The Best Neighborhoods In Virginia Beach – Jake’s Local Insider Guide
Author: Jake Maines | Virginia Beach Realtor | Updated October 2026
The best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach depend on what you want your days to look like. For walkable city living, start with Town Center. For life on the sand, look at the North End, the Oceanfront, Croatan and Sandbridge on the Atlantic, or Chic’s Beach and Great Neck on the bay side. Thoroughgood, Little Neck, Lynnhaven and Kempsville are established, family-friendly areas close to everything; Red Mill and Princess Anne lean newer and more suburban toward the south end; and Green Run and Aragona Village are some of the more affordable places to buy. Bayside, Salem and Timberlake round out the list with quiet residential streets and easy access to the rest of the city. Explore the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods below to find the one that fits you.
Life in Virginia Beach: City Overview
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, a private estate tucked into a wooded area, or a fantastic place to raise your family, 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.
The Best Neighborhoods In Virginia Beach
Visiting the Oceanfront is a must, 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 and 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.
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 Pembroke.
Some of the city’s best shopping is here, along with plenty to do. You’ll find the Sandler Center for Performing Arts, local favorites like Taste, and the Funny Bone comedy club. Some of the city’s favorite restaurants are here too, including the more upscale locations and fun cafes.
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 homes association’s three pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, walking trails and clubhouse. You’re also only about 11 miles from
the shoreline.
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, centered on the historic Kempsville crossroads at Princess Anne and Kempsville roads, 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.
If you want to see why people love living in Salem, VB, our Virginia Beach neighborhood guide breaks it all down. Salem is a mostly residential area in southwestern Virginia Beach, built up around Salem Road and Lynnhaven Parkway, so most of the things to do here are a short drive. The Virginia Beach Sportsplex and the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater are both close by, and Salem Woods Park has open fields and a fenced dog park. Lynnhaven Parkway and Princess Anne Road connect you to the rest of the city, and the Oceanfront is about 20 minutes away.
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, easy access to shopping, and several parks and playgrounds make it an all-around solid choice.
The neighborhood is in the central portion of the city. There are some older areas here, with homes from the 1960s and 70s, but also some great newer developments.
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 East Coast, 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 are one of the best in the community.
Home prices in this area are higher, but you’re also right off the beach and all of the activities that go with it. You’ll find plenty of great restaurants here, along with Neptune Park and the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. The Oceanfront is packed with food festivals, beachfront concerts, and other travel-worthy events, right in walking distance from your home. This is the best of beach life.
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.
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 waterfront peninsula that’s right in the middle of the city. It sits right on the Lynnhaven River, which connects to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and 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.
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, and heading into town for dinner at one of the restaurants in the city is convenient. 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.
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 about 15 minutes from Sandbridge Beach. It’s also close to Hells Point Golf Club, and Red Mill Commons, one of the city’s biggest shopping centers. You’ll find all of your big retailers here, close to home.
Another exceptional location to think about is Thoroughgood. Here are the top things to know about Thoroughgood, VB. 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.
With good restaurants nearby, quick access 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 about 11 miles from the Oceanfront.
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.
As you read through our 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.
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. It’s one of the city’s larger established subdivisions, with many homes dating to the 1950s. 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 Egg Bistro. 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.
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 of Virginia Beach’s waterfront, but they’re right down Shore Drive from well-regarded schools. Exceptional lifestyle and close amenities make Great Neck the location for luxury home buying in Virginia Beach.
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 city’s biggest shopping here, including Lynnhaven Mall and Lynnhaven North Shopping Center. Some of the best restaurants in Lynnhaven, like Old Beach Tavern, are family-owned, wonderful places to visit.
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.
The quiet charm of Sandbridge makes it one of the most distinctive Virginia Beach neighborhoods. It’s a somewhat hidden destination at the southern end of 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 short term rental (that’s not something you can do in most 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.
Map of Virginia Beach, Virginia
Things to Do & Amenities in Virginia Beach
Jake’s Local Favorites & Best Restaurants in Virginia Beach
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, but locals know the family-owned spots are worth seeking out too. Here’s our take on some of the city’s favorites, from both lists.
Cantina Laredo – Mexican, 3.9 Stars, $$
At Cantina Laredo, you’ll always find a great drink. It’s an upmarket destination with some great margaritas. The interior is upscale and nice, quite modern. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is fun. It’s a great place to grab a drink with friends or bring the whole family.
Quirks is a fun, laid-back location with the perfect taco or burrito. There’s often live music and a happy hour. Don’t forget Sunday Brunch. It’s super fun and a great pick for family-friendly dining.
Quirks – American – 4.3 Stars, $
Quirks is a fun, laid-back location with the perfect taco or burrito. There’s often live music and a happy hour. Don’t forget Sunday Brunch. It’s super fun and a great pick for family-friendly dining.
Plaza Azteca – Mexican – 4.2 Stars - $$
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual night out or a festive celebration, Plaza Azteca delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails—like their signature margaritas and coconut mojitos—Plaza Azteca’s location on Holland Road brings a taste of Mexico to Virginia Beach. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy flavorful dishes with friends and family.
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!
Benny Cavalloni’s – Pizza – 4.2 stars - $
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!
Tupelo Honey – Southern – 4.3 Stars - $$
Tupelo Honey is the go-to for Southern cuisine. The atmosphere matches the culture here and is outstanding.
The Roads Bistro is a top spot in Salem for enjoying local brews and American-style tapas. With a cozy atmosphere, live music, and a rotating selection of creative cocktails, it’s a lively place to unwind. Perfect for dinner, drinks, and socializing, it offers a welcoming environment to enjoy a night out with friends—new or old.
