Virginia Beach, VA
Why You’ll Love Living in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia, is perhaps best known for its iconic coastline, which stretches for miles along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s often touted as one of the best cities to live in the Southeast because of its spectacularly diverse range of attractions and high quality of life. In addition to a wealth of recreational activities, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is lined with restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Excellent schools and low crime rates make the city a solid choice for raising children. The job market is bolstered by industries like the military, tourism and technology. Throw in the numerous cultural and recreational amenities, and there’s no argument that anyone who puts down roots here will enjoy a high quality of life.
Thinking of moving to Virginia Beach, VA? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Virginia Beach, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Virginia Beach, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Virginia Beach, VA, a Best Place to Live in 2024
What’s not to like about a city with “beach” in its name? Absolutely nothing! Virginia Beach, VA, is known for its sandy shores and the throngs of people who descend to enjoy some fun in the sun when the weather warms up. However, more than 458,000 residents have access to that beauty and those beaches year-round, which is one of the reasons why this city earned a spot as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
There’s a vibrant arts district, a mouthwatering culinary scene, water recreation galore and a pretty incredible lifestyle overall, including a lower cost of living than other Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern cities. A highly educated workforce and an economy sustained by a diverse group of industries such as biomedical and life sciences, defense, advanced manufacturing, IT/cyber, maritime and logistics, and office/retail make it easy to call Virginia Beach home, too. The city has seven distinct districts, including the Town Center, Oceanfront and even one dubbed the ViBeCreative District! When it comes to the necessities, Virginia Beach ranks high with terrific health care options, thoughtfully designed transportation — including surreys and trolleys — and more than 200 miles of bikeways and trails. The makers in this city show off their creativity with colorful murals, sculptures, artistic performances and so much more, creating an all-around lively (and livable!) atmosphere.
Virginia Beach, VA Quality of Life LivScore
Virginia Beach, VA Top Categories
Environment
Safety
Health
Virginia Beach ranks highest for environment, safety and health.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Virginia Beach, VA
Beach season is in full effect from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when daily highs reach the 70s and 80s. Winters are cold, but that doesn’t stop locals from doing a Polar Plunge to support Special Olympic athletes. The average highs and lows are 85°F and 69°F (summer) and 52°F and 34°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Virginia Beach is relatively low, at roughly 7 inches per year.
The average annual rainfall in Virginia Beach is 46 inches. Most of the rainfall occurs during the summer months, with August being the wettest month.
Virginia Beach averages 213 sunny days a year.
Go on a guided dolphin-spotting tour via a kayak with Go Kayak. Or stay on dry land at Great Neck Park, where you can grill burgers, take a walk and play volleyball.
Things To Do in Virginia Beach, VA
Become a regular at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, which offers new exhibitions every few months. Or create your own tour. From world-class installations to colorful creations, numerous pieces of outdoor art are waiting to be explored. For example, “Seashore Cathedral” is a series of murals on the underpass columns of Rudee Walkway. Be sure to grab some shots for Insta.
Climb and zipline in the treetop trails at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium.
False Cape State Park is a beautiful and relatively secluded natural area in the southern part of Virginia Beach. It offers a unique coastal environment with dunes, maritime forests and marshes. Accessible primarily by foot, bicycle or boat, the park provides a more tranquil and less crowded alternative to the bustling beachfront.
The Hilltop area in Virginia Beach is a popular shopping destination. It features a mix of locally owned stores, boutiques and national retailers. Other favorite hotspots include La Promenade Distinctive Shoppes and the Virginia Beach Farmers Market.
The Blue Seafood and Spirits is a chef-owned casual restaurant that serves high-quality fresh seafood. Be sure to order the Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and oysters, if available. Then, top it off with a visit to Salty Paws Ice Cream and Bakery, which is not only dog-friendly but also creates unique ice cream treats and baked goods designed specifically for canines.
There are several live music and performing arts venues in Virginia Beach. Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts and Zeiders American Dream Theater are popular spots for locals and tourists alike.
Spend the day working from Three Ships Coffee. When it is quitting time, you are less than three blocks from the beach.
The Local and State Economy in Virginia Beach, VA
Tourism and hospitality, as well as military and real estate, are among the largest industries in Virginia Beach. In addition, Virginia Beach is home to several military installations, including Naval Air Station Oceana and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, making the military a significant employer.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Virginia Beach is 6%.
Yes, Virginia has a state income tax.
Virginia Beach residents have access to several highly-ranked hospitals and providers at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, one of the region’s highest-ranking hospitals. Additionally, the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area has a variety of providers in different specialties, so there is something for everyone.
Several colleges and universities are located in Virginia Beach, VA, including Regent University, Virginia Wesleyan University, South University – Virginia Beach, Bryant & Stratton College, and The Art Institute of Virginia Beach.
Weather in Virginia Beach, VA
Average Temperatures
69 high / 51 low
Average Annual Rainfall
46 in
Average Annual Snowfall
7 in
Quick Facts about Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Median Home Value
- $339,166
- Median Property Tax
- $3,266
- Total Population
- 458,089
- Average Commute
- 21 min
- Median Household Income
- $92,679
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,259
Map of Virginia Beach, VA
Experiences & Adventures in Virginia Beach, VA
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