Whether you already reside in the region or are moving to the area, it may be difficult to decide where to settle down and which area you should focus on when looking for your new home. These cities are desirable for families, young professionals, and retirees with active lifestyles, and collectively hold the largest military presence outside of D.C. With major highways connecting Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, you can easily enjoy what each city has to offer, no matter where you choose to live. We’ve compiled some information that will help you decide which of these areas is best for you. As a highly experienced team of real estate agents in Virginia Beach, we know all of the ins and outs – the pros and cons of living in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk.
The Pros & Cons of Living in Virginia Beach
With over half a million residents, Virginia Beach has a nice small-town feel mixed with the energy of a big city, without being crowded and overwhelming.
Pros:
Virginia Beach is a family-friendly city with countless things to do, and the varieties of activities are endless. The benefits of coastal living in Virginia Beach includes wildlife refuges like Back Bay, and waterways such as the Lynnhaven and Elizabeth Rivers. With its woodlands, freshwater ponds, and sand dunes, First Landing State Park is the most visited state park in Virginia. Due to its 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, a great deal of residents use this area for recreation.
The city is known for its beautiful long stretches of beaches. Sandbridge, Chic’s Beach, and the North End Beaches are among the most popular. Most areas of Virginia Beach are an easy walk or drive to the beach. Residents enjoy surfing, paddle boarding, waterskiing, kayaking, boating, and fishing. In addition to the beach, residents can stroll the oceanfront boardwalk, cool off in the wave pool at Ocean Breeze Waterpark, attend the Neptune Festival International Sand Sculpting Competition, visit the Contemporary Museum of Art, or catch a dolphin or whale watching cruise (depending on the season), at the Virginia Beach Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
Inland areas of Virginia Beach present even more leisure activities. For example, you can enjoy the arts and nightlife at Town Center, summer concerts at the Veterans United Virginia Beach Amphitheater, and sports at a state-of-the-art soccer and volleyball complex. Many often depart to the rural serenity of Pungo due to its farmlands and parks. Here, you can pick your own fruit, vegetables, and wildflowers without even leaving Virginia Beach. The city is also full of historic points of interest including landmarks such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse, colonial homes like the Lynnhaven House, and museums such as the Military Aviation Museum.
With easy interstate access, Virginia Beach is not only good for families, it is perfect for professionals. Due to a thriving economy and ever-growing job market, many residents are employed by defense contractors, the healthcare industry, the tourism industry, and in manufacturing. Virginia Beach is home to many large businesses and corporations like Stihl and Geico, as well as non-profits like the Christian Broadcasting Studios. It is also an easy commute for those serving in the armed forces. Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/ Fort Story, and several other military facilities are located in Virginia Beach.
The city’s public school system is very highly rated. Students in high school have access to academies and advanced programs that focus on additional academics, as well as access to a technical and career education center. And with the added option of private schools like Cape Henry Collegiate, Saint Gregory the Great, and Catholic High, education in Virginia Beach should not be a worry. Residents also have access to post-secondary education through Regent University, Virginia Wesleyan University, Tidewater Community College, and via the Virginia Beach satellite campus for Old Dominion University, Norfolk State, and others.
Cons:
Virginia Beach is a military town, and the jet noise may take some getting used to. If you choose a home that is in one of the higher noise zones, you’ll need to be prepared for flight drills throughout the day and oftentimes at night. Keep in mind that not all parts of the city are affected by jet noise, and once you get accustomed to it, you may even find yourself sporting an “I Love Jet Noise” bumper sticker like many other proud residents. It is also worth noting that some parts of Virginia Beach are labeled as “crash zones,” because they surround the military bases, thus making these areas at higher risk of being affected by an airplane malfunction.
