When people think of Virginia Beach, they often picture its beautiful oceanfront and vibrant boardwalk, but the true essence of living in Virginia Beach extends beyond the bustling tourist spots. The suburbs of Virginia Beach are diverse residential areas that offer a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle while still providing easy access to the city’s coastal attractions, cultural amenities, and thriving job market. These suburbs, spread across the Virginia Beach metro area, each have their own unique character and appeal, ranging from peaceful rural communities to thriving suburban neighborhoods.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll explore some of the most notable Virginia Beach suburbs—from charming rural enclaves to fast-growing suburban areas—highlighting key aspects such as population, average rent, and what makes each area stand out. Whether you’re searching for the perfect apartment in Virginia Beach or curious about the different Virginia Beach neighborhoods surrounding the city, let’s discover the best parts of Virginia Beach to call home.
Cost of living in Virginia Beach
Before we dive into the top Virginia Beach suburbs, let’s cover how much it costs to live in Virginia Beach. The overall cost of living in Virginia Beach is slightly higher than the national average. Housing is a significant factor, with the median sale price for a home in Virginia Beach at around $390,000, which is close to the national median of $432,657. Rent follows a similar trend, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Virginia Beach at approximately $1,594, which is slightly above the national average of $1,514.
While some suburbs around Virginia Beach offer more affordable options, others provide upscale living with a coastal vibe. Let’s explore a range of top suburbs, each offering different lifestyle and housing opportunities based on your budget and preferences.
1. Chesapeake
Known for: Waterways, community atmosphere, and a strong sense of belonging
Chesapeake, located just west of Virginia Beach, is one of the largest suburbs in the region. Known for its extensive network of waterways, including the Elizabeth River and the Dismal Swamp Canal, Chesapeake is ideal for those who love outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. The city also boasts a mix of rural, suburban, and urban environments, making it one of the more diverse areas around Virginia Beach.
Chesapeake’s strong sense of community and welcoming vibe make it a popular choice for residents seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to Virginia Beach’s amenities. The housing market offers a variety of options, from modern single-family homes to more affordable townhomes.
Population: 245,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,437
Median home sale price: $410,000
Chesapeake transportation scores: Walk Score 21, Bike Score 35, Transit Score 14
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2. Norfolk
Known for: Military presence, vibrant downtown, and waterfront views
Norfolk is a major city just west of Virginia Beach, known for its bustling waterfront and strong military presence, with the largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. Norfolk offers a dynamic urban lifestyle with its lively downtown area, which is home to restaurants, museums, and entertainment options, such as the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Virginia Zoo.
Residents of Norfolk enjoy living near the Elizabeth River and having easy access to both the urban scene and waterfront activities. Norfolk’s neighborhoods are diverse, with everything from historic homes in Ghent to new developments near the riverfront.
Population: 240,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,407
Median home sale price: $309,900
Norfolk transportation scores: Walk Score 46, Bike Score 47, Transit Score 36
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3. Suffolk
Known for: Rural charm, historic sites, and affordable housing
Suffolk, located to the west of Chesapeake, is the largest city by land area in Virginia, offering a blend of rural and suburban living. Known for its agricultural roots and historic charm, Suffolk provides a quieter, small-town lifestyle with easy access to the larger cities of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a notable nearby attraction, offering hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Suffolk’s housing market is relatively affordable compared to other suburbs in the region, with a mix of older homes, new developments, and larger estates. The area’s affordability and rural atmosphere make it a popular choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while still being within commuting distance of Virginia Beach.
Population: 95,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,445
Median home sale price: $365,000
Suffolk transportation scores: Walk Score 15, Bike Score 32
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4. Portsmouth
Known for: Historic neighborhoods, maritime heritage, and access to waterways
Portsmouth, situated along the Elizabeth River just across from Norfolk, is a historic city with a rich maritime heritage. Known for its charming Olde Towne neighborhood, which features 19th-century homes and cobblestone streets, Portsmouth offers a unique blend of history and modern living. The city’s waterfront is home to marinas, parks, and the Naval Shipyard Museum, highlighting its close ties to the sea.
Portsmouth provides affordable housing options compared to some of the other Virginia Beach suburbs, making it an attractive option for residents looking for a mix of history, culture, and water-based activities.
Population: 95,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,379
Median home sale price: $265,000
Portsmouth transportation scores: Walk Score 35, Bike Score 42, Transit Score 25
Apartments for rent in Portsmouth, VA | Houses for rent in Portsmouth, VA | Homes for sale in Portsmouth, VA
5. Pungo
Known for: Rural charm, open spaces, and a peaceful lifestyle
Pungo, located in the southern part of Virginia Beach, is a rural area known for its farmland, open spaces, and local charm. This quiet community is popular with residents seeking a slower pace of life, with its many farms, local produce markets, and annual festivals like the Pungo Strawberry Festival. The area offers a range of homes, from traditional farmhouses to newer suburban developments, making it appealing to those who appreciate the rural environment while still being near the coast.
Pungo’s spacious landscape and peaceful atmosphere make it a unique suburb for those looking to escape the busier areas of Virginia Beach while still remaining within driving distance of the ocean.
Population: 8,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,594
Median home sale price: $692,500
Pungo transportation scores: Walk Score 2, Bike Score 26
Apartments for rent in Pungo, VA | Houses for rent in Pungo, VA | Homes for sale in Pungo, VA
Methodology: The suburbs included in this list were selected based on their overall popularity, determined by search trends and housing demand in the Virginia Beach area. Average rent and home sale price data were sourced from Redfin and Rent.com as of September 2024. Transportation data, including Walk Scores, Bike Scores, and Transit Scores, was sourced from Walk Score.