#1Laurel Hill
unincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,450 peopleOutdoors grade, among the top in the U.S.·Overall A · #65 of 249 in VA
Laurel Hill, #1 on this list · Photo: User:AlbertHerring · CC BY 3.0Virginia rankings · Outdoors
Best towns for the outdoors in Virginia
Laurel Hill ranks first on outdoors among Virginia’s 253 towns of 2,500+; 90 of the 253 grade A− or better on outdoors nationally.
The Outdoors grade, a character grade (not part of the overall): the share of land conserved and the trail miles per square mile. How grades work
#1A+
#2Kings Park
unincorporated, Fairfax County · 4,315 peopleOutdoors grade, among the top in the U.S.·Overall A+ · #6 of 249 in VA
#3South Run
unincorporated, Fairfax County · 6,600 peopleOutdoors grade, among the top in the U.S.·Overall A · #76 of 249 in VA
All 253 towns
Outdoors grade, best first (the letter is national). Towns with the same score share a rank; the overall grade and state rank are beside each.
253 towns ranked. Not here? See why a town may be missing.
#TownGradeOverall
1Laurel Hillunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,450 peopleA+among the top in the U.S.·Overall A · #65 of 249
2Kings Parkunincorporated, Fairfax County · 4,315 peopleA+among the top in the U.S.·Overall A+ · #6 of 249
3South Rununincorporated, Fairfax County · 6,600 peopleA+among the top in the U.S.·Overall A · #76 of 249
4Grovetonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,931 peopleA+among the top in the U.S.·Overall B+ · #133 of 249
5University of Virginia College campusunincorporated, Albemarle County · 9,065 peopleA+among the top in the U.S.·Overall A
6Bull Rununincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,823 peopleA+among the top in the U.S.·Overall B+ · #123 of 249
7University Centerunincorporated, Loudoun County · 3,923 peopleA+among the top in the U.S.·Overall A · #63 of 249
8Wakefieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 11,930 peopleA+among the top in the U.S.·Overall A · #37 of 249
9Difficult Rununincorporated, Fairfax County · 9,938 peopleA+better than 98% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #46 of 249
10Chantillyunincorporated, Fairfax County · 24,036 peopleA+better than 98% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #77 of 249
11Newington Forestunincorporated, Fairfax County · 12,316 peopleA+better than 98% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #19 of 249
12Hayfieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 4,392 peopleA+better than 97% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #15 of 249
13Cascadesunincorporated, Loudoun County · 12,357 peopleA+better than 97% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #30 of 249
14West Springfieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 22,532 peopleA+better than 97% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #17 of 249
15Florisunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,589 peopleA+better than 97% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #53 of 249
16Restonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 64,414 peopleA+better than 97% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #35 of 249
17Wolf Trapunincorporated, Fairfax County · 15,858 peopleA+better than 96% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #52 of 249
18Manassas ParkManassas Park city · 16,560 peopleA+better than 96% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #189 of 249
19McLeanunincorporated, Fairfax County · 49,627 peopleAbetter than 94% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #47 of 249
20Belle Havenunincorporated, Fairfax County · 6,570 peopleAbetter than 94% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #25 of 249
21Kings Park Westunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,442 peopleAbetter than 94% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #33 of 249
22Lincolniaunincorporated, Fairfax County · 20,320 peopleAbetter than 93% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #78 of 249
23Virginia BeachVirginia Beach city · 453,737 peopleAbetter than 93% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #130 of 249
24Fort Huntunincorporated, Fairfax County · 16,700 peopleAbetter than 93% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #80 of 249
25Lowes Islandunincorporated, Loudoun County · 11,018 peopleAbetter than 93% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #22 of 249
27Woodburnunincorporated, Fairfax County · 9,503 peopleAbetter than 92% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #87 of 249
28CharlottesvilleCharlottesville city · 44,388 peopleAbetter than 91% of U.S. towns·Overall C · #208 of 249
29Long Branchunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,034 peopleAbetter than 91% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #4 of 249
