Virginia Beach

by The Linguist

 

Virginia Beach, Virginia – The Resort City

Virginia Beach is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia. With a population of over 450,000, it is the most populous city in Virginia and home to several military bases and attractions along its oceanfront.

History

Virginia Beach was formed in 1963 through the consolidation of the existing city of Virginia Beach with Princess Anne County. The area was originally inhabited by Chesepian Native Americans before English colonization began in the 1600s. Read more on Wikipedia.

Some key moments in Virginia Beach’s history:

  • 1634 – Lower Norfolk County formed, containing area of modern Virginia Beach
  • 1895 – Virginia Beach incorporated as a town
  • 1906 – Seaside resort established at Oceanfront
  • 1963 – Town of Virginia Beach consolidates with Princess Anne County
  • 2017 – Violent protests erupt at Unite the Right rally

Today, the city has developed into a popular vacation destination along with being home to major military bases and the Port of Virginia shipping hub. Tourism, defense, and agriculture are important parts of the local economy and culture.

Geography & Climate

Virginia Beach is located along the southeastern Virginia coast, situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. It has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.

The average high temperature in July is around 88°F (31°C), while the average high in January is a cooler 49°F (9°C). Annual precipitation averages over 46 inches per year.

Demographics & Population

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Virginia Beach has an estimated population of 450,415 residents. Here are some key facts about the city’s demographics:

  • Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia.
  • It is part of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metropolitan statistical area, which has over 1.7 million residents.
  • The population density is 1,721 people per square mile.
  • The racial makeup of the city is 67.2% White, 19.0% Black or African American, 6.6% Asian, 0.6% Native American, and 5.4% two or more races.
  • 7.4% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.
  • The median age is 36 years old.
  • 89.4% of residents have a high school degree or higher; 33.4% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Virginia Beach continues to grow in population due to its job opportunities, climate, and location along the Atlantic coast. The city provides an attractive lifestyle for both young professionals and retirees.

Government

Virginia Beach has a council-manager form of government. The city council consists of 10 members representing separate districts, plus a council president and vice president. The current mayor of Virginia Beach is Robert Dyer.

Some key government offices and services in Virginia Beach:

  • Virginia Beach City Hall – 2401 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 – (757) 385-4941
  • Virginia Beach Police Department – 2577 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 – (757) 385-5000
  • Virginia Beach Fire Department – 500 Corporate Landing Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 – (757) 427-6165

At the state level, Virginia Beach is part of the 7th Senate district and 2nd House district.

Economy & Major Employers

Key industries in Virginia Beach include tourism, military, shipping, healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. Some of the top employers in the city are:

  • Naval Air Station Oceana – 1759 Tomcat Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23460 – (757) 433-5000
  • Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story – 2617 Hallett Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 – (757) 462-7374
  • Sentara Healthcare – 2025 Honeybee Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 – (757) 395-8000
  • Virginia Beach Public Schools – 2512 George Mason Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 – (757) 263-1000
  • City of Virginia Beach – 2401 Courthouse Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 – (757) 385-4621
  • GEICO – 5995 Greenwich Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 – (757) 955-1700
  • Farm Fresh – 865 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 – (757) 491-2002
  • Huntington Ingalls Industries – 4101 Washington Ave, Newport News, VA 23607 – (757) 380-2000

The military has an especially large impact on the local economy. Many businesses cater to the thousands of armed services members that live in the area.

Attractions & Things to Do

As a popular tourist destination, Virginia Beach offers many attractions and recreational activities:

Virginia Beach Boardwalk – The beautiful oceanfront boardwalk stretches for over 3 miles along the beach, featuring hotels, restaurants, entertainment, amusement rides and the 24-foot King Neptune statue.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center – 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 – Excellent aquarium with 800,000 gallon shark tank, sea turtle rehabilitation center, and over 12,000 aquatic animals.

First Landing State Park – 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 – Site of the first landing of English colonists in 1607. Offers camping, cabins, 19 miles of hiking trails, and access to Chesapeake Bay.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge – 4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 – Over 9,000 acres of protected beaches, dunes, marshes and forests with abundant bird and wildlife viewing.

Cape Henry Lighthouses – 583 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 – Historic twin lighthouses first completed in 1792, now a museum. Marks the entry point where English colonists first came ashore.

