Virginia Beach: Turning Visiting Daydreamers to Relocators by Courtney Ronan
Even as we prepare to enter the 21st century and pull the last stragglers aboard the technological bandwagon, on the Virginia coastline lies a comparatively quiet, seaside city where a multitude of ships are parked at harborside, where white-wearing Navy men and women comprise a significant portion of the local population, and where the ocean plays a leading role in the city's history, its economy and its recreation. History lives on in Virginia Beach, home of Hampton Roads Harbor, which houses 25 percent (more than 100 ships) of the United States Navy fleet. Situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, this city of more than 400,000 residents overlooks more than 26 miles of beaches. Although folks living throughout the Eastern Seaboard are accustomed to life near the ocean, something about Virginia Beach draws them here regularly -- enough, in fact, to contribute a significant percentage to the city's local economy. Tourists -- some 2.5 million of them each year -- are attracted not just to the ocean but to Virginia Beach's naval history and its small-time Atlantic City feel that invites outdoor strolls along the boardwalk, a few rounds of golf at one of the local greens, or an old-fashioned thrill on a wooden roller coaster. One of the most interesting aspects of this city is its ecology. Within Virginia Beach city limits, you'll find (with the assistance of a tour guide) ecologically diverse lands that serve as home to a fascinating assortment of marine species. The 8,000-acre Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge will give visitors an excellent introduction to local marine life. It comes as no surprise that Virginia Beach's sights are largely centered around its proximity to the ocean. Among the city's points of interest are the Old Coast Guard Station, built in 1903 and preserved as a museum; the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, built of stone and water, and paying tribute to the contributions of the local military forces; the Norwegian Lady Statue, a bronze likeness of a woman's face looking out over the sea, and gift to the city from the Norwegian town of Moss in memory of the doomed vessel "Dictator"; Cape Henry, a symbolic cross and lighthouse commemorating the spot where the Jamestown colonists touched down on the shores of the new world in 1607; and Seashore State Park, 2,700 acres of land -- most of it draped in Spanish moss -- including some 27 miles of hiking trails. Other notables: Don't miss the Virginia Marine Science Museum, Virginia's largest aquarium and marine science center. The museum contains more than 100 interactive exhibits and more than 800,000 gallons of aquariums in which everything from sea turtles to seals to stingrays have taken up residence. If you want a good introduction to the city's ties with the U.S. Navy, head to the Oceana Naval Air Station; it's a good spot to sit and watch the Navy's aircraft take off and land. And if you can't leave Virginia Beach without a spin on a roller coaster, drop by the Ocean Breeze Amusement Park. Virginia Beach has taken great care to preserve its historical architecture, and many of its old residences remain open to visitors. Among them are Lynnhaven House, built in 1725, and considered among the city's best-preserved private residences; the Francis Land House Historic Site and Gardens, comprised of a 19th century plantation-style estate on stunningly manicured gardens adjacent to a wooded area; the English bungalow-style Adam Thoroughgood House, constructed in the 17th century and situated alongside an herb and flower garden; and Upper Wolfsnare, a brick Georgian-style residence constructed in 1759 by Thomas Walke III, who ratified the United States Constitution. And as if Virginia Beach weren't enough to attract visitors, the town is located near several other tourist-tempting destinations, including the nearby naval town of Norfolk; Virginia's eastern shore and the Chesapeake Bay; colonial Williamsburg (an hour's drive from Virginia Beach); and Busch Gardens. If a move to Virginia Beach is in your future, you'll reap the benefits of quality public schools, a low crime rate, low unemployment and reasonable home prices. No matter what your budget, you're likely to find something to suit your needs in Virginia Beach -- from one- and two-bedroom condominiums well under $100,000 to luxury beachfront homes from $500,000. A variety of vacation properties are available, as well, to accommodate the region's large tourist population. Architecture ranges from colonial and Georgian-style to contemporary, and many new homes have been built to resemble the city's more traditional residences. More contemporary properties often make maximum use of glass to take advantage of Virginia Beach's proximity to the Atlantic. With so many advantages to living here, Virginia Beach's residential real estate market continues to grow and prosper. And with such a large annual tourist population, Virginia Beach welcomes a significant number of visitors every year who decide ultimately to reside here. The city's combination of a strong local economy, rich history and miles of beaches and boardwalks make it hard to resist. For more Community Profiles, Click Here |
