Best Virginia Beach Neighborhoods

<H1>Jake’s Insider Guide To The Best Neighborhoods In Virginia Beach
                        <p> A vibrant community with a diverse lifestyle on the waterfront, Virginia Beach, VA, is one of the best places to call home. You’ll find oceanfront real estate, exceptional schools, and some of the best natural parks on the coast. Virginia Beach is a noted tourist town, but the unique neighborhoods spread throughout the city offer a glimpse into an exciting region with a competitive housing market. Explore the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods to get a better idea of what this area has to offer.

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<h2>Life in Virginia Beach: City Overview

<p>Virginia Beach sits on the coast, right where the Chesapeake Bay connects to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its three-mile-long boardwalk, the freshest seafood in the state, and its seemingly endless beaches. It’s not uncommon to visit and fall in love with the area. Whether you are thinking about buying a retirement home on the water or a private estate tucked into a wooded area, you’ll find the Virginia Beach neighborhood here that fits your unique needs.

However, as you compare your options to find real estate and homes for sale in Virginia Beach, and start looking at the individual neighborhoods, you’ll find far more than just the open water. Having lived here for much of my life, and as a top Realtor in Virginia Beach, I am ready to take you on an exploration of what makes this community the remarkable place it is. I’m Jake Maines, and as you explore the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, I encourage you to reach out to me at any time. Let’s talk about the area and all it has to offer.

If you want to get to know the Town Center neighborhood, one of the newest and most urban city-living centers in the state, I would be happy to meet you for a cup of coffee at Town Center Cold Pressed. Alternatively, if you want to find out why Green Run is a great place to live for its peace and quiet and privacy, I encourage you to reach out to chat.

Let’s take a look at some of the Virginia Beach neighborhoods that are considered the most desirable for buying a home. At the same time, know that we can help you find the right home for you, whether it’s a single-family starter home, a large estate, a budget-friendly property, or something close to the military bases.  

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<h2> [map placeholder] [Virginia Beach], Zip Codes & Map

<h2>The Best Neighborhoods In Virginia Beach

One of the best things to do in Virginia Beach is the oceanfront, certainly, but for those who are buying a home here, there’s so much more to explore. As you consider each of the Virginia Beach neighborhoods, look beyond the proximity to the waterfront to consider things like the public schools, housing options and styles, privacy, and community amenities. Virginia Beach is far more than just a beach town, it is a place where people go to raise their families, invest in a strong and growing economy, and retire on the golf courses and open water.

For all of those reasons and so many more, the following are the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods for what most of our home buyers are looking for in an area. Take a look at each of these Virginia Beach neighborhood pages to find the community perfect for your needs.

<h3>Town Center, Virginia Beach, VA

When you get to know the Town Center neighborhood, you’ll find it to be a modern place to live, play, shop, and eat all within a short walk of each other. It’s a planned urban development with upscale homes, condos, and townhomes. It’s also ideally located close to I-264 and a short drive to the waterfront area. This development is one of the newer options in the area, replacing an area known as Pembrooke.

Some of the best shopping centers in Virginia Beach are in this area, as are numerous things to do. You’ll find the Sandler Center for Performing Arts, upscale shopping locations like Taste, and the Funny Bone comedy club. Some of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach are located in this area, including the more upscale locations and fun cafes.

<h3>Green Run, Virginia Beach, VA

When you find out why Green Run is a great place to live, it’s likely to be because of the strong residential layout and the fact that it’s in the heart of the city. This Virginia Beach neighborhood is quiet with a walkable feel to it. As one of the more affordable neighborhoods, Green Run is an excellent place for those looking for competitive pricing in a suburban area.

There are numerous things to do in Green Run, including taking advantage of the community center, which has several pools, a tennis court, and a total of 14 parks throughout the association. You’re also only about 11 miles from the shoreline.

<h3>Kempsville, Virginia Beach, VA

To get an idea of what it’s like to live in the Kempsville neighborhood, you really want to take some time to explore the area. It’s quite diverse with numerous housing options, with townhomes and single-family homes being the most common options. You’re about 12 miles from the beach here.

