Military relocation Virginia Beach — if you’ve got PCS orders to Hampton Roads, you’re headed to one of the most military-friendly regions in the country.
Hampton Roads is home to 19 military installations, including Naval Station Norfolk — the world’s largest naval base — and over 100,000 active-duty military personnel. Whether you’re reporting to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or anywhere in between, this guide will help you find the right neighborhood for your family. Hamptonroadsalliance
The Major Bases in Hampton Roads
Before choosing where to live, you need to know your commute. Here are the key installations you’re likely reporting to:
Naval Station Norfolk (NSN) — Located near the mouth of the Elizabeth River at Sewells Point in Norfolk, NSN is one of the largest military facilities in the world and serves as deepwater home port for 75 warships and submarines, including aircraft carriers. Encyclopedia Virginia
NAS Oceana / Dam Neck — Located in Virginia Beach, this is the Navy’s master jet base on the East Coast and home to thousands of naval aviators and support staff.
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story (JEB Little Creek) — Also in Virginia Beach, Little Creek is the East Coast hub for amphibious operations and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. Recent defense funding includes $12 million to build a new expeditionary mine countermeasures facility here. The Center Square
Understanding the Tunnel System
Hampton Roads can be challenging to navigate because the tunnel system — the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) — can cause long commutes depending on where you live relative to your base. This is one of the most important things to understand before choosing a neighborhood. Plan your daily commute route before you sign a lease or make an offer on a home. Military Town Advisor
Best Neighborhoods Near Each Base
Near Naval Station Norfolk
Norfolk Naval Station sits on the northwest side of Norfolk, which gives you a lot of flexibility. Popular areas include:
- Ghent (Norfolk) — A walkable, historic neighborhood with restaurants, coffee shops, and a tight-knit community feel. Great for single sailors or young couples.
- Larchmont / Edgewater (Norfolk) — Quiet, tree-lined streets close to ODU. Family-friendly with good schools.
- Chesapeake (Great Bridge / Hickory) — A short drive from base with newer construction, top-rated schools, and a suburban feel. Very popular with military families.
- Suffolk (North Suffolk) — More space for the money, newer developments, and growing fast. A solid option if you want more house.
Near NAS Oceana & Dam Neck (Virginia Beach)
Virginia Beach is where most families headed to Oceana or Dam Neck land. The city is sprawling, so here’s how to think about it:
- Kempsville — Central Virginia Beach, affordable, and convenient to both Oceana and the interstate. Lots of military families already here.
- Great Neck / Wolfsnare — A little more upscale, great schools, close to the Oceanfront. Very desirable.
- Courthouse / Princess Anne Area — This area off Princess Anne Road has seen a lot of new development in recent years. It’s centrally located, close to Landstown Commons, and within a 20-minute radius of most bases — a great choice if there’s any chance your next set of orders keeps you in Hampton Roads. Military Town Advisor
- Indian River Area — A large area of Virginia Beach with new planned communities and new construction homes. Great for families who want something move-in ready. Military Town Advisor
- Oceanfront / Resort Area — Fun and lively, but higher price points. Better suited for single service members or short tours.
Near JEB Little Creek – Fort Story
Little Creek is in the northeast corner of Virginia Beach near the Chesapeake Bay. The best neighborhoods nearby include:
- Shore Drive Corridor — Laid-back beach community feel with easy access to the base. Popular with the amphibious community.
- Bayside — Affordable, family-friendly, close to base and easy access to Norfolk via the Lesner Bridge area.
- Ocean Park / Cape Henry — Quiet, residential, and very close to Fort Story. Great for families who want to avoid the Oceanfront crowds.
military relocation Virginia Beach family
Why a VA Home Loan Is a Game-Changer in This Market
Using a VA Home Loan in Virginia means no down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates. In Hampton Roads, BAH typically covers a solid entry-level to mid-range home. That means many military families can buy a home here with little to nothing out of pocket — and build equity instead of paying rent. PCS Pay-it-Forward
Hampton Roads offers the best BAH-to-home-price ratio in the state, which is a big deal when you’re comparing duty stations. Your housing allowance goes further here than almost anywhere else on the East Coast. PCS Pay-it-Forward
Virginia is Military Tax-Friendly Too
A bill (HB 2700) was introduced to remove the cap entirely on military retirement pay exemptions for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, which would make all military retirement pay effectively tax-free in Virginia. Check the current status at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. PCS Pay-it-Forward
Schools in Hampton Roads
Virginia Beach Schools are ranked higher on national school lists despite some rating sites showing otherwise — the presence of specialized academies within high schools can affect how ratings appear online. Military families should look beyond the headline ratings and dig into specific schools and programs. Military Town Advisor
Ready to Start Your PCS House Hunt?
PCS season moves fast. If you’re getting orders to Norfolk or Virginia Beach, the sooner you start your home search the better — especially in a competitive market.
I’m Roberto Gonzalez, a Virginia Beach real estate agent who works with military families relocating to Hampton Roads. I know the neighborhoods, the commutes, and how to make the VA loan process smooth from start to finish.
📞 Call or text me at 757-652-5335
📧 Robertog@mkhomesales.com
🌐 robertohomes.com
Let’s find you the right home before your report date.
