Virginia Beach is a beautiful city and the largest in Virginia. Located on the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, it is part of what is known as the Hampton Roads metro area, along with Portsmouth, Hampton, and several other nearby cities. It is considered by many to be a resort city, and much of its income comes from the tourist industry, although it is also home to many historic sites, three military bases, and plenty to see and do. Even better, it has a growing and thriving LGBTQ community. Truly, Virginia Beach has it all!
A Look at Virginia Beach’s History
Virginia Beach was initially found in 1887. It was first developed as a resort, following the construction of a hotel and railroad linking it with nearby Norfolk. After World War I, however, Virginia Beach became an important base in the national coastal defense system and remains so to this day, as it is home to three military bases. Virginia Beach is a city known for its unique maritime heritage, but also one that has become a progressive, forward-thinking place with friendly people, a coastal vibe, and plenty to see and do.
A Few Fun Facts About Virginia Beach
Read more fun facts about Virginia Beach here.
Virginia Beach’s LGBTQ Community
Virginia Beach is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG Virginia Beach is the city's local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
The LGBTQ Life Center is a community center that has been working to support, advance, and celebrate the LGBTQ community in the Virginia Beach area for more than 30 years. The Center offers a variety of services including support groups, events, health resources, education and training programs, network opportunities and more.
What's the Weather Like in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach residents can expect to experience all four seasons. Typically fall and spring are the most pleasant seasons of the year, with spring bringing beautifully colored flowers and fall offering crisp breezes and brightly colored leaves. The city receives 47 inches of rain on average per year, and around 6 inches of snow. Highs in July can reach around 88°F and the lows in the winter typically drop down to about 32°F.
The Best Events in Virginia Beach
Hampton Roads Pridefest is the Virginia Beach area's annual pride celebration. Held in nearby Norfolk's Town Point Park every June since 2011, the festival includes parades, parties, networking opportunities, and more. Hampton Roads Pride also has the only PrideFest Boat Parade in the United States, honoring the area's significant maritime heritage.
The Neptune Festival is a community-based organization that produces over 40 events in the city throughout the year. Whether you enjoy events on the beach, fun and festivities on the boardwalk, art festivals, concerts, or anything in between, chances are you’ll find an event that you love and will want to participate in during the year!
The Best Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach
Unlike some larger cities that have one particular “gayborhood” where most of the LGBTQ community lives, Virginia Beach’s LGBTQ community is somewhat spread out across the city. This isn’t a bad thing though – it simply means that there are many wonderful neighborhoods to choose from. Condos in the city start at around $120,000 and max out at about $2 million. Single-family homes cost anywhere from $85,000 to $8.5 million.
Arts and Entertainment
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is Virginia Beach’s largest performing arts venue. Whatever type of show you enjoy – musicals and plays, stand-up comedy, orchestra, or more than you’ll find it here. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a show (or several!) throughout the year for yourself.
The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is a small community-based theater known for entertaining visitors and residents alike since 1948. Each year, the theater puts on a wide variety of shows, each different and unique in its own way - but all sure to be entertaining and wonderful.
Parks and Recreation
This three-mile concrete boardwalk has been providing entertainment and beautiful views to Virginia Beach residents and visitors alike for more than a century. The boardwalk is always busy with bicyclists, diners, and beachgoers alike. During the summer, three oceanfront stages also offer nightly entertainment.
Neptune’s Park is a popular, grassy, beachfront park known for its frequent live music and fun outdoor events, as well as its large statue of the Roman god Neptune. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful Virginia Beach day.
Virginia Beach Nightlife
The Rainbow Cactus Company is a popular LGBTQ nightclub featuring DJs & dancing, as well as drag shows, dancers, karaoke, pool & live bands. It's a great spot to spend a night out dancing and having fun with old friends – and meeting new ones.
The Edge is a popular Virginia Beach nightspot known for its excellent pub grub, strong cocktails, friendly crowds, guest DJs, and frequent special events. It’s a must-try stop on a night out in Virginia Beach.
Contact a Virginia Beach Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Virginia Beach, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Virginia Beach, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Virginia Beach gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
