What Makes Virginia Beach one of the Best Retirement Places?
Also known for its flourishing local dining scene, arts and entertainment, maritime history, and family-friendly attractions, Virginia Beach features its own unique districts that offer experiences for everyone to enjoy. A lively, promising yet peaceful community, makes Virginia Beach one of the best retirement places for our seniors.
Virginia Beach is that coastal city of Virginia state where Chesapeake Bay, the US largest estuary, joins the Atlantic Ocean. Virginia Beach VA is among the country’s popular year-long destinations and it especially booms in the summer months with the famous Virginia Beach oceanfront and Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Located around 19 miles from the Norfolk International Airport, Virginia Beach is only a 24-30 minute drive, making it so accessible and convenient for visitors to get to.
What’s it like to live in Virginia Beach VA?
Life in Virginia Beach VA is idyllic, a country-like environment. With its location by the coast granting free beach access to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, there is no lack of outdoor recreation like fishing, not to mention the beautiful views that meet your eyes any time of the day.
The city has a low crime rate, a good probability is its proximity to military bases which attracts a good number of military retirees and an active golf community.
The latest census bureau population reported 450,224 residents, making Virginia Beach the largest city in Virginia and the 41st largest city in the country, with the population increasing by 2.79%.
Enjoy a comfortable climate all year round
Virginia Beach has warm and humid summers and cold and windy winter months. It is generally wet and partly cloudy the whole year. Temperature goes from 34°F to 87°F and seldom goes lower than 23°F or above 93°F.
Climate and physical environment
Its climate, thus, gives one vacation-like weather. Fishing on the Chesapeake Bay is a popular activity among Virginia Beach’s community locals and visitors, as well as water sports on its beach and picturesque coast, dotted with bike trails.
What is there to do in Virginia Beach VA?
There is a boardwalk going for 3 miles along its oceanfront. Historical museums like the Norfolk Military Aviation Museum, varied restaurants, cultural attractions and regular performing arts events. Great for family and educational trips is the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center where visitors can see sea turtles, sharks, and rays in habitats with global themes.
Retiring in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Why you should consider retiring to Virginia Beach
Here are just some of the main features of Virginia Beach to make you consider buying a real estate property here and making it your retirement city. Its beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay will make you feel like you’re on a year-round vacation especially since its winters are mild with little snow if any. It is just minutes away from Norfolk International Airport. Its medical facilities are top-notch, award-winning facilities throughout the city.
Taxes are low relative to the northern areas of the US, yet there are lots of affordable housing options, recreational opportunities with state and city parks, and Seniors Programs in several community centers with twice-weekly activities. The city is also close to other historical areas in the state, like Williamsburg. This town really is one of the best places for living out your retirement years.
In addition, and quite importantly, you have one of the top real estate agents, Barry Jenkins of Legacy Home Team @ LPT Realty within reach, to guide you and advise you on your Virginia Beach retirement dream!
Step back in time and discover local history
Virginia Beach neighborhoods have a rich history. After it was founded in 1887, the area eventually evolved into a resort with the construction of a hotel and the building of a railroad that connected it to Norfolk.
This is the site of the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first ever federally-funded public works project of the newly-formed United States of America, authorized by George Washington himself.
There is also the bayside First Landing State Park, located near Chesapeake, Norfolk and the Hampton Roads area that marks the arrival of the 140 Jamestown colonists from England in 1607. Visitors to any Virginia museum can get information, see displays on the state’s and the country’s early histories.
Explore local arts and get inspired at the ViBe Creative District
The ViBe Creative District is the most vibrant art and cultural hub in the Hampton Roads region. It serves as a hub for all artisans – music, culinary, traditional art, leather and woodworks. The district itself is its own work of art, filled with murals of contemporary art created by local artists, filling the whole site with color and life!
The district is like a huge scene of collaboration among different creative endeavors – mutual inspiration among locals in their crafts. There are regular events monthly on First Fridays, Second Saturdays and VB Flea for residents and visitors to the Hampton Roads area to soak in presentations of world-class works at the Virginia MOCA, local artists’ studios at the Virginia Beach Art Center.
Treat yourself to delicious local food
There is a weekly sampling of local flavor at the site of the Old Beach Farmers Market. And on a regular day, one can savor brick oven pizzas and baked goods, craft spirits and locally roasted coffee. At the ViBe District, the artisan and local craftsmanship are on display in the intricate art works among the coffee shops and restaurants, bakeries and distilleries.
Unplug and relax in Nature
There are parks and recreation sites all over the area and within particular neighborhoods. The most notable are the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, First Landing State Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Neptune’s Park, Mount Trashmore Park, False Cape State Park, Grommet Island Park, and, of course, its splendid beaches! Your retirement is going to be like living in nature’s paradise.
