Virginia Beach, the most populous city in Virginia, is a beautiful coastal city boasting a 3-mile boardwalk, miles of beaches, and hundreds of beach hotels, motels, and restaurants. Cape Henry was the site of the first landing of the English colonists in 1906. For outdoor enthusiasts, Virginia Beach has more than 200 state parks that encompass over 4,000 acres.
The city is home to a number of historical and cultural sites, including the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, The Sandler Center, and the Adam Thoroughgood House, one of the oldest surviving colonial homes in Virginia.
Popular events such as the East Coast Surfing Championships, the Neptune Festival, and the American Music Festival are held in Virginia Beach every year. For sports enthusiasts, Virginia Beach is home to soccer’s Virginia Beach United FC. The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon attracts over 24,000 participants each year.
The Guinness Book of Records lists Virginia Beach as having the longest pleasure beach in the world. Virginia Beach residents love living here! Find out what you need to know about moving to Virginia Beach!
Where Is Virginia Beach, VA?
Virginia Beach is located on the southeastern corner coast of Virginia on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, about 19 miles east of Norfolk. Virginia Beach is a principal city in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, which has more than 1.8 million inhabitants. Virginia Beach offers easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and is best known for being a popular vacation destination.
Public Transit in Virginia Beach
Residents living in Virginia Beach have the opportunity for plenty of public transit. The main route runs along Atlantic Avenue and the Hampton Roads area. Public transportation is managed by Hampton Roads Transit.
Map of Virginia Beach, VA
How is living in Virginia Beach? Explore the coastal area, outdoor activities, and the surrounding area on this map of Virginia Beach!
Virginia Beach VA Population and Demographics
Virginia Beach hosts various events throughout the year that showcase different cultures. La Fiesta Virginia Beach is a two-day festival celebrating Latin culture with music, food, and dance. India Fest is a free, annual event that celebrates Indian culture with food, traditional dances, live music, and a marketplace with Indian-inspired products.
Other celebrations include Juneteenth at the Beach, Caribbean Heritage Month/One Love Celebration, and the World Culture Festival Hampton Roads. The town is very diverse, and it’s known for most residents living in Virginia Beach being kind.
The Virginia Beach population is 459,470, making it the largest city in Virginia.
Virginia Beach racial and ethnic demographics:
- White: 61.6%
- Black or African American: 18.9%
- Native American and Alaskan Native: 0.2%
- Asian: 7.3%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.2%
- Two or more races: 9.4%
- Hispanic or Latino: 8.9%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 59.4%
Overview of Virginia Beach demographics:
- Population density: 1,877.53 per square mile
- Median age: 37.1
- Sex ratio: 49.1% males, 50.9% females
- Median household income: $90,685 (higher than the national average)
- Educational attainment: 94.7% high school degree or higher, 40.4% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 9.1%
- Veteran population: 53,555
Virginia Beach is a safe place to live, and the Virginia Beach Police Department partners with the community to provide a safe environment and improve the quality of life for all people. The crime rate in Virginia Beach is 1,698 per 100,000 people, which is 27% lower than the national average. On top of that, the violent crime rate in Virginia Beach is 76% lower than the national average, so you can count on being safe! There are 87 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Virginia Beach compared to 234 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Virginia, making this one of the safest beach towns.
What Is the Cost of Living in Virginia Beach?
What is the average cost of living in Virginia Beach? The cost of living in Virginia Beach is 16% higher than the US average but only 7% higher than the state average. The biggest contributor to the cost of living in Virginia Beach is housing, which is 23% above the state average. The median sale price of a home in Virginia Beach is $376,000. Of the Virginia Beach VA homes currently for sale, the average square foot cost is $225.
Check out some of the many homes for sale in Virginia Beach VA. Rental prices in Virginia Beach average $1,696 for a 968-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafe. As a comparison, residents of Norfolk pay about $1,436 a month for rent. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Virginia Beach VA on Rent Cafe.
If you’re not ready to commit right away or want to explore different neighborhoods first, it’s also helpful to look at short-term stays and vacation rentals. Platforms like BetterTrips allow you to compare a wide range of options from beachfront condos to luxury villas so you can better understand pricing, amenities, and which areas of Virginia Beach best match your lifestyle before making a long-term decision.
