Jake’s Insider Neighborhood Guide: Great Neck, Virginia Beach
Welcome to luxury on the waterfront! The Great Neck, Virginia Beach neighborhood is a highly sought-after community just off Chesapeake Bay and near the oceanfront. Great Neck is excellent for those who want to live an active water lifestyle – whether boating, fishing, or jet skiing. Many of the homes have their own docks that directly access the water network, which leads into the Chesapeake Bay and Broad Bay areas. Let’s explore what life is really like in Great Neck.
- Life in Great Neck: Community Overview
- Jake: Living in Timberlake, Virginia Beach
- Jake’s Top Things to Do in Great Neck, Virginia Beach
- Jake’s Local Favorites & Best Restaurants in Great Neck, Virginia Beach
- Local Health Care
- Get Jake’s Local Insights on Red Mill, VB
- Shopping Centers Near Great Neck, Virginia Beach
- Get Jake’s Local Insights on Red Mill, VB
- Get Jake’s Local Insights on Red Mill, VB
- View Properties In Great Neck, Virginia Beach
- Top Reasons To Live In Great Neck, Virginia Beach
- Ask Jake: Your Insider to Great Neck, Virginia Beach
- Frequently Asked Questions About Timberlake, Virginia Beach
- Virginia Beach Neighborhoods
- Contact Jake Maines Today!
Life in Great Neck: Community Overview
Luxury, waterfront homes, exceptional access to Shore Drive and the Town Center area, as well as architecturally gorgeous homes – that’s what Great Neck has to offer and so much more. While so easily accessible, it still feels tucked out of the way, because it sits on a peninsula. That creates the privacy that many homeowners in this area are seeking. It’s also why so many of those who live in the Great Neck neighborhood are, in fact, lifelong or legacy families, those who have been in the area for decades and have little intention of leaving.
If you find a home for sale here that fits your goals, you can expect upscale living with direct access to boating and the beach, but convenient access to the highway when you do have to commute into work. This region has a higher median income than its nearby counterparts, with consistently growing home values. Many factors contribute to the quality of life here, including excellent access to restaurants, stunning architecture, and convenient urban access. With so many things to do in Great Neck, it’s easily one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Virginia Beach.
Jake: Living in Timberlake, Virginia Beach
In the heart of Virginia Beach, Timberlake stands as a neighborhood that blends the warmth of home with the pulse of city life. Here, I took the first step in my home-ownership journey at age 22, a decision that I look back on with a heart full of gratitude. I wanted something in a quiet neighborhood but that still had easy access to the beach and the energy of Virginia Beach. I couldn’t of been happier and continue to call Timberlake, Virginia Beach my home.
Timberlake is great for families and individuals, offering a range of housing options from single-family detached homes to welcoming townhomes. Its strategic location means you are never far from the best Virginia Beach offers. A short and pleasant walk will take you to the refreshing landscapes of Mount Trashmore. This place has become my personal sanctuary for morning jogs, offering breathtaking views that invigorate me.
But the beauty of Timberlake goes beyond its scenic surroundings. It is a community where friendship blossoms and neighbors become family. The affordability of homes in this area is an opportunity for many families to lay down roots in a tranquil place but still be connected to the vibrant city life of Virginia Beach.
As your trusted Virginia Beach realtor, I can personally vouch for the rich experiences that Timberlake offers. From the delightful restaurants, great parks, and bustling Virginia Beach town center, everything is just a short drive away, promising convenience and a tapestry of experiences.
I invite you to explore Timberlake, a neighborhood that has been my home and where I’ve built beautiful memories. Let me guide you to find your dream home in this beautiful neighborhood.
Jake’s Top Things to Do in Great Neck, Virginia Beach
As noted, Great Neck sits on a long peninsula, which gives it ample privacy and a more remote feel. The Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay sit to the east, and the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River sits to the west. From this area, you can boat into the Chesapeake Bay, and if you desire, further into the open ocean. This creates a unique place to live, one that is virtually all residential. To get to the area of things to do in Great Neck, you’ll need to travel down Shore Drive, which opens up into just about anything you want and need. To help you see just how versatile the area is, consider these excellent things to do in Great Neck or nearby the neighborhood.