30Rose Hillunincorporated, Fairfax County · 21,066 peopleAbetter than 91% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #20 of 249
31Burkeunincorporated, Fairfax County · 44,029 peopleAbetter than 91% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #58 of 249
32Sudleyunincorporated, Prince William County · 19,162 peopleAbetter than 91% of U.S. towns·Overall B− · #173 of 249
33Oaktonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 36,528 peopleAbetter than 91% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #18 of 249
34Great Fallsunincorporated, Fairfax County · 15,228 peopleAbetter than 90% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #66 of 249
36Greenbriarunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,243 peopleAbetter than 90% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #32 of 249
37Leesylvaniaunincorporated, Prince William County · 21,632 peopleAbetter than 90% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #106 of 249
38Braddockunincorporated, Fairfax County · 6,536 peopleAbetter than 90% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #79 of 249
39Lakesideunincorporated, Henrico County · 12,654 peopleAbetter than 90% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #165 of 249
41Sterlingunincorporated, Loudoun County · 32,411 peopleAbetter than 89% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #82 of 249
42Annandaleunincorporated, Fairfax County · 41,705 peopleAbetter than 89% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #120 of 249
43Centrevilleunincorporated, Fairfax County · 71,706 peopleAbetter than 88% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #85 of 249
44Dranesvilleunincorporated, Fairfax County · 11,828 peopleAbetter than 88% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #54 of 249
45Franconiaunincorporated, Fairfax County · 18,335 peopleAbetter than 88% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #5 of 249
48Pantopsunincorporated, Albemarle County · 4,665 peopleAbetter than 88% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #44 of 249
49Springfieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 31,154 peopleAbetter than 87% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #115 of 249
50ArlingtonArlington County (county government) · 236,254 peopleAbetter than 87% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #43 of 249
51Blacksburg College campusMontgomery County · 45,104 peopleAbetter than 87% of U.S. towns·Overall A−
52Newingtonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,478 peopleAbetter than 87% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #21 of 249
53WilliamsburgWilliamsburg city · 15,861 peopleAbetter than 87% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #126 of 249
55Fair Lakesunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,894 peopleAbetter than 86% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #62 of 249
56Pimmit Hillsunincorporated, Fairfax County · 6,589 peopleAbetter than 86% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #28 of 249
58Mount Vernonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,122 peopleAbetter than 86% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #64 of 249
65Kingstowneunincorporated, Fairfax County · 18,360 peopleA−better than 84% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #40 of 249
66West Falls Churchunincorporated, Fairfax County · 31,279 peopleA−better than 84% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #84 of 249
67Mantuaunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,298 peopleA−better than 83% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #11 of 249
71North Springfieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,050 peopleA−better than 82% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #91 of 249
73Woodlawnunincorporated, Fairfax County · 21,194 peopleA−better than 82% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #114 of 249
74Idylwoodunincorporated, Fairfax County · 17,559 peopleA−better than 81% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #41 of 249
76Brambletonunincorporated, Loudoun County · 24,537 peopleA−better than 81% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #8 of 249
77Burke Centreunincorporated, Fairfax County · 17,037 peopleA−better than 81% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #59 of 249
78Newport NewsNewport News city · 183,230 peopleA−better than 80% of U.S. towns·Overall D · #227 of 249
79George Mason College campusunincorporated, Fairfax County · 9,937 peopleA−better than 80% of U.S. towns·Overall A−
80County Centerunincorporated, Prince William County · 3,789 peopleA−better than 80% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #113 of 249
82Huntingtonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 13,502 peopleA−better than 80% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #75 of 249
83SmithfieldIsle of Wight County · 9,112 peopleA−better than 79% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #129 of 249
84Fairfax Stationunincorporated, Fairfax County · 12,566 peopleA−better than 79% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #72 of 249
86East Highland Parkunincorporated, Henrico County · 15,265 peopleA−better than 78% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #192 of 249
87Marshallunincorporated, Fauquier County · 3,219 peopleA−better than 77% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #137 of 249
88FredericksburgFredericksburg city · 30,393 peopleA−better than 76% of U.S. towns·Overall C− · #219 of 249
89Hybla Valleyunincorporated, Fairfax County · 17,257 peopleA−better than 76% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #163 of 249
90Crosspointeunincorporated, Fairfax County · 5,669 peopleA−better than 75% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #56 of 249
91Chamberlayneunincorporated, Henrico County · 4,692 peopleB+better than 75% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #147 of 249
92Falls ChurchFalls Church city · 15,159 peopleB+better than 75% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #48 of 249
93Woodbridgeunincorporated, Prince William County · 43,945 peopleB+better than 74% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #155 of 249
94Independent Hillunincorporated, Prince William County · 10,853 peopleB+better than 74% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #98 of 249
95Hutchisonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 7,284 peopleB+better than 74% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #124 of 249
96Linton Hallunincorporated, Prince William County · 41,876 peopleB+better than 74% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #94 of 249
99Gainesvilleunincorporated, Prince William County · 18,196 peopleB+better than 73% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #109 of 249
100Forestunincorporated, Bedford County · 13,430 peopleB+better than 73% of U.S. towns·Overall B− · #180 of 249
101Lortonunincorporated, Fairfax County · 20,991 peopleB+better than 72% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #116 of 249
102Lansdowneunincorporated, Loudoun County · 12,328 peopleB+better than 72% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #24 of 249
104Union Millunincorporated, Fairfax County · 4,484 peopleB+better than 70% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #50 of 249
105Bailey's Crossroadsunincorporated, Fairfax County · 24,271 peopleB+better than 70% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #136 of 249
107Rockwoodunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 10,010 peopleB+better than 69% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #141 of 249
108Bull Rununincorporated, Prince William County · 16,859 peopleB+better than 69% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #153 of 249
109Fair Oaksunincorporated, Fairfax County · 35,545 peopleB+better than 69% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #60 of 249
112HarrisonburgHarrisonburg city · 50,839 peopleB+better than 68% of U.S. towns·Overall C · #201 of 249
114Cherry Hillunincorporated, Prince William County · 26,044 peopleB+better than 68% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #125 of 249
115McNairunincorporated, Fairfax County · 22,655 peopleB+better than 68% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #31 of 249
116FarmvillePrince Edward County · 7,593 peopleB+better than 67% of U.S. towns·Overall D · #235 of 249
117WoodstockShenandoah County · 6,002 peopleB+better than 67% of U.S. towns·Overall C− · #217 of 249
118One Loudoununincorporated, Loudoun County · 3,309 peopleB+better than 67% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #12 of 249
119Tysonsunincorporated, Fairfax County · 28,936 peopleB+better than 66% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #55 of 249
120Bensleyunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 5,949 peopleB+better than 66% of U.S. towns·Overall C · #207 of 249
121Crozetunincorporated, Albemarle County · 9,289 peopleB+better than 66% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #102 of 249
122Lake of the Woodsunincorporated, Orange County · 7,984 peopleB+better than 66% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #142 of 249
124Ettrickunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 5,910 peopleB+better than 65% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #95 of 249
126Dale Cityunincorporated, Prince William County · 71,016 peopleBbetter than 63% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #117 of 249
