Virginia Beach – Get the Best of All Worlds
A resort city straddling Hamptons Roads, Virginia Beach features an exciting mix of urban, suburban, waterfront, and inland environments. Every year, the city of Virginia Beach hosts the East Coast Surfing Championships and the North American Sand Soccer Championship.
While the white sand and endless waterways are some of the favorite things in Virginia Beach, the city is more than just a beach. It is home to seven eclectic districts, numerous state parks, protected beach areas, renowned universities, military bases, and more.
Brief Overview of Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach holds some amazing neighborhoods with distinct personalities. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city was a playground for Richmond’s and Norfolk’s upper-class families. However, with the growth of the port and military bases, the city transformed into a planned suburban coastal city, offering something for everyone.
The best communities here feature family-friendly amenities like city playgrounds and community swimming pools. While the hustle and bustle of urban life appeal to some families, many prefer things to be a bit more spread out. What’s better, Virginia Beach is home to one of the best-ranked school systems in the country.
Regardless of the neighborhood you choose to live in, a beach is always just a short drive away. Here are some of the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods to check out.
- Chic’s Beach: Chic’s Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and close proximity to the city. It’s known for its small-town feel and its laid-back atmosphere.
- Great Neck: Great Neck is one of the most affluent areas in Virginia Beach. It is known for its beautiful homes and close-knit community. There are plenty of things to do in Great Neck, from shopping and dining to exploring the nature trails.
- Towne Center: Towne Center is the central business district of Virginia Beach. It is home to many businesses, restaurants, and shops. There is also a movie theater and an amphitheater in Towne Center.
- VA Beach: VA Beach is a large community that encompasses the entire city of Virginia Beach. It is home to many restaurants, shops, businesses, and beaches. VA Beach has plenty of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking.
- Oceanfront: If you prefer staying close to all the fun things happening in Virginia Beach, Oceanfront is where you should be. Lined by hotels, dining, and entertainment, it is one of the main action hubs. Think live music, outdoor cafes, snow cone vendors, and the famous three-mile boardwalk ideal for jobbing, rollerblading, or biking. The wide sandy beaches will add more fun to your time here.
- Sandbridge: Sandbridge is a beach community located south of the city of Virginia Beach. It is known for its wide, sandy beaches and its laid-back atmosphere. There are plenty of beach activities in Sandbridge, from swimming to sunbathing to fishing.
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Education in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach holds the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, one of the largest school systems in the state. Currently, 56 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, 12 high schools, alongside several secondary/post-secondary specialty schools and centers, are included under the Virginia Beach City Public Schools District.
Furthermore, a great array of private and independent schools is situated in the city, including Tidewater Collegiate Academy and the Chesapeake Bay Academy.
Virginia Beach holds three universities—Atlantic University, Regent University, and Virginia Wesleyan University, and brand centers for a few universities, like Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University.
The Climate in Virginia Beach
If you prefer a pleasant climate throughout the year, Virginia Beach is an ideal place to be. The city features humid subtropical climates ideal for residents to take advantage of all the outdoor activities.
On average, residents get to enjoy 213 sunny days per year, which is greater than the national average of 205 days. Summers are just warm enough for you (88 degrees) to enjoy a day at the beach without feeling chilly. Virginia Beach also gets 47 inches of rain on average every year, which is again greater than the US average rainfall of 38 inches annually.
The winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 32 degrees, and tend not to last long. Virginia Beach receives 6 inches of snow per year, which is lower than the national average of 28 inches. Together, rain and snow make up around 115 days per year in Virginia Beach.
Public Transportation in Virginia Beach
The major commercial airport in Virginia Beach is the Norfolk International Airport, located near Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, Newport News/ Williamsburg International Airport offers air service for the Hampton Roads area. Virginia Beach Airport is a small, grass runaway that caters to private aircraft owners.
Amtrak serves Virginia Beach through the Newport News and Norfolk stations via connecting buses. Trailways/ Greyhound offers service from the central bus terminal in adjacent Norfolk. The Greyhound station is located on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach. Bus services to NYC are offered through the Chinatown bus.
When it comes to transportation within the city, Virginia Beach is served by a regional bus service called the Hamptons Roads Transit.
Make Your Home in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is an ideal place to call home. More than just a coastal travel destination, Virginia Beach is a safe, economically stable, and family-friendly city. Residents benefit from the thriving economy, a health-conscious culture, and the lowest tax rate in the Hampton Roads region. Virginia Beach is also an affordable place to live on the East Coast. The median home price here is $262,200.
The city is also home to numerous parks, museums, restaurants, and shopping scenes. Ranked as one of Virginia Beach’s top attractions, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk alone is brimming with shops, art, museums, restaurants, and much more. But there are plenty of other activities to do as well. Go fishing on the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, or get a bird’s eye view of the boardwalk with a ride on the Atlantic Fun Park’s 100-foot Ferris wheel. You will never run out of things to do at Virginia Beach.
