Thinking of moving to Virginia Beach? As with any major change in life, it’s important to be confident in your plans and have all the knowledge that you need to make the right decision.

In 2024, Virginia Beach ranked in the top 25 places for relocation here in the U.S. With its stunning coastal beauty, stable economy, diverse school district, and seemingly endless family-friendly neighborhoods, it’s a place many dream of calling home. When you’re finally ready to settle in, RBC Homes can help build the home you’ve always wanted.

But first, let’s take a look at our Virginia Beach relocation guide to see why it’s such an incredible place to live!

Why Choose Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach pretty much has it all, whether you’re looking to get outdoors and explore its natural beauty, take advantage of its many community events, or settle down with the family.

Coastal Charm

There’s nothing quite like life by the coast, and with many miles of pristine shoreline to enjoy, it’s the perfect place for those who enjoy waterfront living. 

Take the little ones out to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront boardwalk and go for a bike ride or take a kayak out in one of the city’s many waterways for a day of relaxed fishing. Whether you like to prop up on the beach and soak in the sun or enjoy romantic strolls along the sand while the sunset pours in, there’s always a way to embrace the coastal lifestyle.

 A Thriving Economy

Virginia Beach is more than just a beautiful place. It’s a city with a strong and diverse economy. In fact, it’s referred to as one of the country’s main “manufacturing boomtowns.” Not only is it home to seven out of ten of the world’s top defense companies, but it also brought in around $3.8 billion from tourism in 2023 alone. 

Economists only expect business to grow over the next decade. 

Diverse Neighborhoods for Every Lifestyle

No matter your preference, you’re bound to find a neighborhood in Virginia Beach that feels like home. 

From the tree-lined streets of Alanton, which sits adjacent to downtown and has one of the best school systems in the city, to Sandbridge, which is one of the most sought-after and secluded beach communities for those who want to be right next to the water, the city offers something for everyone.

Top-Tier Education

Families that live here appreciate being able to send their kids to some of the nation’s most highly regarded schools. The Virginia Beach City Public School system is made up of 81 schools altogether, along with a number of top-tier private schools, giving residents a lot to choose from. 

Endless Things to Do

Folks here in Virginia Beach are never short on entertainment and adventure. 

During the summers, the beach and boardwalk come alive, and festivals, such as the Neptune Festival and the Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party, can be enjoyed by people of all ages. 

If you love nature, you can head to First Landing State Park or Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy any number of outdoor activities, such as fishing, kayaking, bird watching, or camping.

Add on the bustling nightlife, ample playgrounds, and state-of-the-art entertainment venues, and you’re in a place where boredom doesn’t exist. 

Housing Options in Virginia Beach

One of the most exciting parts of moving to Virginia Beach is finding the perfect home.

Whether you’re looking to build your custom dream home, remodel an existing home, or buy a home as-is from some of the city’s many neighborhoods, there are options to suit every lifestyle.

New Construction Homes

When you build a home from the ground up, you get to create a space that reflects your unique style and needs. 

RBC Homes has helped countless Virginia Beach residents design homes throughout the city, from charming coastal retreats to large waterfront estates filled to the brim with the finest trimmings and modern amenities. 

Remodeling Opportunities

Of course, if you’ve found the perfect location but the home itself needs a little love, remodeling might be the ideal solution. We’ve also helped transform hundreds of existing homes into modern, functional spaces. As an added bonus, many of our clients get to take advantage of increased home value.

Popular Neighborhoods

As we said before, Virginia Beach is made up of a variety of unique neighborhoods, and each one has a different appeal. Some of the most popular include:

• Sandbridge: As a secluded seaside haven, residents get to enjoy all of the excitement and adventure that the water holds with unmistakable peace and privacy. 
• Town Center: With a variety of top-notch shopping, dining, and entertainment, Town Center is the perfect neighborhood for young professionals who want to get out and meet others.
• Pungo: Just a few minutes outside of Sandbridge, Pungo has many properties with a more rural and peaceful atmosphere, which feels more like the countryside than the beach.
• Great Neck: Known for its high-quality schools and easy access to the Atlantic, Great Neck is perfect for families. 

