Is Virginia Beach Family-Friendly? All You Need to Know
Many say that Virginia Beach is one of the best places to lay roots on the East Coast, thanks to its sandy shores and relaxed atmosphere. However, one of the questions we often hear from families thinking about making a move here is, “Is Virginia Beach family-friendly?”
The answer is a resounding yes! Virginia Beach is an incredibly family-friendly coastal destination, known for its beautiful beaches, 4,000 acres of scenic parks, and endless playgrounds attractions. Whether you’re enjoying its subtropical climate throughout the summer or exploring its many cultural museums, there’s truly something for everyone here.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at exactly what makes Virginia Beach so great for families and how RBC Homes can help you create the perfect home to enjoy it all.
Quality of Life for Families in Virginia Beach
When people ask us, “Is Virginia Beach Family-Friendly?,” one of the first things we reference is how high the quality of life is here.
One of the first things that many families look for when moving to a new city is the quality of life residents enjoy. You’ll be happy to know that beyond its gorgeous ocean views, award-winning restaurant, and beautiful waterfront homes, the overall quality of life here in Virginia Beach is high.
Safe and Welcoming Communities
No family wants to live in a neighborhood where they have to worry about the safety of their children all the time.
With an overall crime rate that’s 27% lower than the national average, Virginia Beach is home to some of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach for families.
The city itself is pretty spread out. In fact, it’s much larger than most people who have never been here think. There are several unique neighborhoods and communities to choose from, which can make it quite difficult to land one that works best for you. Your choice will be where you take afternoon jogs in the summer and where your children go trick-or-treating in the fall, so it’s important to do your research.
Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods include Kempsville, Red Mill, and Great Neck. Whether your kids like going to the beach or riding bikes around the neighborhood, these safe family-friendly neighborhoods in Virginia Beach can provide you with all the peace of mind you need for your children.
If you’re not set on a specific neighborhood but would rather look in a specified area, we recommend Northeast Virginia Beach. This area has the lowest crime rate in the city, coupled with one of the highest high school graduation rates.
Strong Education System
Parents also have access to some of the best Virginia Beach schools and communities in the region. The Virginia Beach Public City Schools system is the most prominent school division in the area, offering access to 87 top-notch public schools, giving you plenty of options for education. On average, the public high schools in the surrounding county rank 9 out of 10 on average.
For parents who want a bit more say in their children’s education, there are also 37 private schools in the area.
Princess Anne High and the Virginia Beach Academy are some of the best academic institutions in the area, offering a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including arts, athletics, and STEM programs.
Job Opportunities for Parents
For families, Virginia Beach’s economy has been booming over the past decade, with a 2.8% unemployment rate that’s well below the national average. There are several major military installations here, which makes it great for active-duty military members and military employees.
Beyond the military and billion-dollar defense contractors, however, the city’s overall business community has become renowned for its diversity. You’ll find several bio and life sciences companies, information technology and communications opportunities, and advanced manufacturing. In fact, Virginia Beach has become one of America’s “Manufacturing Boomtowns” over the past decade.
Outdoor Activities for Families
As home to hundreds of miles of inland waterways and shorelines, an array of natural trails for hiking and biking, and thousands of acres of gorgeous parks, Virginia Beach is a dream for the active family.
Beaches and Parks
Sometimes, words aren’t enough when answering the question, “Is Virginia Beach family friendly?” In fact, many times, you need to see it to believe it, and that’s where the city’s many beaches and parks come into play.
With so many miles of coastline to enjoy, there is no shortage of family activities in Virginia Beach. You and your family can enjoy tons of exciting watersport activities, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, and more! Plus, there are many lifeguarded beaches and amenity-rich beaches with restrooms, playgrounds, and picnic spots. We highly recommend checking out Sandbridge Beach to build some sandcastles and catch the sunset.
There are also many great vacation homes in Sandbridge Beach, which you can stay at during the summer and get a feel for what it’s like to live here.
There’s also Oceanfront Beach, which has become the quintessential Virginia Beach destination for those who want to soak in some salt and sun. During any given summer day, you’ll find people playing volleyball, biking, or fishing all around the iconic three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
If you want to get away from the water and explore the many inland gems of Virginia Beach, you’ll have more than 4,000 acres of city and state parks to take on. Surrounding Virginia Beach, you’ll find several wildlife refuges, natural areas, and scenic waterways, including channels, rivers, bays, inlets, and more.
