Cheapest Places in Virginia: Where to Find Affordable Land and Housing

When people talk about the cheapest places in Virginia, areas where housing and land costs are significantly lower than state averages, often in rural or less developed counties, they’re usually looking for one thing: value. Virginia isn’t all high-end suburbs and booming cities like Arlington or Richmond. In fact, some of its most affordable corners are hidden in the western and southern parts of the state, where land goes for under $5,000 an acre and rents stay under $800 a month. This isn’t speculation—it’s data from recent county records and tenant reports.

One major reason these areas stay affordable is the lack of rent control. Virginia rent cap, a state law that prohibits local governments from imposing rent limits means landlords can raise rents as market conditions allow, but it also means there’s no artificial inflation in cheaper towns. If you’re on a tight budget, this can actually work in your favor—because if demand stays low, prices stay low. Meanwhile, Section 8 Virginia, a federal housing assistance program that helps low-income families pay rent is available in nearly every county, though waiting lists can be long. Still, for many, it’s the only way to afford a safe place to live in areas where wages haven’t kept up with inflation elsewhere.

Land prices tell another story. In counties like Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise, you can buy several acres for less than the cost of a used car in a big city. These aren’t prime locations with views or quick commutes—they’re remote, with limited services—but for someone who doesn’t need to be near a metro, they’re a goldmine. The catch? You’ll need cash for land clearing, well drilling, and septic systems. And while you might think buying land means instant freedom, public housing Virginia, government-run or subsidized housing options for those who qualify still exists as a fallback for people who can’t afford to build from scratch. Some people even use both: buy land quietly, then apply for housing aid while they plan their next move.

What you won’t find here are flashy listings or real estate agents pushing luxury homes. Instead, you’ll find people who’ve figured out how to live well without spending big. They work remotely, grow their own food, or drive a little farther for work. They know the rules: if you’re over the Section 8 income limit Virginia, the maximum annual earnings allowed to qualify for housing assistance, you’re out. If your criminal record includes certain offenses, you might be blocked from public housing. But if you’re smart, patient, and willing to live simply, Virginia’s cheapest spots offer real breathing room.

Below, you’ll find real stories and data from people who’ve done it—how they found land for under $10,000, how they navigated landlord rules, and why some areas are quietly becoming the new affordable hubs. No fluff. Just what works, where, and how you can use it.