V irginia Beach is a wonderful place to live, and a luxurious resort community. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean and just south of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is prime real estate. Its population is about 425,000 although, if you count the entire Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News geo-metro, there are more than a million and a half people. Virginia Beach now ranks 4th on the list of cities with the highest median household income. This statistic is very impressive if you consider that the cost of living is below the national average.

Virginia Beach has a marquee, 3 mile boardwalk running alongside its pristine white beach. This boardwalk is alive with activity throughout the summer months and beyond. There is also a jogging/biking trail that runs adjacent to it. But all summer, you can hear live music and live entertainers.

As you make your way inland, you will find there are wonderful housing opportunities and complimentary retail shopping available. Housing in the Virginia Beach area runs the gamut from the modest to the extravagant. Even further out, you will find a rolling countryside. Whether you prefer the country, the city, or the beach, Virginia Beach offers it all.

The city has worked its plan very successfully. Over the past several years, the city has successfully attracted businesses which bring good jobs; "$40,000 plus" jobs to the area. Being the "largest resort city in America," tourism is a major component of the local economy; experts estimate more than $500 million per year. However, as they go forward, their economy continues to diversify.

Cultural awareness and opportunity abound in the Virginia Beach area. The Department of Museums and Cultural Arts has a division dedicated to historic preservation, and assists the city in proper preservation of historic monuments. In addition, Virginia Beach hosts the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia which offers educational programs, art events and programs, and live entertainment. There are also a number of museums to enrich the mind's of the young and formerly young such as: The Old Coast Guard Station, the Virginia Marine Science Museum, the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, the Virginia Air & Space Centre, the Virginia Zoological Park, and a children's museum.

Area residents enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. The beach is a wonderful place to spend the day relaxing on the sand, or playing with the kids in the water. The boardwalk has a bike trail, benches, and performances by jugglers and musicians; it is a great place for biking, walking, jogging, or skating.

There are a myriad of parks for other outdoor options. The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is great for bird watching, or hiking. You can enjoy False Cape State Park which offers camping, hiking, biking, and boating. It also features and environmental educational program. Visitors and residents alike enjoy visiting Little Island Park which has basketball courts, fishing, picnic sites, surfing, swimming, tennis, volleyball and a playground for little ones.

Virginia Beach has long been known for its wonderful food and southern hospitality. From steaks to fresh seafood, or burgers and fries, the city has something for everyone.

There is no shortage of shopping in this resort town. In the downtown resort area there are a number of surf shops, boutiques, and art galleries to browse. There are several local malls available offering everything from fine department stores to small shops and restaurants. There are also a number of "outlet" stores. From the affordable to the exclusive and everything in between; it's available in Virginia Beach!

The citizens of Virginia Beach take pride in their community and it shows. Virginia Beach is a wonderful place to raise a family, or grow a business. There is so much to do, and so much opportunity. The city is rapidly growing, but still affordable. Already one of country's most popular tourist spots, it is quickly becoming one of the country's most popular relocation destinations.

If you are considering a move to the Virginia Beach area, feel free to request a relocation information.