AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Virginia Beach, VA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Virginia Beach neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,700/mo
Median Rent
459,470
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
US Department of Defense / Navy
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Virginia Beach? What Renters Need to Know

The median rent in Virginia Beach is approximately $1,700 per month. Oceanfront and Shore Drive neighborhoods average $1,900-$2,200, while inland residential areas like Kempsville and Bayside offer $1,500-$1,700.

Quick Facts

Population 459,470
Median Rent $1,700/mo
Top Employer US Department of Defense / Navy
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,700 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Virginia Beach median rent is $200 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Virginia Beach is US Department of Defense / Navy, making the Oceanfront area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Oceanfront

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 66
Avg Rent $2,200
Schools 6/10
#2

Shore Drive

Score: 85/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 45
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 7/10
#3

Great Neck

Score: 88/100
Safety A
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $2,000
Schools 8/10

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#4

Kempsville

Score: 79/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 7/10
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#5

Bayside

Score: 77/100
Safety B
Walk Score 37
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 6/10
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#6

Princess Anne

Score: 76/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 30
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 7/10
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#7

Town Center

Score: 83/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 7/10
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#8

Chesapeake Beach

Score: 74/100
Safety B
Walk Score 33
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 6/10
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See All 8 Virginia Beach Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Virginia Beach Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Virginia Beach renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Virginia Beach.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Virginia Beach properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Virginia Beach

What is the average rent in Virginia Beach?

The median rent in Virginia Beach is approximately $1,700 per month. Oceanfront and Shore Drive neighborhoods average $1,900-$2,200, while inland residential areas like Kempsville and Bayside offer $1,500-$1,700. Military housing allowances (BAH) significantly influence the rental market given the large military population.

How does the military presence affect Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach is one of the largest military communities in the world — Naval Air Station Oceanic, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, and other installations employ tens of thousands. The military presence creates a unique community culture, supports numerous businesses, and drives demand for housing. Military families often note the welcoming and patriotic community environment.

Is Virginia Beach good for families?

Virginia Beach is consistently ranked among the best cities for families in Virginia. Great Neck, Kempsville, and Princess Anne have excellent public schools, low crime, and abundant parks and recreation. The beach itself is a tremendous family amenity — 35 miles of Atlantic coastline provides year-round outdoor recreation, and the boardwalk area has family-friendly attractions.

Do you need a car in Virginia Beach?

Yes — Virginia Beach is one of the least walkable major cities on the East Coast. The city's enormous geographic footprint (the largest city by area in the contiguous US) makes car ownership essentially mandatory. Walk scores are low across most neighborhoods. Hampton Roads Transit provides bus service, but most residents drive for daily needs.

How does Virginia Beach's economy compare beyond the military?

Virginia Beach has diversified its economy significantly — tourism contributes over $1 billion annually, tech firms have established a presence, and healthcare is growing through Sentara Healthcare. The city actively recruits tech employers, and the proximity to Norfolk's port operations supports logistics and maritime industries. The economy is more resilient than single-sector military towns.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.