When orders drop and it’s time to relocate, choosing the right neighborhood is often the most overwhelming part of moving in Virginia Beach as a military. With Naval Station Norfolk, NAS Oceana, and several other key installations nearby, Virginia Beach has long been a home base for thousands of military families.
But finding a community that offers a short commute, great schools, strong military support, and affordable housing? That takes a little more research. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard part for you. Whether you’re PCS-ing to the area or just exploring your options, this guide to the top 5 military neighborhoods in Virginia Beach will help you feel more at ease.
Let’s dive into the most military-friendly communities in this coastal city and what makes them ideal for service members and their families.
TOP 5 Military Neighborhoods Virginia Beach
Red Mill
Nestled in the southern part of Virginia Beach, Red Mill is a favorite among Navy families stationed at NAS Oceana. With modern subdivisions, proximity to base, and family-friendly amenities, it’s no wonder this neighborhood consistently ranks high among military transplants.
Why Military Families Love It:
- Just 10–15 minutes from NAS Oceana, making your commute a breeze
- Highly rated schools, including Ocean Lakes High School
- Shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants within walking distance
- Tight-knit community that understands the military lifestyle
Housing Market:
Red Mill offers a mix of newer single-family homes, some townhouses, and a few rentals. Homes range from $350,000 to $600,000, with plenty of military-friendly realtors ready to help you navigate BAH limits and VA loans.
Bonus Tip:
This area is also close to Sandbridge Beach, so weekend getaways can feel like mini-vacations, without leaving the city.
Kempsville
Kempsville is a well-established neighborhood with a central location that makes it ideal for families who may need access to multiple bases, like NAS Oceana, Little Creek, or Norfolk Naval Station.
Why Military Families Love It:
- Central location makes it easy to reach several bases
- Excellent public and private school options
- Parks, libraries, and family-friendly activities close by
- Great sense of community and diversity
Housing Market:
Expect a mix of mid-century homes, newer developments, and townhomes. Prices are more affordable than beachfront areas, with homes typically ranging between $300,000–$450,000.
Community Insight:
Many families who move here during a PCS end up staying longer than expected, Kempsville tends to grow on you.
Chic’s Beach
If you’re hoping for coastal living without the hustle of the Oceanfront, Chic’s Beach is your sweet spot. Located near the Chesapeake Bay, this neighborhood is a local favorite for both retired and active-duty service members.
Why Military Families Love It:
- 15–20 minute commute to Little Creek and Norfolk Naval Base
- Bayside beaches perfect for kids and pets
- Strong sense of community and small-town beach charm
- Locally owned shops, beachside cafes, and craft breweries
Housing Market:
Chic’s Beach offers everything from cottages and beach bungalows to modern condos. Prices can vary wildly depending on how close you are to the water, but expect ranges from $375,000 to $700,000.
Fun Fact:
Chic’s Beach residents often say it’s like living in a tight-knit beach town inside a larger city. Military neighbors here look out for each other.
Great Neck
Located just north of NAS Oceana, Great Neck is known for its top-tier public schools, safe streets, and beautiful homes with big yards. This area attracts many senior military personnel or those settling down after retirement.
Why Military Families Love It:
- Quick access to bases, especially NAS Oceana
- Elite schools like Cox High School and Great Neck Middle
- Safe, walkable neighborhoods with mature trees and parks
- Plenty of daycare centers, extracurriculars, and youth sports leagues
Housing Market:
Great Neck leans a bit more upscale. Homes here range from $450,000 to well over $800,000, though there are also rentals and townhomes for families staying short-term.
Lifestyle Perk:
This area strikes a perfect balance between quiet suburbia and access to beaches and shopping. Many military families choose to plant roots here long after their PCS is over.
Ocean Lakes
Ocean Lakes is a large, planned community located just south of Red Mill. Known for being budget-friendly yet family-oriented, this neighborhood is perfect for junior enlisted families or those just starting out.
Why Military Families Love It:
- Minutes from NAS Oceana
- Great playgrounds, parks, and pools within the community
- Elementary and high schools within walking or biking distance
- Community events and an HOA that keeps things clean and orderly
Housing Market:
You’ll find mostly single-family homes and some townhouses. Homes typically run $250,000–$400,000, which fits easily within most Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the area.
Military Community Vibe:
Ocean Lakes has a large military presence, making it easy to find neighbors who “get it.” From impromptu cookouts to school drop-offs, you’re never far from someone who’s also managing deployments and DITY moves.
Understanding Your PCS Options
Relocating as part of the military isn’t just about finding a new house, it’s about finding your people, support systems, and a sense of home. Virginia Beach, with its rich military history, offers neighborhoods that truly cater to these needs.
If you’re planning on moving to Virginia Beach as a military, it’s smart to start early, talk to locals, and work with a team that understands what military life entails. From finding VA-approved lenders to understanding your BAH limits, there are countless details to manage during a military move.
Where Will You Call Home?
Moving can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be cold or impersonal. As a military family, you deserve to live in a community that understands you, not just one that houses you.
Whether you choose the beachy charm of Chic’s Beach, the family focus of Ocean Lakes, or the convenience of Kempsville, the key is to find a place where your family feels safe, supported, and happy. The top 5 military neighborhoods in Virginia Beach we’ve covered each offer something unique, but they all share the same sense of pride, service, and community.
So pack those boxes, grab your orders, and take that next step. Virginia Beach is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Bonus Resources for Military Families:
- Military OneSource: A go-to for counseling, legal help, and relocation assistance
- Virginia Beach City Public Schools: Research school zoning and performance
- Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC): Connect with base-specific services and transition support
- BAH Calculator: Know your housing allowance based on rank and zip code
- Facebook Military Spouse Groups: Great for honest feedback and real-time Q&A
If you need help navigating your relocation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a moving company in Virginia Beach that has your back. Whether it’s a full-service pack-and-move, a partial load, or just some extra muscle, we can help make your PCS feel less like a burden and more like the start of a new adventure.
Welcome to Virginia Beach. You’ve got this, and you’re not alone.
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