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art – 2200 Parks Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 – Regional museum featuring modern art exhibitions and performances.

Military Aviation Museum – 1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457 – Large private museum with thousands of military aircraft, vehicles, and artifacts on display including many rare WWII planes.

The Virginia Beach oceanfront has a lively boardwalk with free summer concerts and events, amusement parks, and easy beach access. Inland activities range from golf, parks, shopping centers, live music venues, and enjoying nature at area lakes and waterways.

Sports & Recreation

The temperate climate and coastal location make Virginia Beach ideal for many outdoor activities:

Watersports: Surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, kiteboarding, and fishing charters.

State & City Parks: First Landing State Park, Mount Trashmore Park, Stumpy Lake Natural Area, Red Wing Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Golf Courses: Virginia Beach National, Honey Bee Golf Club, Heron Ridge Golf Course, Hell’s Point Golf Club.

Sports Teams:

  • Norfolk Admirals – Hockey team in the ECHL
  • Virginia Beach Neptunes – Football team in the AFL

The city maintains over 200 public parks, 5 recreation centers, 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, and many boating access points to local waterways. Popular activities include fishing, tennis, ice skating, field sports, and hiking.

Performing Arts

Some top performing arts and cultural venues in Virginia Beach include:

  • Sandler Center for the Performing Arts – 201 Market St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 – (757) 385-2528
  • American Theatre – 125 E Mellen St, Hampton, VA 23663 – (757) 722-2787
  • Oceanfront 17th St Stage – 2 15th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 – Free outdoor amphitheater
  • Zeiders American Dream Theater – 4509 Commerce St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 – (757) 499-0317

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Virginia Opera also frequently perform in the city. Farm Bureau Live stadium hosts major concerts and entertainment acts.

Transportation

Some key transportation options in Virginia Beach:

Air:

Norfolk International Airport – 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518 – Offers flights to major hubs across the U.S. and international service primarily to Europe.

Public Transit:

  • Hampton Roads Transit – 3400 Victoria Blvd, Hampton, VA 23661 – (757) 222-6100 – Website
  • Virginia Beach Wave Trolley – 2384 Upton Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 – (757)222-6160 – Website

Connects Virginia Beach to other Hampton Roads cities with bus and light rail services. The WAVE trolley provides transportation along the oceanfront and other parts of the city.

Roads: Interstate 64 runs through Virginia Beach, connecting to Norfolk and Richmond. Other major roads include I-264, I-564, Route 44, Shore Drive, Northampton Blvd.

Education

Universities & Colleges:

  • Regent University – 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 – (757) 352-4000
  • Tidewater Community College – 1700 College Crescent Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 – (757) 822-1122

Public Schools:

Virginia Beach City Public Schools – 2512 George Mason Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 – (757) 263-1000 – Operates 68 schools serving over 67,000 students, making it one of the largest districts in Virginia.

Private Schools: The region has over 30 private and independent schools, including Catholic, Christian, prep schools and special needs programs.

Hospitals & Medical Centers

Top medical facilities located in Virginia Beach include:

  • Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital – 1060 First Colonial Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 – (757) 395-8000
  • Sentara Princess Anne Hospital – 2025 Glenn Mitchell Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 – (757) 395-8000
  • Chesapeake Regional Medical Center – 736 Battlefield Blvd N, Chesapeake, VA 23320 – (757) 312-8121
  • Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters – 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507 – (757) 668-7000

These hospitals are part of the Sentara health system, which provides state-of-the-art care throughout Hampton Roads. Emergency medical services are provided by the city fire department’s EMS division.

Shopping & Dining

Virginia Beach offers extensive shopping and dining choices, from national chains to local boutiques and restaurants:

Shopping:

  • Lynnhaven Mall – 701 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
  • Town Center of Virginia Beach – 4600 Town Center Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
  • Loehmann’s Plaza – 4500 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
  • Pembroke Mall – 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
  • Hilltop – 1648 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Restaurant Hubs:

Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Town Center, Shore Drive, Chicks Beach, Hilltop West Neck areas. Cuisine ranges from seafood shacks to upscale dining.

Farmers Markets: Over 15 weekly farmers markets operate throughout the city offering fresh local produce.