In Virginia Beach, the income per capita is much higher than the US average. While the area offers just about every home type you could ask for (oceanfront included), the median home cost is approximately $358,000, and this number is climbing. With the exception of several D.C. suburbs, Virginia Beach is one of the more expensive places to live in Virginia and the most expensive place to live in Hampton Roads. Yet it is less expensive than other coastal towns in the northeast. This is something to factor in, but also note that Virginia Beach has the lowest real estate and property tax rates in Hampton Roads.
While tourism lends itself to a booming economy, the extra traffic and busyness in the summer months can be bothersome. In particular, you may find yourself searching for less crowded beaches. During rush hour, traffic can be heavy, and it may seem as though roadways are always under construction. In terms of public transit, the bus system isn’t the most efficient, because buses don’t run very often and routes don’t extend outside of main areas.
The Pros & Cons of Living in Chesapeake
Over 252,000 people call Chesapeake home. Chesapeake is sparse, suburban in character, and perfect for families and professionals.
Pros:
Chesapeake is loved by those who enjoy spending their time outdoors. Activities include bird watching, fishing, kayaking, biking, and there are hiking trails of all levels, including the Chesapeake African American Heritage Trail and the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. The protected wetlands and forest of the Northwest River Natural Area Preserve and intracoastal waterways such as Indian River add to the area’s natural beauty. The Chesapeake City Park draws many recreational visitors and has an outdoor pavilion that holds concerts and events in the warmer months. The Adventureworks Zipline Park is yet another popular outdoor attraction.
The city of Chesapeake also offers many indoor activities and has an ice skating rink, several bowling alleys, and a trampoline park, to name a few. In line with the low-key lifestyle and southern hospitality, Chesapeake also boasts numerous farms with on-site restaurants and markets. They also offer fruit and vegetable picking.
The median home cost is $328,000, which makes living in Chesapeake less expensive on average, than Virginia Beach. In Chesapeake, you’ll find single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums of all price ranges. There is also an abundance of new construction communities, as well as many waterfront homes. Some of the best neighborhoods in Chesapeake include Great Bridge, Hickory, Grassfield, Butts Station, Greenbrier, and Pleasant Grove. While homes in Chesapeake are still more than the national average, living here will be less expensive than living in Virginia Beach, and you may end up with more acreage and privacy.
Chesapeake has a good public school system, and high school students have access to a vocation career education center. Private schools include Atlantic Shores Christian School and Greenbrier Christian Academy, and those who take up residence here also have access to post-secondary education opportunities. For example, Chesapeake holds a centrally-located branch of Tidewater Community College.
Because Chesapeake is more sparsely populated, most areas are less busy, and traffic hardly gets too heavy. For some buyers, this may be a plus, and the benefit of living in a more relaxed environment.
Cons:
The economy and job market are very stable, and while Chesapeake is home to the Dollar Tree headquarters, the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, and military installations such as NSA Northwest Annex, there are many more job opportunities outside of the city. You may find yourself with a slightly longer commute than if for example, you lived and worked within Virginia Beach.
There is no public transportation in Chesapeake and while a bus system exists, it is not easily accessible or practical. There is no downtown or city center district at all, so if you are relocating from a bigger city, this may feel odd to you. You will also be further from the beach and other activities that you may enjoy. There are fewer museums, festivals, and entertainment options in Chesapeake.
The Pros & Cons of Living in Norfolk
Norfolk is in the heart of Hampton Roads, has a population of approximately 244,000, and a dense, suburban atmosphere.
Pros:
Virginia’s second largest city offers an overabundance of activities. With 114 miles of beaches, many locals spend their time at Sarah Constant Beach Park, Community Beach Park, and Ocean View Beach Park. Amid waterways of the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk offers numerous recreations in addition to beachgoing. Paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and fishing are widespread activities in Norfolk.
