Is VirginiaBeach a Good place for Military Families to Live?
- maurabain757
- Mar 28
- 7 min read
If you're a military family preparing for a PCS move to Coastal Virginia, you may be wondering:
Is Virginia Beach a good place for military families to live?
The short answer is yes — Virginia Beach is one of the best places in the country for military families, thanks to its strong military community, excellent schools, proximity to major bases, and quality coastal lifestyle.
But every relocation is different. What works for one family may not be ideal for another depending on commute times, school preferences, housing budgets, and lifestyle goals.
Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor®, a Coastal Virginia and North Carolina real estate specialist, works with many military families relocating to Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, and the Outer Banks. Having grown up in a military household and being married to a Department of Defense professional, she understands both the logistics and emotional aspects of military moves.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
Why Virginia Beach is such a popular military relocation destination
The best neighborhoods for military families
Schools and family lifestyle
Housing costs and BAH considerations
Pros and cons of living in Virginia Beach
Real examples of military families who relocated successfully
By the end of this article, you should have a much clearer picture of whether Virginia Beach is the right place for your next duty station move.
Why Virginia Beach Is One of the Most Military-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
Virginia Beach sits in the heart of the Hampton Roads military region, one of the largest concentrations of military installations in the world.
Major nearby bases include:
Naval Air Station Oceana
Naval Station Norfolk (largest naval base in the world)
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story
Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek
Langley Air Force Base
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Because of this, the entire region is built around supporting military families.
That means:
Military-friendly housing options
Neighborhoods with many service members
Schools experienced with military transitions
Employers familiar with military spouse careers
Communities that understand PCS life
Virginia Beach in particular has become one of the most popular residential areas for Navy families, especially those stationed at NAS Oceana or Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.
The Lifestyle: Why Families Love Living in Virginia Beach
One of the biggest reasons military families choose Virginia Beach is the lifestyle.
Living here offers something many duty stations cannot: a balance of career opportunity, family life, and outdoor recreation.
Families enjoy:
The Beach Lifestyle
Virginia Beach offers miles of coastline including:
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Sandbridge Beach
Chesapeake Bay beaches
Many families spend weekends surfing, fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the water.
Outdoor Activities
The city is full of parks and outdoor recreation:
First Landing State Park
Mount Trashmore Park
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Numerous hiking and biking trails
Family-Friendly Communities
Virginia Beach is widely known for its suburban family neighborhoods, where kids ride bikes, play sports, and attend strong public schools.
For military families used to moving frequently, finding a community that feels stable and welcoming can make a big difference.
Best Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach for Military Families
Family-friendly neighborhoods in Virginia Beach like Red Mill and Ashville Park offer strong schools, community living, and convenient access to NAS Oceana - making them ideal for military families working with Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor®.
One of the first questions military families ask is:
Where should we live in Virginia Beach?
The best neighborhood depends on several factors:
Commute to base
School preferences
Housing budget
Lifestyle preferences
Here are some of the most popular areas.
Red Mill, Indian River Plantation, Sherwood Lakes & Ashville Park
These are some of the most desirable areas for military families.
Why families love it:
Great schools
Newer homes
Strong community feel
Close to NAS Oceana
Convenient shopping and restaurants
Many Navy families choose Red Mill because the commute to NAS Oceana is relatively short.
Great Neck area
Great Neck is known for:
Excellent schools
Mature neighborhoods
Access to beaches and waterways
Central location
This area tends to attract families planning to stay longer or retirees from the military.
Kempsville area
Kempsville is a great option for families looking for more affordable homes while still being centrally located.
Benefits include:
Easy access to multiple bases
Good schools
Larger lot sizes in some neighborhoods
Established communities
Ocean Lakes
Ocean Lakes is another popular military area.
Advantages include:
Short commute to NAS Oceana
Family-friendly neighborhoods
Nearby parks and recreation
Strawbridge & Lagomar
This area is known for its beautiful homes, community amenities, and strong school districts.
