Thinking of living in Virginia Beach? Neptune City is one of the best beach towns in America and one of the best big cities to live in thanks to its stunning coastal beauty, family-friendly things to do, and growing job market. Here are 16 things to know about living in VA Beach!

Seek Affordable Living in Neptune City

It’s no coincidence that many young professionals, families, and retirees have made their home in Virginia Beach—making it more than just a popular coastal travel destination! Not only do residents benefit from its booming economy and low unemployment rate, but VA Beach also boasts the lowest real estate tax rate in the Hampton Roads region. As with many popular beach cities, the cost of living in Virginia Beach is higher than the national average—but keep in mind the median home price is lower than Arlington, another major Virginia metro, and the city is also safer than both Chesapeake and Norfolk. Virginia Beach’s low crime rates paired with its relative affordability helps make it one of the best places to live on the East Coast!

Find Top Jobs in Virginia Beach

If you’re considering moving to Virginia Beach, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find a great job! The unemployment rate in Virginia Beach is nearly 2% lower than the national average at 2.8%, and the average income in Virginia Beach is higher than both state and national averages. Major industries in the area include advanced manufacturing, tourism, maritime and logistics, and defense—with U.S. military careers at the Joint Expeditionary Base-Little Creek-Fort Story, the headquarters of the Navy Exchange Service Command, and more. If you want to work in healthcare, interview for jobs in administration, marketing, life sciences, research and development, and more at LifeNet Health. Or explore opportunities at top-rated Sentara Health, which offers nursing jobs at hospitals in Virginia Beach like Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

Attend Great Colleges in Virginia Beach

Those interested in pursuing higher education can choose from a number of local trade schools, colleges, and universities in VB! Enroll in popular programs like psychology, social science, or environmental studies at Virginia Wesleyan University—where you can cheer on the Marlins at various sporting events. If you’re in search of transfer-friendly or military-friendly schools, find it—plus 150 areas of study including animation, law, and more—at Regent University. Choose from a range of programs like aerospace physiology, space operations, or space physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Take classes to expand your knowledge about nursing, counseling and psychology, or business and technology at South University, Virginia Beach. Or join a sports team, study at the interactive library, and more when you work toward a degree in legal services, design, or education at Bryant & Stratton College‘s Virginia Beach campus.

Discover Local Virginia Beach History

Officially founded in 1887 as a seaside resort, the fittingly nicknamed “Resort City” originally served as the first landing site of English settlers back in 1607. First Landing State Park—one of the city’s many notable historical sites—was named for this early expedition, and visitors can camp, swim, observe native wildlife, and engage with the long history of indigenous tribes first-hand today. But learning about VB’s history doesn’t stop there! Connect with the past by climbing to the top of the Cape Henry Lighthouse—the nation’s first federally-funded public works project—for a bird’s-eye view of Chesapeake Bay. Learn more about how nautical features have shaped Virginia Beach’s legacy and explore maritime exhibits at the Surf & Rescue Museum. Or visit the first high school for African Americans in Virginia Beach and listen to stories of community, family, and more at the Princess Anne Country Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum.

Honor Virginia Beach’s Proud Military Ties

The U.S. military has had a dominant presence in Virginia for decades, thanks to numerous military bases and facilities. Want to explore Virginia Beach’s expansive military ties? Browse one of the largest private collections of World War I and World War II-era aircraft at the Military Aviation Museum. Experience the museum’s aircraft in motion by scheduling a warbird ride over the city. Or buy tickets to see the famous Oceana Air Show at the Naval Air Station Oceana. In addition to its storied military past, Virginia Beach prides itself on being home to Fort Story—one of the best U.S. military bases for families—as well as being one of the best U.S. cities for veterans to live in.

Unplug & Unwind in Nature

Due to the state’s “Goldilocks Climate”, the weather in Virginia Beach is pleasantly moderate year-round—though residents do need to be cautious during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. No matter the season, nature lovers will find plenty of things to see and do in Virginia Beach! Grab your beach towel and spend an afternoon laying out at secluded Sandbridge Beach. Rent a surfboard, kayak, or canoe and take lessons with Surf & Adventure Co to learn how to ride the waves. Rollerblade along the beachfront, surf the waves, or relax under the sun in the heart of the city at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Admire diverse flora and fauna while enjoying some scenic hiking in Virginia Beach at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Compete in the world’s largest amateur beach soccer festival, or watch from the sidelines at the North American Sand Soccer Championships (NASSC). Or shred at the skate park, take your kids to the playground, or go for a jog at the 165-acre Mount Trashmore Park—a landfill-turned-ecological-wonder, and sister park to Japan’s Haginodai Park!