This is a family-friendly neighborhood, and it is also a historical area with some beautiful older properties. The area, which spans from Princess Anne Road from the Norfolk border to the Courthouse, is filled with exceptional amenities and things to do. At the heart of the Virginia Beach area, you are just a few minutes from Town Center, the parks, and the entire Hampton Roads area.

h3>Salem, Virginia Beach, VA

If you want to see why people love living in Salem, VB, our Virginia Beach neighborhood guide breaks it all down. Salem Lakes Park is a small community park that’s perfect for walks and exploration. Salem is mostly a residential area, so most of the things to do here will be a short drive. However, the Virginia Beach Sportsplex is located within the city.

The Salem school district is one of the area’s best school districts. You’re close to area amenities here, with Princess Anne Road being just a few minutes away. I-64 is a bit further, but still within reach for those who need to commute to the naval base or other areas. It’s also close to Stumpy Lake Natural Area.

<h3>Princess Anne, Virginia Beach, VA

Is living in Princess Anne right for you? Easily one of the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods, Princess Anne is a well-kept, upscale community noted for its newer developments and family-friendly vibe. Good schools with excellent access to shopping centers in Virginia Beach, and several parks and playgrounds make it an all-around solid choice.

It’s important to know that the Princess Anne neighborhood doesn’t span the road by the same name. The neighborhood we’re talking about is in the central portion of the city. There are some older areas here, with homes from the 1960s and 70s, but also some newer developments.

<h3>Virginia Beach Oceanfront, VA

The vibe at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront is what you would expect, and more. This is a community of everything from estates and large private homes to condos and townhomes. As one of the most desirable places along the Eastern Shore of the entire country, you can bet this is one of the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods to call home if you want the waves to wake you each morning. The boardwalk, the water activities, and the upbeat tourism-focused experience here is one of the best in the community.

Home prices in this area are higher, but you’re also right off the beach. Some of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach are in this area, along with Neptune Park and the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. This is the best of beach life.

<h3>North End, Virginia Beach, VA

Explore daily life in the North End, Virginia Beach neighborhood, and you’ll find a welcoming community, one that is an excellent balance of exceptional beachfront properties and charming cottages. There are some luxurious estates in this area as well. Located on the Virginia Beach oceanfront, right along Atlantic Avenue and close to First Landing State Park, you have the waterfront to greet you each day.

There are some new construction areas here. Expect this nearly all residential area to be hard to get into, with limited homes for sale in some areas. However, when it comes to the best things to do in this region, waterfront living – with sand between your toes- can be an excellent reason to live here.

<h3>Little Neck, Virginia Beach, VA

We created a comprehensive neighborhood guide for Little Neck, and it is a great way to get to know this highly in-demand community. This area is quite private, sitting on a peninsula that’s right in the middle of the city. It sits right on the Lynhaven River, which makes it fantastic for those who want to be able to take a boat out.

As one of the more private Virginia Beach neighborhoods, Little Neck has a lot of wooded areas and long, winding roads. It’s a bit further from the ocean, but still within a short 15 to 20-minute drive to everything you want to see and do in the area.

<h3>Croatan, Virginia Beach

You can view our detailed neighborhood guide to Croatan for some in-depth ideas on the best things to do here. What you’ll find is that this community, right on the beach, is an excellent, somewhat hidden area that’s beyond the tourism-centric areas. That’s because the entrance into this Virginia Beach neighborhood is just south of Rudee Inlet, which creates a nice break from the boardwalk area.

It's a fantastic place to walk along the beach (that is one of the best things to do in Virginia Beach), and heading into town for dinner at one of the restaurants in the city is simple enough. Town Center and other shopping centers in the Virginia Beach area are equally close by, and yet, you feel secluded and tucked away from the hustle of daily life.

