Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach

Moving to Virginia Beach? This Hampton Roads coastal city is home to a large military presence and offers affordable living near the beach, golf courses for all skill levels, and much more. If you’re thinking of living in Virginia Beach, here are five safe and affordable neighborhoods to consider!

• Dam Neck
• Great Neck
• Kempsville
• Seatack
• Thoroughgood

Dam Neck

Photo Via @broadsightrealty

• Home Price: $246,175 median purchase price; $882 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Virginia cities
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families

Just 15 minutes south of Downtown Virginia Beach and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east lies the military-friendly neighborhood Dam Neck. Close to Naval Air Station Oceana, this safe Virginia Beach neighborhood is perfect for military families and base personnel. Here, you can find Craftsman and Colonial-style homes of all sizes, as well as plenty of green space for outdoor activities. Beyond its affordability, one of the best perks of living in Dam Neck is that you have access to Croatan Beach and Red Wing Park!

Things to Do in Dam Neck

Spend an afternoon on the waterslides, float down the Adventure River, or cool down in Runaway Bay at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. Stroll through the beautiful gardens or challenge your friends to pickleball at Red Wing Park. Race go-karts, play Shipwreck Mini Golf, or take the kids to play at Kiddie City at Motor World. Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to see marine animals like sea turtles and sharks, or attend events like Sensory-Friendly Mornings. Zip through natural wetlands and take in amazing views at Adventureworks Wetland Zipline Park. Practice your swing on a quick nine or hit the links for a full 18 at Red Wing Lake Golf Course. Try the Bianca Specialty Pizza or Gino’s Specialty Stromboli at Gino’s Pizzeria by Maurizio. Enjoy some pub grub like the BW Baja Soft Tacos or Big Woody Burger at Big Woody’s Bar & Grill. Or head over to Big Sam’s Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar for some seaside cuisine like the Wave Runner or Fajitas with All the Fixin’s.

Great Neck

Photo via @robertramey53

• Home Price: $404,000 median purchase price; $1,174 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 56% 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 to settle down because of its safety ratings and close-knit community. This North Virginia Beach neighborhood is only about 15 minutes away from the downtown area, and it’s surrounded by waterways like Broad Bay and Lynnhaven Bay. Residents can find housing options ranging from brick Colonial-style to charming ranches, as well as great schools like Cape Henry Collegiate and First Colonial High School.

Things to Do in Great Neck

Play some tennis under the lights at Lynnhaven Park. Swim a few laps, take a group fitness class, or shoot some hoops at the Great Neck Recreation Center. Set up a picnic, get a game of volleyball together, or relax in the gazebo at Great Neck Park. Become a member of Broad Bay Country Club to enjoy access to a championship golf course, Olympic-sized pool, and fine dining. Start your day with the Bronx Bowl or a New York-style bagel from The Bagel Baker. Try the Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, Margherita Pizza, or Florentine Calzone from Ynot Italian. Head over to La Herradura Mexican Restaurant & Cantina for authentic Mexican creations like the Quesadillas Rellenas, Enchiladas Poblanas, and Huevos Rancheros. Or grab a meal at award-winning Coastal Grill, where you can try the Peppered Seared Tuna or Grilled Leg of Lamb.

Kempsville

Photo via @andyhubba

• Home Price: $318,000 median purchase price; $1,414 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Virginia cities
• Perfect For: Families, retirees

If you’re looking for a quieter, family-friendly neighborhood in Virginia Beach, look no further than Kempsville! Encompassing the areas of Kempsville Gardens, Avalon, and Fairfield, this is a great centralized neighborhood with a lot to do. Households of all sizes can find homes ranging from affordable apartments to sprawling brick ranches. Meanwhile, ample green spaces like City View Park and Ferry Point Park offer outdoor recreation opportunities, while the shopping malls in Kempsville make it easy to pick up the essentials and get in some retail therapy.

Things to Do in Kempsville

Hit the range or challenge your friends to a round of golf at Kempsville Greens 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 beautiful half-mile Elizabeth River Virginia Beach Trail. Kayak around Lake Windsor, do some fishing, or climb the two man-made mountains of Mount Trashmore Park. Chow down on NOLA-inspired dishes like the Fried Shrimp Po’Boy, Louisiana Jambalaya, or Crawfish Étouffée at Lil’ Bit NOLA. Get a plate of authentic Hawaiian creations like the Chicken Katsu or Kalua Pork at Aloha Hawaiian BBQ. Or try traditional Ethiopian cuisine like the Kitfo, Siga Wot, or Mesob Special Tibs at Mesob Cafe.

Seatack

Photo via @757_francesca

• Home Price: $334,944 median purchase price; $1,574 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 56% 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! Occupying Downtown Virginia Beach, Seatack is an ideal neighborhood for young professionals moving to the East Coast. This oceanfront neighborhood is filled with apartments, townhomes, and homes of all sizes and budgets. Almost everything you could want—whether it’s shopping, entertainment, or even the beach—is within walking distance in Seatack, too. And if you need to head west, easy access to the Norfolk Virginia Beach Expy allows you to get wherever you need in the city!

Things to Do in Seatack

See the ever-changing displays of art or participate in hands-on activities at Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Check out the public artwork of the ViBe Creative District with a Mural Tour. Spend a day soaking up the sun, wading in the ocean, or even fishing at Virginia Beach. Make a mess splash painting to create your own unique artwork at Splash House. Challenge yourself to some carnival games or gaze out over Virginia Beach from the Ferris Wheel at Atlantic Fun Park. Test your mettle with a walk through the expansive Nightmare Mansion and try to escape the horror-themed Escape Room. Relax with some comfort food like a Maryland Lump Crabcake or French Dip Sandwich from South Beach Grill. Have a hearty breakfast at Bay Local, where you can try a Breakfast BLT, Jamaican Rum French Toast, or Cheddar Bacon Omelette. Or enjoy a drink while playing shuffleboard or a variety of board games at Beachside Social.

Thoroughgood

Photo via @liveoakrealestate

• Home Price: $453,000 median purchase price; $1,267 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 56% of Virginia cities
• Perfect For: Families, retirees

Thoroughgood is one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach! It isn’t uncommon to see kids and people walking their dogs through open streets lined with affordable single, detached homes. Sprawling green spaces like the Pleasure House Point Natural Area and bodies of water like Lynnhaven River offer plenty of recreation in Thoroughgood, and parents will appreciate that good schools like Thoroughgood Elementary School and Hermitage Elementary School are close by. While Thoroughgood offers an escape from the city scene, it’s easy to stay connected with Downtown Virginia Beach less than a half hour away.

Things to Do in Thoroughgood

Go for a swim, run some laps, or play billiards at Bayside Recreation Center. Pump some iron, or start a fitness regime tailored for you at Natural Bodyz Fitness. Visit the 1719 Thoroughgood House to tour one of the oldest Colonial homes in Virginia Beach. Play some disc golf or take your pup to the dog park at nearby Bayville Farms Park. Order dishes made from local ingredients like the Spoon Stack 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 some locally brewed beers at 1608 Crafthouse. Or visit Marchese Italian Market & Cafe for a Porchetta Salad or Four Cheese Ravioli in White Cream.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes, Redfin, Zillow, and RentCafe.