Definitive Guide
Best Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach
A complete guide to finding the perfect neighborhood for your lifestyle, budget, and family. From the oceanfront to the suburbs, here is every community you need to know.
Virginia Beach is not one city, it is dozens of distinct communities, each with its own personality, housing stock, and lifestyle. After selling homes here for 24 years and growing up in Hampton Roads, I know every street, every school zone, and every hidden gem.
Whether you are a growing family looking for top-rated schools, a military family PCSing to NAS Oceana, a young professional wanting walkable urban energy, or a retiree seeking peaceful waterfront living, Virginia Beach has a neighborhood built for you.
This guide breaks down the top neighborhoods by who they are best for, with honest insights on pricing, schools, commute times, and community feel.
Virginia Beach by the Numbers
36 mi
Atlantic Coastline
460K+
Population
#4
Best City to Live (US News)
$400K
Median Home Price
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Top-rated schools, safe streets, parks, and a strong sense of community define these family favorites.
Great Neck
$400K-$1.5M+One of the most desirable areas in all of Virginia Beach. Great Neck is a peninsula bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and Lynnhaven River, offering waterfront access, top-rated schools, and a tight-knit community feel. The neighborhoods here range from classic mid-century homes to custom-built waterfront estates. Tree-lined streets, community parks, and easy access to shopping and dining make this a perennial favorite for families who plan to stay.
Schools
Cox HS, Great Neck MS, John B. Dey ES
To Beach
5-10 min drive
Best For
Families, Waterfront Living
Kempsville
$280K-$800KCentral Virginia Beach at its best. Kempsville offers established neighborhoods with mature trees, cul-de-sacs, and a wide range of home styles from starter ranches to larger family homes. The school district is strong, commute times are short to every part of the city, and home values have been steadily appreciating. This is the sweet spot for families who want convenience, community, and good value without sacrificing quality of life.
Schools
Kempsville HS, Kempsville MS, Fairfield ES
To Beach
15-20 min drive
Best For
Growing Families, Commuters
Alanton
$400K-$1.2MAn established, upscale neighborhood in the Great Neck corridor. Alanton features large lots, mature landscaping, and a genuine community feel with walking paths and community pools. The homes range from charming mid-century ranches to sprawling custom estates, some over 10,000 square feet. Proximity to First Landing State Park, top-rated Alanton Elementary, and Bayside High School make this a top choice for families who value space and community.
Schools
Bayside HS, Alanton ES, Great Neck MS
To Beach
5-10 min drive
Best For
Established Families, Space Seekers
Windsor Woods
$300K-$500KA peaceful, established neighborhood in central Virginia Beach with mature trees and spacious lots. Windsor Woods offers strong community ties, convenient shopping, and easy access to I-64. The homes are well-built from the 1970s and 1980s, and the area is known for its quiet streets and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a solid value play for families who want a central location without paying a premium.
Schools
Tallwood HS, Plaza MS, Windsor Woods ES
To Beach
15-20 min drive
Best For
Families, Value Seekers
Ocean Lakes
$350K-$550KExtremely popular with military and civilian families alike for its resort-style HOA amenities and proximity to both NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex. Ocean Lakes features community pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a nationally recognized high school Math and Science Academy. The neighborhood is well-maintained with newer construction and a strong homeowners association that keeps property values stable.
Schools
Ocean Lakes HS, Landstown MS, Red Mill ES
To Beach
5-10 min drive
Best For
Military Families, Amenity Lovers
Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
Walkable, vibrant, and connected. These neighborhoods offer the urban energy young professionals want with easy access to the coast.
Town Center
$350K-$700KVirginia Beach's walkable urban core. High-rise condos, rooftop bars, live music, and excellent dining define this neighborhood. It attracts young professionals, officers, and dual-income couples who want to walk to dinner rather than drive to it. Short commute to NAS Oceana and a quick drive to the Oceanfront.
ViBe Creative District
$300K-$600KAn artsy, vibrant neighborhood near the Oceanfront filled with galleries, murals, local shops, and independent restaurants. Walkable and bikeable, this is where creatives and entrepreneurs gravitate. The energy here is unmatched in Virginia Beach, and you are steps from the boardwalk.
Ocean Park
$350K-$550KA social, beachy Chesapeake Bay neighborhood with a mix of military and civilian residents. Ocean Park offers bay access, a relaxed vibe, and a genuine sense of community. Perfect for singles and couples who want a local beach community feel without the tourist crowds of the Oceanfront.
Shore Drive / Chics Beach
$350K-$600KA relaxed beach community with a small-town feel along the Chesapeake Bay. Bay-side living with boat ramps, parks, and a laid-back vibe. The Shore Drive corridor has some of the best local restaurants in the city, and First Landing State Park is your backyard. Popular with young professionals who want coastal energy without the resort price tag.
Best Neighborhoods for Military Families
As a Marine Corps Veteran, I understand the unique needs of military buyers. These neighborhoods offer the best combination of commute times, BAH value, and community support.
Red Mill
$400K-$500KNewer construction homes (mostly 2000s-2010s) with top-rated Red Mill Elementary. Extremely popular with O-3s and senior enlisted. Close to both NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex with a 10-20 minute commute.
Ocean Lakes
$350K-$550KRoughly 5 minutes from NAS Oceana with resort-style amenities. One of the most popular choices for families stationed at Oceana. Strong HOA, excellent schools, and a tight-knit military community.