Cruise Virginia Beach’s Extensive Bike Routes

Virginia Beach and its surrounding natural areas are a true cyclist’s paradise. The city boasts more than 300 miles of bike-friendly paths, many of which start or run through major parks. Find over 15 miles of trails at False Cape State Park alone—and put False Cape Interior Trail, Marsh Ridge Trail, and Maple Leaf Trail at the top of your list! Travel along the Osmanthus Trail, Bald Cypress Trail, Cape Henry Trail, and other pathways at First Landing State Park. If self-guided bike tours are more up your alley, try the themed Bikes, Brews & Art Tour or Bikes, Brews & History Tour to discover interesting Virginia Beach hot spots at your own pace. Plus, with the abundance of walkways, you’ll always have an easy, fun, and eco-friendly way to get around the city!

Bring Along Your Dogs in VA Beach

Your four-legged friend will feel right at home in Virginia Beach! Traditional activities like going for a swim in the ocean or strolling down the Boardwalk only scratch the surface of the city’s pet inclusivity. Attend a Parks & Recreation-sponsored “Pup-Up” event at one of the many dog parks and dog-friendly places in Virginia Beach. See what has locals buzzing about the craft brews at Wasserhund Brewing Company, which features a pet-friendly patio and several pup-themed pints. For dining at dog-friendly restaurants in Virginia Beach, you have several options! Enjoy dishes like Pasta Prima Vera, Seafood Jambalaya, or the Fish of the Day with your pup on the outdoor patio at Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant. Enjoy Yappy Hour drinks and events like Music Bingo while your dog plays in the year-round dog park at Pups & Pints. Or bring your canine companion to enjoy live music, food trucks, and more at the annual Woofstock Music Festival.

Stroll Along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Considered one of the top VA Beach attractions, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is brimming with art, restaurants, shops, museums, and so much more. No visit is complete without posing for a photo with the famed King Neptune statue, but there are plenty of other must-do activities to enjoy as well. Spend the day fishing in Virginia Beach and see what you can reel in at the famed Virginia Beach Fishing Pier—which is located on the largest pleasure beach in the world. Build sandcastles with the family, try out the swaying boat, and enjoy the fully accessible playground at Grommet Island Park. Get your heart pumping on thrill rides, hop on a go-kart, and admire the waterfront from 100 feet in the air on the Ferris wheel at Atlantic Fun Park. Or experience the sights and sounds of the Virginia coast atop a horse on guided tours with Virginia Beach Horseback!

Try Waterfront Activities in Virginia Beach

There are plenty of watersports and maritime activities in Virginia Beach to get involved in! Fresh and saltwater fishing are both well-loved pastimes in Neptune City, with anglers throughout the state and beyond flocking to the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier and 42-acre Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area. The waters are rife with fish, including Spanish mackerel, summer flounder, striped bass, and more—so check out local licensing laws, grab your tackle box and fresh bait, and get ready to reel in a big one. Charter a boat ride to the best fishing spots in Virginia Beach or take a Moonlight Cruise with First Landing Charters. Looking to get into watersports instead? Rent some gear and get a few pointers from the experts at one of VB’s many rental shops, and then hit the waves for surfing, canoeing, and more. Opt for a guided experience instead and book a Kayak Dolphin Tour with GoKayak! Take the family out and parasail up to 1000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean with Pirate Parasail. Or cheer on the pros at VB sports events like the annual East Coast Surfing Championships and Neptune’s Atlantic Regatta.

Enjoy Virginia Beach’s Attractions for Families

If you have kids, you’ll be happy to know there are countless things to do in Virginia Beach for families! Spark your curiosity about the world under the sea, explore the aerial Adventure Park, and get up close to marine creatures like eels and sharks at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Shop for your favorite brands, enjoy local dining, and attend kid-friendly events like Movies in the Plaza at the Town Center of Virginia Beach. Stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, and more year-round at the Old Beach Farmers Market in Virginia Beach. Ride the waves at Runaway Bay, cruise down the Adventure River, and ride a raft with your family down Operation Splashdown at Ocean Breeze Waterpark. Take a short trip over to Norfolk to see more than 150 species of wildlife, including otters, bears, orangutans, and emus, at Virginia Zoo. Or get tickets to family-friendly shows like NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, The Peking Acrobats, and more at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Celebrate at Virginia Beach Festivals

There’s an abundance of fun festivals in Virginia Beach to put on your calendar. Catch insightful talks from keynote speakers, try your hand at a birding challenge, and engage with live animals at the annual Winter Wildlife Festival. Watch artists compete for first place at the International Sand Sculpting Championship, check out the Grand Parade, and more at the beloved Virginia Beach Neptune Festival—which draws more than 400,000 visitors to the oceanfront each year. Raise money for charity, play games, enjoy live music, and support over 40 local brewers while they battle for the top spot at the 757 Battle of the Beers. Head to the Virginia Beach Convention Center to enjoy fresh roasted, raw, or fried oysters with a chilled craft beer at VBVRS Oyster Fest. Jam out on the oceanfront to top acts like Dashboard Confessional and 311 at the Oceanfront Concert Series every summer. Or join the holiday cheer while watching the procession of lighted floats, giant balloons, fire trucks, and more at the Holiday Parade at the Beach.

