Virginia Beach is an amazing city with plenty to offer, but it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore both the pros and cons of calling Virginia Beach home in 2025, helping you decide if this coastal city is right for you.
The Pros of Living in Virginia Beach
A City of Balance
Virginia Beach strikes a perfect balance – practical, functional, and accommodating. It’s not flashy like Charleston, Savannah, or Nashville, but it offers something for almost everyone.
One of the best aspects of this balance is Virginia Beach’s four distinct seasons. Located in the Mid-Atlantic region, you won’t experience the extreme cold winters of the Northeast or the scorching summers of the Deep South. Spring (particularly May) and fall (September through November) are especially pleasant with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery.
Beach Access Galore
One of the biggest pros of living in Virginia Beach is the excellent beach access. The city features miles of Boardwalk with options for every preference – from the touristy Oceanfront with its many attractions to the residential feel of Chic’s Beach and the destination-style experience of Sandbridge with its large beach houses.
Pet owners will love the dog-friendly beaches like Sandbridge Little Island Fishing Pier and First Landing State Park, where you can enjoy coastal activities with your canine companions.
Convenient Location for Day Trips
Another great pro of living in Virginia Beach is its central location with easy access to major cities. Richmond is only about 1.5 hours away, while Washington DC can be reached in 3-3.5 hours. Raleigh is approximately 3.25 hours away, and other accessible cities include Baltimore and Philadelphia.
With good railroad connections to the Northeast, even New York City makes for a feasible weekend trip. This perfect positioning lets residents enjoy coastal living while still accessing big-city experiences when desired
Virginia Beach Is A Safe Place To Call Home
According to The Network Journal & many other reputable sources, Virginia Beach consistently ranks among the safest communities in the United States. The city is safer than 27 percent of U.S. cities, which is particularly impressive when compared to nearby metros like Norfolk and Richmond (which are only safer than two and six percent of other U.S. cities, respectively).
The community takes safety seriously, with numerous neighborhood watch programs in place throughout the area. While no city is perfect and certain areas may have occasional issues (particularly near the Oceanfront), the vast majority of neighborhoods and suburban areas maintain a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
Virginia Beach Offers Diverse Lifestyle Options
One of the biggest pros of living or relocating to Virginia Beach is its diverse lifestyle options. From coastal areas with beach and fishing culture to quiet suburban neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone.
Art lovers enjoy the ViBe District, while the Town Center area offers an upscale downtown experience. This variety ensures almost anyone can find their perfect fit in Virginia Beach.
Plenty of Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Nature lovers will appreciate Virginia Beach’s 300+ publicly funded parks scattered throughout the city. First Landing State Park, Pleasure House Point Natural Area, and Mount Trashmore (a former landfill transformed into a beautiful park) offer expansive outdoor recreation options.
The city also boasts Bayville Farms Park, the underrated False Cape State Park, and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, plus numerous neighborhood parks with playgrounds throughout residential areas.
Top-Rated Schools
Families are drawn to Virginia Beach for its excellent education system. The city ranks #22 for best public schools in America, making it an excellent option for families with children. This strong educational foundation is one reason why Niche.com ranks Virginia Beach as one of the top cities to raise a family in America.
Strong Business Opportunities
Virginia Beach has plenty of good jobs. The military is big here, with all branches (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) having bases in the area.
This creates many defense-related jobs. Hospitals and medical centers also offer lots of work opportunities. With these different types of jobs available, the local economy stays strong and gives workers many options.
Access to the Seven Cities
Virginia Beach is the largest of the “Seven Cities” region (which also includes Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News, and Hampton). With a population approaching 500,000, Virginia Beach makes up about 30-40% of the entire Seven Cities population. This connection gives residents access to additional amenities, dining options, and employment opportunities throughout the Hampton Roads area.
The Cons of Living in Virginia Beach
Rising Housing Costs
While once considered affordable, Virginia Beach’s housing market has become increasingly expensive in recent years. Median home prices range from upper $300s to low $400,000s for 4-bedroom homes, and finding a 3-bedroom single-family home under $300,000 is increasingly difficult.
