Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach is a short relocation, but it can feel like a big lifestyle change. Even though the cities are only about 20 miles apart, each has its own vibe, community, and cost of living differences. Norfolk is known for its strong military presence and urban culture, while Virginia Beach offers more coastal living and family-friendly communities.
For anyone making this transition, understanding the area, lifestyle, and logistics ahead of time is key. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know before packing up and heading east.
Cost of Living Differences
One of the first things to consider when Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach is the cost of living. Norfolk generally has slightly lower housing prices, but Virginia Beach comes with higher property values due to its desirable coastal location.
Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are fairly similar, but housing is what shifts the balance. Renting an apartment or buying a home near the beach or in family-oriented neighborhoods often costs more than in Norfolk.
Housing Market Insights
If you’re planning to buy, Virginia Beach has a more competitive housing market. Families and retirees alike seek homes close to the water or near good schools. Norfolk offers historic homes and more affordable rentals, while Virginia Beach leans toward suburban-style developments and waterfront properties.
Research neighborhoods carefully before making the move. Tools like Zillow or Realtor.com can help you compare pricing trends between the two cities.
Commuting and Transportation
Commuting is another big factor when Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach. The two cities are connected by I-264 and major bridges, but traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours or tourist season.
Many people work in Norfolk but live in Virginia Beach, which means planning your commute times is important. Public transit options are available, but most residents rely on cars for daily transportation.
Schools and Education
For families, education plays a big role in deciding where to settle. Virginia Beach has one of the largest and most respected school districts in Virginia. Norfolk also offers good schools, but Virginia Beach schools are often ranked higher in terms of performance and resources.
If education is a priority, Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach may give your children access to more opportunities, including magnet programs, sports, and advanced placement courses.
Job Market and Economy
Norfolk has a strong economy anchored by the Navy base, shipyards, and port-related industries. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, has a diverse job market that includes tourism, healthcare, and small business growth.
When Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach, consider whether your career path aligns better with Virginia Beach’s economic sectors. Remote work is also popular, and the city’s coastal lifestyle can be appealing for those who can work from anywhere.
Beaches and Outdoor Lifestyle
One of the biggest perks of Virginia Beach is, of course, the beach. Residents enjoy easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, offering plenty of options for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach gives you direct access to a more outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Norfolk has rivers and harbors, but Virginia Beach has 28 miles of oceanfront, making it ideal for those who love the sand and surf.
Entertainment and Nightlife
If you’re moving for a change in social scene, Virginia Beach offers a lively mix of entertainment options. The oceanfront boardwalk is filled with restaurants, bars, and live music venues, while Town Center brings shopping and nightlife together.
Norfolk is known for its cultural scene, including the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Norfolk Scope arena. Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach shifts your focus from museums and history to beach festivals, concerts, and coastal events.
Family-Friendly Communities
Virginia Beach is often considered one of the most family-friendly cities in Virginia. Neighborhoods like Great Neck, Red Mill, and Kempsville are popular for families due to safe streets and nearby schools.
If you are moving from Norfolk To Virginia Beach with children, you’ll likely find more community events, youth sports leagues, and safe play areas. Norfolk has urban appeal, but Virginia Beach is geared more toward families and suburban living.
Military Presence
Both cities are strongly connected to the military, but Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base. Many service members live in Virginia Beach because of the family-friendly neighborhoods and access to good schools.If you’re Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach for military reasons, you’ll be joining a community that’s very supportive of service members and veterans.
Cultural and Community Events
Norfolk has a reputation for hosting festivals such as Harborfest and cultural parades. Virginia Beach brings its own calendar of events, including the Neptune Festival, sandcastle
competitions, and seasonal concerts.By Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach, you’ll gain access to a more beach-oriented community culture, while still being close enough to Norfolk to enjoy its historic events.
Healthcare and Hospitals
Access to healthcare is important when relocating. Norfolk has Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, while Virginia Beach is home to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and other medical facilities.Both cities provide excellent healthcare services, but Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach places you closer to suburban clinics, specialized practices, and family-focused healthcare centers.
Safety and Crime Rates
Safety is always a concern when moving. Norfolk tends to have higher crime rates compared to Virginia Beach, especially in certain urban neighborhoods.
Virginia Beach is considered one of the safer cities in the Hampton Roads area, making it a major reason families choose to relocate. If safety is a priority, Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach could give you peace of mind.
Dining and Food Scene
Norfolk has a vibrant food scene with international restaurants, breweries, and waterfront dining. Virginia Beach, while still diverse, is known for its seafood, oceanfront dining, and casual eateries.By moving, you’ll gain easier access to beachside dining experiences, ranging from fresh oysters to boardwalk pizza. Food lovers won’t run out of options in either city.
Parks and Recreation
Beyond the beaches, Virginia Beach offers multiple parks, hiking trails, and nature preserves. First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are highlights for outdoor enthusiasts.Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach means more opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and biking in natural settings, compared to Norfolk’s more urban park layout.
Weather Considerations
Both cities share the same coastal climate with hot summers, mild winters, and occasional hurricanes. However, Virginia Beach experiences more direct ocean breezes, which can make summers slightly cooler near the water.Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach won’t bring drastic weather changes, but you’ll likely enjoy more days outdoors thanks to the oceanfront location.
Shopping and Retail
Virginia Beach offers more suburban-style shopping with malls, big-box stores, and outlets. Town Center is a hub for high-end shopping and dining.Norfolk has the MacArthur Center and boutique shops, but Virginia Beach’s larger retail centers might make it easier for families and shoppers looking for variety.
Moving Logistics
Even though it’s a short-distance move, planning is still essential. Hiring a professional moving company in Virginia Beach can make the process smoother. Local movers know the traffic patterns, best routes, and can handle both small apartment moves and larger family relocations.
Since Norfolk and Virginia Beach are close, the move itself may be completed in a single day, but planning ahead is still necessary for packing, organizing, and settling into your new neighborhood.
Adjusting to the Change
Leaving Norfolk means leaving behind a more urban, historic environment. Virginia Beach offers a more suburban, coastal lifestyle.Adjusting may take some time, but most residents appreciate the balance between city amenities and beachfront living. If you love outdoor activities and family-oriented communities, Moving From Norfolk To Virginia Beach can be a positive change.