Everything You Need to Know When Moving to Virginia Beach, VA.
If you're thinking about moving to Virginia Beach, you've probably been doing your research about the town and its culture. In this guide, we'll discuss everything from population density to nightlife destinations so you can make an informed decision about whether this city is the right place for you plant roots. Our guys at College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving are here to help you make your move as easy as possible.
Demographics
Virginia Beach has a population of 459,470, according to the United States Census Bureau, and the population density is about 1,840 people per square mile. The median income is $76,610, which is higher than the national average of $62,843 and 7.3% of people are below the poverty line, much lower than the national average of 11.4%.
There's a fair amount of diversity in Virginia Beach. Here's a breakdown by race:
- White: 66.3%
- Black or African American: 19%
- Asian: 6.7%
- Hispanic or Latino: 8.2%
Cost of Living
Most people -- 63.7%, to be exact -- own their own homes, and the average price is around $280,800, with a monthly mortgage expense of around $1,826. This is slightly higher than the national average price of a home at $217,500. If you choose to rent, you can expect to pay about $1,367 per month, which is pretty close to the average price across the country.
Job Market
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate was 4.6% in July of 2021, which is below the national average of 5.2% There are many great employment opportunities throughout the city with many large businesses nearby. According to Virginia Beach Economic Development, these are the biggest employers in the City:
- Naval Air Station Oceana-Dam Neck: 8,891 employees
- Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Ft. Story: 6,473 employees
- Sentara Healthcare: 4,900
- GEICO General Insurance Company: 3,600
- General Growth Properties: 2,600
- Gold Key/PHR Hotels & Resorts: 2,365
- STIHL Incorporated: 2,113
Virginia Beach residents are highly educated and they far surpass the average level of education across the country. 93.5% of adults over age 25 in Virginia Beach have obtained a high school diploma while the national average is only 88%, and 36% have obtained at least a bachelor's degree.
Getting Around Virginia Beach
Although it's a large city, Virginia Beach is fairly easy to navigate. With an average commute time of around 24 minutes, it takes about the same amount of time to commute when compared to most cities across the country. Make sure you check online for current road conditions and construction so you know the best route. If you don't feel like driving, public transportation is a reliable way to get around town.
Hampton Roads Transit
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is the public transportation provider that shuttles people throughout Virginia Beach. This bus service operates seven days a week and bus routes can be found online. The following shuttles are available:
- Atlantic Avenue Shuttle
- Aquarium and Campground Shuttle
- Bayfront Shuttle
- Wave Shuttle (Seasonal shuttle that operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend)
Tickets can be purchased online and they're pretty inexpensive. An adult can ride for $2 and kids ride free. If you'd like to buy a day pass, you can expect to pay $4.50 and a weekly pass is $22. If you're commuting to work, it's best to buy a 30-day pass for $70.
Parking in Virginia Beach
There are several parking garages throughout the city, and you can purchase a monthly pass via the city's website. These parking passes are good for the garages that are located on 9th Street, 25th Street and 31st Street.
If you need to buy a parking permit, it's best to buy one online. You can choose from the following parking permits:
- Residential
- Employee
- Guest
- Commercial
- Temporary
- Cavalier Shores
- Senior Citizen Parking
- Seasonal Surface Lot
- Sandbridge Seasonal Lot
You can also check this map for current open parking spaces as well as their parking rates.
Things to do in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a destination town and there's always something fun to do. Here are some of the best spots to check out.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Virginia Beach is one-of-a-kind and there's something for everyone along the buzzing streets after dark. The Virginia Beach Brew Trail is a great way to taste all the different flavors that the City has to offer and you can enjoy live music on the weekends at Murphy's Irish Pub. The Lucky Oyster is a place you can't skip, and it won the "Best of the Beach" ten times.
If you enjoy live music, check out Elevation 27, a local spot that won "Best Live Music Venue in 2020" by Veer Music Awards.
If clubbing is more your style, check out Central 111. They serve South Beach-style tapas and the dance floor is popping until 3:00 am.
Restaurants
For breakfast, stop by Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop. Their food is so delicious, the restaurant was voted the "Best Pancake House in Virginia Beach" by The Food Network.
When you're ready for lunch or dinner, check out The Atlantic on Pacific. This restaurant has a raw bar that is absolutely divine and they serve seafood that's fresh from the Chesapeake Bay. Ocean House Waterfront Seafood has a prime location on the boardwalk, and they're the only restaurant in the area with a second-story open-air bar.