Townhouses offer more affordable options for buyers on a budget, but those seeking larger homes (2,800-3,200 square feet) typically need to budget in the $450,000-$500,000 range at minimum.
Traffic Can Get Challenging
Traffic remains a significant drawback for Virginia Beach residents. Many roads were designed decades ago and struggle to accommodate the population growth the city has experienced.
The Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (connecting to Hampton and Newport News) is notoriously congested, though expansion projects should improve conditions by 2030.
Long roads with numerous stoplights make cross-town travel time-consuming, with most residents agreeing that a 20-minute drive time is standard for getting around. Military base traffic can create additional delays, and the diverse driving styles resulting from the influx of military personnel from around the country and world contribute to sometimes challenging road conditions.
The summer tourist season exacerbates these traffic issues considerably. The influx of visitors creates additional congestion and longer wait times at restaurants, attractions, and beaches. While tourism provides an economic boost to the area, dealing with the seasonal crowds can be frustrating for year-round residents.
Humid Weather, Mosquitoes, and Environmental Concerns
While the four seasons are a plus, the summer humidity can be overwhelming. June through August brings high humidity and temperatures in the mid-90s, with July and August being particularly oppressive. This humidity attracts mosquitoes, which can make outdoor activities challenging, even for properties away from water bodies.
As a coastal city, Virginia Beach also faces environmental challenges. The area has experienced powerful storms in the past with significant damage. Flooding is always a risk, and hurricane season brings the threat of storm surge to coastal properties. Residents need to be prepared for these weather events and understand the associated risks of coastal living.
Those who suffer from allergies and asthma may encounter difficulties in Virginia Beach. The parks and coastal areas are home to various plants and trees that can trigger allergic reactions, and the high humidity levels can create problems for people with respiratory issues. This is something to consider if you or family members have these health concerns.
Termite and Moisture Issues
The humid climate creates conditions favorable for structural problems in homes. Termite damage is relatively common, as is moisture damage in crawl spaces and basements. Most homeowners need termite and moisture protection contracts to safeguard their investments, which adds to the overall cost of homeownership in the area.
Jet Noise
One of the cons of living in Virginia Beach is the jet noise from Oceana Naval Air Station, which can disrupt daily life in certain areas. Noise levels differ by neighborhood and time of year. The city offers noise zone maps to help homebuyers, but it’s best to ask current residents about their experience. While some people get used to the sound, others find it an ongoing annoyance.
Limited Public Transportation
Public transportation in Virginia Beach is inadequate for a city of its size. The bus system exists but is not efficient or comprehensive enough to be relied upon as a primary transportation method. Car ownership is practically essential for most residents, and biking is not a reliable transportation option for most parts of the city due to limited bike lanes and infrastructure.
Minimal Nightlife
Virginia Beach lacks vibrant nightlife. While Town Center and the Oceanfront have some options, and nearby Norfolk offers more choices, the overall scene is limited. The entertainment venues and cultural events are more family-friendly than exciting compared to larger cities.
Limited New Development
One of the cons of considering to live or move here is Virginia Beach’s limited new development. Water borders the north and east, while other cities and protected wetlands restrict expansion elsewhere. Most construction involves renovating existing properties rather than building new ones. This preserves neighborhood character but limits housing options, raises prices, and leaves some areas feeling outdated.
Is Virginia Beach Right for You?
Virginia Beach excels at balance – offering safety, good schools, outdoor activities, and beach access. While it lacks the excitement of major cities like New York or DC, it provides a comfortable lifestyle that many find ideal, especially families.
Yes, there are challenges with traffic, tourists, weather, and housing costs. But for many, the benefits of coastal living outweigh these issues. Consider your priorities when deciding if Virginia Beach is right for you in 2025.
Need Help Moving to Virginia Beach?
If you’re considering relocating to Virginia Beach, trust Star Movers – a Veteran-owned moving company serving the Virginia Beach area. We understand the unique needs of families, military personnel, and individuals moving to this coastal community. Our experienced team provides reliable, efficient moving services to make your transition to Virginia Beach smooth and stress-free.