The Roads Bistro – American – 4.7 Stars - $$
The Roads Bistro is a top spot in Salem for enjoying local brews and American-style tapas. With a cozy atmosphere, live music, and a rotating selection of creative cocktails, it’s a lively place to unwind. Perfect for dinner, drinks, and socializing, it offers a welcoming environment to enjoy a night out with friends—new or old.
Margie and Rays – Seafood – 4.6 Stars - $$
A local favorite for steamed blue crab, Margie and Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant offers a rustic, no-frills dining experience with fresh, local seafood. Known for generous portions and daily catches at great prices, it provides a more down-to-earth, home-style alternative to the upscale seafood spots in nearby Norfolk. It’s the perfect place to enjoy authentic Chesapeake Bay flavors in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
For a refined oceanfront dining experience, The Atlantic on Pacific is a standout choice in Virginia Beach. Renowned for its craft cocktails and top-quality oysters, the restaurant features a menu built on locally sourced seafood from regional fishermen and oystermen. With its upscale atmosphere and fresh, flavorful dishes, it’s perfect for special nights out or enjoying the best of the coast.
The Atlantic On Pacific – Seafood – 4.6 Stars - $$
For a refined oceanfront dining experience, The Atlantic on Pacific is a standout choice in Virginia Beach. Renowned for its craft cocktails and top-quality oysters, the restaurant features a menu built on locally sourced seafood from regional fishermen and oystermen. With its upscale atmosphere and fresh, flavorful dishes, it’s perfect for special nights out or enjoying the best of the coast.
Voodoo Brewing – Pub food – 4.5 Stars - $$
Last on our list is 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.
Major Shopping Centers in Virginia Beach
There are numerous shopping centers in Virginia Beach, and each one is a bit different from the rest. Most neighborhoods have their own smaller strip centers and local retailers, but these three are the big ones for days when you need a new wardrobe, a day with friends, or gifts.
Lynnhaven Mall
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.
Town Center of Virginia Beach
We’ve talked about it a lot and that is because 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.
The Shops at Hilltop
The Shops at Hilltop is another local favorite. 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.
Recreation, Nature & Parks in Virginia Beach
We’ve talked about some of the best parks in the area, but the city has some great experiences available to you beyond the outdoors, too. Here are some of our favorite destinations near the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods.
Mount Trashmore Park
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.
First Landing State Park
Visit First Landing State Park, where history meets nature. Hike its scenic trails, relax on the Chesapeake Bay beach, spot wildlife, or enjoy a picnic and boating. Don’t miss the bike paths for breathtaking bay views—perfect for a quick escape into the outdoors!
False Cape State Park
False Cape State Park spans 4,300 acres on the Currituck Banks Peninsula, stretching a full mile between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay. This largely undeveloped park features scenic sand dunes, miles of hiking trails, and abundant wildlife, making it a rare example of protected coastal habitat in the United States. The park also encompasses the historic Wash Woods community, offering a unique glimpse into the area’s natural and cultural history.
Jake’s Top Things to Do in Virginia Beach
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 Chic’s Beach and Shore Drive in the north all the way to Pungo in the south. Each area has something special to offer.
That said, let’s talk about some of our favorites, no matter where you decide to live. Each of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach is a short drive from these attractions and activities.
First Landing State Park
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.
Town Center
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 one of the biggest lineups of restaurants in the city. Town Center has excellent entertainment as well.
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
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, especially if you prefer the upbeat, event-filled lifestyle. From the bustling boardwalk to swimming in the water, it’s a fun place to be.
Health Care & Schools in Virginia Beach
Local Health Care
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.
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
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.
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
A second hospital and medical center for most service needs is Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. It has a range of services, including emergency care.
Sentara Independence
Sentara Independence on Independence Boulevard is an outpatient and emergency campus with a 24-hour emergency room, advanced imaging and physical therapy. It works as an extension of Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, so it’s a convenient first stop for residents in the center of the city.
Schools In Virginia Beach
Most of the city is covered by Virginia Beach City Public Schools, the largest school division in Hampton Roads, with 85 schools and roughly 63,000 students, ranging from pre-kindergarten to technical and career programs. Elementary schools offer sports and advanced programs, and the middle and high schools are known for tech-focused academies and specialty programs. Attendance zones vary from street to street, so it’s worth checking an exact address with the district.
Get Expert Advice on the Best Virginia Beach Neighborhoods for You
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View Properties In Virginia Beach
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.
Top Reasons To Live In Virginia Beach
Now that you know what the best Virginia Beach neighborhoods to live in are, you may be wondering why you should 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.
Proximity to Everything in the Area
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.
Excellent Schools
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.
It’s Beautiful
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.
Ask Jake About the Best 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.
Jake Maines is a REALTOR® with Iron Valley Real Estate Hampton Roads, serving buyers and sellers across Virginia Beach. Virginia salesperson license #0225247466, held since August 2020. He is a two-time Circle of Excellence recipient, Gold in 2023 and Platinum in 2024, and was named to Inside Business’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023. He is a member of NAR and CoVAR.
Jake Maines, Virginia Beach Realtor
Jake Maines is a REALTOR® with Iron Valley Real Estate Hampton Roads, serving buyers and sellers across Virginia Beach. Virginia salesperson license #0225247466, held since August 2020. He is a two-time Circle of Excellence recipient, Gold in 2023 and Platinum in 2024, and was named to Inside Business’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023. He is a member of NAR and CoVAR.