When it's time for dessert (or an afternoon snack), grab a sweet treat from Confetti Cafe & Gelato. They mix fresh ingredients into their house-made gelato and offer flavors like cinnamon toast crunch and caramel macchiato.
Museums and Attractions
For family-friendly fun, spend a day at the Virginia Beach Aquarium or outdoors at Atlantic Fun Park, a seasonal park with 16 rides and a go-kart track. If you've got a military ID or you know someone who does, you can tour the Cape Henry Lighthouse, a historic spot that has been standing since 1880. If you don't have a military ID, it's still a lovely place to visit. You just can't go inside.
For shopping and entertainment, check out the Boardwalk. It's packed with places to explore, things to eat, and unique knick-knacks to buy.
Libraries
The Virginia Beach Public Library has 10 locations and residents are welcome to participate in activities like reading challenges and story time for kids.
Outdoor Activities
The weather in Virginia Beach is mild, with summers averaging around 79°F. Winter temperatures remain around 57°F and the city rarely sees snow. With such lovely weather year-round, it's no surprise that Virginia Beach residents enjoy lots of outdoor activities. There are plenty of public parks to explore a few state parks as well.
First Landing State Park is a 2,888-acre expanse of land that marks the spot where the colonists first landed in 1607. It's the most visited state park in Virginia, and for good reason. Cape State Park is another place to spend an afternoon, walking along 15.3 miles of trails or camping at one of its primitive campsites.
Best Neighborhoods to Move to in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach has several amazing neighborhoods, and there's one for every lifestyle. If you're thinking about moving to Virginia Beach, check out some of these up-and-coming neighborhoods.
Pungo
This rural neighborhood is an agricultural community made up of 23,000 acres of farmland. People who relocate to Pungo do so because they enjoy a quiet life at a slower pace, but they enjoy a quick commute to the City. There are farm stands and strawberry festivals and amazing locally-owned restaurants to check out in this unique neighborhood, and it's the perfect place to raise a family.
Kempsville
This neighborhood has a suburban feel, and the school system is highly rated. Families flock to Kempsville because they like the suburban lifestyle, and they appreciate the easy access to the I-264 interchange. Homes are affordable in this neighborhood and there are plenty of places to explore nearby.
Hilltop
Hilltop is located near the Laskin Road corridor and it's a straight shot to the Oceanfront. There's plenty of upscale shopping and amazing restaurants in this neighborhood, including a lovely winery that offers tastings from very small batches of wine. Homes are pretty pricey in this neighborhood, but condos and apartments are popping up at affordable rates. Many retirees make Hilltop their home because of the beachfront location and access to fine dining and shopping nearby.
North End
This neighborhood is located near Atlantic Avenue between Shore Drive and 38th Street. Homes are near -- or directly on -- the beach and you can find impressively luxurious homes with yachts parked at private docks throughout. That doesn't mean that all the homes in this neighborhood are as costly though. You can find small cottages and cape-cod homes at affordable prices, but they're hard to come by. Schools are very highly rated in this area.
Little Neck
Little Neck is a centrally located spot right in the heart of Virginia Beach. The Boulevard runs right through this neighborhood and residents love that there's plenty to do right outside their front doors. Kingston Elementary is one of the best schools in the area and many families choose to raise their children here. Homes may cost a little more in Little Neck, but as they say, real estate is all about location.
Relocation Expenses, Registrations and Taxes
If you decide to move to Virginia Beach, you'll need to fill out several documents. Check out the City of Virginia Beach's website to learn about the city's property taxes and you'll need to make an appointment with the DMV to register your vehicle and get a new driver's license. In order to get a Virginia license plate, you'll need to have your vehicle's emissions system inspected. The website offers locations and availability, so you can complete them at your convenience.
Let Us Help You Move to Virginia Beach
If you're thinking about moving to Virginia Beach, you'll need to weigh all the pros and cons. The city has plenty to offer, but it's important to make sure it's a good fit for you. Here are a few things to consider before making the decision:
- Virginia Beach is a coastal community. Residents love outdoor activities and fresh seafood is abundant.
- The weather is mild year-round, which is great for people who love sunshine. If you love snow, you may want to think about moving somewhere farther north.
- Virginia Beach is a tourist destination. This can be great if you enjoy meeting new people, but some people may not enjoy the influx of traffic and congestion.
Whether you decide to move to Virginia Beach or if you'd just like a free quote, we're here to help. Contact us at College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving and we'll help you make your move as seamless as possible