In short, Mother Nature is everywhere.
First Landing State Park is a great place to start. Here, you’ll find an array of scenic hiking trails and shaded picnic areas, perfect for taking some time to enjoy the state’s natural beauty.
Kid-Friendly Attractions
There are also many paid attractions for parents and kids, like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, which, beyond its many marine species, has endless interactive exhibits and an adventure park with zip lines.
The family can also head to Ocean Breeze Waterpark during the summer to enjoy its waterslides, wave pool, and, of course, the kid-friendly splash zones.
For a more educational experience, we highly recommend taking your little ones to the Military Aviation Museum, where they can enjoy the grandeur of life-sized military planes throughout history.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
If that’s not enough, you’ll find a seemingly endless Virginia Beach event calendar for the entire family can enjoy. From beer tastings to rock concerts and sports tournaments to farmer’s markets, there’s seemingly always something going on here in the city.
The Neptune Festival, which has been held since 1974, offers everything from free concerts to seaside wine tastings. When the holidays roll around, events like the Holiday Lights at the Beach transform the boardwalk into a sparkling drive-through light display that families can experience from the comfort of their cars.
Family-Oriented Housing in Virginia Beach
When people ask us, “Is Virginia Beach family-friendly?” one of the first things we often point to here is the housing. You’ll find many larger, multi-bedroom homes throughout the city with open-concept living spaces and yards designed to entertain the entire family.
Let’s look a bit deeper at what you can expect from the city!
Homes Designed for Families
In terms of housing, Virginia Beach has a wonderful reputation as an accessible, family-friendly city.
Whether you’re looking for a four-bedroom vacation-style home with spectacular views of the coastline or a quaint cottage with peaceful, natural surroundings, there are several choices to make.
Our custom family homes in Virginia Beach offer more than enough room for everyone, large backyards for outdoor play, and those near some of the top-rated schools and parks throughout the city.
In our many custom builds, we’ve added open kitchens, state-of-the-art entertainment amenities, screened porches, and so much more.
RBC Homes’ Expertise
For many years, we’ve been a trusted builder for families in Virginia Beach with our custom architectural and interior design options. We’ve made it our goal to work with homeowners and create functional, comfortable, and beautiful homes for those interested in living in Virginia Beach.
If you’re considering a custom build, check out our page on custom homes in Virginia Beach.
We offer everything from open-concept kitchens to beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly bathroom designs. Whether you’re looking for a home that can eventually become your place of retirement or a home addition to complement your current vacation home, we’ll make sure every detail aligns with your vision.
Remodeling for Growing Families
RBC Homes Virginia Beach offers expert remodeling services as well. With remodeling, you can add more square footage to your home to accommodate a new family member or convert that two-car garage into an in-law suite. A simple remodel could even include opening up the kitchen or bathroom how you’ve always wanted to them to make sure they’re efficient and updated!
So, whether you’re looking to add an extra bedroom to your home or turn your home into a more multifunctional space that can grow with your family, let us help you design the perfect custom home that reflects your Virginia Beach lifestyle!
Family-Centric Lifestyle and Amenities
If it wasn’t clear already, Virginia Beach has tons of family-centric amenities that make it an incredible choice for families. From the calm water on the bay that’s perfect for kids to the endless family-friendly events and community get-togethers, you’ll never have a moment of boredom here.
Community Amenities
As for The Virginia Beach Central Library is one of the best local libraries in the state, and over the years, it has become popular for its story time sessions, which are age-specific for children from six months to five years old.
There are also many recreation centers, including the Bow Creek and Bayside centers, both of which provide locals with access to LEED-certified amenities, including swimming pools, sports courts, and fitness classes for the whole family.
You’ll also find access to many commercial centers, local eateries, and boutique shops throughout the district, which makes it easy to find whatever your heart desires in a pinch.
When you want to unwind with the family, you can head out to one of the many family-friendly dining establishments, including Chix On the Beach, Ballyhoos, or Shore Break. Shopping is equally convenient, and many residents spend their time at the Lynnehaven Mall to shop and hang out.
