Discover Virginia Beach's top 10 family-friendly neighborhoods! From Great Neck's luxury homes to Kempsville's excellent value, find the perfect community for your family with our comprehensive guide covering schools, safety, amenities, and home prices.
Top 10 Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach
Discover the best communities for raising a family in Virginia Beach, from top-rated schools to safe streets and family amenities
Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you'll make when moving to Virginia Beach with your family. With over 440,000 residents and dozens of distinct communities, Virginia Beach offers something for every family's needs and budget. From oceanfront living to quiet suburban streets, excellent schools to family recreation centers, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect neighborhood for your family.
Virginia Beach offers diverse family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools and amenities
Virginia Beach Family Living at a Glance
35mi
Beaches & Waterfront
95%
Safe Neighborhood Rating
Our Top 10 Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
We've evaluated each neighborhood based on school quality, safety ratings, family amenities, commute times, and overall livability. Here are Virginia Beach's best communities for families:
1
Great Neck
Median Home Price
$485,000
Family Activities
Excellent
Great Neck consistently ranks as one of Virginia Beach's most desirable neighborhoods for families. This upscale community offers tree-lined streets, spacious homes, and proximity to some of the city's best schools. The area features a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience.
Family Highlights:
- Home to Great Neck Elementary and Middle Schools (top-rated)
- Close to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Multiple parks including Great Neck Park with tennis and basketball courts
- Easy access to Lynnhaven Mall and Town Center
- Safe, walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks
2
Kempsville
Median Home Price
$320,000
Family Activities
Very Good
Kempsville offers excellent value for families seeking quality schools and a strong sense of community. This established neighborhood features mature trees, well-maintained homes, and convenient access to shopping and dining. It's particularly popular with military families due to its central location.
Family Highlights:
- Kempsville High School - highly rated academic programs
- Kempsville Recreation Center with pools and sports facilities
- Close to Princess Anne Park - 1,225 acres of outdoor fun
- Convenient to military bases and Norfolk International Airport
- Active neighborhood associations and community events
3
Chesapeake Bay
Median Home Price
$425,000
Family Activities
Excellent
Living along the Chesapeake Bay offers families a unique waterfront lifestyle with stunning views and water activities. This area combines luxury living with natural beauty, featuring larger lots and custom homes. It's perfect for families who love boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
Family Highlights:
- Waterfront homes with private docks and boat access
- Close to First Landing State Park - hiking and camping
- Excellent fishing and water sports opportunities
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets
- Access to top-rated elementary schools
4
Shadowlawn
Median Home Price
$295,000
Shadowlawn provides affordable family living without compromising on quality. This well-established neighborhood features ranch-style homes, mature landscaping, and a strong community feel. It's particularly attractive to first-time homebuyers and young families.
Family Highlights:
- Affordable housing options for growing families
- Close to Shadowlawn Elementary School
- Easy access to Virginia Beach Boulevard shopping
- Quiet residential streets with minimal through traffic
- Community pools and playground areas
5
Lynnhaven
Median Home Price
$385,000
Family Activities
Very Good
Lynnhaven combines suburban comfort with shopping convenience. Families love the proximity to Lynnhaven Mall, restaurants, and entertainment options while maintaining quiet residential streets. The area offers a good mix of housing styles and price points.
Family Highlights:
- Walking distance to Lynnhaven Mall and restaurants
- Multiple elementary and middle school options
- Lynnhaven River access for water activities
- Well-maintained neighborhoods with HOA amenities
- Close to major highways for easy commuting
Many Virginia Beach neighborhoods feature excellent parks and recreation facilities for families
6
Pembroke
Median Home Price
$450,000
Family Activities
Excellent
Pembroke is known for its newer construction homes and family-oriented community planning. This master-planned neighborhood features modern amenities, excellent schools, and plenty of green space. It's popular with families seeking contemporary living with suburban comfort.
Family Highlights:
- New construction homes with modern floor plans
- Pembroke Elementary School on-site
- Community pools, playgrounds, and walking trails
- Close to Town Center for shopping and dining
- Active homeowners association with family events
7
Red Mill
Median Home Price
$275,000
Red Mill offers affordable family living in a central Virginia Beach location. This diverse neighborhood provides good value for families starting out or looking to downsize. The area has seen significant improvements in recent years with new developments and community investments.
Family Highlights:
- Affordable starter homes and townhomes
- Close to Red Mill Elementary School
- Easy access to major shopping centers
- Growing community with new family amenities
- Convenient to military bases and employment centers
8
Ocean Lakes
Median Home Price
$350,000
Family Activities
Very Good
Ocean Lakes provides families with proximity to the beach while maintaining suburban amenities. This area offers a unique blend of oceanfront access and residential comfort, making it perfect for families who want the beach lifestyle without the resort area crowds.
Family Highlights:
- Close to ocean beaches and state parks
- Ocean Lakes Elementary School nearby
- Multiple parks and recreation areas
- Quieter than resort area but still beachside
- Growing community with new family amenities
9
Bayside
Median Home Price
$365,000
Family Activities
Very Good
Bayside combines academic excellence with community spirit. Home to one of Virginia Beach's most celebrated high schools, this neighborhood attracts families prioritizing education. The area features well-maintained homes, active community organizations, and excellent recreational facilities.
Family Highlights:
- Bayside High School - nationally recognized programs
- Multiple top-rated elementary and middle schools
- Bayside Recreation Center and community pools
- Active youth sports leagues and programs
- Strong parent involvement in schools and community
10
Princess Anne
Median Home Price
$290,000
Family Activities
Very Good
Princess Anne rounds out our top 10 with its combination of affordability and outdoor recreation opportunities. This area offers families access to some of Virginia Beach's best parks and natural areas while maintaining reasonable home prices. It's ideal for families who love outdoor activities and want space to grow.
Family Highlights:
- Princess Anne Park - 1,225 acres of recreation
- Multiple golf courses and outdoor sports facilities
- Princess Anne Elementary and Middle Schools
- Large lots and newer subdivision options
- Growing area with new family amenities being added
Making Your Decision
Each of these neighborhoods offers unique advantages for families. Consider these factors when making your choice:
- School Quality: Research specific schools your children would attend, not just district ratings
- Commute Time: Consider traffic patterns during rush hours to your workplace
- Budget: Factor in HOA fees, property taxes, and maintenance costs
- Lifestyle Preferences: Beach access vs. suburban quiet vs. urban convenience
- Future Resale: Consider long-term property value trends
- Community Amenities: Pools, parks, recreation centers, and activities
Next Steps for Your Family
Ready to explore these neighborhoods in person? Here's how to get started:
- Drive through your top 3 neighborhoods at different times of day
- Visit local schools and recreation centers
- Talk to current residents about their experiences
- Research recent home sales and market trends
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your budget
- Work with a local agent who knows these neighborhoods intimately
Virginia Beach offers incredible opportunities for families, from world-class schools to beautiful beaches and strong communities. Whether you're drawn to the luxury of Great Neck, the value of Kempsville, or the outdoor recreation of Princess Anne, you'll find a neighborhood that feels like home.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Virginia Beach Neighborhood?
Our local experts at AUL Homes know every street, school, and community in Virginia Beach. We'll help you find the perfect neighborhood for your family's needs and budget.
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