Virginia Beach's 35-mile coastline includes the iconic three-mile boardwalk, perfect for biking, skating, and seaside strolls. Residents enjoy diverse outdoor spaces from the secluded Sandbridge Beach to First Landing State Park's historic trails where English colonists first landed. The ViBe Creative District showcases local art galleries and murals, while the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center combines marine education with adventure park zip lines. The dining scene features sophisticated spots like Terrapin Restaurant, which sources fresh ingredients from local organic farmers and fisheries, alongside waterfront gems like Blue Pete's Restaurant in historic Pungo.
The housing market encompasses varied options across distinct neighborhoods. The median sale price in Virginia Beach is $389,000. Single-family homes in the upscale North End neighborhood command a median price of $1,481,000, while similar homes in Great Neck average $625,000. The Oceanfront area features condos with median prices of $377,500 for one bedroom units and $517,300 for two bedrooms. Townhouses in Kempsville Lake have a median price of $312,000.
Virginia Beach's cost of living sits 6.3% below the national average. A family with school-age children needs approximately $100,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters should aim for $55,000. The property tax rate of 0.8% compares favorably to Norfolk's 1.01%. The city maintains strong public schools, including Ocean Lakes High School and Frank W. Cox High School, both rated A or above by Niche. Private institutions like Cape Henry Collegiate and Norfolk Academy also receive top ratings. Hampton Roads Transit provides bus service throughout the city, though many residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.
