Moving to Virginia Beach, VA

Located near where the first settlers from England set up shop in America, Virginia Beach is the nation’s first Resort City. Its endlessly-stretching beach and gorgeous weather attract vacationers from all over, and hundreds of thousands have settled in the city and nearby Norfolk.

But the Virginia Beach metro is more than just sunshine, sandals and warm sand. It’s built a strong economy based on tourism, the local military activity and agriculture, and it has a strong culture that’s tied to the nearby ocean.

Layout of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the southern tip of the Chesapeake Bay. It is situated on flat, forested, marshy land, which is populated by many inlets, lakes and rivers.

Virginia Beach is part of a larger metropolitan area that includes the city of Norfolk, which is about 20 miles inland. The metro area is home to over 1.6 million people and is commonly referred to as the Hampton Roads, which includes the South Hampton Roads, where Virginia Beach and Norfolk are located, and the Virginia Peninsula, which is across the Chesapeake Bay and includes the city of Newport News.

Positives of Moving to Virginia Beach

• Beach – Virginia Beach has miles of sterling, straight beachfront, and its warm weather is perfect for enjoying the sunshine and the waves.
• Weather – The weather in Virginia Beach is very mild, with temperatures bottoming out, on average, in the 40’s. Even better, it’s too far south for blizzards, and too far north for most hurricanes.
• Visiting Economy – Virginia Beach’s economy is boasted by its resort industry and the U.S. military, which has a number of nearby bases. Together, these two industries have provided a constant flow of income for local businesses.
• Parks & Outdoors – Virginia Beach is located near more than just a nice beach. Its proximity to the ocean and waterways make it a seafarer’s dream. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Sciences Center is well recognized throughout the world.

Negatives of Moving to Virginia Beach

• Transportation – Virginia Beach is lacking in public transit options, and its layout, which is mostly spread out and suburban, requires a car. The area’s roadways are well kept, but traffic is still an issue.
• Universities – Oddly, the metro area, which is one of the largest in the U.S., lacks a large public university and has few well-recognized private colleges.
• Lack of sun – Though Virginia Beach’s temperatures are just right, it’s still on the low end of total sunny days among U.S. cities. It tops Chicago and Seattle, sure, but it has dozens less days of sun than its beachy contemporaries, Miami and San Diego.
• Suburban Sprawl – Virginia Beach is well known for its beaches but little else. Its arts and cultural scenes stop at the seaside, and many complain about the over-abundance of strip malls and chain restaurants.

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