If you are moving to Virginia Beach, you are probably excited about beaches, schools, outdoor life, and that coastal vibe. I want to help you get that right—and avoid the regrets I hear about all the time. Over the years of helping people relocate across Hampton Roads, I have seen eight specific mistakes repeat themselves. These are practical, often surprising issues that will affect everyday life: noise, flooding, traffic, pests, local rules, and the social fabric of neighborhoods. Read on for an honest, on-the-ground guide so your move to Virginia Beach can be a win instead of a regret.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Mistake #8: Underestimating jet noise
• Mistake #7: Expecting the whole city to feel like the beach
• Mistake #6: Overlooking flood risk and flood zones
• Mistake #5: Buying near a busy road and learning the noise later
• Mistake #4: Misreading traffic and travel unpredictability
• Mistake #3: Not liking the neighborhood after the move
• Mistake #2: Ignoring property limitations and local regulations
• Mistake #1 (The Biggest): Feeling isolated after the move
• Practical pre-move checklist for moving to Virginia Beach
• About pests: a focused note
• Final tips before you write an offer
• FAQs About Moving to Virginia Beach
• Looking to Move to Virginia Beach?

Introduction

This is a problem-first guide. I list each mistake, explain why it matters, and give practical steps you can take before you sign a contract or schedule a move. If you are moving to Virginia Beach from out of state or overseas, use these tips as a pre-move checklist. If you are already in the area and planning to change neighborhoods, this will help you spot pitfalls quickly.

Mistake #8: Underestimating jet noise

One thing many people fail to account for when moving to Virginia Beach is the jet noise from nearby Naval air stations. The Oceana Naval Air Station sits on the eastern side of Virginia Beach, and Fentress airfield is in Chesapeake. These bases operate fast, low-flying military aircraft and their noise is not subtle.

Here are the precise ways jet noise can surprise you:

• The noise intensity depends on flight patterns, altitude, and time of year. Summer and winter patterns change.
• Distance is not the only factor. Even if a property looks far from the base on a map, low-altitude approaches can make jets feel very close.
• People have wildly different tolerances. Some tune it out, others hear rattling windows and piercing sounds that make outdoor time unpleasant.

What to do before you commit:

1. Check the AICUZ  jet noise zone map. It is color coded and shows where the worst noise is. This map is accurate enough to be useful.
2. Visit the neighborhood on a weekday, ideally for several hours. Jets often fly more frequently during the week.
3. Ask neighbors how noise changes across seasons. Summer flight patterns often travel north to south; winter patterns shift.
4. If you want quieter areas, focus on Little Neck and neighborhoods west toward Mount Trashmore, Larkspur, Bellamy Manor, and Salem. If you want to be near the beach but want quieter streets, plan carefully—some pricier neighborhoods like Great Neck and certain oceanfront zones still get jets.

Mistake #7: Expecting the whole city to feel like the beach

The name Virginia Beach suggests a beach lifestyle, and that seaside vibe does exist—but it is concentrated. If your primary reason for moving to Virginia Beach is the beach atmosphere, you must be close to the water.

How the reality differs:

• Areas near the boardwalk, Cape Story by the Sea, and parts of the north and south ends feel like classic beach towns. You will see tourists, restaurants, and walkable, sandy access.
• Drive just a few miles inland and the landscape becomes suburban—good schools, yards, and shopping, but not that permanent beach lifestyle.
• Places like downtown Norfolk, Chesapeake, and much of Hampton are not beach towns; they are centers for other activities and industries.

Practical advice:

1. Decide how essential daily beach access is. If you want to walk or bike to the ocean, only certain pockets will deliver that day-to-day experience.
2. Visit neighborhoods at different times to feel the real vibe—weekday mornings, evenings, and weekends.
3. If you want the beach mood but need a commuter-friendly location, weigh commute tradeoffs carefully; the coastal neighborhoods can cost more and have more tourism traffic during peak season.

Mistake #6: Overlooking flood risk and flood zones

Flooding is a real concern in parts of Hampton Roads. Norfolk is notorious for tidal flooding, and parts of Virginia Beach, especially near the oceanfront and marshy southern pockets like Pungo, are affected by storm surge and high tides.

Key points about flooding here:

• Roadway flooding can be as disruptive as property flooding. During king tides or prolonged storms, certain streets and approaches flood and can turn a 15-minute trip into 30 or 45 minutes.
• FEMA flood zones matter: AE requires flood insurance if you have a mortgage. Zones X and X500 typically do not require flood insurance.
• FEMA lines and zones change over time. Neighbors on one side of the street can be in different zones, so don’t assume uniformity across a block.

How to protect your move:

1. Check FEMA flood maps for the exact property. Don’t rely on general neighborhood impressions.
2. Ask your lender and insurance agent about flood insurance and what AE vs X vs X500 mean for costs.
3. Consider drive-times in flood-prone areas—will occasional road closures impact your commute or access to essential services?
4. Look for higher-elevation pockets and neighborhoods that historically have fewer street flooding events if that matters to you.

