6 Reasons To Move to Virginia Beach, VA

Though it may not be as high-profile a destination as New York or Miami, Virginia Beach, Virginia, has a lot to offer. This is why in the last few years, not only have more tourists visited, but more people are moving in to take advantage of all the perks and amenities of this beautiful area.

With a population of around 457,000, Virginia Beach retains the charm of a smaller city while offering a wide range of things to do. So is it worth moving to Virginia Beach? Yes, and here is why.

Find Affordable Housing in Virginia Beach

Two of the most attractive features of Virginia Beach are its relatively affordable housing market and incredibly low unemployment rate. Though many beach towns experience high housing costs, as they attract tourists and people trying to buy summer houses, Virginia Beach has managed to avoid this. The town has an unemployment rate of 3.6%; meanwhile, the median housing price is $262,000, and the median rent is $1,258.

Every neighborhood has something different to offer. Many families choose the safe, quiet neighborhoods of Northeast Virginia Beach, which have a 92% high school graduation rate in addition to a very low crime rate.

Get a Great Education in Virginia Beach

Families find Virginia Beach especially attractive, as it’s one of the most family-friendly towns in the state. In addition to the low crime rate that’s 14% less than the national average and the fun, kid-friendly activities that are always happening, Virginia Beach has a staggering selection of top-rated schools.

Whether you prefer to enroll your children in private or public institutions, you won’t be disappointed by the choices you have in Virginia Beach. The town has 87 public schools and 37 private schools. Some of the highest-rated in the area are Kemps Landing Magnet, Trantwood Elementary, and Red Mill Elementary, though no matter where you go, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. Virginia Beach actually has the highest concentration of highly ranked public schools in Virginia.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors and Climate

The coastal currents create a comfortable climate in Virginia Beach almost year-round, so the winters are mild while the summers are warm and sunny, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful beaches. In fact, most summers in Virginia Beach have over 28 days where the thermometer rises above 90 degrees, creating a lot of great beach days.

The only chilly month is January when the nighttime temperatures average around 32 degrees. Overall, the beauty of living in this area is that it allows people to be outdoors most of the year. So if you enjoy walking on the beach, being outside, or living in a moderate climate, Virginia Beach could be the place for you.

Easy Access to 2 Nearby Cities and Airports

People who love to travel will appreciate the fact that Virginia Beach has easy access to two international airports. Norfolk International Airport, located in the metropolitan area of Norfolk, is just 12.7 miles away, while Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is 34.4 miles away.

Many Virginia Beach residents love heading into Norfolk to explore the city’s streets, dining, museums, and nightlife, though Virginia Beach also has plenty to offer on all those fronts.

Nature Around Virginia Beach

Lovers of nature and the outdoors will find a lot to enjoy and explore in Virginia Beach. Enjoy the coast near the center of town at Oceanfront, and combine a day at the beach with an afternoon of shopping and dining, or, if you’re trying to find a quieter, more secluded spot, head to Sandbridge Beach.

If spotting wildlife is what you prefer, Back Bay National Wildlife Preserve has a huge variety of plants and animals you can discover while walking through the park. If you like to hike in general, there are plenty of other options as well, including Fox Run Trail at False Cape State Park. In addition to beaches, the town has salt marshes and forests aplenty to explore.

Virginia Beach is actually a favorite for cyclists throughout the state, so if you have your own bike and like to ride, you will love living here. Cyclists will find more than 100 miles of bike-friendly paths, with many of them located in First Landing State Park 20 miles away and False Cape State Park 15 miles away. Fishermen will find a lot to love in the area, too, either at the nature reserves or at Virginia Beach Fishing Pier.

Cultural Attractions and Things To Do

As you can imagine, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is one of the most popular destinations in town for families, couples, seniors, and pretty much everyone else. In addition to taking a stroll by the coast, you will also discover a whole lot of restaurants and shops and occasionally live music playing.

When you move to the area, you must try the fresh seafood that makes Virginia Beach famous in the culinary scene. Some of the best restaurants to try include Blue Seafood & Spirits for those looking for an upscale dining experience, Calypso Bar & Grill for something more relaxed, and Chix on the Beach for its famous steamer bags. After you’re done eating, head to Atlantic Fun Park and make sure to ride the 100-foot Ferris wheel in order to see the town from above.

Though it wasn’t officially founded until 1887, Virginia Beach is the location of the first landing spot for pilgrims, which occurred back in 1607. Virginia Beach has plenty of history to explore, including First Landing State Park and Cape Henry Lighthouse. Climb to the top of the light house to be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Chesapeake Bay. Otherwise, head to one of the coolest museums in town, the Surf and Rescue Museum.

If you’re thinking of moving to Virginia Beach, the cultural, natural, housing, and educational perks the area offers should be enough to convince you. If there’s something you love about Virginia Beach that you think we missed, call us at (757) 497-7777 or contact us at Checkered Flag Hyundai World and let us know.

Image Credits: Virginia-Beach by vsbylc is licensed with CC BY 2.0