Families who want a suburban feel with convenient access to shopping and restaurants often love this area.
Schools in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach City Public Schools are widely considered among the strongest public school systems in Virginia.
Families moving here often find that the schools offer:
Strong academic programs
Gifted education options
Advanced placement courses
Sports and extracurricular activities
Some highly regarded schools include:
Kellam High School
Ocean Lakes High School
Princess Anne High School
Military children tend to transition well here because the schools are used to welcoming new families throughout the year.
Housing Costs and BAH Considerations
Housing affordability is always a major factor for military families.
Virginia Beach home prices vary depending on location and size.
Typical ranges:
Starter homes: $300K – $450K Mid-range family homes: $450K – $700K Luxury coastal homes: $700K+
Many military families use their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to either rent or purchase homes in the area.
Buying can often make sense for families stationed here for several years because the region has historically shown steady appreciation.
Working with an experienced Realtor who understands military relocation timelines can make the process much smoother.
Real Client Story: A Navy Family Relocating to Virginia Beach
One Navy family relocating from California recently faced a familiar challenge.
They had:
Only a short house-hunting window
Two children entering school
Concerns about commute times to NAS Oceana
After discussing their priorities, we focused on homes in the Red Mill area.
Why it worked:
Strong schools
Short commute to base
Family-oriented neighborhood
They found a home that fit their budget and closed quickly before the school year began.
The biggest relief for them wasn’t just finding a house - it was finding a community where their kids could quickly feel at home.
Pros of Living in Virginia Beach for Military Families
From the oceanfront to Sandbridge, Virginia Beach offers a coastal lifestyle that many military families love — combining work, community, and recreation in one place with guidance from Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor®.
Virginia Beach has many advantages.
Strong Military Community
You will meet many neighbors going through similar experiences with PCS moves and deployments.
Great Schools
The public school system is one of the strongest in the region.
Coastal Lifestyle
Living near the beach adds an entirely different quality of life.
Career Opportunities
The Hampton Roads region offers strong employment opportunities for military spouses.
Potential Cons to Consider
No city is perfect, and Virginia Beach has a few drawbacks.
Tourism Traffic
Summer tourism can make certain areas busier.
Humidity
The coastal climate brings warm, humid summers.
Commute Variability
Some neighborhoods may have longer commute times depending on base location.
Working with a local expert who understands commute patterns can help avoid surprises.
Should Military Families Buy or Rent in Virginia Beach?
Many military families wonder whether buying a home makes sense.
Buying can be beneficial if:
You plan to stay for several years
You want to build equity
You plan to rent the property later as an investment
Renting may make more sense if:
Your orders are short-term
You prefer flexibility
You're unfamiliar with the area
Every situation is different, so it’s helpful to review both options carefully.
Is Virginia Beach the Right Choice for Your Military Family?
Virginia Beach is home to Naval Air Station Oceana, one of the primary duty stations for Navy families relocating to the area - a key factor many clients consider when working with Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor®.
Virginia Beach continues to be one of the most popular relocation destinations for military families, and it’s easy to see why.
The region offers:
Strong schools
Beautiful coastal living
A large and supportive military community
Access to major bases
Diverse housing options
For many families, it becomes more than just a duty station — it becomes a place they truly enjoy calling home.
About the Author
Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor® is a Coastal Virginia and North Carolina real estate expert serving buyers, sellers, military families, and investors throughout Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, and the Outer Banks.
A longtime Virginia Beach resident and proud military family member, Dr. Bain understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with military relocation.
She specializes in helping clients confidently navigate the real estate market whether they are buying their first home, relocating for military orders, purchasing a vacation property, or investing in coastal real estate.
When she’s not helping clients find the perfect home, Dr. Bain enjoys surfing, volunteering in the community, and spending time with family.
Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor® Coastal Virginia & North Carolina Real Estate Specialist Serving Virginia Beach • Hampton Roads • Outer Banks
Call or text anytime - referrals from friends and family are the highest compliment.
Comments