Cities near Virginia Beach have so much to offer! Several cities border or sit close to Virginia Beach, making them easy options for day trips, commuting, or relocation. Thinking about making the move to Virginia Beach, but not totally sold on living in the middle of it all? Unlike a lot of VA, Virginia Beach is big for tourism and sees thousands of visitors, so many residents want to be close enough to enjoy the boardwalk and beach days without the hum of city life outside their window.
According to the Hampton Roads Alliance, the Hampton Roads area covers roughly 3,730 square miles in the southeastern corner of Virginia, with a population of roughly 1.8 million people. There are plenty of towns near Virginia Beach VA, and charming cities near Virginia Beach that offer a more relaxed lifestyle, great community vibes, and still keep you within easy reach of the coast.
These incredible cities near Virginia Beach will keep you out of the action while still offering easy access to all of the incredible Virginia Beach neighborhoods and Virginia Beach 55+ communities.
Largest Cities Near Virginia Beach
Looking for a big city vibe in a city close to Virginia Beach? Luckily, there are plenty of incredible big cities close to Virginia Beach VA just a short drive away. These cities near Virginia Beach are all under 40 miles from the city center, with a population of over 90,000.
Norfolk | 18.1 Miles From Virginia Beach VA
Norfolk is the closest city to Virginia Beach. Located just a short drive from the beach, Norfolk is one of the most popular cities near Virginia Beach VA for residents looking for a mix of culture, education, and coastal charm. Home to Old Dominion University and several museums, Norfolk is a town in Virginia Beach that offers a strong focus on education and the arts. The Virginia Zoo and Chrysler Museum of Art are top picks for residents living in the area.
For outdoor lovers, Town Point Park along the Elizabeth River is a favorite spot for festivals and waterfront walks. The community vibe here is energetic yet welcoming, and the city has a growing food scene and revitalized downtown. This is one of the cities near Virginia Beach VA, with a central location, so tourism thrives here without overwhelming the daily rhythm of everyday life.
- Population: 231,013
- County: None (Independent city)
- Median home price: $318,000
- Average rent: $1,436 a month
- Crime: 4,245.86 crimes per 100,000 people (137.5% higher than state average and 100.4% higher than national average)
Portsmouth | 20 Miles From Virginia Beach VA
Portsmouth is a charming town located along the Elizabeth River and is one of the best towns near Virginia Beach VA. As one of the notable towns and cities near Virginia Beach VA, Portsmouth offers history, culture, and modern attractions. Families can explore the Children’s Museum of Virginia, the state’s largest children’s museum, featuring exhibits and a planetarium.
If you love history, then you’ll need to check out the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, which showcases the city’s maritime heritage. For outdoor activities, Portsmouth City Park offers playgrounds and picnic areas, making it a favorite spot for the community.
Shopping enthusiasts can stroll through Olde Towne’s quaint boutiques and antique shops, offering both unique finds and local treasures. With easy access to major highways and public transportation, Portsmouth is one of the best cities near Virginia Beach VA.
- Population: 96,777
- County: None (Independent city)
- Median home price: $270,000
- Average rent: $1,329 a month
- Crime: 4,615.26 crimes per 100,000 people (158.1% higher than state average and 117.8% higher than national average)
Chesapeake | 23.2 Miles From Virginia Beach VA
Chesapeake stands out among the cities near Virginia Beach VA, offering easy access to the city center of Virginia Beach. Chesapeake is the best city close to Virginia Beach for outdoor enthusiasts. When living here, you can explore the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for hiking, boating, and admiring wildlife. The Chesapeake Arboretum also offers serene walking trails, making it one of the best cities near Virginia Beach for nature lovers.
On the employment front, Chesapeake has a thriving job market. The city government offers various positions, including roles in human resources and healthcare. A few other top employers in the area include Chesapeake City Public Schools, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, and Sentara Healthcare.
- Population: 255,332
- County: None (Independent city)
- Median home price: $398,000
- Average rent: $1,676 a month
- Crime: 2,087.48 crimes per 100,000 people (16.7% higher than state average and 1.5% lower than national average)
Hampton | 30.4 Miles From Virginia Beach VA
Hampton is one of the most affordable cities near Virginia Beach, with median home prices significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those concerned about the cost of living in Virginia Beach.
