Top 10 Student-Friendly Cities in Virginia

Great education, active student life, and affordable housing! Top 10 Student-Friendly Cities in Virginia

1. Centerville

2. Blacksburg

3. Kannapolis

4. Fort Belvoir

5. Harrisonburg

6. Chantilly

7. Church of Falls

8. Richmond

9. Mount Vernon

10. The Roanoke

Virginia’s best student neighborhoods provide affordable, high-quality education, and an active student community. The region has over 40 institutions and colleges, including Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, giving students several academic opportunities.

Recent surveys rate Virginia in the top 10 states for higher education, making it a terrific location to live for students who value academic success and a healthy lifestyle. These top student-friendly cities provide affordable accommodation and excellent public transit.

Top 10 Student-Friendly Cities in Virginia
Whether you favor suburbia or college cities, Virginia has numerous great student-friendly neighborhoods. Arlington’s Colonial Village was again rated a top Virginia neighborhood in 2025. This dynamic community of little over 3,000 inhabitants was praised for its public schools, fitness and health, commuting, nightlife, and family-friendly culture.

Virginia’s top residential neighborhoods with great student housing are:

1. Centerville
Students seeking for a nice and convenient environment to live and study can choose Centerville, Virginia. The 75,000-person city has a median age of 36 and a bustling mix of young workers and students. Centerville, Virginia, is noted for its excellent education system and several top public and private schools, making it a perfect spot for kids to reside.

It’s one of Virginia’s best areas for young people to reside due to its nightlife, jobs, and public transit. One of Centerville’s biggest advantages is its many student housing alternatives. From completely furnished private apartments to inexpensive shared rooms, Centerville has housing choices for all interests and budgets, ensuring a calm and rewarding student experience.

2. Blacksburg
Blacksburg is one of Virginia’s best student cities due to its strong education and college-town atmosphere. The city, home to Virginia Tech, one of the state’s top colleges, has excellent academic resources, cutting-edge research facilities, and a lively community.

Blacksburg’s inexpensive cost of living, magnificent outdoor spaces like the Huckleberry Trail, and cultural facilities like the Moss Arts Center make it the perfect mix between education and relaxation. The town’s secure climate, student facilities, and burgeoning tech industry make it ideal for further education and personal growth.

3. Belvoir
Fort Belvoir is a top Virginia pick. Students have affordability, safety, and a helpful learning environment. The military installation is peaceful and safe for studying. Lower cost of living than national average. For students looking for affordable accommodation, this is great.

Though quieter than bigger cities, its well-funded schools include cutting-edge laboratories and libraries. The competent professors and supportive learning environment provide high-quality education. Fort Belvoir’s affordable student accommodation in Virginia is growing increasingly popular, making it a great choice for budget-conscious students. Fort Belvoir’s affordable student housing in Virginia provides a peaceful lifestyle for those relocating for education or wanting to escape larger towns.

4. Kannapolis
Kannapolis is a hidden treasure for students seeking education, affordability, and opportunity. The North Carolina Research Campus is in this biotechnology, health sciences, and innovation hub.

Kannapolis students may easily find affordable on-campus and off-campus accommodation. Green spaces like Village Park, a renovated downtown, and easy access to Charlotte’s colleges blend small-town charm with modern development.

Kannapolis welcomes students who are researching, studying, or looking for a home. Student prices vary throughout Virginia, but Kannapolis offers a good balance of affordability and comfort. Understanding Virginia’s cost of living is crucial for low-income pupils’ academic progress.

5. Chantilly
Chantilly is an excellent Virginia city for busy students. With 23,000 residents and several parks, the city provides enough of socializing and leisure space.

A solid educational system is provided by 14 public schools serving 15,000 pupils and 22 private schools serving over 3,600. Virginia is home to George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), and Potomac College Herndon, as well as affordable housing options for students.

6. Harrisonburg
Student-focused Harrisonburg is one of Virginia’s greatest places to live. The city is energetic, inventive, and full of community spirit due of James Madison University (JMU), one of Virginia’s top institutions. Whether you’re watching the Dukes, hiking in the Shenandoah, or having coffee downtown, there’s always something going on.

Finding Harrisonburg student housing is easy with so many affordable on- and off-campus alternatives. Harrisonburg has great cuisine, a welcoming culture, and growing job opportunities, making it more than simply a location to study.

7. Falls Church
Drops Church, Virginia, is recognized for its education and loving environment. Meridian High School graduates 98.6% of city students. This impressive number shows the community’s dedication to student success.

The area’s focus on high-quality education is further emphasized by nearby Fairfax County Public Schools schools like Falls Church High School. Students seeking a close-knit community can choose Falls Church as one of Virginia’s best locations to reside.

8. Richmond
Richmond, Virginia’s state capital, is an excellent destination for students to live if they want culture, history, and modern amenities. With almost 225,000 population, the city offers several parks, museums, and entertainment places.

Student accommodation in Richmond is affordable and the cost of living is minimal compared to other metropolitan cities. Public transit makes Richmond simple to travel, and its many neighborhoods suit different lifestyles.

9. Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, famous for its history, is an excellent spot for students to reside in Virginia. Its 13,000 members form a close-knit community that enhances student self-esteem.

There are limited educational possibilities, but they are good. George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and Mount Vernon High School are among Virginia’s top institutions.

10. The Roanoke
Students who like outdoor activities and gorgeous landscapes can choose Roanoke in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 100,000 citizens, it has metropolitan amenities and a small-town feel.

Due of its affordability, Roanoke is a wonderful destination for low-income students to reside in Virginia. Dorms and cheap flats are available for students.

The city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, including Mill Mountain Theatre, the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, and the Taubman Museum of Art, makes it a great choice for student apartments in Virginia with a lively lifestyle.