Spotsylvania, VA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Spotsylvania County is located about ten miles south of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Surrounded by natural beauty, this Virginia county offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and boating, that appeal to active adults. The area's mild climate is also a plus, allowing 55+ homebuyers to enjoy the outdoors all year round. In addition, Spotsylvania County is known for its excellent healthcare facilities, making it an ideal location for retirees. The county is also home to several wineries, distilleries, and breweries, where you can sample some of the finest local wines, spirits, and craft beers. Overall, Spotsylvania County is a charming and welcoming community that offers plenty of amenities and opportunities for an active and fulfilling retirement.

For more information on visiting or moving to Spotsylvania County, check out these local resources:

• The Spotsylvania County visitors page offers information on local attractions, events, and accommodations.
• The official government website for Spotsylvania County provides information on local services, events, and community resources.

Affordability and Cost of Living

With a desirable location about halfway between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia, Spotsylvania County offers an affordable and tax-friendly option for active adults who want to live in the area. With retirees in mind, Virginia does not tax Social Security benefits, and the state also offers exemptions from estate and inheritance taxes. Residents do have to pay income tax on other types of retirement income, such as pensions and annuities. The income tax levies between 2 percent on amounts up to $3,000 and 5.75 percent on income above $17,000.

Spotsylvania County upholds a 1 percent sales tax on top of the 4.3 percent state sales tax, which means that residents pay 5.3 percent sales tax. Despite these relatively low sales taxes, the overall cost of living in the county trends 15 percent higher than national averages. The slightly raised cost of living is largely due to higher housing and transportation costs. While housing itself may be slightly more expensive in Spotsylvania County, the cost of property taxes is relatively affordable. Homeowners pay about 0.5 percent of their home’s assessed fair market value in property taxes. Despite a cost of living that falls above the national average, many active adults find Spotsylvania County a reasonably affordable retirement destination.

Climate and Geography

Spotsylvania County, VA experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer months is 88 degrees, while the average low temperature in the winter months is 24 degrees. The area receives an average annual rainfall of 43 inches, with the majority of the precipitation occurring during the summer months. Spotsylvania County experiences an average of 202 sunny days per year, which is slightly above the national average. The spring and fall months are mild and comfortable, making them an ideal time to enjoy the outdoor activities that the county has to offer.

Spotsylvania County, VA, is situated in the heart of the Virginia Piedmont, and its geography is characterized by gently rolling hills, forests, and several waterways, including the Rappahannock River and Lake Anna. The county's natural beauty provides a variety of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Spotsylvania County also features several historic sites, including Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, which offers visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history. The county's proximity to Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA, also makes it an attractive location for those who desire easy access to the amenities of larger cities. Overall, Spotsylvania County's rural character provides a peaceful and tranquil environment that is ideal for those who seek a relaxed and laid-back retirement lifestyle.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment

Spotsylvania County offers a wealth of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment for residents and visitors alike. From scenic hiking trails to world-class golf courses and shopping destinations, here are some of the top attractions and activities in the area:

Golf and Racquet Sports:

• Lee's Hill Golf Club
• Fawn Lake Country Club
• Fredericksburg Country Club
• Lee’s Hill Tennis Courts

Hiking, Biking, and Boating:

• Lake Anna State Park
• Ni River Recreation Area
• Rappahannock River Heritage Trail
• Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area

Museums and Historical Sites:

• Fredericksburg Area Museum
• Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center
• Spotsylvania County Courthouse Historic District
• Spotsylvania County Museum

Performing Arts:

• Dodd Auditorium
• Donald and Susan Reed Theater
• Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
• KC’s Musical Alley at Central Station

Shopping:

• Spotsylvania Towne Centre
• Central Park Plaza
• Salem Fields Shopping Center
• Historic Downtown Fredericksburg

Parks and Gardens:

• Marshall Park
• Keswick Park
• Holleybrooke Park
• Cossey Botanical Park

Festivals and Fairs:

• Patriot Park Concert Series
• Spring Car Show
• Virginia Renaissance Faire
• Fourth in Fredericksburg

Health and Wellness

Spotsylvania County is home to several hospitals and medical centers that offer quality care for active adults. Located just a short distance from the city of Fredericksburg, residents have access to major health systems such as Mary Washington Healthcare, which offers a wide range of services including emergency care, cancer treatment, and cardiac care across multiple hospital locations. Additionally, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive care for patients, including advanced surgical procedures and rehabilitation services.

For those looking to maintain their health and wellness, there are several local options for self-care and staying fit. The Massad Family YMCA offers fitness classes, personal training, and a variety of recreational activities for people of all ages. The Rappahannock Area YMCA also offers a range of fitness programs, including aquatic classes and martial arts. In addition, there are several local parks and trails for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities that can help active adults stay healthy and active.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at Courthouse Cafe, a local favorite for hearty breakfast platters, hotcakes, biscuits and gravy, and more.
• Take a stroll through the Spotsylvania Farmers Market, which offers fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at the El Patron Mexican Restaurant, which serves a wide variety of dishes, including fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and nachos.
• Visit the Spotsylvania Courthouse Historic District, which features several historic buildings and museums.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at Sam’s Pizza, which serves specialty pizzas, submarine sandwiches, Italian dinners, and baked specialties.
• Take a ghost tour of Fredericksburg, which is known for its rich history and haunted sites.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at 2400 Diner, known for its pancakes, french toast, and other breakfast favorites.
• Take a hike at Lake Anna State Park, which offers several trails and beautiful views of the lake.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at the ITAVIE New York Grill & Bakery, a local favorite for salads, sandwiches, specialty pastas, and pizzas.
• Meet with a local 55places real estate expert to learn more about the available options for active adult communities in the area.

Evening:

• Head to Fredericksburg to end your stay with a meal at Aladin Mediterranean Kitchen, which is known for its salads, paninis, and shawarma wraps.

Recommended Places to Stay:

• Hotel Lake Anna
• The Inn at Stevenson Ridge

Getting to Spotsylvania County, VA

Spotsylvania County is located in Central Virginia and is easily accessible by car or air. For those traveling by car, major highways such as I-95 and US-1 provide direct access to the county. If arriving by air, the closest major airport is Richmond International Airport (RIC), located approximately 60 miles south of Spotsylvania. RIC is served by major airlines such as American, Delta, United, and Southwest, with nonstop flights to many major hubs throughout the country. Ground transportation options from RIC to Spotsylvania County include rental cars, taxis, and ridesharing services.