Hi all, I'm a teacher here and Poverty rate is 6.6%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $366,300, which seems about average. Household incomes average around $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $90,685, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,649/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Friendly people
- Close to nature
- Diverse community
- Active local events
Cons:
- Rising rent prices
- Sprawl everywhere
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Limited cultural events
Am I overthinking this? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up.
54 upvotes
11 Replies
Madelyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 47, moved here 10 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Fairview and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Dallas, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
31 upvotes
Robert Evans
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much pricey but now it's challenging.
31 upvotes
Madelyn Foster
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Ezra Rivera
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Denver it's decent.
28 upvotes
Colton Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (East) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
26 upvotes
Vivian Howard
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Quinn Evans
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Boston it's underrated.
14 upvotes
Nolan James
exactly what I was thinking
10 upvotes
Carter
been saying this for years
9 upvotes
Victoria Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Baltimore about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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