<h3>Red Mill, Virginia Beach

Another of the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods is Red Mill, a peaceful community that’s mostly residential. You can start exploring our neighborhood guide for Red Mill, but there are a few key reasons why you’ll want to keep this smaller area on your must-see list. Red Mill is just a few minutes from Sandbridge Beach. It’s also close to Hells Point Golf Club, and one of the best shopping centers in Virginia Beach, Red Mill Commons. You’ll find all of your big retailers here.

<h3>Thoroughgood, Virginia Beach, VA

Another exceptional location to think about is Thoroughgood. Here are the top things to know about Thoroughgood, VB. With lots of things to do in Virginia Beach, you’ll appreciate the easy access to everything nearby from this community. It’s a somewhat hidden area of the city and one of the most desirable Virginia Beach neighborhoods to live in as a result. It has numerous home types throughout it.

When it comes to some of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach, proximity to the Chic’s Beach area, and excellent parks, this community is a must-see. It’s far enough away that you can benefit from the great schools and quality of life, and be just 13 miles from the oceanfront.

<h3>Bayside, Virginia Beach, VA

In our guide, we provide you with everything you need to know about the Bayside, Virginia Beach area. Bayside is in the northwestern area. It is one of the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods for those who want to be close to most of the things to do. It’s close to Norfolk Navy Base, the downtown Virginia Beach area, and the North Hampton Boulevard area.

Bayside is a quiet neighborhood with some modern and older homes. A mostly residential area, some of the best shopping centers and restaurants in the area are located about 10 to 15 minutes away. But you’re only a short drive to Town Center and all of the other Virginia Beach neighborhoods.

<h3>Timberlake, Virginia Beach, VA

As you read through out Timberlake, VB neighborhood guide, you’ll find a community that’s a nice blend of residential and commercial property. It’s nestled close to the beach, but it’s still quite peaceful here. It’s about 15 minutes from the oceanfront, but so much more removed from the tourism of the area that some don’t want to interrupt their day.

There are numerous things to do in Timberlake, whether it’s watch the high school team play a few games, head to the Bow Creek Recreation Center, or have some fun with the kids at FunVille Playground and Café.

<h3>Aragona Village, Virginia Beach, VA

To learn if Aragona Village is the right fit for you, it’s best to visit and talk away along one of the tree-lined neighborhood streets. The homes have larger, sometimes fenced-in yards, and the community is very walkable. This is the largest subdivision in the city, with around 3,200 families living here. With its location right off Independence Blvd, it’s super easy to get to work, Town Center, and the beachfront itself.

The Williams Farm Recreation Center is an all-service location for working out and community activities. For food, some of the best restaurants in Aragona Village include Mazari Kebab and The Frog Sports Bar. There are also several shopping centers in Aragona Village, including the Aragona Village Shopping Center and Aragona Village Shoppes. Pembroke Square isn’t too far, either, with all of your big retailers.

<h3>Great Neck, Virginia Beach, VA

Everything you need to know about the luxury of Great Neck is in our neighborhood guide. This is a community that’s right on the waterfront and one of the most luxurious places to buy property here, especially if you love an outdoor adventure. Great Neck sits near the Chesapeake Bay and Broad Bay, and while it is a short drive to the restaurants and shops here, it’s well worth the privacy this area has to offer.

A serene coastal community, Great Neck is noted for its larger homes and estates. Some have marinas and docks right out front. Many of these residential areas not only provide you with access to the best things to do in Virginia Beach on the waterfront, but they’re right down Shore Drive from the top-rated school districts. Exceptional lifestyle and close amenities make Great Neck the location for luxury home buying in Virginia Beach.

<h3>Lynnhaven, Virginia Beach, VA

Here’s what you need to know about life in Lynnhaven. Another of the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods is Lynnhaven, one of the seven original boroughs of the city. Located in the north-central part of the city, Lynnhaven has some outstanding history and beautiful historic homes. Good schools and super easy access to the highway (the Norfolk-Virginia Beach Expressway is only a few minutes away) make this community an excellent choice for those who want the best of both worlds. Beautiful parks and walkable neighborhoods make this a well-loved Virginia Beach neighborhood.

