Tucked away in southern Virginia near the North Carolina border, Danville is a mid-sized town of just over 42,000 people. It offers retirees a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle than larger cities without sacrificing essential amenities, largely thanks to more than $300 million invested in local revitalization over the past decade.

Once a hub of tobacco production, Danville has steadily reinvented itself. Its River District, now the town’s centerpiece, has seen a dramatic transformation, with historic warehouses repurposed into housing, breweries, restaurants, and even a science center. Let’s look at why this Virginia town is gaining attention as an affordable retirement gem.

Cost of Living in Danville, Virginia

Even among the other top retirement destinations in the United States, Danville stands out as an exceptionally affordable choice. The median household income in the town is $42,778, barely more than half the national median of $80,610. That might seem like a drawback at first glance, but it’s actually a reflection of the area’s remarkably low cost of living.

Take housing, for example. The median home value in Danville is just $110,200, compared to $419,200 nationally. That offers potential savings of more than $300,000—and a discount of nearly 75%—for retirees interested in homebuying. Recurring costs are similarly reduced, with the typical monthly housing expense in Danville at $776 versus $1,338 for the average American.

Food costs also tend to be much lower than in the rest of the country. A two-person household in Danville spends around $586 a month, while the national monthly average is about $832. That equates to a discount of roughly 30%.

In addition to the low local costs, retired Danville residents can benefit from the fact that Virginia doesn’t tax Social Security income.

Health Care and Accessibility

Reliable access to health care is an essential quality in a top retirement destination, and Danville more than delivers. The town is home to 160 medical facilities, including three hospitals. That number may seem modest compared to larger metropolitan areas, but it works out to a surprisingly dense 3.7 health care establishments per square mile.

Not only can Danville residents reach a medical provider without traveling too far, but local transportation is also more affordable than in many parts of the country. The typical monthly transportation cost in Danville is just $1,058, slightly below the national average of $1,098.

For longer trips—whether for out-of-town health care or just to visit family—Raleigh-Durham International Airport is only 61 miles away from the city center. That makes interstate and international travel relatively convenient, without the higher cost of living that often comes with being too near a major airport.

Lifestyle and Recreational Activities

Affordability and access to health care are essential, but retirement should also be about enjoying your time. Danville offers a surprisingly well-rounded lifestyle for a relatively small city for those who would like a slower-paced, low-stress place to live.

For one, Danville supports a small but active arts community with 19 different art establishments, including everything from galleries to public performance spaces. For example, The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History—housed in a Civil War-era mansion—anchors the city’s cultural scene with rotating exhibits, community events, and art education programs.

If you prefer to spend your leisure time outdoors, you can take advantage of Danville’s extensive trail system and riverside parks. The Dan River runs directly through the town, creating easy access to hiking, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. Thanks to the area’s relatively low Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) climate risk rating, you can enjoy these spaces with less chance of natural disruptions.

The Danville community may be quieter and more relaxed than in larger retirement destinations, but there are still plenty of ways to make connections. For example, a weekly farmers’ market runs from May to October, offering local foods and handmade goods. Meanwhile, summer brings free outdoor concerts through the Rhythms at the River series, bringing the townsfolk down to the River District waterfront.

The Bottom Line

Danville shines for its exceptional affordability, with the cost of living well below the national average in key categories like housing, food, and transportation. Its recent revitalization has only added to its appeal, turning its formerly empty downtown into a hub of local eateries, cultural venues, and green spaces.

If you’re looking to stretch your savings without sacrificing quality of life, Danville stands out as a smart and increasingly vibrant place to settle down.