Typical Virginia Beach Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $6.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.29
- Dozen eggs: $2.42
- 1 pound of chicken: $3.09
- Average Virginia Beach monthly utility bill: $165.90
Source: Numbeo, Virginia Beach
The Best Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach
Looking for the best places to live in Virginia? Living in Virginia Beach comes with a variety of communities and neighborhoods, including those close to the beach, in secluded neighborhoods, near activities and shopping, and those close to the military bases. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach:
Alanton
Looking for the best place to live in Virginia Beach? This is one of them! Alanton is an established neighborhood boasting beautiful waterfront homes, tree-lined streets, and a tranquil atmosphere. The Alanton Baycliff Recreation Center, Alanton Elementary School, and Broad Bay Country Club are close by. Minutes from downtown, with good schools and lots of green space, the community is ideal for professionals and families.
Bay Colony
A mix of single-family homes and larger estates surrounded by mature trees. The community is quiet, has great schools, and is close to the beach. Bayville Golf Club and local dining are close by.
North End
A desirable beachfront community that includes charming beach cottages. Seafood restaurants abound in the area, and it’s only minutes from downtown. Known for its peaceful, relaxed atmosphere, easy beach access, and many biking nature trails, this is a great neighborhood for beach lovers and retirees looking for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Virginia Beach Weather & Climate
The climate of Virginia Beach is humid subtropical, with typically mild winters and hot, humid summers. Temperatures during the long summer months generally reach the mid-90s, with high humidity levels that make it feel even hotter. Sea breezes provide welcome relief on hot, sunny days. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing. The January low is around 32 degrees.
Rain falls fairly evenly throughout the year, amounting to 47 inches on average. Snowfall in winter accumulates to about 6 inches per year. Virginia Beach experiences an average of 213 sunny days per year. However, tropical storms can be an issue, especially with all the oceans, lakes, and ponds nearby, which can lead to large flooding.
The best time of year to visit Virginia Beach is from mid-May to mid-June and from late August to mid-October.
Things to Do in Virginia Beach VA
Life in Virginia Beach is a lot of fun. There are so many entertainment options available while living in Virginia Beach. Living in Virginia Beach offers you pristine beaches, lots of activities and events, sites to see, and things to do. You’ll also find convenient local shopping at Town Center of Virginia Beach,Lynnhaven Mall, and The Shops at Hilltop. Here are the best places and attractions to check out:
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium features thousands of animals and over 700 species, including fish, sharks, rays, reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates. Two main exhibit buildings are home to many exhibits that are contained in over 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater displays. This is popular for those living in Virginia Beach with kids.
717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, (757) 385-3474
First Landing State Park
Located where English colonists first landed in 1606, the park is the most popular in the state. With 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy beach, it’s no wonder the park is so popular. Kayaking is popular in the region. The park offers many recreational and educational activities and boasts unusual habitats such as bald cypress swamps, lagoons, and a maritime forest. It’s especially popular in the summer amongst residents. First Landing State Park is a can’t miss spot while living in Virginia Beach.
2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, (757) 412-2300
Hunt Club Farm
Hunt Club is a children’s farm that provides a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The farm includes a petting zoo, a tree walk, and an aviary. They host a variety of seasonal events and activities that families living in Virginia Beach will love.
2388 London Bridge Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, (757) 427-9520
Additional Attractions in Virginia Beach, VA:
If you’re looking for more to do while living in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach is home to plenty of parks and recreational activities that include swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking. The city town center operates 7 recreational centers that feature state-of-the-art fitness centers, indoor pools, and aquatics facilities. Virginia Beach has over 200 parks and park facilities spanning over 7,000 acres, which include natural areas, waterway access sites, multi-use trails, and athletic facilities. The city has a host of programs and activities for all ages.
Virginia Beach VA Restaurants
Virginia Beach is, of course, home to fresh seafood, but you can also find bistros, comfort food, diners, and much more. Here are some of the popular dining establishments in Virginia Beach:
The Bee and The Biscuit
This farm-to-table charming cottage restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, using only quality fresh produce sourced from local farmers. The menu has everything from freshly made biscuits, omelets, breakfast sweets, sandwiches, salads, and seasonal specials. Definitely check it out while living in Virginia Beach.
