At the spot where Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean is the coastal city of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Featuring a three-mile boardwalk along the ocean, it’s a resort city with just as many miles of beaches. Founded in 1887, the city covers 497 square miles, and has a median age of 36.4 (2022). Its economy is based on tourism, military installations (Fort Story military base is here), agriculture, and manufacturing.

Bungalows, cottages, and Colonial-style homes dot Virginia Beach’s residential neighborhoods. The typical home value is $378,710, up 10.9% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Adding to the city’s appeal are annual events, such as the North American Sand Soccer Tournament, the Virginia Beach Music Festival, and the Neptune Wine Festival.

Major thoroughfares serving the city include I-64, I-264, and U.S. Routes 13, 58, and 60. Nestled in a central, convenient location within the city, Little Neck is a great neighborhood for millennials and young families. It’s a private area, with only one road leading in and out. Closer to the beach is Bay Colony, where homes are a mix of original Cape Cod-style beach bungalows and contemporary single-family dwellings. Homebuyers can find newer construction in Asheville Park.

Virginia Beach has so much to offer, from kayaking and waterskiing, to trails for running, hiking, and biking, to skate parks and arts and culture. It’s no surprise it has ranked as one of the best places to live in the state.