Lifestyle and Amenities in Virginia Beach

Want every day to feel like a vacation? Moving to coastal Virginia should do the trick! From its endless outdoor activities to its thriving food and arts scene, this beautiful coastal city offers something for everyone.

Outdoor Recreation

If you’re someone who loves to stay active, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside in Virginia Beach. Head down to the water and enjoy a day of paddleboarding, waterskiing, kayaking, or swimming. 

If you like to catch some waves, there are also plenty of great surfing spots here in Virginia Beach. In fact, the city is home to the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships! 

Beyond the water, locals love taking hikes on some of the many breathtaking hiking trails, such as Bald Cypress Trail and Cape Henry Trail. There are also multiple skate parks throughout the city and plenty of parks and recreation sports. The city is also home to the North American Sand Soccer Championships, which is the largest sand soccer festival on Earth!

Dining Scene

Though many people don’t think of Virginia Beach as a “foodie” scene, there are plenty of unique restaurants to explore across the city. 

Savor some of the East Coast’s freshest seafood at Salacia Prime Seafood and Steaks, which has been AAA-rated since 2006, or unwind with a cold craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries. Locals here love taking the VA Beach Beer Trail, which moves from the strawberry fields of Pungo to the shores of Chesapeake. 

No matter what kind of dining experience you’re looking for when settling in Virginia Beach, you’re sure to find it!

Arts and Culture

People moving to Virginia Beach often forget to explore the city’s creative side.

For example, you might take an afternoon visit to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art or catch a live performance at one of the city’s many music venues. The indoor stage at The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts hosts an incredible lineup of artists throughout the year, while the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater is the perfect spot to catch outdoor summer concerts.

There’s also an impressive calendar of annual events that grace the shores of Virginia Beach each year. The Neptune Festival is arguably one of the city’s most popular, as it brings together people from all backgrounds to celebrate art, music, and coastal living.

Community Vibe

Of course, what’s settling down in a place if you can’t find the right community? 

The good thing is that Virginia Beach is home to some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the country. Plus, there are plenty of ways to meet and connect with others, whether through local farmers’ markets or neighborhood events. On any given day, you can find a workout class on the beach or pop-up shops downtown.

Tips for Moving to Virginia Beach?

There’s a lot to consider when relocating to Virginia Beach, and even the simplest bit of preparation can make the process much smoother.

Timing Your Move

The weather here in Virginia Beach is relatively mild throughout the year. However, if you truly want the best time to make your move, we recommend coming during spring or fall. Not only will you get to enjoy moving with better weather, but there will also be fewer tourists around, as summer and winter are two of the biggest travel seasons. 

Planning Ahead

We also recommend taking some time to research the neighborhoods, schools, and local resources in different parts of town. Even though Virginia Beach is one city, the lifestyle can differ from place to place. 

You might want a more family-focused community with access to the best schools in the city, or you might just be looking for a peaceful retreat next to the ocean. When you have a good idea of what each area offers, you can feel more confident in your ultimate decision. 

Partnering with Experts

Moving to a new city is easier when you have the right people by your side. That’s where our team at RBC Homes comes into play. 

We’ve been the go-to company for custom home-building and remodeling here in Virginia Beach for many years. If you’re truly looking to make your new house feel like home, we can help. 

Of course, having a local moving company and service provider come help you unpack and get your home into a livable state is just as important as it can remove a lot of the stress from the process. 

Adjusting to Coastal Living

If you’ve never lived near the beach before, there will be a few new considerations to keep in mind.

With salty sea air and humid conditions year-round, you have to make sure your home uses the most durable and weather-resistant materials. Otherwise, you could spend a lot of money down the road on unnecessary maintenance.

As an experienced Virginia Beach home builder, RBC Homes specializes in creating homes designed to withstand the sometimes harsh coastal elements.

Let us make sure you’re home feels both comfortable and stylish, no matter what gets thrown at it. 

How RBC Homes Can Help You Settle In Virginia Beach

At this point, we really hope you’re considering moving to Virginia Beach. We also want to make sure you know that we’re excited to help you through this new chapter. 