Kempsville
$280K-$800KLarger homes at lower price points with established neighborhoods. Good for families wanting more square footage within BAH. Easy interstate access to Norfolk and all area bases.
Salem
$300K-$475KAdjacent to Kempsville with similar benefits and a slightly shorter commute to NAS Oceana. Good schools, established homes, and convenient to shopping and I-64. Solid value for military buyers.
Chics Beach / Shore Drive
$350K-$600KA favorite for military families who want bay access and a beach lifestyle. Close to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek and NAS Oceana. The local community is very military-friendly.
Hawk's Nest
$350K-$500KA quieter, family-focused subdivision with single-family homes and peaceful streets. Hawk's Nest offers a suburban atmosphere with proximity to amenities and a straightforward commute to area bases. Popular with families seeking calm surroundings.
Best Neighborhoods for Retirees
Peaceful, walkable, and close to the coast. These neighborhoods offer the relaxed lifestyle retirees are looking for in Virginia Beach.
Great Neck
$400K-$1.5M+Low crime rates, waterfront parks, and easy access to shopping and healthcare make this a top pick for retirees who want an active coastal lifestyle. Lynnhaven River access for kayaking and boating.
Bay Colony
$500K-$2M+A luxury waterfront neighborhood near Alanton with secluded, tree-lined streets close to the Atlantic Ocean. Ideal for retirees seeking upscale coastal living with privacy and natural beauty.
Christopher Farms
~$350KOne of the best-rated neighborhoods for retirees. Man-made lakes, parks, green spaces, and a shopping center within biking distance. Low crime and strong community feel with a mix of ages.
Sandbridge
$400K-$1M+Beach access on one side and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge on the other. Quiet, uncrowded, and consistently ranked among the safest neighborhoods. Perfect for retirees who want peace and nature.
West Neck Village
$350K-$700KOne of the largest 55+ communities in Virginia Beach with over 930 residences. Features a golf course community, luxury homes, and active adult lifestyle. A true retirement destination within the city.
Shadowlawn
$450K-$800K+A desirable Oceanfront-adjacent neighborhood with walkability to the boardwalk, restaurants, and entertainment. A mix of historic and modern homes in a setting that feels like a permanent vacation.
Beach Living & the Oceanfront
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is more than a tourist destination, it is a lifestyle. From the high-energy resort area to the exclusive North End, living at the beach means waking up to the sound of the Atlantic and having the boardwalk as your front yard.
The Oceanfront itself has a wide range of options: condos and townhomes starting around $400K in the resort area, rising to $3M+ for luxury oceanfront estates on the North End. The North End is particularly exclusive, with large lots, private beach access, and some of the most impressive homes in Hampton Roads.
Hawk's Nest and Shadowlawn sit just off the Oceanfront, offering proximity to the sand with more residential feel and better value. These are the neighborhoods to watch if you want beach living without the resort price.
Virginia Beach Schools
Virginia Beach City Public Schools is consistently ranked among the top school divisions in Virginia. Here are the standout schools by level.
Top Elementary
- Kingston Elementary (Ranked #1 in VA)
- North Landing Elementary (#17 in VA)
- Thoroughgood Elementary
- John B. Dey Elementary
- Alanton Elementary
Top Middle Schools
- Old Donation School (Ranked #1 MS in VA)
- Great Neck Middle
- Salem Middle
- Landstown Middle
- Plaza Middle
Top High Schools
- Green Run Collegiate
- Frank W. Cox High School
- Ocean Lakes High School
- Floyd Kellam High School
- Princess Anne High School
School ratings and rankings are based on publicly available data and may change year to year. Contact me for the latest school zone information for any specific property.
Quick Neighborhood Comparison
A side-by-side look at all the neighborhoods featured in this guide.
| Neighborhood | Price Range | Best For | To Beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Neck | $400K-$1.5M+ | Families, Retirees | 5-10 min |
| Kempsville | $280K-$800K | Families, Military | 15-20 min |
| Alanton | $400K-$1.2M | Families, Retirees | 5-10 min |
| Windsor Woods | $300K-$500K | Families, Value | 15-20 min |
| Ocean Lakes | $350K-$550K | Families, Military | 5-10 min |
| Red Mill | $400K-$500K | Military | 10 min |
| Salem | $300K-$475K | Military, Families | 15-20 min |
| Chics Beach | $350K-$600K | Mill/YP/Retirees | 2-5 min |
| Town Center | $350K-$700K | Young Professionals | 15 min |
| ViBe District | $300K-$600K | Young Professionals | 0-5 min |
| Ocean Park | $350K-$550K | Young Professionals | 5-10 min |
| Shadowlawn | $450K-$800K+ | Retirees/Beach Lovers | 0-5 min |
| Hawk's Nest | $350K-$500K | Families, Quiet | 5-10 min |
| Bay Colony | $500K-$2M+ | Luxury, Retirees | 5 min |
| Christopher Farms | ~$350K | Retirees, Families | 10-15 min |
| Sandbridge | $400K-$1M+ | Retirees, Nature | 0 min |
| West Neck Village | $350K-$700K | 55+ Retirees | 15 min |
Not Sure Which Neighborhood Fits?
I have helped over 1,000 families find their perfect home in Virginia Beach. I know every street, every school zone, and every community in this city. Let me help you find the neighborhood that fits your life.
Marine Corps Veteran · 24+ years experience · 1,000+ transactions · Hometown expert