Quick answer
Virginia Beach has 6 notable neighborhoods. Median 1BR rent is $1,400/mo citywide. Top picks: Oceanfront / Virginia Beach Boulevard, Town Center, Great Neck.
Neighborhood Guide · 2026
Best Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach
6 areas ranked by vibe, walkability, and affordability. Median 1BR rent: $1,400/mo. State income tax: 5.75%.
All 6 Neighborhoods
Oceanfront / Virginia Beach Boulevard
Beachfront, touristy, hotels, restaurants, bars. 1BR $1,500–2,000/mo. Beautiful beach access but tacky and crowded in summer. Flood risk (storm surge, tidal). Best for people who want beach daily.
Town Center
Mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, offices. 1BR $1,400–1,700/mo. Modern and walkable (walk score 45–50 in the development). Newer build-out with less historic character; popular with young professionals.
Great Neck
Upscale residential neighborhood, tree-lined streets, quieter. 1BR $1,500–1,800/mo. More affluent demographic, family-friendly, good schools. Less walkable; car-dependent.
Red Mill
Residential neighborhood, quiet, parks nearby. 1BR $1,300–1,600/mo. Good value, family-friendly, away from tourist chaos. Less established than Great Neck; car-dependent.
Kempsville
Suburban neighborhood with shopping centers, restaurants, families. 1BR $1,250–1,550/mo. Good schools, affordable, family-focused. Car-dependent; feels more suburban than urban.
Lynnhaven
Commercial/retail district with some residential. 1BR $1,350–1,650/mo. Good access to shopping, restaurants, and transit. Less character; feels mall-like.
Virginia Beach at a Glance
Median 1BR
$1,400
Median home
$340K
Walk score
36/100
State tax
5.75%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach's top neighborhoods include Oceanfront / Virginia Beach Boulevard, Town Center, Great Neck. Beachfront, touristy, hotels, restaurants, bars. 1BR $1,500–2,000/mo. Beautiful beach access but tacky and crowded in summer. Flood risk (storm surge, tidal). Best for people who want beach daily.
What is the safest neighborhood in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach safety varies by area. For up-to-date crime data by neighborhood, check the Virginia Beach police department's public crime map. Generally, established residential areas with lower vacancy rates tend to have lower crime rates.
How much does it cost to rent in Virginia Beach?
City-wide median 1BR rent in Virginia Beach is $1,400/mo, 2BR is $1,750/mo. Prices vary by neighborhood — central and trendy areas run above the median, outer residential areas below.