Hampton also boasts landmarks like Fort Monroe, known as “Freedom’s Fortress,” and the Hampton History Museum. The Virginia Air & Space Science Center also offers interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Beach lovers can relax at Buckroe Beach, and the city’s dining scene is diverse, featuring hotspots like Mango Mangeaux and Fuller’s Raw Bar. Additionally, this is one of the best cities near Virginia Beach for education, with institutions like Hampton University, a historically Black University founded in 1868.
- Population: 137,315
- County: None (Independent city)
- Median home price: $290,000
- Average rent: $1,493 a month
- Crime: 3,139.75 crimes per 100,000 people (75.6% higher than state average and 48.2% higher than national average)
Suffolk | 37 Miles From Virginia Beach VA
When it comes to cities near Virginia Beach VA, Suffolk is a standout. As one of the most notable towns around Virginia Beach VA, Suffolk offers a blend of houses, condos, and apartments for residents to choose from, all within the beautiful setting of Hampton Roads.
Museums like Riddick Folly House Museum and attractions like Suffolk Historic District allow you to step back in time and admire the history of the area. Nearby, you can enjoy hiking and bird watching at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Suffolk is also home to the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, one of the most well-rated private schools in the region.
- Population: 104,699
- County: None (Independent city)
- Median home price: $393,105
- Average rent: $1,710 a month
- Crime: 1,952.54 crimes per 100,000 people (9.2% higher than state average and 7.9% lower than national average)
Newport News | 39.9 Miles Away From Virginia Beach VA
Newport News is a standout among towns close to Virginia Beach VA and is located just a short drive from the coast. The city’s strategic location has spurred significant development, including projects like the Certified Origins olive oil production facility and Mercana Furniture’s warehouse, which have boosted the local economy.
When living here, you can explore Newport News Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, and towns close to Virginia Beach, spanning over 8,000 acres and offering hiking, biking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The Mariners’ Museum and Park and the Virginia Living Museum are also must-visits for residents in the area.
- Population: 183,230
- County: None (Independent city)
- Median home price: $308,698
- Average rent: $1,380 a month
- Crime: 3,173.30 crimes per 100,000 people (77.5% higher than state average and 49.8% higher than national average)
Other Towns Near Virginia Beach VA
If you’re not interested in moving to Virginia Beach because you want a smaller-town vibe, then there are still plenty of options for cities close to Virginia Beach VA. You’ll find many medium-sized cities near Virginia Beach where residents can enjoy easy access to the city center while enjoying tight-knit community vibes.
Carrollton is one of the most popular smaller towns in Virginia Beach, with a population of just 7,903. This census-designated place is a bedroom community of Newport News and is almost entirely residential. This town has seen great growth over the past decade, with the building of hospitals, schools, restaurants, and new houses, outpacing other closest cities to Virginia Beach.
If you’re looking for something a bit bigger among towns close to Virginia Beach, then check out Williamsburg, which is home to Colonial Williamsburg, a fun living history museum, as well as the amusement park Busch Gardens.
These towns and cities near Virginia Beach all have a population between 7,000 and 16,000 and are within 60 miles of Virginia Beach.
Cities & Towns Near Virginia Beach VA
| Cities & Towns Near Virginia Beach VA (7,000-16,000 population) | County | Population | Distance From Virginia Beach |
| Carrollton | Isle of Wight | 7,903 | 39.9 miles |
| Poquoson | None (Independent city) | 13,292 | 42.8 miles |
| Smithfield | Isle of Wight | 9,112 | 46.1 miles |
| Gloucester Point | Gloucester | 11,109 | 52.9 miles |
| Williamsburg | None (Independent city) | 15,861 | 60.2 miles |
| Franklin | None (Independent city) | 8,478 | 60.3 miles |
Map of Cities Close to Virginia Beach VA
Check out this map of towns and cities near Virginia Beach.
Small Cities Near Virginia Beach
There are plenty of small cities near Virginia Beach that offer easy access to Neptune City while allowing you to enjoy a quieter lifestyle. Moyock, North Carolina is one of the closest cities near Virginia Beach, even though it’s in an entirely different state. This unincorporated community is home to several local businesses and services and is also just a short drive away from both Norfolk and the Outer Banks.
