March 17, 2026
Styling Your Temporary Space: How to Decorate White Walls
If you’re renting, or just landing somewhere for a season, blank walls can feel like a landlord-approved muzzle on your personality. In reality,...
Considering a move, or already committed and planning to relocate to Virginia Beach? This bustling coastal city in southeastern Virginia boasts miles of beaches and a strong tourism sector, but what does living in Virginia Beach actually look like?
While VB’s shiny selling points are readily available on any tourism website, the realities of day-to-day life in “The Resort City” mean considering factors such as safety, housing prices, year-round weather, and traffic.
Here are some moving to Virginia Beach pros and cons, as well as major considerations to keep in mind before relocating.
Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia, and it functions less like a small beach town and more like a sprawling coastal city. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to farmland near the North Carolina border, giving it a surprisingly diverse feel.
You’ll find:
However, what might surprise you most is how spread out the city is. You’ll likely need a car. Traffic can increase significantly in summer, especially near the Oceanfront, as tourists arrive.
That said, the combination of coastal access and suburban comfort is exactly why many people love this vivacious city.
What is it like to live in Virginia Beach? Well, one of the city’s strongest assets is right in its name—if you love the water, you’ll love VB’s amazing coastline. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront refers to the city’s iconic 3-mile boardwalk, but overall, the city has a whopping 35 miles of coastline, including the boardwalk area, Chesapeake Bay Beach, and Sandbridge Beach.
Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia, which means you’ll have all the conveniences of a major city at your fingertips. Looking for a specific type of food? Great shopping? Plenty of cultural and historical attractions? You’ll find it here.
Virginia Beach’s cost of living is close to the national average, but is lower than most other coastal cities. While you’ll likely pay more to live here compared to other cities in the state, costs will be lower than if you lived in another waterfront city like Miami, Florida, or San Francisco.
While not all schools are created equal, Virginia Beach offers plenty of excellent, highly rated public schools. Virginia Beach City Public Schools has an A rating on Niche and boasts a 92% graduation rate according to Public School Review. This makes it a top 10% school system in Virginia.
If you love a place with changing seasons, you’ll be happy to hear that temperatures in Virginia Beach dip during the winter. That said, winters are typically described as “mild”, with temperatures averaging 45°F to 60°F during the day and dropping down to 30°F to 40°F at night.
Overall, Virginia Beach has a strong job market, with unemployment recently sitting at 3.5%. A great deal of VB residents find work in healthcare, tourism, and defense, as well as in office and administrative support roles.
History buffs will have no shortage of historical landmarks to explore in Virginia Beach. First Landing State Park commemorates the place where English settlers first landed prior to establishing Jamestown. The nearby Cape Henry Lighthouse, authorized by George Washington, offers gorgeous ocean views. From historic homes to fascinating museums, you’ll have plenty to see and learn.
With installations like the Naval Air Station Oceana, military families are woven into the fabric of the city. That means:
For many relocating families, this sense of shared experience reduces the isolation that can come with a big move.
Looking for the pros and cons of moving to Virginia Beach? You may find this one on both lists. If you work a seasonal job, you may enjoy the influx of new customers that sunny weather brings to VB. If you’re a social butterfly who is constantly looking for what to do in Virginia Beach, the uptick in general merriment and opportunities that tourists bring might be a very welcome change.
However, residents of Virginia Beach often lament the crowds and traffic that escalate during peak season. This influx of patrons to the Resort City may impact your day-to-day life pretty drastically, especially if you decide to live near the beach.
Locals often describe Virginia Beach summers as “sticky”, referring to the intense humidity of the summer months. Per data on weather patterns, the chance that a day will be “muggy” during the summer is 65 percent. While a hot, humid summer is followed by a relatively pleasant fall, this is certainly a factor to consider.
Summer thunderstorms are a staple of Virginia Beach weather, but they’re usually fleeting. Virginia Beach is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms; while they are not often severe, they are certainly something to be aware of. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and residents are so used to inclement weather that some will throw “Hurricane Parties” to ride out the storm.
While VB offers many of the conveniences of major metropolitan areas, the city covers a large geographic area. Most residents are reliant on their cars—which may be a major flaw or a non-issue depending on your lifestyle—so commute times throughout the city can vary depending on where you work and live.
Like many cities, Virginia Beach has a crime rate that varies across neighborhoods. While it is generally considered a safe place to live, it’s important to research crime rates for the specific area you’re considering. In some scenarios, crime rates go up the closer you get to the beach, especially during peak season.
Because of the plentiful advantages of living in Virginia Beach, the housing and rental market is considered pretty competitive. Vacancies are filled quickly, so if you see something you like, you’ll likely need to act quickly.
Relocating is equal parts excitement and uncertainty. Virginia Beach offers beach access, military community support, suburban comfort, and year-round outdoor living, but it also requires thoughtful planning around weather, traffic, and neighborhood choice. Here are some neighborhoods to consider in the Resort City.
One of Virginia Beach’s most coveted neighborhoods, Great Neck is a great option for renters or buyers seeking a safe, community-oriented place to live. Because it sits on a peninsula, offers easy water access, and features plenty of gorgeous views, prices can be on the steeper side.
People living in Kempsville often love living in Kempsville. Known for its strong community identity, a more affordable cost of living than most of the beachfront neighborhoods, and a great mix of housing and apartment options, Kempsville sits in a convenient location that’s away from much of the intense hustle and bustle.
While the North End neighborhood sits in close proximity to the boardwalk, it’s just north enough that residents don’t deal with the most intense effects of the tourism season. This neighborhood is often described as quieter and residential, with beach access and incredible ocean views.
If you’re seeking a quieter, more relaxed, “beachy” community, Sandbridge may fit the bill. This is a neighborhood known for its laidback vibe, with endless opportunities for waterfront activities and becoming one with nature.
When and if you decide to relocate to Virginia Beach, take your time. Visit if you can. Talk to locals. And remember: moving isn’t just about choosing a city. It’s about building a life that fits your current season, whether that season lasts a year or a lifetime.
Yes, there’s a famous 3-mile boardwalk. But what to do in Virginia Beach extends well beyond tourist hotspots.
Residents often enjoy:
The biggest surprise for some newcomers? How residential most of the city feels once you move away from the tourist core.
If you’re relocating for military orders, a job transfer, or simply testing coastal life, flexibility matters.
A few general relocation realities people don’t always anticipate:
Instead of rushing to buy furniture before you understand your long-term plan, many newcomers opt for flexible solutions while they settle in. That gives you time to explore neighborhoods, evaluate commute patterns, and truly experience what living in Virginia Beach feels like in the day-to-day.
Relocation is already a big adjustment. Between unpacking, registering vehicles, and navigating school districts, adding furniture shopping to the list can feel overwhelming.
Once you’ve secured housing, creating a comfortable, functional space helps you focus on enjoying your new surroundings. Flexible furnishing options allow you to settle in quickly without locking yourself into purchases you might regret if you move again.
Whether you’re testing out coastal living or settling in for a longer stay, CORT Furniture Rental helps you feel at home faster in Virginia Beach. Skip the stress of buying furniture before you’re sure where you’ll land. Choose flexible, stylish pieces delivered and set up for you, then keep them only as long as you need. Get started online or in store today.