Healthy Lifestyle Opportunities
If your family enjoys playing sports, Virginia Beach has a variety of leagues for kids and adults, ranging from soccer to basketball. The Youth Sports Leagues offers numerous leagues for those aged 10 through 18.
Even if your kids aren’t enrolled in a particular program, such as through the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation or YMCA, there are still many ways to stay active on days off.
There’s truly nothing that beats growing up next to the water, where you always have access to activities on the lake or shorefront. At many of the local parks, you can also discover the city’s many well-kept playgrounds. Trashmore Park, which has become famous for being built atop actual trash, has one of the most sought-after skateparks in the city.
Is Virginia Beach Family-Friendly? Real Stories from RBC Homes
At RBC Homes, we design coastal retreats where families can relax, reconnect, and make lasting memories. Virginia Beach is a top destination for family-friendly getaways, and these two RBC success stories prove why.
Happy As a Clam: The Ultimate Family Retreat
Happy As a Clam is built for togetherness, featuring a private pool, game room, and spacious decks perfect for all ages. Parents can unwind by the ocean, kids can play for hours, and grandparents can enjoy peaceful beach walks. With open-concept spaces and cozy rooms, it’s ideal for multi-generational stays. Close to Virginia Beach’s top family attractions, this home makes every vacation unforgettable.
Ruff Life: A Pet-Friendly Paradise
For families who travel with pets, Ruff Life is the perfect retreat. Designed with a fenced yard, pet-washing station, and easy beach access, it ensures a stress-free stay for both humans and furry friends. Inside, the stylish, open layout provides comfort for all. Located near dog-friendly parks and beaches, this home proves Virginia Beach is just as fun for four-legged family members.
Ready to experience the best of Virginia Beach? Explore our custom homes here.
FAQs:
I. Is Virginia Beach a good destination for families?
Absolutely! Virginia Beach offers kid-friendly beaches, parks, and attractions like the Virginia Aquarium, Ocean Breeze Waterpark, and First Landing State Park. Whether your family enjoys outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing by the ocean, there’s something for everyone.
II. Are RBC Homes designed for multi-generational families?
Yes! Our custom homes, like Happy As a Clam, feature spacious gathering areas, private pools, game rooms, and open-concept living spaces—perfect for large families. Many of our homes also include elevators, making them accessible for all ages.
III. Is Virginia Beach pet-friendly?
Yes! Many beaches and parks in Virginia Beach welcome dogs, and RBC Homes offers pet-friendly vacation rentals, such as Ruff Life, which includes a fenced yard, pet-washing station, and easy beach access.
IV. What family activities are nearby?
Virginia Beach has endless options, from kayaking in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to exploring the Cape Henry Lighthouse. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is perfect for biking and family strolls, while Sandbridge Beach offers a quieter escape for those looking to unwind.
V. What makes an RBC home special for families?
Our homes are built with comfort, convenience, and togetherness in mind. With amenities like private pools, game rooms, spacious kitchens, and beachfront access, families can enjoy both relaxation and entertainment without leaving home.
Do You Have More Questions?
Choosing the perfect place for your family is a big decision, and we know you may have more questions about life in Virginia Beach. Whether you’re curious about family-friendly neighborhoods, custom home options, or the best local activities, RBC Homes is here to help! Contact us today to speak with our experts and find the perfect coastal retreat for your family. Reach out to us here!
Conclusion – Is Virginia Beach Family-Friendly?
So, is Virginia Beach family-friendly?
When all is said and done, there’s nothing quite like coastal living in Virginia Beach. With a relatively low crime rate, several communities and neighborhoods to choose from, endless outdoor activities, and some of the best-rated schools in the state, there’s a lot to enjoy about living here.
Better yet, if you’re looking to build your dream home here, RBC Homes can help. We offer high-quality Virginia Beach new construction homes and expert Virginia Beach remodeling services designed to create the perfect family home, no matter your style, needs, or preferences.
Get in touch with us here at RBC Homes today for a consultation, or browse our home-building and remodeling options to start your journey toward finding the ideal home for your family in Virginia Beach!
