Should You Buy a Home in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach, Virginia, is part of one of the largest metropolitan areas on the East Coast, if not the entire United States. Ideally located along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the city is a short drive from the state's capital and only a few hours from the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Washington, DC. As the home of one of the nation's largest Naval bases, the city boasts a rather large military presence, too. If you plan to relocate to the Tidewater area, you might wonder if Virginia Beach is the right place for you to buy a home.

The diversity of neighborhoods in the Virginia Beach makes for an interesting study of the city. The proximity of a popular oceanfront region and beach have tempted many a potential home buyer to plant roots, and opportunities for employment through major corporations like Stihl, Dollar Tree, and others with headquarters in the area have allowed for an influx of new residents - as of 2009, the number hovered close to half a million people. Other statistics from City Data to consider:

• The average household income is just under $60,000 a year.
• The average value of a home is just under $300,000.
• Average rent in the area is around $1200 a month.

Naturally, the closer the home is to water, be it the Chesapeake Bay or Lynnhaven Inlet, one can expect the price of a home to increase. Nonetheless, it is possible to purchase a single family house in a decent neighborhood at a good price. Other factors that will interest you if you are still deciding to buy in the vicinity are:

1) Real estate potential in the area. If you ultimately choose not to live in the area, Virginia Beach offers many opportunities for real estate investment. The purchase of a condo to sub-let to vacationers or others seeking temporary housing can lead to a good supplemental income for you.

2) Good schools. According to Great Schools, the city ranks above average overall in terms of public school quality. The presence of higher education institutions like Virginia Wesleyan College and Regent University have also helped the city's image as a great place to get an education.

3) Pleasant weather year-round. While there are hurricane risks in the area, the area generally enjoys mild winters and pleasant summers.

Should you choose Virginia Beach as your home? You will find there are many advantages to living in the area, especially if you are active outdoors. If a move is in your future, consider contacting a local Realtor to tour possible homes.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach homes and Virginia Beach condos for sale.