Local Water sports and Activities
There are endless possible water sports because of the myriad activities offered in the area. With Virginia Beach’s marinas located all around, one can easily book a Dinner Cruise around the bay, Fishing Charters, Sailing and Day/Sunset Cruises, Eco Tours, Dolphin and Boat Tours, Kayak tours, Whale Watching Trips and Fishing Tournaments. Then there’s Parasailing, Stand-up Paddleboard, Private Surfing Lessons, Wakeboarding and Kiteboarding, Surf Camps, Jet Skiing, and much more.
Who will like retirement in Virginia Beach?
Nature lovers, people who enjoy the beach and outdoor activities would enjoy living out their retirement in Virginia Beach. The center of the town is big with a library, many arts venues, top-notch hospitals and medical facilities and an outpatient VA clinic. The Tidewater Community College has hundreds of classes offered free to senior citizens. There is public transportation and airports are close by. It is safe and affordable. No wonder it has been ranked one of state’s and the country’s best places to retire.
Cost of living
The cost of living is very reasonable, considering its location on the East Coast. Median home price is only $262,200 and median monthly rent is $1,258.
Transportation
The community has public transportation. There is the Hampton Roads Transit, the public transportation provider for the Hampton Roads region with various transportation services throughout the city in the metro area and suburbs. One of these services of the Hampton Roads Transit is the Wave Trolley which is the best way to get around and experience the best that the resort beach areas can offer.
Crime
According to a 2021 study, it is among the safest large cities in the country. Its crime ratings relative to other cities nationwide are still low.
Medical Facilities
There is good healthcare in this area. Here are the top hospitals, namely Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Sentara Princess Anne, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, to name a few.
Popular among retirees, it is only to be expected that there would be many retirement homes, and assisted living communities all over the area.
Local Economy
This is among the cities with a booming economy in Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area, its unemployment rate pegged at 3.6%, said to have been first influenced by military presence.
From a seaside coastal resort city, it has now grown to house an increasing number of local and international industries and manufacturing companies, in large part due to the establishment of the Virginia Beach Economic Development, which has also created sustainability programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to live in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach is an affordable place to live on the East Coast region. Here, the median home price is $262,200 with the median monthly rent at $1,258. Virginia Beach is definitely much more than a popular site of an ocean coastal travel destination. More importantly, it is a safe and family-friendly city with a stable economy and reasonable cost of living.
Where can I retire in Virginia Beach?
If you are planning to buy a real estate property or a retirement home in Virginia Beach, here are the best neighborhoods to check:
- Sandbridge. Among Virginia Beach’s most sought-after neighborhoods, reputed to be a quiet community, despite its location minutes from the main centers of Virginia Beach. Houses are mostly single-family homes with some luxury condos. Nearby is the site of the Princess Anne Recreation Center which has a Forever Young Senior Center every Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
- Town Center. The neighborhood is convenient for its residents to easily walk from their homes to shop or dine. Accommodations are mostly condominiums, apartments and townhomes that cost reasonably well for retirees. Located just ten miles from Virginia Beach boardwalk, the neighborhood has been declared by the Police Chief himself as “extremely safe.”
- Thoroughgood. Another quiet area near Chicks Beach in North Virginia Beach with several retail centers close by. There is a wide range of home prices and styles, like small, older houses or multi-million-dollar waterfront homes, to tri-levels, ranches, townhomes, and large stately houses. Most importantly it is a safe neighborhood, listed in the top ten safest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach by a local home security company.
- Lagomar. An established area in South Virginia Beach with a lot of mature trees and canals connecting some waterfront homes to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, making this neighborhood ideal for retirees and other residents or visitors who enjoy boating activities. There is a lower than national average crime risk in this neighborhood, and convenient accessibility to the Forever Young Senior Center Program in Sandbridge.
Is Virginia Beach a bad area?
Virginia Beach is one city that can actually claim bragging rights to a good, i.e., low crime rating. AreaVibes has declared the area a crime B grade with its overall crime rate being 14 percent below the national average.
What is the best area to live in Virginia Beach?
As one of the best places to retire, there are several recommendable locations for retirees to live in Virginia Beach. The top recommended areas have been mentioned and discussed above.
Are there good real estate agents or companies to consult for retirement living in Virginia Beach or Norfolk areas? Definitely! Among the top real estate agents in Virginia Beach VA that you can consult with ease, trust and confidence are Barry Jenkins and Legacy Home Team @ LPT Realty. Call Barry directly at (757) 919-8874, you can also email him at barry@yourfriendlyagent.net. Send an email and set up contact and you can schedule your consultations for your retirement living plans in Virginia Beach!
