Moving to Virginia Beach? This stunning Hampton Roads locale is one of the best beach cities in America—and it’s home to a large military presence, sprawling outdoor recreation, and a coastal lifestyle for any budget. If you’re thinking of living in Virginia Beach, here are five safe and affordable neighborhoods to consider!
Dam Neck
- Home Price: $387,365 median purchase price; $1,724 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Virginia cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean lies the neighborhood of Dam Neck. Here, you can find Craftsman and Colonial-style houses of all sizes, with waterfront access to the North Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway. The neighborhood’s seaside location provides residents with plenty of water-based recreation at Croatan Beach as well as angler and charter fishing at Lake Redwing. Locals enjoy additional outdoor recreation at places like Red Wing Lake Golf Course and nearby Red Wing Park—which offers access to athletic courts, a dog park, and lovely gardens! Beyond its affordability, one of the best perks of living in Dam Neck is its proximity to Naval Air Station Oceana—making it perfect for military families and base personnel.
Things to Do in Dam Neck
Spend an afternoon on the waterslides, float down the Adventure River, or relax in Runaway Bay at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. Race go-karts, play Shipwreck Mini Golf, or explore Kiddie City at Motor World. See marine animals like sea turtles and sharks, or attend family-friendly events like Toddler Trek, Sensory-Friendly Mornings, and Whale Watching Boat Tours at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Zip through natural wetlands and take in amazing views of Virginia Beach forestry at Adventureworks Zipline. Try the Bianca Specialty Pizza, Chick-O-Philly Pizza, or Gino’s Specialty Stromboli at Gino’s Pizzeria By Maurizio. Dig into fresh Virginia Beach seafood like Rudee’s Carolina Jumbo Shrimp, Rudee’s Crabcake Dinner, and Rudee’s Sea Scallops on the sundeck at Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar. Chow down on pub grub like the BW Baja Soft Tacos, Macho Nachos, or Big Woody Burger at Big Woody’s Bar & Grill. Or grab off-the-boat cuisine for dinner with dishes like Hatteras Clam Chowder, Calamari Croatan, or K-38 Fajitas at Big Sam’s Raw Bar.
Great Neck
- Home Price: $476,113 median purchase price; $1,502 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Virginia cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Great Neck is a top neighborhood in Virginia Beach—and it’s an especially great place for families to settle down because of its safe streets and close-knit community. Residents can find housing options ranging from brick Colonial-style homes to charming ranches, surrounded by waterways like Broad Bay and Lynnhaven Bay. You’ll also be near some of the best schools in Virginia Beach—including Cape Henry Collegiate and First Colonial High School. Plus, this North Virginia Beach neighborhood is only about 15 minutes away from the downtown area, giving residents easy access to job opportunities, local restaurants, shopping centers, and outdoor recreation.
Things to Do in Great Neck
Practice your swing on the tennis courts at Lynnhaven Park—or check out a book from the Great Neck Area Library across the street. Swim a few laps, take a group fitness class, or shoot some hoops at the Great Neck Recreation Center. Have a picnic, play a game of volleyball, or relax in the gazebo at 70-acre Great Neck Park. Take advantage of a championship golf course, Olympic-sized pool, and fine dining after becoming a member at Broad Bay Country Club. Start your day with the Bronx Bowl, New Jersey Breakfast Sandwich, or a New York-style bagel from The Bagel Baker. Enjoy Italian food in Virginia Beach like the Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, Margherita Pizza, or Florentine Calzone from Ynot Italian. Order authentic Mexican creations like the Quesadillas Rellenas, Enchiladas Poblanas, and Huevos Rancheros at La Herradura Mexican Restaurant & Cantina. Or dine on traditional American fare like Grilled Salmon, Roast Pork Loin, and Grilled Leg of Lamb at the award-winning Coastal Grill.
Kempsville
- Home Price: $321,903 median purchase price; $1,655 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Virginia cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
If you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood in Virginia Beach, look no further than Kempsville! Encompassing the areas of Kempsville Gardens, Avalon, and Fairfield, this safe Virginia Beach neighborhood offers plenty of amenities. Ample green spaces like City View Park and Ferry Point Park are common spots for outdoor recreation, while the Kempsville shopping malls make it easy to pick up essentials or get in some retail therapy. Plus, parents can enroll their children in great neighborhood schools like Kempsville Elementary School, Kempsville Middle School, and Kempsville High School.
