Thinking about visiting or moving to Virginia Beach?
It’s not just about the beautiful beaches and welcoming atmosphere that draw people in, safety matters too. So, we’ve compiled the list of the safest virginia beach neighborhoods.
Contents
Safest Places and Areas in Virginia Beach
- Fort Story
- Dam Neck
- Great Neck
- Kempsville
- Seatack
- Thoroughgood
Fort Story
Fort Story is located in the northwest corner of Virginia Beach and portions of Norfolk, Virginia. It covers approximately 2,120 acres of land and was previously used as an amphibious training base for the US military. Today, much of the base has been converted into residential housing, though some facilities and training areas remain.
Fort Story is known for its ever-changing tide conditions and beach terrain, making it an ideal training ground for amphibious operations. Now, those same attributes make it a perfect family-friendly community.
Fort Story’s crime rates are 100% lower than the national average. Violent crimes in Fort Story are 100% lower than the national average. The controlled access, security patrols, and military presence provide residents with additional protection.
Fort Story Family Homes residents enjoy the walkable, pet-friendly community’s multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, scenic beaches, easy access to Fort Story facilities, and amenities like pools, sports fields, hiking/biking trails, and more. The homes are a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family houses with a suburban feel.
Dam Neck
Dam Neck covers over 1,100 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and pristine beaches. The beach stretches for three miles, with sections for surfing, swimming, fishing, and walking dogs. The natural setting and limited public access offer a peaceful escape from city life.
Dam Neck has a small-town feel, with only around 2,000 residents. Neighbors are friendly and watch out for each other. The civic league organizes community events year-round. Locals describe Dam Neck as a “hidden gem” and “best-kept secret” due to its seclusion and natural scenery.
Home prices in Dam Neck are affordable compared to other beach communities, with a median purchase price of $246,175. Rentals are reasonable, too, averaging $882 per month. Dam Neck also has one of the lowest crime rates in Virginia Beach, thanks to its isolated location and vigilant neighborhood watch programs.
Great Neck
Great Neck is a desirable peninsula on the northern end of Virginia Beach, known for its family-friendly vibe and tight-knit community. The schools in Great Neck are highly regarded and considered fantastic.
Many families are drawn to the neighborhood for the school district alone. Students attend Great Neck Middle School and Princess Anne High School, rated highly on ranking sites.
Great Neck has a safe, secluded feel due to its location on a peninsula. It only takes about 10 minutes to drive from The Hilltop Shopping Center at the bottom of Great Neck to Shore Drive and the beaches at the top, but the narrow road in and out gives residents a sense of privacy from the outside world. Crime rates in Great Neck are well below average for Virginia Beach.
Despite its seclusion, Great Neck has unique eateries such as Havanas, The Coastal Grill, Burtons, Cobalt Grille, and O’Yummy Sushi. Residents can enjoy a night out without going far from home. For entertainment, check out The Hilltop’s eclectic mix of shops, catch a show at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, or take in outdoor concerts at the 24th Street Stage.
Kempsville
Kempsville is one of Virginia Beach’s most historic and secure neighborhoods. Initially, an independent town founded in the 1600s, Kempsville was consolidated into Virginia Beach in 1963. Today, it remains a popular and safe community.
Nearly every neighborhood in Kempsville borders water, whether the Lynnhaven River, Lake Smith, or Lake Whitehurst. Many homes have private docks and boat access. The abundance of waterfront gives Kempsville a relaxing resort feel.
Kempsville has one of the lowest crime rates in Virginia Beach. The neighborhood comprises well-established residential communities and has an active neighborhood watch. Most criminal activity is limited to minor property crimes. Violent crime is scarce.
While feeling secluded, Kempsville is only 15 minutes from the Virginia Beach oceanfront and boardwalk. Great Neck Road provides a direct route to the I-264, making the neighborhood easily accessible. Residents can enjoy a quick escape to nature at First Landing State Park, just a 10-minute drive away.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Kempsville’s many recreational options. Lake Smith and Whitehurst are famous for fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Miles of trails at Red Wing Park are perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Three golf courses in the area welcome players of all skill levels. There are also several community pools, tennis courts, and playgrounds for residents.
Seatack
Bordered by natural barriers like the Oceana Naval Air Station and resort beach area, Seatack has a small-town feel just minutes from big city amenities.
Home prices in Seatack are well below the Virginia Beach median, with a typical 3-bedroom house selling for around $335,000. Renters can find apartments for under $1,600 per month.
Seatack’s location within a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water contributes to its security. Strict zoning laws also limit high-density or commercial development. The result is a quiet, residential area with minimal crime. Seatack’s crime rates are safer than over half of other Virginia cities.
Community spirit abounds in Seatack. The local recreation center has brought neighbors together for over 30 years with sports leagues, senior activities, and youth programs. Events like the annual Seatack Community Day Festival promote civic pride.
Outdoor lovers enjoy Seatack’s natural surroundings. Nearby beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, and boating. Seatack is also home to picturesque Lake Wesley, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or bird watching. For cycling or jogging, the Cape Henry Trail winds through woodlands and wetlands just north of the neighborhood.
Location and amenities make Seatack ideal for families, young professionals, and retirees. Residents can easily access Oceana Naval Air Station, resort area employers, and the I-264 corridor. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is only minutes away.
Thoroughgood
The Thoroughgood neighborhood is considered one of the most desirable and secure areas in North Virginia Beach. Located between Chic’s Beach and the Lynnhaven River, Thoroughgood offers beautiful homes, natural surroundings, and a safe community.
The Thoroughgood House, built in the early 1700s, is a National Historic Landmark and was acquired by the City of Virginia Beach in 2003. The historic home and gardens are open for tours and events.
With a median home value of $686,140, real estate in Thoroughgood is more expensive than most Virginia Beach neighborhoods. The median purchase price for a home is $246,175, while monthly rent averages around $882.
Thoroughgood is safer than over half of cities in Virginia, with lower rates of property crime and violent crime. Neighborhood residents report feeling very secure, with many homes equipped with alarm or security systems for extra peace of mind.
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