Are you considering moving to Virginia Beach? This coastal city offers a unique blend of beach life and urban amenities that might just be your perfect new home. From its miles of sandy shores to its vibrant neighborhoods, Virginia Beach has something for everyone looking for a change of scenery.
As you plan your move, you’ll want to know what to expect. Virginia Beach boasts a diverse economy, beautiful weather, and plenty of festivals throughout the year. You’ll find a range of housing options and neighborhoods to suit your lifestyle. While traffic can be busy during peak seasons, the city’s overall quality of life often makes up for it. Get ready to discover all that Virginia Beach has to offer as your potential new home by the sea.
Coastal Living and Beach Culture
Miles of Beaches
When you move to Virginia Beach, you’ll find yourself surrounded by miles of golden sand and sparkling waters. From the lively Oceanfront to the secluded Sandbridge Beach, you’ll have plenty of options to enjoy the coastal lifestyle. The Oceanfront area is the hub of activity, perfect for those who love a vibrant atmosphere. Here, you can stroll along the three-mile boardwalk, swim in the ocean, or try your hand at surfing.
For a more peaceful experience, head to Sandbridge Beach. This hidden gem offers pristine sand dunes and dancing sea oats, ideal for a relaxing day by the water. If you’re looking for gentler waves, the Chesapeake Bay beaches provide a calm alternative. Little Island Park, a 122-acre beach park, offers various amenities including fishing, swimming, and picnic areas.
Boardwalk Experience
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a central feature of coastal living here. Stretching three miles from 2nd to 40th Street, this 28-foot-wide marvel is perfect for walks, runs, or bike rides. During summer evenings, you can enjoy live music at four oceanfront stages. The boardwalk is lined with restaurants offering fresh seafood and outdoor seating, allowing you to dine while enjoying the sea breeze.
Don’t miss the iconic King Neptune statue at 31st Street, a popular photo spot. For families, Grommet Island Park at 40th Street provides a fully accessible playground right on the beach.
Water Activities
Living in Virginia Beach means embracing a variety of water activities. You can paddle, sail, cruise, surf, and swim in this aquatic playground. For a unique perspective, try parasailing or opt for stand-up paddleboarding to get close to nature at the water line. Surfing is popular here, with lessons available for beginners.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy their hobby from one of the fishing piers or join a fishing trip out on the water. For a more relaxed outing, take a boat tour and keep an eye out for dolphins year-round or whales in the winter months. With so many options, you’ll find that coastal living in Virginia Beach offers an exciting and diverse lifestyle by the sea.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Four Distinct Seasons
When you move to Virginia Beach, you’ll experience all four seasons, each with its unique charm. Winters are generally moderate, with average highs around 49°F in January. Spring arrives early, bringing mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Summers are warm and perfect for beach activities, with July highs averaging 87°F. Fall lingers longer, offering pleasant weather well into autumn.
Hurricane Preparedness
Living in Virginia Beach means being prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. While the city hasn’t been directly hit by a major hurricane in over a decade, it’s crucial to have a plan. Make sure you have an evacuation route, a week’s worth of supplies, and proper insurance coverage. Board up windows, secure outdoor items, and stay informed through local alerts and weather apps.
Summer Humidity
Summers in Virginia Beach are known for their high humidity levels. While this creates perfect beach weather, it can also pose challenges. You might find your home feeling muggy, and your air conditioner working overtime. To combat this, consider installing a dehumidifier and using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Proper ventilation is key to maintaining comfort and preventing issues like mold growth or peeling wallpaper. Remember, your AC also helps remove humidity, so regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance.
Cost of Living and Housing Market
When moving to Virginia Beach, you’ll find a diverse housing market with options to suit various budgets and lifestyles. The cost of living, particularly housing expenses, plays a significant role in your decision-making process.
Affordable Housing Options
Virginia Beach offers a range of affordable housing choices. You can find apartments renting from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000 per month, with a median rent of around USD 2,100 as of April 2024. For those seeking more budget-friendly options, consider looking outside the city center, where one-bedroom apartments typically cost around USD 1,000 per month. The city also provides low-income housing options, with 212 such apartments currently available for rent.