Waterfront Access Means Sailing
While not all homes in the Great Neck neighborhood offer direct waterfront access, many do. If you own a boat, you may have your own dock or one that’s within a short walk or drive away. That means the open water is yours for any activity you’d like. If you’ve dreamed about sailing the coast, deep sea fishing, jet skiing, or any other water experience, this is the place to be. Note that beach homes can be more challenging to obtain, but owning waterfront property in this protected peninsula is exceptional for those seeking a true coastal lifestyle.
First Landing State Park
Quite the beauty in itself, First Landing State Park has an outstanding history that’s landed it on the National Register of Historic Places as a Seashore State Park Historic District. As its name implies, this northern Virginia Beach park is home to where the English colonists first landed in 1607. If you love history, you’ll want to explore it at the Chesapeake Bay Center, which features exhibits on the area’s history, including the landing, as well as the role played by pirates, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. After marveling at the history, the park also offers lagoons, maritime forests, beautiful walking areas, and 1.5 miles of bay beachfront area to enjoy.
Swim Close to Home
Another one of the benefits of the Great Neck, Virginia Beach area is that there are several smaller neighborhoods here that offer excellent amenities. Locations like Alanton, The Reserve, Broad Bay Point Greens, Laurel Cove, and others offer pools, clubhouses, and additional amenities that give you a resort-like feel close to home. Great Neck has direct access to I-264, which means getting to further shopping and restaurants quicker. Yet, you’ll also appreciate amenities close to home.
Jake’s Local Favorites & Best Restaurants in Great Neck, Virginia Beach
With easy access to the surrounding areas, including Norfolk, Lynnhaven Bay, and the whole of Virginia Beach, there’s no restaurant that’s off the table for dinner here. Some of the best restaurants in Great Neck are smaller, family-owned, and locations where you’ll feel welcomed on your first time visiting. Here are some of my favorites.
Sunrise Café – Diner – 4.5 Stars - $
Satisfying food, a diner-style atmosphere, and a super affordable menu of foods all help to make Sunrise Café the perfect place for breakfast on the weekends or a mid-day meeting. This is a very laid-back location where they offer everything from fresh omelets to sandwiches.
Volcano Sushi – Sushi – 4.3 Stars - $$
Volcano Sushi bar has some excellent fish. On a cool day, hot miso soup and some tea is the perfect vibe. I also always go for the spicy salmon rolls and spicy tuna. There’s a huge range of Japanese options here, and it’s certainly worth enjoying the friendly, upscale atmosphere with some friends.
Volcano Sushi – Sushi – 4.3 Stars - $$
Volcano Sushi bar has some excellent fish. On a cool day, hot miso soup and some tea is the perfect vibe. I also always go for the spicy salmon rolls and spicy tuna. There’s a huge range of Japanese options here, and it’s certainly worth enjoying the friendly, upscale atmosphere with some friends.
Captain George’s – Seafood – 4.5 Stars - $$
Captain George’s offers a great vibe and some of the best all-you-can-eat seafood on the East Coast. I love that the menu has a bit of everything, and they can accommodate you for a quick bite or a large party with the whole family. This location, which has been present for more than 50 years, is definitely a favorite for locals in Great Neck.
Coastal Grill – Seafood – 4.6 Stars - $$$
At Coastal Grill, you’ll find a lot of unique flavors. This restaurant boasts to be an American café that has a Cuban twist with its Spanish-Caribbean dishes. It’s such a fresh taste that it is easily one of the favorite restaurants in Great Neck. Enjoy a glass of wine, listen to the Latin music, and enjoy a special dinner. It’s right on Great Neck Road, putting it close to home.
Coastal Grill – Seafood – 4.6 Stars - $$$
At Coastal Grill, you’ll find a lot of unique flavors. This restaurant boasts to be an American café that has a Cuban twist with its Spanish-Caribbean dishes. It’s such a fresh taste that it is easily one of the favorite restaurants in Great Neck. Enjoy a glass of wine, listen to the Latin music, and enjoy a special dinner. It’s right on Great Neck Road, putting it close to home.