Real Estate & Housing

The Virginia Beach real estate market features a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and apartment communities. As of late 2022:

  • The median listing price for homes was around $369,000.
  • Median monthly rent was $1,700.
  • Most home sales ranged between $275,000 to $425,000.
  • Popular communities include Sandbridge, Princess Anne Plaza, Redmill, Shore Drive, Chicks Beach and Croatan.

The city provides diversity in housing options at generally more affordable prices than neighboring Norfolk and Newport News. Business growth, the military presence, and seasonal tourism continue to drive real estate demand.

Media

Virginia Beach is served by these primary media outlets:

Newspapers:

The Virginian-Pilot – 150 W Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510 – (757) 446-2000

Television:

WAVY (NBC) – 300 Wavy St, Portsmouth, VA 23704

WVEC (ABC) – 613 Woodis Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510

Radio:

WVBZ – 105.7 FM
WFOG – 92.9 FM
WGH – 97.3 FM / 1310 AM

Utilities

Virginia Beach utilities are administered by the city’s Public Utilities department:

  • Electricity – (757) 385-4171
  • Water and sewer – (757) 385-4171
  • Trash and recycling – (757) 385-4650
  • Natural gas – Virginia Natural Gas – (757) 557-7200

Residents can contact the department for setting up new service, payment assistance, and other needs. Dominion Energy also provides power to parts of Virginia Beach. Verizon, Cox and Spectrum offer cable TV, internet and phone service in the city.

Visitor Information

The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau provides helpful resources for tourists and travelers:

Popular stops include the boardwalk, First Landing State Park, Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, and Cape Henry Lighthouses. The beachfront resort hotels offer oceanfront pools, dining and entertainment.

Landmarks

Here are some of the most famous landmarks in Virginia Beach:

King Neptune Statue

3108 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Standing 31 feet tall, this iconic and artsy statue of King Neptune has been a fixture along the oceanfront boardwalk since its completion in 2004. It’s located at 31st Street.

Cape Henry Lighthouse

583 Atlantic Avenue, Fort Story, Virginia Beach, VA 23454

This historic lighthouse built in 1792 marks the spot where English colonists first came ashore in 1607. It stands on the Fort Story army base near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

This excellent aquarium first opened in 1986 and features over 800,000 gallons of aquatic exhibits highlighting animals from the nearby ocean and rivers. The aquarium’s atrium features a 70 foot long humpback whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.

Mt. Trashmore Park

310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

This 165-acre city park was created by converting a former landfill into a recreation area. It features two main hills, skate park, playground, walking paths and athletic fields.

Old Coast Guard Station

2401 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

The former U.S. Life-Saving Service station was built in 1903 and is now a museum located right on the oceanfront boardwalk. It highlights Virginia Beach’s maritime history through interactive exhibits and galleries.

Virginia Beach Fishing Pier

15th Street & Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Extending 1,500 feet over the ocean, this popular pier first opened in 1976. Anglers can fish or watch dolphins while enjoying views up and down the shoreline.

Local Resources

Some key local organizations and services in Virginia Beach include:

  • Virginia Beach Public Library – 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 – (757) 385-0150
  • Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Virginia – 246 Charles St, Norfolk, VA 23510 – (757) 531-1300
  • Virginia Beach SPCA – 3040 Holland Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 – (757) 427-0070
  • ACCESS College Foundation – 3601 Huntington Ave, Newport News, VA 23607 – (757) 224-3258
  • Salvation Army of Virginia Beach – 4857 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 – (757) 428-4327
  • Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach – 5515 Greenwich Rd. Suite 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 – (757) 627-6387

These organizations help support community services, education, animal welfare, disadvantaged residents, and economic opportunity in Virginia Beach.

Moving to Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach offers a high quality of life and many attractions for new residents. Here are some tips for moving to Virginia Beach:

Decide what neighborhood or area meets your needs based on commute, amenities, schools, and budget. Beachfront communities are most expensive.
Plan visits to experience different parts of the city and look at potential neighborhoods.
Research the job market if you’ll need employment. Healthcare, military, hospitality, retail and construction fields are strong.
Hire a trusted real estate agent to help find homes or apartments to rent or buy.
Learn about city services, local schools, recreation opportunities, and community events.
Consider traffic patterns when choosing where to live. The oceanfront areas and I-264 can become congested.
Enjoy the mild climate, water activities, parks, and cultural events. Explore all Virginia Beach has to offer!