Are you someone that is considering living in Virginia Beach because of work? Or are you a military spouse or military servicemember moving to Virginia Beach or nearby bases because of new orders? Maybe even just someone looking to get away from the middle of the country and live the beach lifestyle you’ve always dreamed?
No matter what the reason – you’ve come to the right blog for all the information you need to make this area your new home!
Table of Contents
Welcome to Beach Kids Club and also to our WONDERFUL city of Virginia Beach, Virginia! Here you will see what this great city has to offer and what activities you can do with your family! In no time you’ll find yourself in love with this area just as much as I do, if not more!
Where are we located?
Virginia Beach is situated in the southeastern region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean coastline, it encompasses the southernmost portion of the Chesapeake Bay. This coastal city is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area and is bordered to the west by the city of Norfolk.
Known for its expansive beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and so many recreational activities, Virginia Beach offers a beautiful blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. With its prime location on the eastern seaboard, the city attracts visitors seeking sun, sand, and seaside adventures.
All of that may make it sound like it’s only an area for tourists, but I can assure you that there are many great reasons to make this your permanent home and the list below is only a small sampling of reasons why I’m sure you’ll look to stay as long as you can.
Heck, even the city government slogan is “A community for a lifetime!” because they want people to know it’s not just for vacations around here.
1. Weather
I’m going to kick-off this list with my personal favorite reason for living in Virginia Beach: The weather here is very temperate with rare snow day and very warm summers. For the past few years, we have had very little to no snow which makes commuting easy and very few snow days for the kids. Because we are located right on the coast, we are somewhat protected from the extreme temperature changes that other cities experience.
The summers here can get very humid and hot but only lasting for a few weeks. But what’s great is we have a great beach to cool down at!
2. Lower Cost of Living in Virginia Beach
Living in Virginia Beach does have a low tax rate and our governor authorized a better family tax break for families which means for money in your pocket. Housing prices have increased a bit due to high demand and not enough supply. There are still deals to be had but you might have to act quick if you see a house in your desired area.
I personally live in the Kempsville section of Virginia Beach and absolutely love it!
3. Historical Sites
Are you someone that doesn’t just “like” but LOVES history? Our immediate area and surrounding areas are known for so much history that it would take you years to visit every site. Whether you’re an expert on the American Revolution, you like to recreate Civil War battles, or even visit ships used in World War II this area has it all for the history buff in your family.
It doesn’t have to be militaria either: the Cavalier Hotel is renowned for historical reasons that also offer fun for the whole family. Check out this article to look at the historical sites around my area.
4. Different Types of Food
One of the benefits of living in Virginia Beach that is a personal favorite of mine is the abundance of cultures and different types of food available to us. In the mood for Mexican? there are 5 different places to choose from – and yes, we have white sauce which is supposedly a local creation too. Craving Hawaiian BBQ?
There are couple of places I can think of right off the top of my head that you can check out!
- Sushi
- Southern barbeque
- Seafood
- Fine dining
- Mom and Pop diners
- Steaks
The possibilities are endless and if you’re a foodie you’ll be right at home.
5. Close to Major Cities
Since we’re located smack dab in the Mid-Atlantic, most of the major cities are a car ride away. Interested in going to DC? That will be about 4-hour drive. How about Richmond? About a 2-hour drive. Maybe you’re thinking of going south for a vacation. Raleigh, NC is about 3 hours away.
Norfolk International Airport is the closest airport to our area, but don’t let the “International” part fool you – it’s a hub to get you to the major ones that are close by – but that has value too in that you’re just a short layover away if you choose to head out for a while.
When we were much younger, my parents drove us kids to Disney World in a two-day trip which is a memory I would never forget. We probably could have done it in one day, but have you ever traveled with kids? Mutiple stops are needed.
VB related content:
- 40+ Ways To Have Fun In Virginia Beach Like A Local!
- Exploring The East Coast Surfing Championship
- Kite Flying Festival With Kids
- Chalk The Walk Summer Festival
6. Military Town
If you are in the military, you have more than likely heard of Naval Station Norfolk. It’s a massive base that employs military personnel and civilians (and also the reason for traffic!) very close to Virginia Beach.
In VB proper you’ll find Oceana and JEB as well. If you’re a retiree, you still have access to the bases and all the amenities such as a more private beach, golf courses, bowling and a reduced cost movie theater.
7. Great Healthcare
Since I work in the medical field, I am very familiar with the hospitals in the area and Virginia Beach General is without a doubt a top-notch facility. Need a higher level of care? Norfolk General is very close by and also takes level 1 trauma which is the highest level of care that a hospital can provide.
Have a child with special needs? CHKD is adjacent to Norfolk General and also to Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) which provides the most cutting-edge treatments you can get!
8. Excellent School Systems
Virginia Beach is ranked #5 in the entire state of Virginia for having high quality schools. Thats amazing! Are you more interested in private school education? We have incredible religious private schools and also academic private schools such a Cape Henry Collegiate and Gateway Christian Academy. If you’re unsure of what VB can produce for alumni we’ve had NFL athletes, movie stars and even Pharrell graduated locally.
Colleges? We have William and Mary (the college founded by Thomas Jefferson) just across a bridge near beautiful Williamsburg, or ODU is in Norfolk a little closer to us.
9. Always Something to do
Every weekend, literally every weekend of every season, you can find something to do whether it’s with the kids or just a date night with your loved one. It can be a romping festival, a chill day at the farmers market, or just go relax at the beach! If you’re not feeling being outside, we have many indoor activities to do too such jump parks, museums, an aquarium and mini-golf.
One yearly popular event is the Something in the Water Festival, thrown by none other than the aforementioned Pharrell. Take a look at this list!
Are you someone who likes to fish? Not sure if you’ve noticed but we live near a very large body of water called the “Atlantic Ocean”. Maybe you’ve heard of it?
Charter a boat (or use your own) to go catch that trophy fish – or fish from our famous pier for a truly novel experience. You can also head inland a bit and hit up one of the freshwater lakes or rivers for something more lowkey. It’s a fisherman’s dream!
10. Safe for Families
Recently, Virginia Beach was #1 the safest city of its size based on this study. Most of the area is very walking friendly and very “suburbia” but with any large city you will find pockets of crime in various areas so please research where you are planning on moving.
My country mouse of a husband moved here after living in the rural Midwest his whole childhood and he can attest that there is nothing “scary” about the area that wouldn’t make him want to leave.
If you’re seriously considering living in Virginia Beach and don’t know if you’re looking at a good neighborhood my email and comments section are open, and I have lived here my whole life and very familiar with the neighborhoods!
Final Splash
These are the top 10 reasons that I enjoy living in Virginia Beach, but this list will always grow over time. We have people coming to move here year after year and as you can see on this list, I can see why!
If you are on the fence about moving here, take a look at this blog at other great articles or shoot me a message and let’s talk!
Are you moving to Virginia Beach soon?
Welcome! I’m Kat Marie, founder of Beach Kids Club! Virginia Beach, VA is my hometown and I love where I live! My connection to the beach is more than just a geographical one; it’s a profound passion. Whether I’m catching waves, enjoying long walks by the oceanfront, or simply enjoying the sun, I find so much happiness at the beach. Virginia Beach is more than just a location; it’s a way of life, and I’m here to share my hometown experiences and love for the beach with all of you!