1. Easy Access to U.S. History
Living in Virginia means being surrounded by historical landmarks like Manassas Battlefield, Mount Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg, and more. After leaving, you realize how special it was to have so much American history at your doorstep, and how much more you know about U.S. history than most people elsewhere.
2. Proximity to Washington, DC
Many Virginians are just a short drive from the nation’s capital, with its world-class museums (many free), diverse dining, and vibrant nightlife. Being able to pop over to DC for a day trip is something you might not appreciate until it’s gone.
3. The Scenic Beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Virginia’s rolling green hills, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and breathtaking drives like Skyline Drive offer a kind of natural beauty that’s hard to find elsewhere. Flat landscapes elsewhere can feel underwhelming by comparison.
4. Endless Outdoor Adventures
From mountain biking and hiking to kayaking, horseback riding, and even surfing, Virginia offers a huge variety of outdoor activities, often just minutes from home. The convenience and diversity of these adventures are easy to miss.
5. Virginia’s Wine Country
Northern Virginia is home to dozens of wineries with stunning views and award-winning wines. After moving away, you may be surprised how rare it is to have so many quality wineries close by.
6. Immaculate Beaches
Virginia Beach and other coastal spots are known for being clean and well-maintained. Once you experience less pristine beaches elsewhere, you’ll start to miss Virginia’s standards.
7. The Four Distinct Seasons
Virginia’s autumns and springs are particularly beautiful, with vibrant foliage and blooming flowers. Many other places don’t offer the same dramatic seasonal changes.
8. Unique Local Foods
From Smithfield ham to Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and local peanuts, Virginia’s food scene has distinct flavors that can be hard to find outside the state. You might not expect to crave these local specialties until you can’t get them anymore.
9. The Prevalence of Government and Military Jobs
In Virginia, it seems like everyone knows someone who works for the government or military. Elsewhere, this is far less common, and you might be surprised by how unique this job market is to the region.
10. The Sense of Community and Local Pride
Whether it’s cheering for the Hokies or Wahoos, or the insistence that Virginia is a “Commonwealth” (not just a state), there’s a unique sense of identity and pride among Virginians that can be hard to find elsewhere.
These are just some of the things people often find themselves missing-sometimes unexpectedly-after leaving Virginia. The combination of history, natural beauty, culture, and community makes it a place that leaves a lasting impression.
Sources:
- https://www.businessinsider.com/best-things-living-in-virginia-from-someone-who-left-misses-it-2023
- https://www.movoto.com/blog/leaving-virginia/
- https://www.320sycamoreblog.com/2013/08/top-10-things-well-miss-about-virginia.html
- https://www.movoto.com/guide/va/things-only-people-from-virginia-understand/
- http://www.homelifeabroad.com/travel-leisure/living-abroad/miss-home/