Living in Virginia Beach, VA
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Virginia Beach, VA? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Virginia Beach, VA

What’s not to like about a city with “beach” in its name? Absolutely nothing!

People are moving to Virginia Beach, VA, in droves. This coastal city is known for its sandy shores and the throngs of people who descend to enjoy fun in the sun when the weather warms up. However, more than 457,000 residents can access that beauty and those beaches year-round.

There’s a vibrant arts district, a mouthwatering culinary scene, water recreation galore and an incredible lifestyle overall. Those who move here can stretch their dollars further, too, as the cost of living in Virginia Beach clocks in lower than it does in other Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern cities. A highly educated workforce and an economy sustained by a diverse group of industries 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 showcase their creativity through colorful murals, sculptures, artistic performances and so much more, creating an all-around lively (and livable!) atmosphere. Plus, it’s easy to find your footing in Virginia Beach. The tight-knit community looks out for one another, and the city ranks as the U.S. city with the highest volunteer hours per capita.

Top Reasons to Move to Virginia Beach

• Virginia Beach has a stable, growing job market, with a massive military presence and a strong tourism industry.
• With some of the lowest real estate tax rates in the region, owning a home in Virginia Beach is attainable.
• Virginia Beach is a caring community that leads the nation in volunteer hours per capita.
• With roughly 35 miles of coastline and miles and miles of paths, Virginia Beach is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The city is a coastal gem parked on the southeastern edge of the state, right along Interstate 264, tying it to nearby Norfolk. The closest airport, Norfolk International Airport, is around 20 miles away, serving up flights for your getaways. When you’re ready to roam, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Norfolk is just 20 miles west, where you can tour the USS Wisconsin, visit the Chrysler Museum or catch a show at the Scope Arena.
• Chesapeake sits 15 miles west, offering the Great Dismal Swamp, Chesapeake Arboretum and Northwest River Park.
• Richmond is about 100 miles northwest, boasting the Virginia State Capitol, Civil War Museum and Maymont Park.

The area has a humid subtropical climate with generally mild to warm weather. Summers are long, hot and humid, often with afternoon thunderstorms, while winters are cool and mild with little snow. Overall, the weather is considered pleasantly moderate year-round.

Tourism and hospitality, as well as military and real estate, are among the largest industries in Virginia Beach. In addition, the community 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. Dollar Tree and STIHL, Inc. are headquartered here, and GEICO has a regional office in the area. 

The cost of living in Virginia Beach is slightly above the national average. The median home value in Virginia Beach is $386,482, and the average household income is $94,931.

Virginia has a state income tax, and residents can expect a combined sales tax rate of 6% in 2026.

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This city is a haven for people who love to get things going, blending coastal charm and cultural experiences. The iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which is lined with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, is a great place to stroll, bike and enjoy live music. History enthusiasts love spending time at the Cape Henry Lighthouse, including the original 1792 structure and the First Landing Cross, commemorating the arrival of English settlers. The Town Center offers a fun mix of retail therapy, dining, and community events, featuring venues such as the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Beyond the beaches and Boardwalk, residents can delve into the city’s history at the Military Aviation Museum, and kids will love the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The King Neptune Statue is a must-see landmark, too. The area hosts numerous annual events, including the Neptune Festival and the Virginia Beach Chocolate Festival, so you’ll never run out of fun things to do.

Capitalize on the city’s coastal location and natural landscapes by enjoying the more than 200 parks and park facilities, and over 7,000 acres of natural areas that Virginia Beach offers. The iconic coastline offers plenty of space to swim, surf, boat and fish, while the Virginia Beach Boardwalk features a 3-mile trail. Nature enthusiasts can explore the expansive First Landing State Park, a registered natural landmark with miles of trails, or venture to the more secluded False Cape Park. Chesapeake Bay beaches and Sandbridge Beach offer alternative coastal experiences.

Beyond the Boardwalk and beaches, residents can kayak through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, looking for dolphins or hike the trails of Mount Thrashmore Park, a reclaimed landfill turned recreational spot with lakes. Take the family to enjoy Great Neck Park’s grilling areas, sports facilities and playground.

From fresh seafood to farm-to-table fare, this coastal location has every flavor you can think of. Locals can enjoy casual beachfront grills and upscale dining venues, where restaurants highlight the day’s fresh catch. Outdoor dining is a popular choice around town, with several restaurants offering waterfront views. The Town Center of Virginia Beach is a culinary hub, offering everything from quick bites to leisurely meals. 

The area has a growing craft beer scene too – think creative brews like a pineapple IPA. There is also a lively bar scene with craft cocktails. 

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) district serves more than 65,000 students and is one of the top five best districts in the state. VBCPS also ranks as one of the state’s most diverse and best districts for teachers. You’ll also find a significant number of private schools here. There are more than 60 private schools, ranging from independent to co-educational schools and from faith-based to STEM-focused curricula.