6 Things To Know Before Moving To Virginia Beach
If you were raised on the East Coast, there’s a good chance you’ve visited Virginia Beach at least once. This beautiful tourist city, and beach town, has hot and humid, but the winters are mild. During any time of year, you can cool off in the ocean, make sandcastles on the beach, and generally enjoy coastal life.
In the summer, the three-mile-long boardwalk is packed with tourists enjoying the sun, the beach, and the many restaurants. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Virginia Beach has the longest pleasure beach in the world. The city is also beautiful in winter, with holiday displays and horseback rides along the boardwalk. During the winter the humpback whales come into the area, so you can do some whale watching.
Due to tourism, military presence, and farming, the city has a strong economy. Tourism alone brings in about $850 million per year in revenue, so jobs in the service sector are plentiful. It’s a great place to live. Residents make a decent living, with the median household income at around $64,000. If you’ve decided to move here, you have a lot to look forward to.
Festivals and Events
Virginia Beach has numerous yearly festivals for every taste. A big one that actually comprises a number of events that take place over the course of the year, rather than all at once, is the Neptune Festival. In May it hosts the Annual International Spring Wine Festival, in August Neptune’s Coastal Craft Beer Festival, in September the 20th Annual Neptune’s Fall Wine Festival, plus orchestra performances and more.
During Memorial Day weekend, about 120 thousand people attend the Punto Strawberry Festival, where you can get a variety of fresh strawberry dishes and treats, including strawberry tacos.
The American Music Festival over Labor Day weekend features top entertainment. The Steve Miller Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and others have headlined. The event takes place at the Fifth Street Stage.
Virginia Beach residents love their physical activity, and this is reflected in the North American Sand Soccer Championship, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon, the Virginia Beach Open golf tournament, and the East Coast Surfing Championships.
Parks
The most popular park in the city has a curious name: Mount Trashmore. Once upon a time it was a landfill but is now a park complete with picnic areas and playground plus basketball and volleyball courts. This scenic park rests on the shore of--you guessed it--Lake Trashmore.
Public Cursing
If you’re in the habit of using colorful language, also known as swearing, you’ll need to desist, at least out in public. Virginia Beach has a city ordinance against cursing in public. It’s a misdemeanor and will cost you a fine of $250 if you’re caught.
Food
While there is a variety of cuisine available in Virginia Beach, it’s tough to get around the fact that the city is all about the great seafood. Blue crabs are popular and you can have them in dishes like crabs benedict at Citrus. Other seafood restaurants popular among the locals include Catch 31 Fishhouse and Bar, Tautog’s Restaurant, and Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Of course, with seafood comes fishing, and Virginia Beach has many resources to help those who want to fish for themselves. These include Virginia Beach Fishing and Rudee Tours.
Amusement Parks
Along the boardwalk, you’ll find Atlantic Fun Park, a carnival-style amusement park with free admission. You can purchase individual ride tickets or all-day ride passes. The park features thrill rides like the Flipping Action Arm Ride and Gravitron, and children’s rides like the Kiddy Flying Elephants and Skyfighter. Along the midway, try your hand at Balloon Toss or Long Range Basketball to win prises.
Ocean Breeze Waterpark is a great place for residents and visitors alike to visit, particularly during the hot, humid summers. It has a wave pool and plenty of water rides, plus hosts special events, yoga, and concerts.
Military
Virginia Beach has a strong military presence with Naval Air Station Oceana. Expect to frequently see military personnel around town. Also, that loud whooshing sound in the sky may just be the F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, the shore-based readiness planes.
There’s plenty to love about Virginia Beach. Before you move, visit for a few days. We think you’ll fall in love with this city.
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