Aside from that, you’ll find some of the best shopping centers in Virginia Beach here, including the Lynnhaven Mall and Lynnhaven North Shopping Center. Some of the best restaurants in Lynnhaven, like Old Beach Tavern and Bread Box Café, are family-owned, wonderful places to visit.

<h3>Chic’s Beach, Virginia Beach, VA

If you want to experience the lifestyle in Chic’s Beach, go for a walk down one of the city’s residential neighborhoods. Friendly people, well-maintained lawns, and a vibrant coastal town await you. This is a small, somewhat hidden coastal gem with so much to offer if you want true waterfront living. Chic’s Beach is close to areas like the Bayville Golf Club and the Chesapeake Bay beachfront. If you enjoy wakeboarding, jet skiing, or just taking the boat out onto the waterfront, this is an excellent place to call home.

Some of the best restaurants in Chic’s Beach include Buoy 44 Seafood Grill and Commonwealth Brewing Co., a fun beer garden that’s a local hangout. With mostly single-family homes in this area of VA Beach, you really get a feel for the natural beauty of the community.

<h3>Sandbridge, Virginia Beach, VA

The quiet charm of Sandbridge makes it one of the Virginia Beach neighborhoods. It’s a somewhat hidden destination off the coast. You can wake up each morning listening to the waves here. The city life seems miles away, but really it’s just a short drive down the road. Some turn to Sandbridge real estate because it’s possible to purchase real estate and convert your home into a rental (that’s not something you can do in other Virginia Beach neighborhood areas).

Sandbridge is special, with the Dam Neck U.S. Navy Base to the north and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to the south. When it comes to things to do in Sandbridge, if walking along the coastline isn’t enough, you can easily fish, boat, kayak, and spend your days taking in that sunset. Sandbridge is one of the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods for its exceptional beach lifestyle.

<h2>Jake’s Top Things to Do in Virginia Beach

<p> From the outdoor activities and nightlife to the fantastic community activities, there are so many wonderful things to do in Virginia Beach. You could spend some time exploring the entire region from Chesapeake Beach all the way to the Pungo area in the south and towards Newport News and the entire Great Neck Area. Each area has something special to offer.

That said, let’s talk about some of the best things to do in Virginia Beach, no matter where you decide to live. Each of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach is just minutes from any of these attractions and activities.

<h3> First Landing State Park

<p>Many would say First Landing State Park is a treasure here, and I would agree. It has an incredible history, but also some of the most diverse ecosystems. From the cypress swamps with fresh water to the Chesapeake Bay beachfrontage, it’s the place to be to explore the outdoors. Check out the planned events, picnic areas, and boat ramps to get out into the water.

<h3> Town Center

<p>Town Center is the modern place to be, no matter what you plan to do and see in the area. It is the heart of the city these days, with events around every holiday, outstanding shopping, and by far the best restaurants in Virginia Beach. Town Center has excellent entertainment as well.

<h3> Virginia Beach Oceanfront

<p> How could we list the oceanfront as #3? It's easily the top choice for people who plan to visit the area as tourists, but for locals, there are some other beach areas that help you explore the outdoors without the tourist-centric design. Still, there is nothing like the Virginia Beach oceanfront. From the boardwalk to swimming in the water, it’s a fun place to be.

<h2>Jake’s Local Favorites & Best Restaurants in Virginia Beach

<p>Where will you eat? There is no shortage of options in most of the Virginia Beach neighborhoods. You will find all of your go-to national chains throughout the area. However, the best restaurants in Virginia Beach are family-owned, locally centric, and highly recommended as the place to be when you’re a local. Here’s our take on the best restaurants in Virginia Beach.

<h3> Cantina Laredo – Mexican, 4.0 Stars, $$

<p>At Cantina Laredo, you’ll always find a great drink. It’s an upmarket destination with some great margaritas. The interior is upscale and nice, quite modern. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is fun. It’s a great place to grab a drink with friends or bring the whole family.

