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Virginia Beach
About Virginia Beach
While Virginia Beach's bayfront and seaside flair is certainly a hit with tourists, the city's laid-back charm, great community, and overall quality of life have turned many visitors into permanent residents. Over the years, various industry reports have consistently named Virginia Beach as one of the best places to live in the country so it comes as no surprise that the city continues to see significant population growth.
History
The history of Virginia Beach dates back to the time when Native American tribes were the primary occupants of the land from Virginia to New York. Those who lived in the region consisting of the modern-day cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach were called the Chesepians.
In April 1607, English colonists landed on the spot where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. They named the location Cape Henry and from there, pushed further inland to create a permanent settlement. The first landing holds such an esteemed place in the nation's history that monuments and parks were built near the actual landing site to commemorate the event.
From a rural zone meant for agriculture, the area known as Virginia Beach in Princess Anne County was slowly developed into a resort town. This came on the heels of the construction of a railroad by the coast in 1883. The continuous modernization of infrastructure and amenities contributed to its rising reputation as a vacation retreat.
In 1952, Virginia Beach was established as an independent city, politically separate from Princess Anne County. Eleven years later, the two entities were reunited to form a larger city, retaining the name, Virginia Beach due to its popularity.
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Highlights of Virginia Beach
Military ties
Hampton Roads is considered to be the center of military activity on the East Coast. With around 96,000 active-duty personnel, it has the biggest concentration of military professionals outside the Pentagon. There is a strong Navy presence in the region, and other branches of the Armed Forces are well-represented, as well.
Among the major military installations in the area is Naval Air Station Oceana, which is the Navy's Master Jet Base on the east coast. This station is located right in the heart of Virginia Beach, so seeing military personnel coming and going is an everyday encounter for locals.
Location
Virginia Beach is situated in the southeastern part of Virginia, as well as the largest city in the Hampton Roads metro area. It covers approximately 245 square miles of land while its water territory spans over 250 square miles.
Norfolk and Chesapeake lie to the west of the city and are both within half an hour away. State capital Richmond is under two hours away further west.
There are seven districts to explore in Virginia Beach, each with its own identities that influence how people come to experience the city.
The Oceanfront is considered the city's primary beach district. Sandbridge and Chesapeake Bay both provide a calmer waterfront lifestyle for residents and tourists. Urban haven Town Center is the high-end recreational zone in the city, while the Inland district is home to more relaxed shopping, dining, and residential experiences. Pungo is all about farmlands and agricultural activities, while the ViBe Creative District showcases the city's art and cultural talents.
Population
The population in Virginia Beach is estimated at more than 455,000 – the biggest in the state. A significant number of single young career starters holding college or graduate degrees dominate the local demographic. This is largely due to the availability of many employment opportunities in the area, particularly in leading industries such as healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and professional/scientific/technical services.
Another huge chunk of the population in Virginia Beach consists of those 55 and above – a testament to the city's appeal among senior adults. The relaxed day-to-day life brought by the scenic beachfront, pleasant weather, and the average cost of living in Virginia Beach makes it an attractive prospect for this segment.
Lifestyle
While the average cost of living in Virginia Beach is slightly higher than the national average, the area is still more affordable than most of its mid-Atlantic and Northeastern neighbors. Costs of groceries, utilities, and transportation are at par or lower than those in other major cities. Healthcare, housing, and other miscellaneous expenses, however, are higher than the average spend by Americans living elsewhere in the country.
Balancing this out is the high quality of life the city affords its residents. With top-notch healthcare, excellent schools, a strong economy, and the best of both city and coastal living, Virginia Beach remains one of the most desirable places to call home.
Luxury Real Estate In Virginia Beach
Market overview
The real estate landscape in Virginia Beach is dominated by single-family homes. This type of housing comes in different styles and sizes but three- to four-bedroom structures are prevalent in the city. You'll also find a good number of luxury real estate in Virginia Beach, VA, mostly in the more affluent neighborhoods located near the water or among golf communities.
The architectural styles seen around Virginia Beach reflect its rich history. You can still spot houses and other buildings that were built in the Colonial style. Symmetrical and spacious Georgian-style homes have also not lost their appeal. Other popular architecture styles include Federal, Ranch, and Contemporary, among others.
The Virginia Beach real estate market is considered to be highly competitive. There has been a consistent demand for housing in the area, driving home prices up over the years. Houses generally don't stay on the market for very long, with sellers receiving multiple offers and often closing deals above their initial price.
Average Home Prices
Average Home Price Per Square Feet
Average Home Statistics In Terms Of:
Notable neighborhoods in Virginia Beach
Below are some of the best neighborhoods to live in Virginia Beach.
1. The North End
This suburban community offers residents a luxurious shoreside lifestyle, with unhindered access to the beach, a myriad of water-based activities, and a friendly atmosphere. Though near the perennially busy boardwalk area, the North End's beach is still fairly secluded. It is also considered a family-friendly locale, primarily due to the excellent schools that serve the area.
The North End has different housing options, ranging from homey cottages and townhouses to grand mansions. Many of the million-dollar homes in Virginia Beach are located in this upscale neighborhood.
Below are some of the best neighborhoods to live in Virginia Beach.
2. Bay Colony
Another premier residential area in the city, Bay Colony is an older, more established neighborhood known for maintaining a tranquil environment amid the hip and lively beach setting. Residents often engage in water activities like boating and fishing, as well as spending time in nearby parks, shopping districts, and dining establishments.
Bay Colony is located on a peninsula less than two miles from the Atlantic Ocean, so if you are looking for waterfront luxury homes for sale in Virginia Beach, VA, this neighborhood is a good place to start your search.
Below are some of the best neighborhoods to live in Virginia Beach.
3. Lynnwood
Lynnwood is a development in the Little Neck neighborhood. Given its status as one of the wealthiest communities in the city, expect the real estate here to be paragons of luxury. Lynnwood homes don't often go on the market but when they do, they are snatched up quite quickly, given the neighborhood's reputation as an ideal place to live the good life.
Below are some of the best neighborhoods to live in Virginia Beach.
4. Great Neck
The Great Neck neighborhood offers a snapshot of how Virginia Beach looked from the 1950s to the 1980s. You will see Colonial houses, Cape Cod homes, and brick Ranch-style abodes lining the streets. The northern part of the community comes closest to the water. This is where you will find modern luxury real estate in Virginia Beach, VA.
Apart from its picturesque setting along Broad Bay and the Lynnhaven River, residents also love the tranquil ambiance of this neighborhood. Traffic doesn't come through the area and its location is relatively far from the crowds and the rush. These are what sets Great Neck apart from its more touristy counterparts.
Life in Virginia Beach
YOUR VIRGINIA BEACH HOME AWAITS
Wading into such a hot market like the Hampton Roads may be daunting but here at The Agency Coastal, we step up to this challenge on a regular basis for the sake of our clients. Our reputation for excellence in the region is legend, having served in the real estate industry for more than three decades. From military residences to million-dollar homes in Virginia Beach and nearby areas, we come up with the best real estate finds that fit our clients' preferences and lifestyle.
Call us today at 757.434.4171 or reach us via email. We'll have you living the awesome Virginia Beach life in no time!