Mistake #5: Buying near a busy road and learning the noise later

Many neighborhoods around Virginia Beach and Norfolk grew up when the main roads were quieter. As development increased, these once-quiet roads became busy arterials and traffic noise now affects homes that back up to them.

Common examples and why this matters:

• Indian River Road, Princess Anne Road, and Kempsville Road are classic examples. Where there used to be two lanes and countryside, suburbs now flank fast-moving traffic.
• Ferrell Parkway and other connectors carry steady traffic and speed. Homes nearest these roads can be noisier and pricier to mitigate.
• When shopping online, photos rarely show how close a house sits to noise corridors. Pictures can be deceiving.

Steps to avoid regret:

1. Always use Google Street View and aerial view to see proximity to major roads before scheduling a showing.
2. Visit properties at peak traffic times: morning commute, afternoon rush, and weekend shopping times.
3. Ask the listing agent about traffic noise and whether the house has had mitigations like soundproofing, double-pane windows, or landscaping buffers.

Mistake #4: Misreading traffic and travel unpredictability

One misconception people have when moving to Virginia Beach is that traffic here will always be light compared to major metro areas. That is partly true—commutes are usually shorter—but the unpredictability of traffic is what frustrates people.

Why traffic is different here:

• Certain choke points like the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel or drawbridges across waterways can dramatically extend commute times when incidents occur or the bridges open.
• Some roads were not originally designed for current traffic volumes. Unexpected construction, storms, or events can create delays that add 20 to 60 minutes to a trip.
• Smaller suburban roads can also back up because they're used as alternate routes when highways clog.

How to plan realistically:

1. Time your potential commute during the same hours you would travel for work. Do it on several days if possible.
2. Install traffic apps, learn alternate routes, and factor unpredictability into scheduling. Give buffer time for critical appointments.
3. Consider where the bridges and tunnels sit relative to your workplace. A short distance can become long when a tunnel has heavy traffic.

Mistake #3: Not liking the neighborhood after the move

Buying the right house is more than bedrooms and kitchens. Neighborhood feeling, conveniences, proximity to shops and schools, and the culture of neighbors all shape whether you will love your home. Too many movers base decisions on online photos and miss the neighborhood nuance.

How people get it wrong:

• Pictures often show staged interiors and pretty yards without indicating noise, traffic flows, nearby commercial strips, or true walkability.
• Buyers assume that similar-sounding neighborhoods have the same vibe. For example, two subdivisions in Virginia Beach can be within a few miles yet feel very different in age, demographics, and energy.
• A rushed purchase in a competitive market can leave buyers stuck with 60 to 70 percent of their expectations instead of a full match.

How to minimize buyer's remorse:

1. Plan a visit for at least a full day—walk around, go to local coffee shops, check grocery access, and spend time on nearby streets at different times of day.
2. Talk to neighbors. Ask about noise, HOA activity, neighborhood events, and how long people stay in the area.
3. Adjust your budget expectations early. Knowing you need to move price points (for example, from $625k to $700k) before offers begin prevents last-minute compromises.

Mistake #2: Ignoring property limitations and local regulations

Rules matter in coastal Virginia. What you can build, modify, or rent out varies significantly by city and by property. If you assume flexibility without checking, you could lose money or spend time and effort on things that are not allowed.

Common limitations to check:

• Short-term rentals: Virginia Beach has overlay districts near the oceanfront where short-term rentals are allowed under specific rules. Outside those zones, short-term rentals may be prohibited.
• Waterfront modifications: Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies regulate bulkheads, docks, and shoreline changes. You cannot always remove trees, build docks, or bulkheads at will.
• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs): Local zoning ordinances are strict about converting garages or building separate units. Do not assume you can create an ADU without permits and approvals.

Checklist for the buyer:

1. Ask for zoning and overlay information early. Make sure a property permits the use you want (Airbnb, ADU, dock, etc.).
2. Assume the property is what you see. If you want to expand, renovate, or add new structures, verify feasibility with the city planning office before you buy.
3. Hire a local inspector and surveyor who understands shoreline regulations if you are buying waterfront property.

Mistake #1 (the biggest): Feeling isolated after the move

The top mistake I see—and the one that causes the most regret—is social isolation. People assume they can move to Virginia Beach and instantly plug into a ready-made community like they had elsewhere. That does not always happen here.

Why isolation happens in this region:

• Hampton Roads is a highly transient region because of the military presence. Many neighbors are newcomers with temporary assignments, which can make deep community bonds less automatic.
• The area leans suburban in many parts, with driving distances between activities, so casual neighbor interactions may be less frequent.
• Different communities express friendliness differently. You may find welcoming people who do not invite you over casually, which can feel distant if you expected a different style of neighborliness.