Get Inspired at the ViBe Creative District

You don’t have to attend a festival to enjoy good times and great art in Virginia Beach! Characterized by colorful, artistic installations like the now-permanent rainbow crosswalk, the ViBe Creative District is a lively cultural hub with endless things to do and discover. In fact, the neighborhood contains over 450 public works of art for residents to explore—ranging from murals to sidewalk art. Attend the annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show, take classes based on current exhibitions, or marvel at the rotating art collections at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Curate your own collection by supporting the several locally-owned shops in the district. Have a smaller purchase in mind? Browse for a new handcrafted leather bag, wallet, and more at North End Bag Company. Or set up an appointment to buy one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces at Hardy’s The Art of Jewelry.

Savor Virginia Beach Seafood

Whether you have a craving for Virginia Beach blue crab, oysters, or other catches from Chesapeake Bay, you’ll find plenty of fantastic seafood restaurants to treat your tastebuds! Dig in to a Crab Cake Sandwich, Beach Burger, fresh-caught Seafood Platter, and more at Calypso Bar & Grill. Order Hush Puppies, a Southwest Blackened Tuna Salad, or one of the signature Steamer Bags at Chix on the Beach, a popular waterfront restaurant in Virginia Beach. Devour Little Neck Clams, Fennel Pollen Spiced Sea Scallops, Pan Roasted Atlantic Halibut, and more at Terrapin Restaurant. Feast on Oysters Rockefeller, Hatteras Clam Chowder, Big Sam’s Famous Gulf Shrimp, or Fresh East Coast Oysters at the one-and-only Big Sam’s Raw Bar. Stop by and fill up on the Snow Crab Legs, Maine Lobster Roll, Classic Shrimp Cocktail, and more at Catch 31. Or indulge in Seaside Scallops, Tempura Fried Shrimp, or the Signature Broiled Lump Crab Cakes at Blue Seafood & Spirits.

Treat Yourself to Delicious Local Fare

If you aren’t a fan of seafood, don’t worry—you can find all kinds of tasty cuisine at other Virginia Beach restaurants. Start your day off with Candied Pecan French Toast Bites, Cinnabon Pecan Waffles, or Buttermilk Pancakes at Bay Local Eatery. Have brunch in VA Beach and order JJ’s Eggs Benedict, Hippy Breakfast Burrito, Orange Zest Ham Biscuit, and more at The Bee & The Biscuit. Spice lovers will want to order the Loaded Chopped Cheese Fries, Jerk Shrimp, Caribbean Fried Cauliflower, and more at Carib Shack, a Guy Fieri-approved Caribbean eatery with something for everyone. Make a reservation to enjoy dishes such as the Beef Wellington, Lobster Thermidor, and Short Rib Risotto at Steinhilber’s. Savor a Bourbon Bone-In Pork Chop, Garlic & Herb Chicken, or Kielbasa & Chicken Mac & Cheese at Firebrew Bar & Grill. Or feast on a Krabby Patty, The Classic Burger, the unique PB&J Burger, and more at Repeal Bourbon & Burgers.

Check Out Nightlife in VA Beach

Living in Virginia Beach means there will always be somewhere to go and something to do—especially after sundown! No VB night out would be complete without trying Virginia Beach’s signature cocktail, the Orange Crush. Though Waterman’s Surfside Grille claims to be the Orange Crush’s originator, almost every bar in the city has its own version of this Virginia Beach classic. But drinks aren’t the only thing you can enjoy after dark in Neptune City! Attend events like Clash of the Comics or check out side-splitting standup acts at the VA Beach Funny Bone. Want a budget-friendly night on the town? Don’t miss Ynot Wednesdays, a free annual summer concert series sponsored by The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts featuring acts of all genres. Sip a Cabana Crusher to go with Carolina Steamed Shrimp, Turp’s Surf & Turf, or Rudee’s Crabcake Dinner at Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar. Or if a wild weekend is more your style, hit the bar for a round of Lemon Drop Crushes and then hit the dance floor at Peabody’s Nightclub.

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