Rent vs. Buy Considerations
When deciding whether to rent or buy, consider your long-term plans and financial situation. The median home price in Virginia Beach is USD 379,950, with monthly mortgage payments often higher than rent. For example, a home priced at USD 397,477 might have a full payment of USD 3,167, compared to an average rent of USD 1,974. While buying costs more initially, it offers potential benefits like equity building and tax deductions. However, remember that homeownership also comes with maintenance costs and market risks.
Neighborhood Comparisons
Virginia Beach neighborhoods vary in price and amenities. Areas like Bay Colony offer quiet living near the beach, while Chic’s Beach provides a mix of homes and local seafood restaurants. Great Neck is ideal for budgets over USD 400,000, with excellent schools. For newer developments, consider Ashville Park or Heritage Park. The North End offers oceanfront living, while Sandbridge Beach provides a more secluded coastal experience. Your choice will depend on factors like proximity to work, school districts, and lifestyle preferences.
Job Market and Economy
When you move to Virginia Beach, you’ll find a diverse and dynamic economy with numerous opportunities. The city’s strategic location and robust infrastructure contribute to its thriving business environment.
Major Industries
Virginia Beach boasts a variety of industries driving its economy. The real estate sector is particularly strong, offering ample commercial spaces for entrepreneurs. Technology is a rapidly growing field, with cybersecurity, biotechnology, and information technology leading the way. The city’s investment in high-speed global connectivity has attracted many tech companies.
Healthcare is another expanding sector, with increasing healthcare providers and exciting biomedical research projects. The clean energy industry is taking off, with significant investments in offshore wind and solar energy. Virginia Beach is also recognized as one of America’s “Manufacturing Boomtowns.”
Tourism plays a crucial role in the local economy, supporting thousands of jobs. The retail sector is vibrant, with locals contributing to more than USD 6.40 billion in annual retail sales.
Military Presence
The military has a substantial impact on Virginia Beach’s economy. The region hosts the largest active-duty military population in the U.S., with nine major military installations representing all branches of the Armed Forces. Naval Air Station Oceana, the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base, employs over 16,000 people. Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, one of Virginia’s largest employers, provides jobs for more than 15,000 individuals.
Employment Opportunities
You’ll find diverse employment opportunities in Virginia Beach. The city offers careers in various fields, from technology and healthcare to tourism and retail. The defense industry is a major employer, with seven of the world’s top-10 defense-related firms having a significant presence in the area. The city itself is recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2023, offering a range of career opportunities in public service.
Conclusion
Moving to Virginia Beach offers a unique blend of coastal living and urban amenities. The city’s diverse economy, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture provide a high quality of life for residents. From enjoying water activities and festivals to exploring various neighborhoods, Virginia Beach has something to offer everyone looking for a change of scenery.
As you plan your move, keep in mind the city’s climate patterns and be ready for hurricane season. The housing market offers options for different budgets, and the job market is diverse with opportunities in technology, healthcare, and tourism. With its strong military presence and growing industries, Virginia Beach stands out as a great place to call home. This coastal city by the sea might just be the perfect new chapter in your life.
FAQs
What is considered a livable salary in Virginia Beach?
A livable salary in Virginia Beach would depend on various factors including personal lifestyle and financial obligations, but to give a rough idea, the median household income in Virginia Beach is around $81,810, which is slightly above the state average. For individuals, the median income is about $42,546.
Why do people choose to move to Virginia Beach?
Many people are drawn to Virginia Beach due to its strong economy and low unemployment rates. Additionally, the city offers the lowest real estate tax rate in the Hampton Roads region, making it an economically attractive place to live.
How much money would one need to comfortably live in Virginia Beach?
To live comfortably in Virginia Beach, aligning with the median income is advisable. As noted, the median household income stands at approximately $81,810, which should generally cover living expenses given the city’s cost of living.
What is the quality of life like in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach is highly regarded for its quality of life, having been ranked as one of the best U.S. cities to live in by multiple publications. The city offers a vibrant lifestyle with its beautiful beaches, cultural events, and recreational activities, appealing to both residents and tourists alike.