Would you guess Virginia Beach is the most densely populated city in the state of Virginia, with more than 455,000 residents? It's true, thanks in part to the enormous military population sent from all service branches.
If this is your first PCS to the Hampton Roads area, which includes Virginia Beach, it's important to know that multiple military installations are within driving distance of each other, including NAS Oceana, NAS Dam Neck, and JEB Little Creek-Fort Story. They’re all located in Virginia Beach, which offers numerous homes for rent or sale to consider.
When searching for your new home, remember to examine your daily dependence on the Hampton Roads bridges and tunnels, as well as toll payments when driving to and from each location in relation to your duty station. Avoiding daily traffic gridlock is a top priority when determining which neighborhood in Virginia Beach is best for your military family.
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Oceanfront
The Atlantic Ocean provides the typical beach vacation experience for Oceanfront residents all year. The location is tourist-friendly, with plenty of shoreline activities and a boardwalk, offering many things to do in Virginia Beach. The area near 32nd Street has boutiques and restaurants worth checking out. NAS Oceana and NAS Dam Neck have the shortest commutes at five to ten minutes.
Chesapeake Bay Area Near Little Creek
This area has it all and may just convince you to set roots: calm bay water for young kids, plenty of residential beach access, and dining options favored by locals. Sought-after schools and a prime location tend to push housing prices higher. JEB Little Creek-Fort Story has the shortest commute from this area, at ten minutes.
Town Center Area
Also referred to as the downtown of Virginia Beach, this area is convenient and centrally located. The Pembroke Mall and its surrounding stand-alone stores and eateries provide all of the commercial entities families need, such as Target, Old Navy, and family-oriented restaurants. Again, those headed to Little Creek have the shortest commute, at 10 to 15 minutes.
NAS Oceana Area
More specifically, the area south of NAS Oceana is extremely popular with military families, offering many things to do in Virginia Beach. Older homes and recently built planned communities make up this suburban part of Virginia Beach. Red Wing Park is a community favorite for kids and dogs to run and play. NAS Oceana and Dam Neck are about a five- to ten-minute drive.
Courthouse/Amphitheater Area
This area has experienced rapid growth, including housing developments and shopping centers. A few reasons for the expansion include its proximity to the Princess Anne Hospital and its preferred location for commuting to multiple military sites. Naval Station Norfolk, Little Creek, NAS Oceana/Dam Neck, and Portsmouth Naval Hospital are all within a 20- to 30-minute commute.
South Indian Road River Area
The South Indian Road River area is growing despite some inhibited highway access. Over the past years, home builders have erected planned communities on farmland. The expansion includes new construction of single family homes.
South Holland Road Area
Although South Holland Road is conveniently located near several military bases, the lack of highway access creates longer commute times due to traffic lights during rush hour. Nearby amenities include Landstown Commons Shopping Center and Lynnhaven Mall, which provide neighborhood entertainment and attractions. There's a 30- to 35-minute commute to reach Norfolk Naval Station, Little Creek, NAS Oceana/Dam Neck, and Portsmouth Naval Hospital.
Kempsville
You can find newly constructed neighborhoods and planned communities in Kempsville for more reasonable prices compared to adjacent communities. It’s centrally located to much of Virginia Beach. This area leans toward utilitarian amenities with plenty of strip-mall shopping and dining. Little Creek, NAS Oceana/Dam Neck, and Portsmouth Naval Hospital have the shortest commute times at 20 to 25 minutes.
Take a look at more communities in the Hampton Roads area.
Moving to Virginia Beach?
There’s much to consider when choosing the best neighborhood in Virginia Beach for your family. Amenities, commute time, affordability, and personal preferences drive the search and decision. MilitarybyOwner regularly updates its home inventory, including homes for rent or sale by owner in Virginia Beach, as this market offers consistent turnover due to the military population.
