Virginia Beach is more than just the oceanfront. The city stretches from coastal neighborhoods and walkable beach communities to suburban pockets with larger lots, established neighborhoods with mature trees, and rural areas with open land and farmland. Housing styles, commute patterns, flood zones, and overall pace can vary significantly depending on where you are in the city.

 
 

Chic’s Beach

Known for:

  • Chesapeake Bay access

  • Beach cottages and newer coastal homes

  • Local restaurants and coffee shops

  • Casual coastal feel

Housing styles:

  • Beach cottages

  • Newer infill construction

  • Condos and detached homes

Things to consider:

  • Flood insurance may be a factor in some areas

  • Seasonal traffic near beach access points

Shadowlawn

Known for:

  • Proximity to the Oceanfront

  • Mix of older cottages and newer construction

  • Walkability to restaurants and the beach

  • Compact lot sizes

Housing styles:

  • Condos

  • Duplexes

  • Coastal-style homes

  • Renovated cottages

Things to consider:

  • Denser housing compared to other parts of the city

  • Seasonal activity near the Oceanfront

Great Neck

Known for:

  • Established residential neighborhoods

  • Waterfront pockets and marinas

  • Larger lots in some sections

  • Central access to shopping and major roads

Housing styles:

  • Brick ranches

  • Traditional two-story homes

  • Waterfront properties

  • Townhomes and condos in select areas

Things to consider:

  • Some neighborhoods have active civic leagues or HOAs

  • Flood zones can vary by location

Kempsville

Known for:

  • Central location within Virginia Beach

  • Mix of older and newer neighborhoods

  • Variety of housing price points

  • Convenient interstate access

Housing styles:

  • Ranch homes

  • Townhomes

  • Traditional suburban neighborhoods

  • Condos

Things to consider:

  • Traffic patterns can vary during peak commute times

  • Housing age varies significantly by neighborhood

Alanton

Known for:

  • Waterfront access in select areas

  • Established neighborhoods with mature landscaping

  • Larger residential lots

  • Limited through traffic in many sections

Housing styles:

  • Brick homes

  • Traditional and custom homes

  • Waterfront properties

Things to consider:

  • Waterfront ownership may involve additional maintenance considerations

  • Flood zone requirements vary

Pungo

Known for:

  • Open land and agricultural roots

  • Larger properties and rural pockets

  • Local farm markets and seasonal events

  • Less dense development

Housing styles:

  • Custom homes

  • Properties with acreage

  • Farmhouses and newer construction

Things to consider:

  • Longer commute times to some parts of Hampton Roads

  • Septic systems and well water may be present in certain areas

Oceanfront

Known for:

  • Boardwalk and beach access

  • Restaurants, hotels, and entertainment

  • Condo living

  • Seasonal events and tourism

Housing styles:

  • High-rise condos

  • Townhomes

  • Coastal condos and apartments

Things to consider:

  • Seasonal traffic and tourism activity

  • Parking availability varies by area

Thoroughgood

Known for:

  • Established residential streets

  • Mature trees and larger lots in some sections

  • Proximity to waterways and parks

  • Mix of historic and traditional homes

Housing styles:

  • Ranch homes

  • Colonial-style homes

  • Renovated older homes

Things to consider:

  • Housing age and updates vary from property to property

  • Waterfront proximity may affect flood zone classifications

Salem

Known for:

  • Residential neighborhoods with suburban layout

  • Parks and recreation access

  • Mix of newer and established development

  • Convenient access to shopping corridors

Housing styles:

  • Single-family homes

  • Townhomes

  • Newer construction in select areas

Things to consider:

  • HOA structures vary by neighborhood

  • Commute routes differ depending on location within Salem