1785 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, (757) 800-5959
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Located on the oceanfront, Waterman’s is family-owned and operated and serves the best seafood directly from local fishermen whenever possible. Besides fresh seafood, the extensive menu features burgers, steaks, pasta, ribs, sandwiches, and salads.
415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, (757) 428-3644
Mary’s Kitchen
Mary’s has been a local favorite for breakfast and lunch for over 60 years. The breakfast dishes are hearty, and the buttermilk biscuits are made from scratch. Lunch favorites include corned beef served with cabbage and potatoes, meatloaf smothered in gravy, and big bowls of chicken with homemade dumplings. This is popular for those living in Virginia Beach!
616 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, (757) 428-1355
Jobs in Virginia Beach VA
Virginia Beach’s economy offers job opportunities in a number of different industries, including real estate, defense, tourism, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics. Virginia Beach’s proximity to Norfolk and Chesapeake offers additional employment possibilities.
A major employer in Virginia Beach is the Naval Air Station Oceana-Dam Neck, the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base and home to F/A-18 Super Hornets. The base’s mission is to provide the facilities, equipment, and personnel to support shore-based readiness, total force readiness, and maintain operational access to Oceana-based forces. The base has about 10,500 active Navy personnel and 4,500 civilian personnel.
Other major employers include Sentara Healthcare, GEICO, and STIHL. If you’re looking for a job in Virginia Beach, look at Indeed and the Virginia Beach jobsite. Many people also commute to nearby Norfolk. Just keep in mind that traffic can add a lot of time to your commute.
Schools in Virginia Beach VA
Virginia Beach Public Schools is committed to every child maximizing their full potential by eliminating achievement and opportunity gaps and providing the skills and attributes students will need for the future. One of the largest school systems in the state, the district includes 86 schools, including 56 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and 12 high schools, and enrolls 65,550 students. It is also a high-performing district in the state. The public schools are well known and loved, and they often put on cultural events and sporting events that are popular in the community.
Additionally, there are excellent private schools in the area, offering various educational options. Popular private schools include Chesapeake Bay Academy, Strelitz International Academy, and Catholic High School.
If you are looking for higher education institutions, several colleges and universities near Virginia Beach include Virginia Wesleyan University, Atlantic University, Old Dominion, and Regent University.
For a relaxing day out while living in Virginia Beach, check out the Virginia Beach Public Library, which has 10 branches throughout the city where you can read a book or check out movies, CDs, DVDs, and much more.
Virginia Beach VA Statistics & Information
- County: Virginia Beach is an independent city
- Area: 497.50 square miles
- Zip code Virginia Beach VA: 23450-23467, 23471, 23479
- Area codes: 757, 948
- Elevation: 10 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport: Norfolk International Airport
FAQs About Living in Virginia Beach
Is Virginia Beach a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Virginia Beach is a great place to live, offering beautiful beaches, excellent schools, and a strong job market. There are many benefits of living in Virginia Beach. It’s known for its safety, family-friendly vibe, and mix of urban and coastal lifestyles.
What Is It Like Living in Virginia Beach?
What’s it like living in Virginia Beach? Living in Virginia Beach Virginia means enjoying a laid-back coastal lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities, cultural events, and great dining options. It combines the charm of beach living with the convenience of city amenities.
What Is a Livable Salary in Virginia Beach?
A livable salary in Virginia Beach for a single adult is around $50,000 to $60,000 annually. Families typically need $75,000 or more to cover housing, transportation, and other expenses comfortably.
Is Virginia Beach Nicer than Ocean City?
Many people find Virginia Beach nicer due to its family-friendly atmosphere, clean beaches, and year-round activities. Ocean City has a more seasonal, party-focused vibe, while Virginia Beach feels more balanced.
Why Move to Virginia Beach?
Living in Virginia Beach VA offers a high quality of life with beautiful beaches, a strong job market, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Its mild climate and welcoming community make it a great place to call home.
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