Virginia Beach, Virginia
Military Relocation Guide
Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia and one of the most significant military communities in the world, anchored by Naval Station Norfolk — the world's largest naval station — and Naval Air Station Oceana, the East Coast's master jet base. Together with the broader Hampton Roads military complex, Virginia Beach is home to more than 80,000 active-duty personnel and their families, creating a deeply military-fluent community with exceptional support infrastructure.
At WeVett Realty, we help Navy, Marine, and joint-duty families navigate a housing market that spans from oceanfront luxury to suburban value. The median home price in Virginia Beach hovers around $330,000, but the market is highly varied — families near NAS Oceana in the Oceana/London Bridge area will find different options than those seeking the boardwalk communities or the Great Neck/Kempsville suburbs popular with senior officers and senior enlisted.
Virginia Beach's lifestyle is a major selling point: 35 miles of Atlantic coastline, a thriving restaurant and entertainment scene on the boardwalk, and easy access to the Outer Banks, Richmond, and Washington D.C. The school system is solid, and the military community has built an impressive network of spouse employment opportunities, EFMP resources, and transition support.
One important consideration for buyers near NAS Oceana is the Navy's Noise Zones, which affect property values and what modifications can be made to certain homes. Our agents know these zones in detail and will help you make a fully informed purchase decision.
Military Installations Served
Naval Station Norfolk
navy
The world's largest naval station, home to the Atlantic Fleet and dozens of ships, submarines, and aviation squadrons. Naval Station Norfolk is the linchpin of U.S. naval power projection on the East Coast.
Naval Air Station Oceana
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The East Coast's master jet base, NAS Oceana hosts multiple carrier air wing squadrons flying F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets. It is a critical hub for naval aviation readiness and fleet support.
Local Market Trends
Median Home Price
$332,000
Average Days on Market
22 days
List-to-Sale Price Ratio
99.1%
Active Listings
940
Data represents recent market activity. Contact a local agent for current conditions.
Local FAQs
What are the BAH rates for Naval Station Norfolk in 2024–2025?
Virginia Beach/Norfolk BAH rates are mid-range for the East Coast. An O-3 with dependents receives approximately $2,430/month, while E-6 with dependents receives around $2,070/month as of 2024. Given the median home price around $330k, these rates generally support comfortable mortgage payments on a VA loan with no down payment required. Our agents can model your exact scenario based on your rank and family status.
How do Navy noise zones affect home buying near NAS Oceana?
NAS Oceana's flight operations create designated noise zones (APZ-1, APZ-2, and AICUZ zones) that restrict certain types of development and may affect home values and insurability. Homes in APZ-1 are generally not recommended for purchase by families, while APZ-2 properties can be excellent values if you're comfortable with jet noise. Our Virginia Beach agents are thoroughly familiar with the AICUZ map and can help you filter search results accordingly.
What are the best school options for Navy families in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach City Public Schools is a large, well-regarded district with several nationally recognized magnet programs, including the Advanced Academy at Princess Anne Middle and the International Baccalaureate program at Cox High School. Families near the oceanfront or in the Kempsville/Great Neck area tend to have access to the district's stronger school options. The Department of Defense also supplements VBCPS with programs supporting military-connected students.
Is it worth buying in Virginia Beach on a 2–3 year Navy tour?
Virginia Beach has historically been a strong market for military buyers due to constant turnover of PCS demand and limited new construction. Most buyers who purchased in the 2018–2022 window saw significant equity gains. The current market is more stable, but the combination of no-PMI VA financing and strong rental demand (average 3BR rents of $1,800–$2,200/month) makes the buy-vs-rent math favorable for most buyers who are open to retaining the property after PCS.
Things to Do
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Family
One of the top aquariums in the Southeast, featuring over 800,000 gallons of aquatic habitats and a nature trail through coastal wetlands.
First Landing State Park
Outdoor Recreation
Virginia's most visited state park, offering 20 miles of trails through rare maritime forest just steps from the oceanfront — a perfect urban outdoor escape.
Naval Aviation Monument Park
Military Heritage
A striking outdoor memorial featuring full-scale aircraft and sculptures honoring naval aviators throughout history, located along the Virginia Beach boardwalk.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Outdoor Recreation
A three-mile oceanfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment venues — the social heart of Virginia Beach and a daily destination for military families.
Where to Eat
Catch 31 Fish House & Bar
$$$Seafood
Oceanfront dining with fresh-off-the-boat Mid-Atlantic seafood, a raw bar, and panoramic Atlantic views — a quintessential Virginia Beach dining experience.
Chick's Oyster Bar
$$Seafood
A beloved waterfront institution in the Lynnhaven Inlet area, Chick's serves steamed crabs, fresh oysters, and cold beer in a casual, laid-back nautical setting.
Orion's Roof
$$$American
A rooftop restaurant and bar in the ViBe Creative District offering creative American small plates and cocktails with stunning city views.
Bahn Mi & Rolls
$Vietnamese
A popular spot for authentic Vietnamese sandwiches, pho, and spring rolls, reflecting the large and vibrant Vietnamese-American community in Virginia Beach.
Relocation Resources
NAS Oceana Housing Office
Manages on-station housing and provides off-station housing referrals, AICUZ noise zone maps, and relocation assistance for incoming Navy families.
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
One of the 30 largest school districts in the U.S., offering military family enrollment support, school finder tools, and gifted/IB program information.
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
The primary military treatment facility serving the Hampton Roads area, providing tertiary care and specialty services to Navy and joint-force beneficiaries.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society – Hampton Roads
Provides interest-free loans, grants, and financial counseling to Navy and Marine Corps members and their families navigating PCS and financial transitions.
Ready to Make Virginia Beach Your New Home?
Let us connect you with a local agent who knows Virginia Beach and understands military families.