Havana – Cuban – 4.0 Stars - $$$
Super special, Havana is a casual Cuban restaurant known for its cocktails and dessert. The food is excellent and delicious. If you’re looking for a hearty meal and happy hour specials, you’ll find them here. Havana is also an excellent choice for late-night meals after long days.
Black Angus – Steakhouse – 4.0 Stars - $$
For exceptional steak, visit Black Angus, a casual dining destination that’s served the area since 1952. It’s a moderately upscale location, and reservations are often recommended. If you’re looking for one of the more classy restaurants in Great Neck for a truly family-owned and locally committed destination, choose Black Angus.
Black Angus – Steakhouse – 4.0 Stars - $$
For exceptional steak, visit Black Angus, a casual dining destination that’s served the area since 1952. It’s a moderately upscale location, and reservations are often recommended. If you’re looking for one of the more classy restaurants in Great Neck for a truly family-owned and locally committed destination, choose Black Angus.
The Butcher’s Son – Steakhouse – 4.3 Stars - $$$
A very different take on a steakhouse, The Butcher’s Son is an Old Chicago-style steakhouse, with a gangster theme, as they say, but with a Miami-inspired atmosphere and a New Orleans architectural design. No matter what you call it, this is one of the more unique restaurants in Great Neck for private dining when you desire a refined experience.
Bonchon – Korean – 4.6 Stars - $
For Korean-infused dynamic dishes, explore Bonchon. It’s a prime location known for Korean Fried Chicken and Asian Fusion dishes. It has some excellent diverse options as well, including Chicken Katsu and Bulgogi.
Bonchon – Korean – 4.6 Stars - $
For Korean-infused dynamic dishes, explore Bonchon. It’s a prime location known for Korean Fried Chicken and Asian Fusion dishes. It has some excellent diverse options as well, including Chicken Katsu and Bulgogi.
Aldo’s – Italian – 4.6 Stars - $$
For Italian cuisine, Aldo’s has long been the local favorite. It offers a wonderful outdoor patio as well as an indoor dining room. Opened in 1988, this destination has been a family-friendly destination with charm and class. If you’re looking for an excellent restaurant in Great Neck to host a birthday celebration, make it Aldo’s.
Union Alehouse – Pub food – 4.6 Stars - $$
At Union Alehouse, you’ll find one of the sauciest restaurants in Great Neck – a true pub-style destination. If you’re looking for a local bar where you’ll make friends that last, this is an excellent choice. It gets busy on the weekend, and without a doubt, the drinks and food are worth the wait.
Union Alehouse – Pub food – 4.6 Stars - $$
At Union Alehouse, you’ll find one of the sauciest restaurants in Great Neck – a true pub-style destination. If you’re looking for a local bar where you’ll make friends that last, this is an excellent choice. It gets busy on the weekend, and without a doubt, the drinks and food are worth the wait.
Tequila Jalisco – Mexican – 4.5 Stars - $
At Tequila Jalisco, the Mexican cuisine is on target. Fresh, vibrant dishes with authentic spice make for an excellent choice. When you want to dine in, you’ll have a fun, upbeat experience, but they are also one of the best restaurants in Great Neck for takeout.
Citrus – Breakfast – 4.5 Stars - $
Are you looking for a destination that’s perfect for Sunday breakfast with the family? Head to Citrus, a location run by a husband-and-wife team passionate about quality. There are healthy raw-based options on the menu, and also choices like chicken and waffles that may prompt you to take a cheat day.
Citrus – Breakfast – 4.5 Stars - $
Are you looking for a destination that’s perfect for Sunday breakfast with the family? Head to Citrus, a location run by a husband-and-wife team passionate about quality. There are healthy raw-based options on the menu, and also choices like chicken and waffles that may prompt you to take a cheat day.
Local Health Care
The entire region of Great Neck is close to several excellent medical centers, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and vets. It’s easy enough to find the level of care you need, even when you need specialist care. Some destinations are as close as a 10 to 15-minute drive.
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is a full-service medical center that includes an emergency room. This is a 273-bed facility that is the only Level III trauma center in this area of Virginia Beach.