There are numerous parks, a zoo, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, and plenty of areas for hiking and biking. Norfolk is also home to both a minor league baseball team and a minor league hockey team. There’s also access to activities such as festivals, river cruising, parades, and museums such as Nauticus and the Chrysler Museum of Art. You can catch a show at the Harrison Opera House, Chrysler Hall, the Scope, and Ted Constant Center, or experience the nightlife and live music of the Waterside District. Norfolk is a historical and cultural center in Hampton Roads. The variety of activities for leisure in Norfolk is comparable, if not greater than that of Virginia Beach, and far exceeds Chesapeake.
The transportation systems in Norfolk surpass those available in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. While circumstances will probably still warrant the need for a car, Hampton Roads Transit offers a bus system, ferry service, and a light rail, all of which make getting around a lot easier. An electric trolley provides transportation around the downtown area. There is also a state-of-the-art cruise terminal named the Decker Half Moone Center, and Amtrak runs service through Norfolk’s downtown station. What’s more, Norfolk is the only city in Hampton Roads to have an International Airport.
Often considered the hub of the region’s economy, Norfolk has a strong and dependable job market. The healthcare industry has a sizable presence in Norfolk, and includes Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, and Eastern Virginia Medical School. Shipping, banking, maritime, manufacturing, and biotechnology industries are prevalent. BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Norfolk Southern, and the Port of Virginia are just some of the area’s employers. Norfolk Naval Station is the largest military base in the world, and the biggest employer in Hampton Roads. Norfolk is also home to military facilities like NATO Allied Command. This makes Norfolk an extremely military-friendly community.
With a median home value of $264,000, Norfolk offers a more reasonable cost of living. A wide variety of home types are available in Norfolk. There are colonial-inspired homes, condos, townhomes, single-family homes, cottages, and even two-story Georgian style homes. Some of the best neighborhoods include Edgewater, Sewell’s Point, Riverpoint, and Colonial Place. Historic neighborhoods like Ghent are highly sought after, as they contain their own main street with residences, shops, restaurants, and other businesses. There are higher-cost areas in Norfolk, but overall you may still find a better priced home.
Cons:
Norfolk has a crime rate 115% higher than the Virginia average, and property crime is one of the biggest problems. Although most of the crime is concentrated in southern Norfolk, Fairmount Park, Oakwood, and Denby Park, it is something to consider when purchasing a home.
Accidents and backups are common coming in and out of Norfolk, and there is heavy traffic during rush hours. Compounded by downtown and midtown tunnel congestion, a good deal of time will be added to your daily commute. Traffic and local industry also lead to higher levels of pollution. Tropical storm, hurricane, and flood damage can be a problem in each of the cities. However, flooding issues can be worse in Norfolk, because many parts of the city are below sea level.
While you’ll have access to a myriad of postsecondary education opportunities at Old Dominion University, Norfolk State, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Tidewater Community College, the quality of education in the primary and secondary public school system does not measure up to that of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. And, you’ll have access to top private schools like Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Christian, and the Williams School, but this is another cost to consider when choosing an area in which to live.
Overall:
It is clear there are a lot of great reasons to buy homes in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk. All three areas foster economic opportunity. However, Norfolk’s higher than average crime rate may be a concern, but, you’ll certainly be closer to an appealing and diverse downtown district, entertainment, employment options, and higher education opportunities. In general, the city of Chesapeake is a less busy area, and while that may be a benefit for some, the lack of a traditional downtown area may be a downside for others. Comparatively speaking, there is also less variety of activities in Chesapeake than in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Living in Chesapeake can be less expensive than living in Virginia Beach. And while Living in Virginia Beach may be most costly, many find the cost worth the outstanding public school system and unlimited activities. Factoring in the public education system, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach may be better-suited for families. If you choose to live in Virginia Beach, you’ll just need to be prepared for the busyness of tourist season.
No matter which city you live in, you can work, go to school, and enjoy what the other cities have to offer. With access to major highways, the commute between each is relatively easy. If you’re interested in finding homes in Hampton Roads or would like more information about the pros and cons of living in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, contact CoVA Collective Realty today!