Virginia Beach 83 Exceptional
Virginia Beach Livability #32 ranked city in Virginia#769 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Virginia Beach

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

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What's it like Living in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach, Virginia is a big city with a population of 450,882 residents. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Virginia Beach, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 24 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Virginia Beach, Virginia could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Virginia Beach and in the areas around Virginia Beach is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Virginia Beach has received a livability score of 82 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Virginia Beach could be a great choice! Virginia Beach also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Virginia Beach has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A), education (A+), employment (A-) and housing (A-).

If you're living in Virginia Beach, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Virginia Beach an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, First Landing State Park, and Old Cape Henry Lighthouse.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Virginia Beach, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 87 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Virginia Beach, the average school test scores are an impressive 86%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Virginia Beach excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Virginia Beach is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Virginia Beach come in at $287,400, which is 15.7% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Virginia Beach, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 2.6% lower than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Virginia Beach

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Compare Virginia Beach, VA Livability

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      Virginia Beach transportation information

      Statistic Virginia Beach Virginia National
      Average one way commute24min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.3%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.3%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.8%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.4%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home6.1%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Virginia Beach, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).