such as the Virginia Museum of Natural History to peak the interest of any history buff. Shops, theaters and art galleries can be found throughout the county, as can the Martinsville Speedway, home to two Winston Cup NASCAR races each year. With one park per square mile in town and educational opportunities at the Patrick Henry Community College, Martinsville offers attractions for the whole family.
“An affordable cost of living, organized senior activities and superb healthcare round out our numerous offerings for retirees,” Heath says. —BB

Pulaski

Pulaski is just a relaxing community,” says Dawn Adams, executive director of the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce. “There is so much do to in this area, from parks, Claytor Lake and several walking paths.”

In the downtown area, there are limitless opportunities for small town recreation, including shops and museums like the new Wilderness Road Regional Museum and the Fine Arts Center. An old theater downtown is also in the process of being restored to its original condition. For nature lovers, Pulaski offers not only the beauty of Claytor Lake State Park, but also Gatewood Park and Reservoir. The hiking trails, camping and swimming available at these parks give retirees a chance to explore the untouched beauty of Pulaski County.

Another popular place for retirees is the Pulaski Senior Center, which Adams says offers a variety of different trips and social events. From day and weekend trips to simply taking a trip into the country to pick strawberries, the center offers retirees in the county fellowship and fun. Jackson Park, one of six neighborhood parks in Pulaski, is also used for many downtown events, including the annual Depot Days and Summer Park Concert Series. —BB

Radford

Radford is certainly a place where anyone, regardless of age, is able to stay active,” says Becky Hawke, public relations coordinator for the City of Radford. “There is a lot to do outdoors with walkways, beautiful scenic trails, public boat ramps and the New River right nearby. The fishing here is also phenomenal and it is considered to be one of the best locations on the East Coast for bass, trout, and muskie.”

In addition to natural beauty, Radford also offers many opportunities for seniors to keep active through the Radford Recreation Center. Seniors have their own section within the recreation center where they can use a weight room, knit, scrapbook, take a walking trip or just socialize.

From shopping in the downtown district to visiting one of nine scenic parks, residents of Radford are never at a loss of things to do. In the fall, Radford is the site of the Appalachian Folk Arts Festival and the Highlanders Festival and all year round the Glencoe Museum gives visitors a taste of local history. Radford University also offers more arts performances, special events, lectures and educational programs.

“Radford is a nice little town,” Hawke says. “It is extremely friendly and welcoming with a small town feel.” —BB

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Roanoke City

Roanoke. The downtown area boasts a variety of activities.

It’s a neat place to be,” says Daniel Bolt and wife, Stacie, on their first day vending at the city’s farmers’ market, one of the oldest in the country. “It’s enjoyable–a nice and friendly outlet. Everything’s here, and then some.”

Offering the best of both urban and suburban living, Roanoke is often considered the focal point of Southwestern Virginia. From its restaurants and coffee houses to its museums and theaters, its civic center to its parks and greenways, Roanoke offers retirees a variety of activities year round.

Annual social and cultural events and festivals like Festival in the Park and Local Colors have great turnouts. Museums downtown like the O. Winston Link Museum, Virginia Museum of Transportation and the science, history and art museums found in Center in the Square offer just a sampling of the city’s culture and fine arts. A new Art Museum of Western Virginia is also under construction and promises to further expand the cultural scene in the city, as well as change the landscape drastically.

“Roanokers know how to have a good time,” says John Sims, biting into a sweet pea on the market. “What I find unique about Roanoke is the people.”

Roanoke is also the home of some of the best public and private schools, hospitals (ranking 59th out of 351 by Places Rated Almanac for North American metropolitan areas of available quality health care), recreational centers and hiking trails. Many people from all over the world have heard of the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the beauty that frames Roanoke and its people is one of its most cherished attributes. —SAW

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Roanoke County

Roanoke County. With easy access to the cities of Roanoke and Salem, the county provides the best of urban and rural living. PHOTO BY DOUGLAS MILLER

I love the county,” says Jackie Gottstein, former Spanish teacher at Cave Spring High School. “It’s a real community. And there
are always activities, like wine tasting and the fall polo tournaments.”

With the Blue Ridge Parkway at its doorstep, Roanoke county is home to communities like Cave Spring, Penn Forest and Sugarloaf as well as upscale communities like Hunting Hills, Hidden Valley and Fairway Forest. Around every corner are urban luxuries like shopping centers, museums and restaurants, and parks and greenways are also abundant in the area. The Roanoke region has a great number of volunteer opportunities as well, with the CASA Foundation, The SARA Program and Habitat for Humanity to name a few. Hollins University also provides the region with monthly galleries, plays, readings, concerts, and ballets, and Virginia Western Community College also offers activities year round. —SAW

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Salem

Salem is a unique and pleasant place,” says Doris Ritter, long-term resident of Salem and wife of Guy Ritter, retired professor of Religion at Roanoke College. “It’s well-managed. An extremely friendly population.”

Home of the Salem Avalanche minor league baseball team, the Salem Civic Center, Salem High School, Roanoke College and with a downtown main street lined with restaurants, boutiques, antique shops and a farmer’s market, Salem also has a lot to offer. Enjoy a hot dog on a summer’s day and watch a live baseball game with friends and family. Go to the Civic Center for events like the horse and wedding shows, rodeos, circuses, antique car shows and even the Salem Fair. Roanoke College offers classes, galleries, lectures, student performances, and readings for the public.
Salem also has several parks, including Lake Spring and Longwood, a bike route (11.2 mile course for all ages and skill levels), a tea house, and coffee houses. Annual festivals include, Old Salem Days, Octoberfest, Jazz in July, Bluegrass and a kite flying festival. The Salem Senior Center also offers activities like ceramics and exercise classes year-round. —SAW

Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake. With its 500 miles of shoreline and abundant festivals and activities, the lake is a hot retirement spot. PHOTO BY TED PRATT

Smith Mountain Lake provides a unique environment for those who choose to throttle back from a fast-paced work life,” says Linda Nardin, media relations and marketing manager at the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce. “There is culture aplenty with area opera, live theater and cinemas. If you choose to get involved in the social scene, the lake thrives on it with its “Newcomers Club,” offering a myriad of weekly and monthly activities and events. Volunteers are also highly valued, and many organizations welcome a helping hand.”

Five-hundred miles of shoreline unite the community scattered around Virginia’s second-largest lake. Made up of vacationers, second-homers and retirees, water sports are popular at the lake, and range from fishing off a dock to sailing on the wind or speeding around on a Jet Ski. Hiking trails are also nearby in the Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Amenities such as local grocery stores, shops and restaurants can be found locally, and life at the lake is only a half hour’s drive from Roanoke for bigger city needs.—JKW