About Virginia Beach
Perched on the edge of Virginia by the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach features a mix of scenic coastline, American history and military bases. Although many people think of it as a popular summer destination, it's actually home to a large group of year-round residents as well. Virginia Beach continues to grow each year, thanks to its cultural draws, historical attractions, vibrant waterfront and thriving economy.
The History of Virginia Beach
The Chesepian tribe first inhabited the Virginia Beach area, and it eventually became the first landing spot for Europeans, in 1607. At the time, the area was named Cape Henry, but the settlers soon abandoned it for a more sheltered, inland settlement. However, it wasn't empty for long, as more English settlers, led by Adam Thoroughgood, arrived in 1629.
The area was divided and redivided many times over, until it was eventually designated for plantation-based agriculture. When the rail-road reached the coast in 1883, Virginia Beach became a destination for wealthy tourists. It was declared an independent city in 1952 and has been growing ever since.
Working in Virginia Beach
Government, transportation, professional and business services and trade are Virginia Beach's largest industries. The fastest-growing fields include financial activities, leisure, hospitality and construction, with a large number of available jobs in both white- and blue-collar fields.
The largest employers in Virginia Beach also are several of its biggest industries. The Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek and the Naval Air Station Oceana are the city's largest military employers, while the Lynnhaven Mall supports a large retail sector. GEICO and Amerigroup, two major insurance corporations, provide thousands of jobs in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Neighborhoods
Here are a few of the neighborhood's you'll want to check out in Virginia Beach:
The Chesapeake Beach area is considered by many to be a locals-only secret and is far away enough from more touristy areas to offer a quiet, coastal retreat. The Cape Henry Lighthouse marks the spot where the first settlers arrived in the area in 1607.
Hilltop is a diverse and vibrant community, with a large population of young professionals and families. It offers easy access to a variety of shops and restaurants within easy walking distance, and is also known for its nightlife.
Kempsville combines urban living with a laid-back beach lifestyle, and has large shopping districts and many unique restaurants. Mount Trashmore Park is a community green space built on top of a converted landfill and serves as the site of many neighborhood festivals and events.
Lago Mar is located on Virginia Beach's "Green Line," with urban neighborhoods on one side and green forestland on the other. It's located near the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a protected space that many native birds and fish call home.
Virginia Beach Schools
The Virginia Beach City Public Schools district manages the public schools, including a number of specialty secondary schools. You can enroll your child at one of the district's specialized schools, which have study tracks focusing on topics including technology, visual arts and legal studies. The city also offers both parochial and secular private school options.
Virginia Beach has two large universities and several smaller colleges and satellite campuses, so you have a range of options for pursuing your degree.
Resources for Moving to Virginia Beach
Here are a few quick resources to help you with your move to Virginia Beach:
Utilities: Dominion Energy is Virginia Beach's main electricity provider, and the city manages water and sewer services.
Garbage and Recycling: The city provides regular curbside collection of both trash and recyclables.
Transportation: Hampton Roads Transit serves a network of bus routes in Virginia Beach, making it convenient to access major areas of the city.
Virginia Beach Housing
Since Virginia Beach enjoys several miles of coastline, some of the city's most expensive properties are along the shore. Inland, the city offers a variety of desirable residential neighborhoods, many of which are developed along creeks and waterways. The median home price in Virginia Beach is higher than the national average, but there are a variety of options and many different price points.