Are you planning on moving to Virginia Beach, VA? Are you wondering if Virginia Beach is safe? Or what it’s like living in Virginia Beach? Is Virginia Beach a nice place to live? This article aims to help answer those questions!
The City of Virginia Beach and its surrounding areas offer a great quality of life for newcomers. However, as with any other major life decision, it pays to weigh the pros and cons of moving to Virginia Beach.
This coastal area has piqued the curiosity of many people across the United States who are thinking about relocating. The great climate, plentiful activities, and beach lifestyle make this city an alluring prospect. So, is Virginia Beach a nice place to live?
In this article, we are going to list the major pros and cons of moving to Virginia Beach, VA. Consider the following points and weigh the advantages against the disadvantages of moving to this coastal city.
PRO: Solid Job Market & Local Economy
The City of Virginia Beach has a strong economy. Its unemployment rate has been lower than the national average for numerous years. Even the income per capita has been higher than the U.S. average.
Even though the cost of living may be higher in Virginia Beach, the increased family incomes make up for the difference. The local job market offers a mix of military, farming, and private industry jobs.
In fact, one of the largest employers is the naval jet airbase NAS Oceana. The area has plenty of smaller bases as well. These are in a district called Little Creek. As Norfolk isn’t too far away, some Virginia Beach residents work in Norfolk’s huge naval shipyard.
Stihl, Amerigroup, and Geico are all great examples of employers that aren’t connected to the military sector. Additionally, there are non-profits and education providers that employ a sizeable workforce.
The latter include higher education institutions like the Virginia Wesleyan University and the Regent University. Some of the largest non-profits in the city include Operation Blessing and Christian Broadcasting Studios.
CON: Jet Noise
You need to keep in mind that Virginia Beach is mainly a military town. The loud jet noises will greet you numerous times throughout the day. However, not all parts of the town get an equal share of these disruptions.
If you are planning to purchase a home in Virginia Beach, the seller needs to enclose that the property is in an area with frequent jet noise. For instance, some people may even have medical reasons why they need to stay away from the sonic booms.
PRO: Many Things to Do
Do you want to live an active lifestyle? Variety is the spice of life and Virginia Beach can offer you a lot of it! The City and its surroundings have nature refuges, waterways, and long stretches of sand.
One of the most important spots in the region is the First Landing State Park. The extensive trails cut through the forest, freshwater ponds, and beach dunes. Many locals use this State Park for recreational purposes.
Another place to visit in the outdoors is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Designated as a part of the Atlantic Flyway, it’s an important place for wildlife. They can seek food and rest in this corner of Virginia.
However, you won’t even have to leave town in order to have some fun and explore new things. The Town Center area provides many venues for dining, arts, shopping, and nightlife.
CON: Rush Hour Traffic
Virginia Beach has surprisingly intense rush hours. The morning one usually goes from 6 am to 9 am. The second rush hour lasts from 3 pm to 6 pm. These are the times of day when the traffic can get hectic.
Remember that public transit won’t be a cure for traffic jams. The local buses aren’t that efficient and won’t even reach some areas of the city and its close rural communities.
PRO: Balance Between Small Town & Big City
With a population of around half a million people, Virginia Beach offers the optimal balance between a small town and a big city. You can get all the top amenities of a bigger city without things getting too congested and overwhelming.
CON: Risk of Tropical Storms
Did you know that Virginia Beach is at risk of experiencing hurricanes? Its residents get many hurricane warnings annually, but most of these storms end up being much weaker as predicted or completely lose strength before making landfall.
However, there is always the chance of getting a big hurricane in the area. That’s why it’s good to follow all the safety precautions after receiving news about a tropical storm heading in the city’s direction. If your main concern when thinking about your move revolves around the question of “is Virginia Beach safe?” then you want to consider the storm risk.
PRO: Great Local Education
When it comes to schools, Virginia Beach has a nice selection of educational institutions in the City. The school district of Virginia City Public Schools covers over 50 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and 12 high schools. As a result, many neighborhoods are contender for being the best places to live in Virginia Beach.
Ocean Lakes is one of the top contenders for math and science studies. The First Colonial High School excels at legal studies. If your children are interested in visual and performing arts, Salem High School is a perfect pick.
Over 20 universities, trade schools, and colleges offer high-quality post-secondary education in the City of Virginia Breach. The available institutions in the area include the College of William & Mary. It’s the second oldest college in the U.S.
CON: Flood Potential
While the weather patterns are enjoyable in Virginia Beach, the annual rainfall together with an abundance of water bodies create flood hazards. The surrounding area has rivers, canals, and lakes that can flood easily.
Most Virginia Beach residents know about these risks and have properly prepared for adverse events. The city has even created an emergency preparedness site for anyone looking to mitigate the flood risks in their home.
The Bottom Line: Moving to Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a great city to live in. The surrounding recreational opportunities, plenty of jobs provided by the local economy, and great education system are just some of the reasons for moving to this part of Virginia.
If you are interested in finding property in Virginia Beach, VA, contact RentEasy today! We can help you find a home in the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, as well as answer any additional questions you may have about moving to Virginia Beach.