Minor Emergency & Family Care Center
An urgent care center, Minor Emergency & Family Care Center, is the place to go when you need fast help for x-rays, bloodwork, or to get treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. They also have a full family care medical service for doctor’s appointments.
Beach Pet Hospital
A long-established pet hospital and vegetarian service, Beach Pet Hospital is a trusted local provider of compassionate vet care. They are a full-service animal hospital that provides care for most small animals.
Get Jake’s Local Insights on Red Mill, VB
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me and ask a question
Shopping Centers Near Great Neck, Virginia Beach
The shopping centers near Great Neck, Virginia Beach give you access to most of what you need close to home. Of course, the best shopping center in Great Neck is a short drive away at Town Center. Here’s a look at the shopping centers closer to Great Neck.
The Shops at Hilltop
The Shops at Hilltop are located right along Laskin Road. You’ll find fitness centers, banks, and salons here, along with Athleta, The Fresh Market, and Starbucks. It’s also home to a few great food options, including Baker’s Crust Artisan Kitchen and Azar’s Mediterranean Specialties. The shopping center is conveniently located just five minutes from the oceanfront and features a unique collection of over 120 shops and restaurants. The center is divided into four shopping centers: Hilltop North, Hilltop East, Hilltop West, and the Marketplace at Hilltop. Visitors can enjoy a fascinating mix of shops, boutiques, specialty stores, services, and restaurants. The Shops at Hilltop offer a unique blend of contemporary and classic apparel, exquisite gifts, and fine or casual dining options. The shopping center is home to a variety of businesses, including clothing stores, jewelry stores, home decor stores, and restaurants. The Shops at Hilltop provide an exceptional shopping experience for visitors and locals alike.
Great Neck Square
Great Neck Square is a local shopping center and mall area near Great Neck Road and First Colonial Road. It’s home to a Harris Teeter grocery store and several small restaurants and service locations like Sunshine, Sweet Pea’s, Dunkin Donuts, Dry Cleaners a Pet Store and Great Nails.
Regency Hilltop Shopping Center
Another destination along Laskin Road, Regency Hilltop Shopping Center, has some budget-friendly small shops like Ollie’s as well as banks, a Dollar Tree, and some small restaurants.
Get Jake’s Local Insights on Red Mill, VB
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me and ask a question
Recreation, Nature & Parks in Great Neck, Virginia Beach
The outdoors is what makes real estate in Great Neck such a special destination. When you take into consideration all that there is to do here, you’ll see it’s rather ideal for an active lifestyle. That’s something you could say for much of the region. However, if your ideal things to do in Great Neck have to do with sailing and the waterfront in general, without the tourism-centric demand, this community is ideal.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park spans a huge four miles and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s beautiful and offers lots of things to do, including fishing, biking, and hiking. You can also swim in the bay, which is always a few degrees warmer than the Atlantic.
Great Neck Park
Great Neck Park is a well-maintained outdoor recreation center. There’s a playground, lots of open space, and a baseball field where games take place throughout the year. It’s also a good place to walk.
Great Neck Recreation Center
The Great Neck Recreation Center is an 83,000-square-foot recreation center that is located right behind Cox High School. It has everything you need, including cardio and weight training fitness equipment, an indoor pool, basketball and volleyball courts, and a walking trail near Lynnhaven Bay. Look for the local programs and lessons here, too.
Boating
Great Neck in Virginia Beach is nothing short of a paradise for boating. The area’s unique geographical position, nestled between the Broad Bay and the Chesapeake Bay, offers unparalleled opportunities. Whether you’re an avid sailor, a leisurely cruiser, or someone who enjoys the occasional fishing trip, the waterways around Great Neck provide the perfect backdrop. The ease of access to both bays and the open ocean makes it an ideal location for those who love to spend their days on the water. Marinas dot the shoreline, offering services and amenities for boat owners.
Top Schools Near Great Neck, Virginia Beach
Great schools make a community, and Great Neck is lucky enough to be a part of the highly rated Virginia Beach City Schools. There are a number of preschools, specialty programs, private schools, and higher education options available throughout the area as well. The following are some of the best schools in the Great Neck, Virginia Beach neighborhood.