How to avoid ending up lonely or disconnected:

1. Choose neighborhoods with the community life you want. HOAs, civic leagues, and neighborhood groups make a huge difference. Some areas host parades, block parties, and frequent events; others are quieter.
2. Join local Facebook groups, school parent groups, meetups, or community centers before or shortly after you move. Taking initiative pays off.
3. Volunteer, enroll in local classes, or attend church or civic group events to meet neighbors with shared interests. If you have children, school activities are a natural way to connect quickly.

Practical pre-move checklist for moving to Virginia Beach

Here is a compact checklist you can use as you plan your move to Virginia Beach. Use this as a template for property viewings and decision-making meetings.

1. Jet noise: Check AICUZ jet noise map, visit on weekdays, talk to neighbors.
2. Beach vibe: Visit desired neighborhood at different times and test walkability to the water.
3. Flood risk: Pull FEMA maps for the exact address, calculate likely insurance costs, and study drive-time flood effects.
4. Road proximity: Use Google Street View and a drive-by at peak times to assess traffic noise.
5. Traffic unpredictability: Do test commutes, learn bridge/tunnel choke points, and find alternates.
6. Neighborhood feel: Spend time in the area and speak with residents; check HOA and civic group activity.
7. Regulations: Confirm short-term rental rules, ADU and lot restrictions, and any shoreline permitting requirements.
8. Pests: Expect mosquitoes and large cockroaches; budget for screened porches or pest control if those matter to you.
9. Social fit: Research community events and local groups; build connections before or immediately after moving.

About pests: a focused note

People often underestimate how bugs affect daily life here. Mosquitoes are widespread because of humidity and marsh areas. Large American cockroaches, sometimes called water bugs, are common after rains and in older neighborhoods. These pests do not necessarily mean poor cleanliness; they are part of the coastal ecosystem.

What works:

• Screened porches and enclosed patios are lifesavers for those who want to spend time outside without being bitten.
• Regular pest control treatments help. Factor recurring costs into your household budget if bugs are an issue for you.
• Proper yard drainage and avoidance of standing water reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

Final tips before you write an offer

Before you make an offer on any property while moving to Virginia Beach, run this quick sanity list:

1. Walk the property and the immediate surrounding streets at different times of day.
2. Ask for local utility/insurance history, including any past flood claims.
3. Confirm municipal rules that affect your plans: ADUs, Airbnb, dock construction, tree removal.
4. Get a full home inspection and ask inspectors about likely pest issues and local maintenance challenges.
5. Talk to the neighbors and, if possible, go to a nearby shop or cafe and ask patrons how they like the area.

FAQs About Moving to Virginia Beach

Do I need flood insurance if the house is in a flood zone?

If the property is in FEMA flood zone AE and you have a mortgage, you will almost certainly be required to carry flood insurance. Zones X and X500 usually do not require flood insurance for mortgage purposes, but you should still evaluate risk and consider purchasing a policy if you want protection against storm surge or tidal events.

How can I gauge jet noise before I buy?

Check the AICUZ jet noise map for broad patterns, then visit the property during typical weekday hours. Talk to neighbors and ask if flight patterns vary by season. If possible, spend a few hours during a weekday so you can hear the real frequency and intensity of flights.

Can I run an Airbnb from any house in Virginia Beach?

No. Short-term rental rules are strict. Virginia Beach has overlay districts near the oceanfront that allow short-term rentals under specific regulations. Outside of those zones, short-term rentals are often restricted or prohibited. Always check municipal codes or speak with a planner before buying for that purpose.

Are mosquitoes and cockroaches a sign of a dirty house?

Not necessarily. Mosquitoes are driven by humidity and standing water, while American cockroaches are common in warm, wet climates. Proper maintenance and pest control help, but encountering these pests does not automatically indicate neglect. Plan for mitigation measures like screened porches, yard drainage, and routine pest services.

How do I avoid buying near a busy road?

Use Google Street View and aerial views, visit the property at peak traffic times, and ask whether there are future road widening or commercial developments planned. If noise is a concern, look for homes set back from arterials or with landscaping buffers between the house and road.

What if I feel isolated after moving?

Choose neighborhoods with active community organizations and HOA events. Join online neighborhood groups, volunteer, and attend local events. Schools and civic leagues are strong connectors. Making the first move—introducing yourself, hosting a small gathering, or joining a group—will accelerate your integration.

Looking to Move to Virginia Beach?

Moving to Virginia Beach can be one of the best decisions you make, but set realistic expectations. The beach and coastal lifestyle exist, but they are concentrated. Jet noise, flooding, traffic quirks, local regulations, pests, and the social fabric of neighborhoods all shape daily life. If you take time to research these eight common pitfalls, visit neighborhoods, and plan proactively, you will be far more likely to enjoy your new home and community.

If you are moving to Virginia Beach and want a practical, local perspective or a checklist tailored to the neighborhoods you are considering, reach out to me or to any community members early. Visiting in person, confirming regulations, and testing commutes and noise at different times will pay dividends in comfort and long-term satisfaction. Good luck with your move—and welcome to the region if you choose to make it your home!