Crafting Custom Homes

Our team specializes in building custom homes that reflect the Virginia Beach coastal lifestyle. 

Whether you want to incorporate an open, ocean-colored kitchen to complement the nearby shoreline or build a large deck and swimming pool in the backyard to take advantage of the gorgeous year-round weather, we’re here to ensure you make the most of life by the water. 

However, if you already have your eye on an older property with potential and you don’t want to build from the ground up, we can also help you with remodeling and renovating. 

Want to knock the adjoining wall down between your kitchen and living room to create a spacious, open floor plan? Maybe you just want to rip up those old carpets and fill your home with new hardwood flooring. Whatever your vision, we can make it work. 

We handle each and every project with the utmost care, making sure our work is as durable and long-lasting as it is stylish and practical.

Check out our architectural design and interior design work to learn more! 

Real Stories: Luxury Living in Virginia Beach

At RBC Homes, we don’t just build houses—we create stunning coastal retreats that blend luxury, comfort, and timeless design. Here are two of our standout projects that showcase the best of Virginia Beach living.

Villa Sol: Oceanfront Elegance

Villa Sol is the epitome of coastal luxury, featuring nine bedrooms, seven master suites, and breathtaking ocean views. This custom-built retreat includes a private pool, hot tub, and cabana bar, perfect for entertaining. Inside, a chef’s kitchen with expansive countertops overlooks the great room and the Atlantic, offering a seamless blend of sophistication and relaxation.

VIEW PROJECT HERE

Irish Blessings: A Coastal Sanctuary

Designed for unforgettable gatherings, Irish Blessings boasts eight bedrooms, eight-and-a-half baths, and spacious decks with ocean and bay views. The property includes a sparkling pool, landscaped yard, and a game room, ensuring entertainment for all ages. With an elevator for easy access and luxurious finishes throughout, this home is the perfect blend of elegance and convenience.

VIEW PROJECT HERE

Want to see more of our exceptional custom homes? Explore our gallery here.

FAQs:

I. What is the cost of living like in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach offers a relatively moderate cost of living compared to other East Coast coastal cities. Housing prices vary depending on location, with waterfront properties and highly desirable neighborhoods costing more. However, residents enjoy tax benefits like no local income tax and relatively low property taxes compared to nearby states.

II. Is Virginia Beach a good place to retire?

Yes! With its mild climate, outdoor activities, and strong healthcare options, Virginia Beach is an excellent place for retirees. The city has many 55+ communities, access to military and civilian healthcare facilities, and plenty of opportunities for leisure and social engagement.

III. How is traffic and commuting in Virginia Beach?

While Virginia Beach is not known for heavy congestion like Washington D.C. or Northern Virginia, traffic can get busy during peak hours, especially on major routes like I-264 and I-64. Many residents opt for flexible work schedules or live close to their workplace to minimize commute times.

IV. Are there any hurricane risks in Virginia Beach?

Yes, as a coastal city, Virginia Beach is occasionally impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms. However, the area has strong infrastructure and preparedness measures in place. Homeowners can minimize risks by choosing storm-resistant construction materials and purchasing flood insurance if they live near the water.

V. What are the best family-friendly activities in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach is full of family-friendly attractions! The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Ocean Breeze Waterpark, and First Landing State Park offer great activities for kids. The city also hosts seasonal festivals, interactive museums, and plenty of playgrounds and outdoor parks.

Do You Have More Questions?

Moving to a new city is a big decision, and we know you may have more questions about life in Virginia Beach. Whether you’re curious about the best neighborhoods, home-building options, or what to expect from coastal living, we’re here to help! Contact RBC Homes today to speak with our team of experts and get personalized guidance for your move.  Get in touch with us here!

Moving to Virginia Beach & Finding Your Dream Home

Virginia Beach is one of the most naturally beautiful coastal cities in the United States, with tons to explore and communities for all walks of life. 

Whether you’re thinking of building your own custom home from scratch or revamping a current property in your relocation to Virginia Beach to better reflect your family’s needs and style, let our team at RBC Homes help bring your vision to life.

We’re experts in home construction and remodeling, so you can trust that your home will be made to last you a lifetime. Get in touch with us today for a consultation!