The Most Golden of Years Await 

Retire on Lake Anna

By Arielle Patterson, Updated by Kelsey Thomas

Retiring on the tranquil shores of Lake Anna is a dream come true for many, offering an unparalleled quality of life amidst the natural splendor of Virginia. Ranked as the third best state to retire by Wallet Hub in 2024, Virginia’s allure is further heightened by the serene beauty and affordable cost of living that Lake Anna boasts. We know that deciding where to retire is a huge decision to make. However, with the affordability, picture-perfect weather year-round, a plethora of activities and a close proximity to world-class health care facilities, Lake Anna is a place where residents can enjoy their golden years with confidence.

Cost of Living

Virginia is already well-known for being a “retirement-friendly state.” Social Security income is not subject to Virginia’s income tax, and the average sales tax rate is 5.3%. This makes it easier for you to spend your money on a home that you will love and at Lake Anna, there are plenty of communities and types of homes to choose from. Whether you want one right on the water, or more secluded, homes here range from cozy cottages and family homes to waterfront adobes. 

Spotsylvania, Louisa and Orange all border Lake Anna and are fantastic places to retire to. The three counties range from rural to suburban with a majority of residents owning their own homes. While medium home value is slightly above the national average, it is lower than neighboring counties and larger cities. Property taxes on homes in the region are also well below the state and national average. You can even build your dream home if you have a specific vision in mind. At Lake Anna, the possibilities are endless.

Climate

The average climate near Lake Anna is similar to the rest of the mid-Atlantic. You can expect mild winters and balmy summers, providing the perfect backdrop for year-round activities. Temperature start to warm as early as April, typically reaching about  71°F. Throughout the spring and summer months, the temperature warms up, reaching an average high of 90°F in July. Fall ushers in changing leaves and a kaleidoscope of colors, with an average temperature of 70°F.

Activities

With over 200 miles of shoreline and even more to do on land, your life doesn’t have to stop just because you’re retiring. Anglers can spend their days fishing for Lake Anna’s local catch, like striped bass, catfish, crappie and more. Once you master your line, enter one of the local or regional fishing competitions that take place in Lake Anna year-round. Other popular activities that maintain an active lifestyle include boating, jet skiing, tubing, wakeboarding and more. Canoeing and kayaking are more relaxing activities that get you closer to nature and there are tons of trails to explore the area’s natural surroundings off the water. Lake Anna State Park is a perfect place to hike, bike and to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife in their natural habitat.

There are also many historical sites and golf courses to explore. The counties around Lake Anna offer a lot of charm, but if you start to yearn for some of the amenities of a larger city, you’re still just around the corner from Charlottesville, Culpeper, Fredericksburg and Richmond, all of which you can find premier shopping, dining and entertainment.

Proximity to Medical Facilities

Of course, we all want our years in retirement to be fun and games. However, a major factor that cannot be ignored is health and wellness, making it important to be close to medical facilities and high-quality health care. When it comes to living in Lake Anna, you’re in good hands. 

There are multiple hospitals and urgent care facilities with great patient care, including Culpeper Regional Hospital, Martha Jefferson Hospital, Prime Care Urgent Family Care, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center and University of Virginia Health System. No matter which county you decide to settle in, you can be at ease knowing that medical establishments are close by and easy get to for check-ups or emergencies. If your golden years include the companionship of a pet, you’re also close to the Lake Anna Veterinary Hospital. They are highly rated and take great care of all animals. 

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace the joys of retirement in a place where every day feels like a vacation.