130Sugarland Rununincorporated, Loudoun County · 12,629 peopleBbetter than 62% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #38 of 249
131Colonial HeightsColonial Heights city · 18,738 peopleBbetter than 62% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #186 of 249
132Short Pumpunincorporated, Henrico County · 29,026 peopleBbetter than 61% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #119 of 249
133Loudoun Valley Estatesunincorporated, Loudoun County · 10,271 peopleBbetter than 61% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #10 of 249
134Aquia Harbourunincorporated, Stafford County · 7,481 peopleBbetter than 61% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #99 of 249
135Stone Ridgeunincorporated, Loudoun County · 16,603 peopleBbetter than 60% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #9 of 249
136Dunn Loringunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,957 peopleBbetter than 60% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #29 of 249
137Yorkshireunincorporated, Prince William County · 9,782 peopleBbetter than 59% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #146 of 249
138Clifton ForgeAlleghany County · 3,372 peopleBbetter than 59% of U.S. towns·Overall C− · #211 of 249
139Glen Allenunincorporated, Henrico County · 17,551 peopleBbetter than 59% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #156 of 249
140Franklin Farmunincorporated, Fairfax County · 18,736 peopleBbetter than 58% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #16 of 249
144Weyers Caveunincorporated, Augusta County · 2,744 peopleBbetter than 57% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #90 of 249
148Buckhallunincorporated, Prince William County · 21,602 peopleB−better than 53% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #105 of 249
150Ashburnunincorporated, Loudoun County · 46,026 peopleB−better than 53% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #13 of 249
151Potomac Millsunincorporated, Prince William County · 5,741 peopleB−better than 52% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #157 of 249
152Madison Heightsunincorporated, Amherst County · 10,266 peopleB−better than 52% of U.S. towns·Overall B− · #166 of 249
153Seven Cornersunincorporated, Fairfax County · 9,371 peopleB−better than 52% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #89 of 249
155Rocky MountFranklin County · 4,973 peopleB−better than 51% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #184 of 249
156Stuarts Draftunincorporated, Augusta County · 11,780 peopleB−better than 51% of U.S. towns·Overall B− · #171 of 249
157Falmouthunincorporated, Stafford County · 5,216 peopleB−better than 51% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #71 of 249
158DumfriesPrince William County · 6,405 peopleB−better than 51% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #128 of 249
159Spotsylvania Courthouseunincorporated, Spotsylvania County · 7,180 peopleB−better than 50% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #195 of 249
162PortsmouthPortsmouth city · 96,777 peopleB−better than 49% of U.S. towns·Overall D− · #243 of 249
163Triangleunincorporated, Prince William County · 10,450 peopleB−better than 49% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #161 of 249
165Lake Ridgeunincorporated, Prince William County · 46,049 peopleB−better than 48% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #83 of 249
166New Baltimoreunincorporated, Fauquier County · 11,919 peopleB−better than 47% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #68 of 249
167Merrifieldunincorporated, Fairfax County · 20,698 peopleB−better than 47% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #36 of 249
168MartinsvilleMartinsville city · 13,849 peopleB−better than 47% of U.S. towns·Overall D · #240 of 249
174Midlothianunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 19,120 peopleC+better than 45% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #143 of 249
177Sandstonunincorporated, Henrico County · 7,399 peopleC+better than 44% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #191 of 249
178Shenandoah Farmsunincorporated, Clarke County · 4,179 peopleC+better than 44% of U.S. towns·Overall C− · #218 of 249
179Merrimacunincorporated, Montgomery County · 2,733 peopleC+better than 43% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #107 of 249
181ChristiansburgMontgomery County · 22,442 peopleC+better than 42% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #144 of 249
183Massanetta Springsunincorporated, Rockingham County · 6,358 peopleC+better than 42% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #139 of 249
184Lake Barcroftunincorporated, Fairfax County · 10,973 peopleC+better than 42% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #81 of 249
