Virginia Beach is a beach town with a city suburban flavor thanks to the surrounding Virginia cities of Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Portsmouth. Known as the Resort City, Virginia Beach has lured many a vacationer to take up permanent residence in this metro area. Waterfront homes, ocean views, and some of the world's best seafood restaurants make residents proud to call Virginia Beach home.
Residents of Virginia Beach have a weekend getaway at their doorstep with a great boardwalk and beachfront and attractions like the Virginia Aquarium, First Landing State Park and Mount Trashmore Sate Park (formerly a landfill). Virginia Beach and the surrounding area has a strong economy making a move here even more attractive. Job opportunities abound in both government and civilian fields. Several niche opportunities along with an attractive lifestyle make Virginia Beach a great place to begin a career.
In U.S. News rankings, Virginia Beach ranks a better than average place to live for overall desirability and quality of life. The metro area has a population that hovers around 1.5 million. The average annual salary is currently over $45,000 and the unemployment rate is well under 5%. The average price of a home is around $225,000 and the average rental is a little over $1,000 per monthly. the general cost of living including groceries, utilities, healthcare, and transportation is in line with the national average.
Virginia Beach has a mild coastal climate but experiences four seasons. The average high is 68.2 degrees and the average low is 52.0. Summers can get hot but sea breezes help cool the city down. The area is prone to hurricanes from June through November. Winters are mild with heavy rains and an occasional snowfall. Many Hampton Road residents opt to travel around town by bike or walking. Other residents rely on cars. Mass transit options by Hampton Roads Transit includes buses, trolleys, ferries, and shuttle services to major points of interest. A hybrid electric trolley system called the VB Wave provides an affordable shuttle that runs along Atlantic Avenue. Virginia Beach residents have easy access to destinations around the world via the Norfolk International Airport. Greyhound bus line and Amtrak also serve the area.
If you are planning a move, we can give you a head start on finding the best places to live in Virginia Beach. Customize your search for the best places to live with metrics most important to youy such as amenities, cost of living, crime, and education.