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Military families enjoying the Virginia Beach oceanfront lifestyle near Naval bases in Hampton Roads- one of the top relocation destinations served by Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor®.  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®.   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®. 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 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.

Buying a home isn’t just about price and location—it’s also about lifestyle. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or planning for retirement, the type of property you choose can dramatically affect your day-to-day life. Here’s how to match your lifestyle with the right property type so you can make a smart—and satisfying—investment. 1. Condominium: Low Maintenance, High Convenience Best For: Busy professionals Frequent travelers First-time buyers with a modest budget Pros: Typically located in urban centers near workplaces, malls, and transportation Amenities like pools, gyms, and 24/7 security Little to no yard work or exterior maintenance Cons: Monthly condo/association dues Limited space and storage Restrictions on renovations or pet ownership Lifestyle Fit:  If you value convenience, walkability, and minimal maintenance, a condo could be perfect for you. 2. Townhouse: A Balance Between Space and Affordability Best For: Small families Couples planning to grow their household Buyers looking for a “starter home” feel Pros: More space than a condo (often 2–3 stories) Often includes a garage and small outdoor space May have lower HOA fees compared to condos Cons: Less privacy than a detached home Shared walls with neighbors Limited flexibility in exterior design Lifestyle Fit:  Townhouses are ideal for buyers who want a little more space without the full responsibilities of owning a large home. 3. Single-Family Detached Home: Full Ownership, Maximum Space Best For: Families with children Buyers who need space for pets, gardening, or home offices Long-term homeowners Pros: Complete control over renovations and property usage More space, both inside and outside Typically located in suburban or family-friendly communities Cons: Higher upfront and maintenance costs More responsibilities (repairs, landscaping, security) May require longer commute if located outside city centers Lifestyle Fit:  If you value privacy, space, and the freedom to customize your living environment, a single-family home is a strong long-term choice. 4. Duplex or Multi-Family Home: Live and Earn Best For: Investors Multi-generational families Buyers looking for rental income Pros: Live in one unit and rent out the other Potential for passive income May qualify for investor-focused financing Cons: Landlord responsibilities Tenant-related wear and tear May have zoning and legal restrictions Lifestyle Fit:  Ideal for buyers who want to generate income or accommodate extended family while still owning property. How to Decide? Ask yourself: What’s my current (and future) family setup? How much time do I want to spend on home maintenance? Do I prioritize location or space? Is this a forever home or a short-term investment? Final Thoughts There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying a home. The right property type should support your lifestyle—not limit it. By understanding your personal needs, goals, and routine, you’ll be able to choose a home that brings both comfort and value. Need help choosing the right fit? Let’s chat—I’ll help you find a property that matches your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.