Moving to Virginia Beach, VA
By Right Price Real Estate Team with OWN Real Estate
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Thinking About Moving to Virginia Beach, Virginia? Start Here
Relocating or moving to Virginia Beach comes with a unique set of considerations—from coastal geography to military presence and regional infrastructure.
This guide provides a structured overview of the city, including housing, economic drivers, transportation, and key institutions. Whether you're a local, military buyer, corporate transferee, or relocating from out of state, this resource is designed to help you understand how Virginia Beach fits within the broader Hampton Roads region.
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Where is Virginia Beach Located?
Virginia Beach is an independent city in southeastern Virginia, part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.
• Region: Hampton Roads / Tidewater
• Coastal Position: Atlantic Ocean frontage
• Government Type: Council–manager system
• Classification: Independent city
It is geographically connected to neighboring cities including Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, forming one of the largest coastal population centers in the Mid-Atlantic.
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Virginia Beach City Overview
• Founded: 1906 (City consolidation in 1963)
• Population: 450,000+
• Land Area: ~249 square miles
• Economic Role: Regional hub for tourism, defense, and services
Virginia Beach includes both coastal and inland development patterns, with a mix of residential communities, commercial corridors, and preserved natural areas.
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Military Presence in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach plays a major role in U.S. military operations, particularly for the Navy.
Naval Air Station Oceana
• Primary mission: Fleet fighter aircraft operations
• Established: 1941
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
• Focus: Expeditionary warfare and amphibious operations
• Established: Early 20th century origins
These installations contribute significantly to the regional economy and influence housing demand throughout the area.
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Major Employers in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach’s economy is supported by a mix of public sector, healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing employers.
• Sentara Healthcare
• City of Virginia Beach
• GEICO
• STIHL Inc.
These organizations represent a significant portion of local employment and economic activity.
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Colleges and Universities in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach includes several higher education institutions:
Regent University
• Founded: 1977
• Focus: Law, business, communications
Virginia Wesleyan University
• Founded: 1961
• Focus: Liberal arts education
These institutions contribute to workforce development and regional academic presence.
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Things to Know About the Area’s Geography
Virginia Beach is defined by its coastal and environmental features.
Notable locations include:
• First Landing State Park
• Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The city includes oceanfront shoreline, bay access, and inland waterways.
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Transportation and Accessibility
Virginia Beach is connected to the greater Hampton Roads region through a network of highways and transit systems.
• Interstates: I-264, I-64
• Public Transit: Hampton Roads Transit (HRT)
• Airport Access: Norfolk International Airport
• Port Access: Port of Virginia (regional)
Buyers should evaluate transportation options based on employment location and regional connectivity.
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Utilities and Infrastructure
Key service providers include:
• Electricity: Dominion Energy
• Water/Sewer: City of Virginia Beach
• Natural Gas: Virginia Natural Gas
• Internet: Cox Communications, Verizon (availability varies)
Service availability should be independently verified for each property.
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Virginia Beach Real Estate Overview
Virginia Beach offers a range of housing options, including:
• Detached single-family homes
• Townhomes and condominiums
• Coastal properties
• Mixed-use developments
Development spans multiple decades, resulting in varied architectural styles and community layouts.
Important:
Market conditions fluctuate. Buyers should consult a licensed Virginia real estate professional for current data.
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Annual Events and Community Activity
Virginia Beach hosts several recurring events throughout the year.
• Neptune Festival (Oceanfront)
• Something in the Water Festival
• Point Break Music Festival
Event schedules, attendance, and locations may vary year to year.
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Key Venues and Civic Spaces
• Virginia Beach Convention Center
• Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
• Virginia Beach Ocean Front
• Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
• The Dome, Virginia Beach
These venues host conferences, performances, and public events.
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What Makes Virginia Beach Unique?
• Independent city governance structure
• Coastal and inland geographic combination
• Regional role within Hampton Roads economy
• Integration of residential, commercial, and environmental areas
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Considering a Move to Virginia Beach?
Relocating involves evaluating housing, infrastructure, and regional dynamics. Working with a licensed real estate professional can help you navigate the process and access current market data.
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Work With Right Price Real Estate Team with OWN Real Estate
If you're planning a move to Virginia Beach or the surrounding Hampton Roads area, our team provides structured guidance throughout the relocation process.
Contact us for:
• Virtual showings
• Local market insights
• Relocation strategy
• Contract guidance
