Virginia Beach Guide

Moving to Virginia Beach: Everything You Need to Know Before Relocating

From the largest leisure beach in the world to unique aquariums, Virginia Beach is mainly known for being a beautiful and luxurious vacation destination. However, this coastal city is becoming a favorite place for remote workers and people looking for a fresh start.

It’s strategically placed, has beautiful warm weather, low crime rates, and accommodates all types of lifestyles. If you’re thinking of relocating to Virginia Beach, here’s a quick guide to ease your transition.

A Quick History About Virginia Beach

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a place where you can unwind, Virginia Beach has got you covered. It has a rich history and is located on the southeast coast of Virginia, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay converge. This resort city was founded in 1887 and has an assortment of tourist destinations, great local hotels, and fantastic entertainment attractions, which is why it is favored by tourists, retirees, and those looking to relocate.

According to the United States Census Bureau, this city has more than 450,000 residents, making it the most populated place in Virginia. It’s conveniently tucked between the Atlantic Ocean (on the east), Chesapeake and Norfolk (on the west), and Chesapeake Bay(on the North).

Virginia Beach also has amenities suitable for all kinds of lifestyles, including urban town centers, quiet residential areas, and rural farms.

Things You Should Know Before Moving to Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Neighborhoods

Virginia Beach has a wide range of housing opportunities suitable for all types of lifestyles. There are single-family houses, condominiums, urban resorts, agricultural neighborhoods, and upscale apartments. If you’re looking to relocate where all the action is, the Resort Strip is a great place to start. There’s also an amusement park, boardwalk, and several nightspots along the oceanfront.

However, if you’d like to move to a more subdued neighborhood in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge would be a great place to start. It’s mainly a residential community with condos and vacation homes, but it also has restaurants and ocean view pubs to give you a taste of the nightlife. Hotels around this area are minimal to reduce the number of tourists that stay there.

Virginia Beach Schools

If you have children, it’s important that you relocate to an area with a comprehensive private and public school system. Virginia Beach is one of the top 50 largest school districts, and the Virginia Beach City Public School, which serves the area, is number 40 on the list. This school serves almost 70,000 students and has about 100 facilities.

Virginia Beach is also home to several private schools, including the Cape Henry Collegiate School, the Advanced Technology Center, and Norfolk Academy. It has 2 main universities; Atlantic University and Regent University.

This city also has several workforce development programs aimed at the professional; development of employees and business growth. Plus it has vast networking opportunities to ensure you’re ready to rejoin the workforce after your move.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Virginia Beach is high and is slightly above the national average. Housing is the most expensive, with real estate rates in the region averaging 10% higher than other states. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, while transportation is very affordable.

The high prices can be attributed to a significant tourist presence, but the cost is worth it because Virginia Beach is economically stable and safe.

Culture and Contemporary Life

This city has a rich culture, and the beach is it’s most alluring feature. It’s a whole 30 miles of beautiful ocean views and golden sands that create the perfect relaxation scene. There are also several food joints, ice-cream parlors, and amusement park rides along the beach boardwalk.

Virginia Beach is home to a Museum of Contemporary Art that features paintings, photography, and sculptures and constantly hosts exhibits that highlight the city’s culture. Several festivals are celebrated in Virginia Beach, the most famous one being the Neptune Festival that pulls in more than half a million visitors annually.

Employment

Tourism is one of Virginia Beach’s leading sources of employment, but a large number of visitors has sent the other industries soaring. For instance, the tourists need accommodation, resulting in a hotel industry boom, creating more employment opportunities.

Agribusiness is also performing well, and the significant military presence has created opportunities for businesses that serve the soldiers. Overall, Virginia Beach has a healthy economy and has a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, and an average income of $34,600, which is higher than the national average.

Virginia Beach Climate

The humid subtropical climate of Virginia Beach makes it perfect for people who enjoy warm temperatures. This city has an annual average rainfall of 45 inches but is relatively warm throughout the year. The warmest months are July and August, while snow is experienced in January and late February.

Virginia Beach Tax Rates

Virginia Beach’s tax rates are fairly low for a city with a high-income population. There are 3 main types of taxes in this city;

Property tax: all properties are charged at 0.89% of the assessed value, while the national average is 1.211%. It’s important to note that this tax also applies to vehicles.
State income tax: this tax is 3-tier, and the minimum chargeable rate after deductions and exemptions is 2%, while the maximum rate is 5.75%.
Sales tax: this city charges a 0.7% special sales tax rate, 1% municipal rate, and 4.3% state rate.

Buying a Home in Virginia Beach: What are the Best Neighborhoods?

Choosing the best neighborhood to relocate to should be based on several factors such as;

Cost of commute: your home should preferably be close to your workplace, around your children’s school, or in an area with an established transportation system.
Preferred lifestyle: there are quiet neighborhoods suitable for families and active neighborhoods that favor those who enjoy the nightlife. You should also consider your housing budget.
Healthcare system: go for an area with a reputable healthcare provider near your home.
Quality of the surrounding schools and institutions, especially if you have children.

Some of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach include:

1. Sandbridge: this neighborhood is quiet and peaceful and is home to about 900 people. Residents have access to the beach, wildlife refuge, local eateries, and outdoor adventure shops. There are also learning institutions around, but your children will have to commute.

Houses average – $650,000.

1. Great Neck: this region is perfect for middle-class families and is home to more than 61,000 residents. Great Neck has a lot of greenery, and the residents regularly host backyard barbecues, especially during the summer. This neighborhood also has a recreational center, tennis and country club, and a state park.

Houses average – $375,000.

1. Pembroke Meadows: this is a private residential neighborhood that offers a little of everything. It has a shopping center that has a movie theater, restaurants, and healthcare centers. There are also several learning instructions.

Houses average – $314,000.

1. Chic’s Beach: If you enjoy beaches but don’t want to deal with thousands of tourists, you’ll love this neighborhood. It’s located close to the army base and is home to about 4,000 residents. Chic’s Beach is also close to several shopping and dining amenities.