Things to Do in Kempsville
Challenge your friends to a round of golf at Kempsville Greens Municipal Golf Course. Take a stroll on the walking paths and pedestrian bridge or check out the “Good Game” statue—honoring Kempsville Pony Baseball—at Kempes Landing Park. Go canoeing or walk along the scenic half-mile Elizabeth River Virginia Beach Trail. Kayak around Lake Windsor, do some freshwater fishing, or climb the two man-made mountains of Mount Trashmore Park. Order farm-to-table dishes like Three Sisters Salad, Pulled Chicken Barbeque, and Turkey Meatloaf during Open Mic Night at Circa 1734. Sample Japanese classics like Chicken Hibachi, Shrimp Tempura Rolls, and California Rolls at Yomi Japanese Hibachi & Sushi. Get a plate of authentic Hawaiian creations like the Chicken Katsu, Kalbi Short Ribs, and Kalua Pork at Aloha Hawaiian BBQ. Or try traditional Ethiopian cuisine with Kitfo, Siga Wot, or Mesob Special Tibs at Mesob Cafe.
Seatack
- Home Price: $395,374 median purchase price; $1,885 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Virginia cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Home of the ViBe Creative District, Seatack is among the most exciting neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, making it ideal for singles and young professionals moving to the East Coast. This oceanfront neighborhood in Downtown Virginia Beach is filled with apartments, townhomes, and houses of all sizes. Almost everything you could want—shopping, entertainment, or even the beach—is within walking distance in Seatack. The neighborhood is just a stone’s throw from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, offering over three miles of iconic seaside attractions. Plus, if you need to head west, the Norfolk Virginia Beach Expy allows you to get wherever you need in the city!
Things to Do in Seatack
Join guest lectures from renowned artists at Coffee + Conversation, peruse a family-friendly art market at Family Fest, or appreciate rotating art displays at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Make a mess splash painting your own unique artwork at Splash House. Compete in carnival games or view the Virginia Beach skyline from the Ferris Wheel at Atlantic Fun Park. Test your courage by walking through the narrow hallways of the haunted house or trying to get out of the escape room at Nightmare Mansion. Have a hearty breakfast in Virginia Beach with the Avocado BLT, Jamaican Dark Rum French Toast, or Light Tower Omelette from Bay Local. Relax with comfort-style food like a Crab Cake Dinner or a whole pound of shrimp from South Beach Grill. Savor Virginia Beach barbecue with the Pit Sliced Beef Sandwich, King Rack Beef Ribs, or a Brisket Burger from Beach Bully BBQ. Or sip Happy Hour cocktails like Beachside Mojitos and El Clasico while playing shuffleboard or a variety of board games at Beachside Social.
Thoroughgood
- Home Price: $539,055 median purchase price; $1,569 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Virginia cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Thoroughgood is one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach! Though it offers an escape from the city scene, it’s easy to stay connected since Downtown Virginia Beach is less than a half-hour away. Within the neighborhood itself, sprawling green spaces like the Pleasure House Point Natural Area and bodies of water like Lynnhaven River offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Residents can choose from a variety of affordable housing, ranging from detached single-family homes to classic condos and row houses. Plus, parents will appreciate close proximity to high-quality schools like Thoroughgood Elementary School and Hermitage Elementary School.
Things to Do in Thoroughgood
Go for a swim, run laps, or play billiards at Bayside Recreation Center. Pump some iron or start a fitness regime tailored for you at Natural Bodyz Fitness. Tour one of the oldest Colonial homes in Virginia Beach, the Thoroughgood House—built around 1719 and filled with attractive period furnishings. Play a game of disc golf or take your pup to the dog park at nearby Bayville Farms Park. Order comfort food favorites made from local ingredients like the Spoon Stack, Carnitas Hash, or Veggie Omelet at The Rustic Spoon. Fill up on Lan Zhou Beef Noodle Soup, Cucumber Cold Noodle Salad, or Mongolian Beef Stir-Fried Noodle at Noodle Man. Sink your teeth into the Asiago Chicken or Fried Green Tomato BLT while enjoying locally-brewed beers at 1608 Crafthouse. Or try out exemplary Italian eats like Gnocchi with Pesto, Porchetta Salad, or Four Cheese Ravioli in White Cream from Marchese Italian Market.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes, Zillow, and RentCafe.
