Virginia Beach Wins Livability’s “Best Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023”
Continuing a long trend, Virginia Beach has once again been named to a “best of” list.
Livability.com, the go-to resource for anyone looking to discover the best places to live, work and visit, has named Virginia Beach to its “Top 100 Best Places to Live” list for 2023. The editors cite Virginia Beach’s miles of sandy beaches, a colorful arts district (The ViBe), and and a rich culinary scene.
King Neptune at sunrise, courtesy Jeremy Caleb Johnson
More from Livability: Excellent health care is one of many reasons Virginia Beach is one of the best places to live in the U.S. Sentara Health Care operates top-ranked hospitals in the region. Those who move here can stretch their dollars further, too, as the cost of living in Virginia Beach clocks in lower than it does in other Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern cities. In addition, good schools, a highly educated workforce and an economy powered by a variety of diverse industries add to the quality of life.
Residents have much to explore in Virginia Beach, too. The area has seven unique districts, including Oceanfront, where you’ll get your fill of snow cones, spot street performers and catch some waves. But for a quieter day on the water, locals love to slip away to Sandbridge, where there are sand dunes, sea oats and a gorgeous boardwalk. Creatives are helping shape The ViBe Creative District, a lively arts and culture district bursting with color from the murals to the art-filled parking lots. Even utility boxes have been morphed into masterpieces!
So what is Virginia Beach like?
Let’s look at some key data points and some cultural highlights.
Though Native American tribes like the Chesepian, Nansemond, and Powhatan have been in Coastal Virginia region from the beginning, the first permanent English settlement began with the arrival of three —The Susan Constant, The Godspeed, and The Discovery. Of course, the English settlers moved long the Chesapeake Bay and founded Jamestown. The rest, they say, is history.
The City of Virginia Beach was formed when Princess Anne County (incorporated in 1691) merged with the 2-square-mile Town of Virginia Beach (incorporated in 1906) in 1963. Today, the City of Virginia Beach is the state’s largest incorporated city by both land mass (497.50 sq. mi.) and population (458,883).
Some Virginia Beach facts:
Population: 458,883
Annual Number of Tourists: 19 million people (2019)
Miles of Sandy Beaches: Thirty-eight (38)
Miles of Boardwalk: Three (3)
Land Mass: 497.50 square miles (244.72 sq mi land; 252.78 sq mi water)
Median home price: $340,344
Homeownership Rate: 66.93%
Most Expensive Home Sale (2022): 1060 Bobolink Drive for $10,300,000
Most Expensive Home Sale (2021): 8410 Ocean Front Avenue for $5,810,000
Most Expensive Home Sale (2023, as of July 31): 6002 Ocean Front Avenue for $7,200,000
Median Household Income: $82,163
Major Industries: Military, tourism & hospitality, healthcare, real estate, agriculture
Average High Temperature: 86°F (30°C)
Average Low Temperature: 32° (0°C)
Number of High Schools: Twelve
Average Level of Education: 94% high school or higher