187South Ridingunincorporated, Loudoun County · 34,352 peopleC+better than 40% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #23 of 249
188Tuckahoeunincorporated, Henrico County · 49,183 peopleC+better than 39% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #152 of 249
189Loch Lomondunincorporated, Prince William County · 4,606 peopleC+better than 39% of U.S. towns·Overall B− · #168 of 249
192Lake Wildernessunincorporated, Spotsylvania County · 3,139 peopleC+better than 38% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #92 of 249
194Blue Ridgeunincorporated, Botetourt County · 2,800 peopleC+better than 38% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #96 of 249
195Timberlakeunincorporated, Campbell County · 12,725 peopleC+better than 37% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #73 of 249
196South HillMecklenburg County · 4,889 peopleC+better than 36% of U.S. towns·Overall D · #239 of 249
197Bellwoodunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 7,907 peopleC+better than 36% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #197 of 249
198Belmontunincorporated, Loudoun County · 9,729 peopleC+better than 36% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #26 of 249
200Countrysideunincorporated, Loudoun County · 9,661 peopleC+better than 35% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #67 of 249
202Bealetonunincorporated, Fauquier County · 5,034 peopleCbetter than 35% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #135 of 249
203WindsorIsle of Wight County · 2,947 peopleCbetter than 35% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #122 of 249
204Brandermillunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 13,730 peopleCbetter than 35% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #150 of 249
205Dulles Town Centerunincorporated, Loudoun County · 5,464 peopleCbetter than 35% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #69 of 249
206Cloverdaleunincorporated, Botetourt County · 3,208 peopleCbetter than 34% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #74 of 249
207Broadlandsunincorporated, Loudoun County · 14,353 peopleCbetter than 34% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #34 of 249
208Highland Springsunincorporated, Henrico County · 14,296 peopleCbetter than 34% of U.S. towns·Overall C · #204 of 249
209Manchesterunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 12,445 peopleCbetter than 34% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #193 of 249
210Fort Belvoirunincorporated, Fairfax County · 8,449 peopleCbetter than 34% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #86 of 249
211Montclairunincorporated, Prince William County · 22,387 peopleCbetter than 34% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #101 of 249
212Chesterunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 24,474 peopleCbetter than 33% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #148 of 249
213Bon Airunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 16,904 peopleCbetter than 33% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #121 of 249
214TimbervilleRockingham County · 3,166 peopleCbetter than 32% of U.S. towns·Overall C− · #213 of 249
215Dalevilleunincorporated, Botetourt County · 3,797 peopleCbetter than 31% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #104 of 249
216Quantico Baseunincorporated, Prince William County · 5,840 peopleCbetter than 31% of U.S. towns·No overall grade
217Hollinsunincorporated, Botetourt County · 17,097 peopleCbetter than 30% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #131 of 249
220Lake Carolineunincorporated, Caroline County · 2,862 peopleCbetter than 28% of U.S. towns·Overall D · #224 of 249
221Mechanicsvilleunincorporated, Hanover County · 38,683 peopleCbetter than 28% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #61 of 249
222Collinsvilleunincorporated, Henry County · 7,139 peopleCbetter than 27% of U.S. towns·Overall D · #234 of 249
223Fishersvilleunincorporated, Augusta County · 9,484 peopleCbetter than 26% of U.S. towns·Overall C · #202 of 249
224Lake Land'Orunincorporated, Caroline County · 4,390 peopleCbetter than 26% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #199 of 249
225Meadowbrookunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 20,749 peopleCbetter than 25% of U.S. towns·Overall C · #210 of 249
226Montroseunincorporated, Henrico County · 8,285 peopleCbetter than 25% of U.S. towns·Overall C · #203 of 249
227North Shoreunincorporated, Franklin County · 3,638 peopleC−better than 24% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #185 of 249
228Moorefieldunincorporated, Loudoun County · 6,123 peopleC−better than 23% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #3 of 249
