Virginia Beach, VA
Oceanfront lifestyle with diverse neighborhoods.
Welcome to Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach stretches along miles of Atlantic coastline in the southeastern corner of the state. Beyond the famous Boardwalk and Oceanfront, you'll find quiet inland neighborhoods, top-ranked schools, a thriving Town Center, and easy access to First Landing State Park. It's the largest city in the state — with genuinely varied lifestyles across it.
Who lives here
Feel of the Town
Coastal, active, and family-friendly. Miles of beach, huge parks, one of the top public school districts in Virginia, and plenty of dining and shopping. Winters are mild.
Age Breakdown
- Under 1822%
- 18–3424%
- 35–5426%
- 55–6413%
- 65+15%
Schools
Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) is one of the largest and highest-performing districts in Virginia, with strong magnet, IB, and Governor's School programs. Ocean Lakes, Cox, and Kellam are highly regarded high schools; the Advanced Technology Center and Legal Studies Academy draw students district-wide.
Cape Henry Collegiate, Norfolk Academy (nearby), Bishop Sullivan Catholic, and Atlantic Shores Christian are top private options.
Regent University, Tidewater Community College, and nearby Old Dominion University serve higher education.
Things to Do
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Three-mile oceanfront walk with restaurants, shops, and the King Neptune statue.
- First Landing State Park
Beaches, dunes, and forested trails at the northern tip of the city.
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Family favorite with sharks, sea turtles, and interactive exhibits.
- Town Center of Virginia Beach
Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment district anchored by Sandler Center.
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Miles of trails, dunes, and wetlands south of Sandbridge.
- ViBe Creative District
Murals, galleries, breweries, and Saturday farmers' market.
Annual Events
- Neptune Festival (September)
Iconic end-of-summer festival with sandsculpting championships and a boardwalk parade.
- Something in the Water
Multi-day music and culture festival curated by Pharrell Williams.
- Boardwalk Art Show
Long-running June art festival along the oceanfront.
- Holiday Lights at the Beach
Two-mile drive-through light show along the boardwalk each December.
Places to Eat
- Terrapin Restaurant
Contemporary American in a refined setting near the North End.
- Eat: An American Bistro
Neighborhood favorite for elevated bistro classics.
- Becca Restaurant & Garden
Romantic garden setting with seasonal menus.
- Waterman's Surfside Grille
Boardwalk institution — famous Orange Crush and fresh seafood.
- Esoteric
ViBe District farm-to-table with rotating chef's menu.
Healthcare
- Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Regional hospital with a Level III trauma center.
1060 First Colonial Rd - Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
Modern hospital serving the southern part of the city.
2025 Glenn Mitchell Dr - Sentara Leigh Hospital (Norfolk)
Advanced surgical and specialty services just over the border.
830 Kempsville Rd, Norfolk
Getting Around
Virginia Beach is spread out — a car is essential for most residents. I-264 connects the Oceanfront to Norfolk and the rest of Hampton Roads. Summer traffic near the beach peaks on weekends.
- Hampton Roads Transit (HRT)
Bus routes, seasonal beach trolley, and connections to the Norfolk light rail.
- ORF Airport
Norfolk International — full-service airport ~30 minutes from most of the city.
- Bike & walk
Boardwalk bike path, and growing network of bike lanes inland.
Housing
Housing options span oceanfront condos, mid-century ranch homes, established suburban neighborhoods, and newer construction in the southern part of the city. Great Neck, Kempsville, and Red Mill are among the most sought-after family areas; the North End and Sandbridge lead beachfront demand.
Highly rated schools, mature neighborhoods, close to shopping and Lynnhaven River access.
Historic mid-century neighborhood with tree-lined streets and community pool.
Family-friendly southern area with newer homes and Nimmo/Kellam school zone.
Established, affordable neighborhoods with great commute access.
Beachfront and canal-front homes; quiet, no boardwalk, popular for second homes.
Prestigious oceanfront cottages and estates north of the main resort strip.
Golf-course community in the south with lakes and canals.
Envision VA Home
Envision VA Home is a client-first real estate team founded by Mike and Magali Pattison in 2019, brokered by eXp Realty. Our mission: help you buy, sell, and relocate with confidence.
Let's talk about your next home
I'm the bilingual (English/Spanish) member of the Envision VA Home team. Whether you're moving into the area or exploring your options, I'd love to help.
Maria Kaya · Realtor® · Envision VA Home · eXp Realty
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This area guide is provided for informational purposes only. Data points such as demographics, schools, and market information change over time and should be independently verified. All real estate services are provided by Envision VA Home, brokered by eXp Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.