John B. Dey Elementary School
John B. Dey Elementary School is a pre-k to 5th-grade elementary school in the area. The school provides education to over 800 students each year.
Great Neck Middle School
The Great Neck Middle School, recognized for its musical programs and science labs, educates students from 6th to 8th grade. It’s notable for its high sustainability standards, too.
Frank W. Cox High School
One of two high schools serving the Great Neck area, Frank W. Cox High School is noted for its advanced placement programs and its long history of providing 1700 students with exceptional education.
Cape Henry Collegiate
Cape Henry Collegiate is a private, college-prep school that offers pre-k through 12th grade. It is perhaps one of the most noted local schools for its award-winning athletics, which are secondary to its globally focused educational programs. The art programs here are also excellent. About 1,050 students attend this school on a stunning 30-acre campus within the Great Neck area.
First Colonial High School
First Colonial High School has about 1800 students attending and is part of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. The school strongly focuses on innovative programs, including tech- and science-based student education.
Get Jake’s Local Insights on Red Mill, VB
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me and ask a question
View Properties In Great Neck, Virginia Beach
Now that you can see the value that the area has to offer, take a closer look at what you can expect from Great Neck homes for sale. Most of the area consists of single-family homes, and if you’re looking for waterfront properties, you’ll find those here, too. Keep in mind that home buying in the Great Neck, Virginia Beach neighborhood can sometimes be difficult, simply because of the demand for the area.
The median sale price for homes in the Great Neck, Virginia Beach neighborhood is around $420,000 or more. You’ll find homes for as much as $1.5 million on the market every now and then. Note that you’ll see these homes sell quickly, especially the waterfront, treasured homes, as many buy into this area to own. Take a moment now to search for properties in Great Neck. When you do, you’ll find numerous high-end, luxury homes for sale and possibly a few smaller homes.
If you’re not finding quite what you want, and you want a few more options, explore the laid-back neighborhood of Little Neck. It’s located just a peninsula over and offers a similar lifestyle.
Top Reasons To Live In Great Neck, Virginia Beach
As a local realty provider, it’s hard to provide any reason not to buy a home in Great Neck. The reality is, there are few reasons not to do so. Privacy, amenities that are close enough, ample outdoor wonders, and a pleasant, friendly vibe are all good reasons to buy a home in Great Neck.
Luxury Homes with a Coastal Vibe
For many people, buying a fantastic home on the waterfront in a tucked-away community is the whole reason to buy a home in this area. Many of the homes have a larger floor plan with a moderate list price per square foot. Yet, these homes are exceptional.
Get Out Into the Water Daily
If you’re a boater for any reason and want a dock right off your home, buying a home in Great Neck, Virginia Beach, Virginia, is an excellent decision. It takes 30 to 40 minutes to go from home out into the bay and the ocean, giving you all of the freedom you’re craving. Boating, fishing, the beach, marshes, and so much more are right outside your door.
Excellent Quality of Life
Those who buy homes in Great Neck, Virginia Beach, can expect upscale living, a welcoming neighborhood with resort-like amenities, depending on where you buy, and an eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s easily one of the best neighborhoods in the region.
Ask Jake: Your Insider to Great Neck, Virginia Beach
Let’s be honest here – the Great Neck, Virginia Beach neighborhood is fantastic, but the real estate market is competitive. If you’re hoping to buy a home here, you’ll need a local real estate agent who can help you stay on top of listings as they become available. Give Jake Maines a call. Let’s discuss a plan to help you find your next home right on the waterfront.
Jake Maines, Virginia Beach Realtor
Jake Maines is a Virginia Beach Realtor known for his market knowledge and exceptional client service. His real estate journey, beginning in 2020, showcases a successful transition from marketing to realty and investing, marked by a passion for helping clients find their dream homes. Recognized as one of Inside Business 40 Under 40 and ranking in the top 8% of Hampton Roads Realtors in his first year, Jake's accolades affirm his expertise. A member of NAR and HRRA, he upholds the highest ethical standards. Community involvement and continuous professional development make him a trusted, authoritative Virginia Beach real estate expert.