230Hollymeadunincorporated, Albemarle County · 8,482 peopleC−better than 23% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #93 of 249
231Arcolaunincorporated, Loudoun County · 3,509 peopleC−better than 22% of U.S. towns·Overall A+ · #14 of 249
232Gloucester Courthouseunincorporated, Gloucester County · 3,336 peopleC−better than 22% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #100 of 249
233Woodlakeunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 7,358 peopleC−better than 22% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #97 of 249
234Gloucester Pointunincorporated, Gloucester County · 11,109 peopleC−better than 22% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #158 of 249
235Cave Springunincorporated, Roanoke County · 25,742 peopleC−better than 22% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #70 of 249
236West PointKing William County · 3,595 peopleC−better than 20% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #27 of 249
237Matoacaunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 2,724 peopleC−better than 19% of U.S. towns·Overall C− · #212 of 249
238Veronaunincorporated, Augusta County · 4,165 peopleC−better than 19% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #57 of 249
239King Georgeunincorporated, King George County · 4,851 peopleC−better than 18% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #127 of 249
240Colonial BeachWestmoreland County · 4,151 peopleC−better than 18% of U.S. towns·Overall D · #232 of 249
241Wyndhamunincorporated, Henrico County · 12,099 peopleC−better than 15% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #140 of 249
242Dumbartonunincorporated, Henrico County · 7,997 peopleDbetter than 15% of U.S. towns·Overall B− · #174 of 249
243Innsbrookunincorporated, Henrico County · 8,578 peopleDbetter than 15% of U.S. towns·Overall A− · #111 of 249
245Mount Hermonunincorporated, Pittsylvania County · 4,155 peopleDbetter than 13% of U.S. towns·Overall C+ · #194 of 249
247Lake Monticellounincorporated, Fluvanna County · 10,662 peopleDbetter than 12% of U.S. towns·Overall A · #51 of 249
248Shawneelandunincorporated, Frederick County · 2,754 peopleDbetter than 10% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #160 of 249
249Laurelunincorporated, Henrico County · 18,721 peopleDbetter than 9% of U.S. towns·Overall B− · #176 of 249
250Bethel Manorunincorporated, York County · 4,393 peopleDbetter than 8% of U.S. towns·Overall B− · #175 of 249
251Enonunincorporated, Chesterfield County · 4,137 peopleDbetter than 7% of U.S. towns·Overall B · #154 of 249
252Carrolltonunincorporated, Isle of Wight County · 8,436 peopleDbetter than 5% of U.S. towns·Overall B− · #170 of 249
253Dahlgrenunincorporated, King George County · 3,350 peopleD−better than 5% of U.S. towns·Overall B+ · #118 of 249
Quick answers
Questions people ask
Which Virginia town is best for the outdoors?
Laurel Hill (Fairfax County) ranks first on outdoors among 253 towns, with an A+; Kings Park and South Run follow.
How are these towns ranked?
The Outdoors grade, a character grade (not part of the overall): the share of land conserved and the trail miles per square mile. Towns are sorted on the grade’s score; the letter and rank are the same as on each town’s page. How grades work.
Why isn’t my town on this list?
The list covers towns of 2,500+ residents with a outdoors grade (253 in Virginia). Smaller towns have the grade on their page but no rank. Every town is on the Virginia page.
Go deeper
All Virginia rankings →More Virginia lists
Every list ranks the same 2,500+ towns, so a town’s rank means the same thing on each.
Best places to live249 towns · #1 LexingtonBest small towns123 towns · #1 LexingtonMost affordable towns253 towns · #1 PearisburgSafest towns84 towns · #1 BroadwayTowns with the best schools250 towns · #1 LexingtonHealthiest towns253 towns · #1 TysonsBest towns for jobs & income253 towns · #1 BraddockMost walkable towns253 towns · #1 LexingtonTowns with the lowest natural-hazard risk253 towns · #1 MerrimacMost historic towns253 towns · #1 RichmondTowns with the most civic life88 towns · #1 West PointTowns with the least snow253 towns · #1 EmporiaDescribed, no lettersSnowiest towns253 towns · #1 NortonDescribed, no lettersTowns with the mildest winters225 towns · #1 NorfolkDescribed, no lettersTowns with the hottest summers225 towns · #1 Colonial HeightsDescribed, no lettersTowns with the coolest summers225 towns · #1 WiseDescribed, no lettersTowns with the highest incomes253 towns · #1 Crosspointe and 6 moreDescribed, no lettersTowns with the lowest property taxes240 towns · #1 CovingtonDescribed, no lettersFastest-growing towns87 towns · #1 DumfriesDescribed, no lettersTowns with the most-used libraries24 towns · #1 BristolDescribed, no letters
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