<h3> Quirks – American – 4.3 Stars, $

<p>Quirks is a fun, laid-back location with the perfect taco or burrito. There’s often live music and a happy hour. Don’t forget Sunday Brunch. It’s super fun and one of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach for family-friendly dining.

<h3> Bravo – Italian Restaurant – 4.1 stars - $$

<p>Bravo Italian Kitchen is a nice, quiet place to have a meal. It’s an upscale yet casual establishment, featuring Italian cuisine with a diverse range of dishes. Check out the grilled specialties, pastas, and freshly made pizza. This is one of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach for truly authentic Italian cuisine.

<h3> Funny Bone – American – 4.1 starts - $$

<p>Funny Bone is a comedy club first, and a fun American bar second. Live performances happen most days of the week. The food is always a solid choice, plus the frozen drinks are great too! Funny Bone is one of the best restaurants in the area for its entertainment.

<h3> Cinnaholic – Bakery – 4.4 stars - $

<p>From quick treats to breakfast for the week, Cinnaholic is the best place to go for custom cinnamon rolls. There are also some good vegan options available here.

<h3> Keagans – Irish Pub – 4.2 stars - $$

<p>Keagan’s is the go-to destination for hanging out with friends. There are big screens and pool tables. The Irish grub and live music are the best vibe in the area. If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Virginia Beach to watch the game, visit here.

<h3> Three Notchd – Brewpub – 4.2 stars - $$

<p>The lively brewpub known as Three Notchd is the type of place you want to hang out with everyone. There’s a full bar and menu here. Gluten-free options are also available on the menu. For the best restaurants with a modern vibe, visit here.

<h3> Benny Cavalloni’s – Pizza – 4.2 stars - $

<p>Need a fast, but good pizza? You’ll find that at Benny Cavalloni’s. There’s a great outdoor area. Grab a slice whenever you’re in the Town Center, Virginia Beach neighborhood. These are also some of the largest slices of pizza you’ll ever have!

<h3> Taste – Sandwich Shop – 4.4 stars - $$

<p>As a family-owned establishment, you will not leave hungry after visiting Taste. One of the things that makes it one of the best restaurants in Town Center is the incredibly prepared food. Taste is one of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach for its prepared goodness.

<h3> Twist – American – 4.3 Stars - $$$

<p>If you want the best restaurant in Virginia Beach for craft cocktails, visit Twist. It’s got fine wine and a modern vibe, but some of the best gourmet food around, too.

<h3> Town Center Cold Pressed – Coffee – 4.5 Stars - $

<p>For the best restaurant in Virginia Beach for really good coffee, visit Town Center Cold Pressed. It also has a laid-back atmosphere that can easily make it your go-to meet-up location.

<h3> Tupelo Honey – Southern – 4.3 Stars - $$

<p>At Tupelo Honey, you have one of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach for Southern cuisine. The atmosphere matches the culture here and is outstanding.

<h3> Voodoo Brewing – Pub food – 4.5 Stars - $$

<p> The final best restaurant in Virginia Beach has to be Voodoo Brewing for its pub food and craft beer. A super cool place to hang out, it’s the type of location you’ll want to stop at before heading home for the day.

<h2> Local Health Care

<p>While it’s important to choose a place to live that offers everything you want to do, you also need really good health care. The best Virginia Beach neighborhoods on this list are close to some of the best hospitals, medical centers, and veterinarians in the state.

<h3> Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital

<p>An all-around solid choice for emergency, specialist, and surgical care, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is easily your go-to for most needs. There is an excellent level of care provided, as Google Reviews will show you. It’s a large facility with most of what you need.

<h3> Sentara Princess Anne Hospital

<p>A second hospital and medical center for most service needs is Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. It has a range of services, including emergency care available.

<h3> Virginia Beach Veterinary Hospital

<p> For all-around pet care, including emergency service, Virginia Beach Veterinary Hospital is a primary, well-recommended area. It’s easily one of the most accessible care providers in the area.            