Windsor, VA, is also one of the most popular cities in Virginia Beach and is located near the crossroads of U.S. routes 460 and 258, making it a popular place to live for commuters. Windsor is home to top-rated schools such as Windsor Elementary School and Georgie D. Tyler Middle School. If you want extremely small-town vibes, check out Carrsville, VA, which has a population of just 278 and was a popular site during the Civil War.
These small towns near Virginia Beach VA have a population between 200 and 6,999.
| Small Towns & Cities Near Virginia Beach VA (200-6,999 population) | County | Population | Distance From Virginia Beach |
| Moyock, NC | Currituck | 5,154 | 38.5 miles |
| South Mills, NC | Camden | 230 | 45.7 miles |
| Windsor, VA | Isle of Wight | 2,852 | 46.2 miles |
| Yorktown, VA | York | 221 | 50.8 miles |
| Rushmere, VA | Isle of Wight | 1,033 | 50.9 miles |
| Carrsville, VA | Isle of Wight | 346 | 53.5 miles |
| Coinjock, NC | Currituck | 543 | 53.9 miles |
Major Cities Near Virginia Beach
In addition to all of these cities near Virginia Beach, you’ll also find that living in the area places you just a short drive away from some of the most popular cities in the world. A drive up the east coast will take you to New York City, while driving out west will take you to places like Pittsburgh, PA, or Greensboro, NC. These are a few of the most popular Virginia Beach surrounding cities that are within 500 miles of Virginia Beach and have a population of over 100,000.
Major Cities Around Virginia Beach VA
| City | Population | Distance From Virginia Beach |
| Richmond, VA | 237,257 | 107 miles |
| Raleigh, NC | 506,306 | 202 miles |
| Washington DC | 693,645 | 209 miles |
| Baltimore, MD | 569,997 | 247 miles |
| Greensboro, NC | 308,667 | 252 miles |
| Philadelphia, PA | 1,574,281 | 276 miles |
| Charlotte, NC | 964,784 | 342 miles |
| New York, NY | 8,584,629 | 363 miles |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 307,632 | 444 miles |
| Charleston, SC | 159,423 | 454 miles |
Virginia Beach Cities FAQ
What Is the Closest City to Virginia Beach?
The closest city to Virginia Beach, Virginia, is Norfolk, located about 18 miles west via Interstate 264. Both cities are part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, which also includes Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Newport News. Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, and shares a connected urban and economic region with Virginia Beach. Norfolk has many attractions that are worth visiting, like the Virginia Zoo, making it an ideal place to visit with children.
What Major Cities Are Near Virginia Beach?
Major cities near Virginia Beach, Virginia, include Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, and Hampton. These cities are part of the Hampton Roads region in southeastern Virginia and are connected by major highways, bridges, and tunnels such as Interstate 64 and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. Norfolk is about 18 miles from Virginia Beach and is home to Naval Station Norfolk. Chesapeake directly borders Virginia Beach, while Newport News and Hampton are located across the harbor on the Virginia Peninsula.
Which Cities Are Within 30 Minutes of Virginia Beach?
Several cities are within a 30-minute drive of Virginia Beach, depending on traffic and starting location. Major cities near Virginia Beach include Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, all part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Norfolk is typically about 20 minutes away via Interstate 264, while Chesapeake borders Virginia Beach directly to the west. Portsmouth can often be reached in around 30 minutes using the Midtown or Downtown Tunnel. Travel times may increase during the summer tourism season or peak commuter hours near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Hampton Roads bridges.
Heading to One of These Cities Near Virginia Beach?
Now that you know all of the best cities near Virginia Beach VA, where will you be heading? All of these cities and towns near Virginia Beach VA offer easy access to everything Neptune City has to offer, while still keeping you out of the hustle and bustle of the city center. When you’re ready to make your move, the Virginia Beach movers at Off Load Moving are ready to help you! We will make sure everything gets to your new home quickly and efficiently, getting you settled in no time. To get started with a free quote, give our team a call today at (757) 749-7212.