<h2>Major Shopping Centers in Virginia Beach 

<p>There are numerous shopping centers in Virginia Beach, and each one is a bit different from the rest. Through the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, you’ll find smaller strip centers and local retailers. You’ll find these shopping centers in Virginia Beach to be some of the best all-around options for those days when you need a new wardrobe, a day with friends, or gifts.

<h3> Lynnhaven Mall

<p>Most people will find Lynnhaven Mall to be the go-to choice in the area. It is a modern location with most of the trendy shops you’re likely looking for and some great food options as well.

<h3> Town Center of Virginia Beach

<p>We’ve talked about it a lot and that is Town Center is really one of the best shopping centers, restaurant destinations, and lifestyle centers in the region. Look for the most trendy and upscale boutiques and shops here.

<h3> The Shops at Hilltop

<p>Yet another of the best shopping centers in Virginia Beach, the Shops at Hilltop is another local destination. A variety of fantastic options exist here, including luxury brands. It’s also a destination for everyday needs, with Fresh Market and CVS located here.

<h3>Recreation, Nature & Parks in Virginia Beach

<p>We’ve talked about some of the best parks in the area, but when you consider the other things to do in Virginia Beach, the city has some great experiences available to you beyond the outdoors. Here are some of our favorite destinations near the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods.

<h3> Zeiders American Dream Theater

<p>At Zeiders American Dream Theater, a non-profit theater company that brings in exceptionally gifted performers and artists, you can expect to find a range of performances available throughout the year. That includes various shows, live entertainment, and theater productions.

<h3> Sandler Center For The Performing Arts

<p>A true testament to the area’s culture, the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is the ideal place to watch a tribute band play, enjoy the symphony orchestra during the holidays, and take in some of the best comedy tours in the region. Don’t overlook “Ynot Wednesdays,” a summer concert series on the Sandler Center Outdoor Plaza.

<h3> Mount Trashmore Park

<p> Its name is unique, but Mount Trashmore Park is an innovative way of transforming the ecosystem. You’ll have plenty of playdates here,  sports outings, and festival experiences. It’s an all-around excellent place to visit when you need time outdoors.

<h3>Schools In Virginia Beach

Much of the area is covered by the Virginia Beach City Public School District. There are a total of 87 schools within the program, ranging from pre-kindergarten to vocational programs. About 70,000 students are enrolled in these schools. As one of the top-rated school districts in the area, whether you are talking about the elementary school level education with sports and advanced programs, or the tech-infused middle schools and high schools.

<h2> View Properties In Virginia Beach

<p>With a competitive cost of living, low crime rates, and so many amenities nearby, it’s time to consider the value of buying a home here. You can find real estate & homes for sale in Virginia Beach now. Don’t wait to contact us to get guidance on where to buy.

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<h2> Top Reasons To Live In Virginia Beach

<p>Now that you know what the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods to live in are, you may be wondering why choose this city to call home. There are several big reasons we see this area as being one of the best places to buy a home, raise a family, retire, or just explore a relaxing, wonderful life.

<h3>Proximity to Everything in the Area

<p>Virginia Beach neighborhoods are a short drive from much of the surrounding area, from the greater Norfolk area to the Oceana Naval Air Station Base, and down the coastline. You can easily commute to the larger cities nearby for work or things to do, and spend your weekends at the oceanfront beaches.

<h3>Excellent Schools

<p>Virginia Beach schools have been top-rated for a long time. The city consistently invests in modernizing its schools and curriculum to ensure students are getting the highest quality of education possible.

<h3>It’s Beautiful

<p>Of course, there are plenty of things to do and some of the best restaurants in the area, but Virginia Beach is also a wonderfully beautiful place to live. From the deep woods and marshy areas to the waves rolling in, you’ll find a diverse ecosystem to call home.

<h3>Ask Jake: Your Insider to Virginia Beach Neighborhoods

With so much to offer, the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods may be the perfect choice for your list. To learn more about the area, contact Jake Maines and get to know the region’s many amenities when you do. Contact us now.