Virginia Beach, Virginia
If you’re lucky enough to be moving to Virginia Beach, Virginia, you’ll find that there’s more to the city than its spectacular shoreline, impressive boardwalk attractions and excellent sportfishing. Virginia Beach is also the largest city in Virginia by population and one of the most rapidly developing cities in the East Coast. Businesses are moving to Virginia Beach to take advantage of the city’s location, pleasant climate, pro-business regulatory environment, economic stability and top-notch transportation system. With its colorful history and wealth of recreational and cultural diversions, Virginia Beach has something for any type of traveler, from the history buff to the nature enthusiast.
Economy:
The economy of Virginia Beach owes its vitality to a strong tourism and convention industry, prominent military presence, consistent agribusiness, stable construction and housing market, and healthy retail and services sectors. Virginia Beach is home to four military bases that employ more than 30,000 military and civilian personnel. Agribusiness is another substantial contributor to the economy, having an estimated economic impact of $59 million in 2002. Individuals and businesses moving to Virginia Beach have swelled the population to an estimated 433,746 in 2008, resulting in retail sales growth and the diversification of the labor pool.
History:
In 1607, a British expedition led by Captain Christopher Newport made their first landfall in the area now known as Virginia Beach, at the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay. However, the colonists left the site in search of a place further inland that would be less vulnerable to Spanish and Indian attacks. Norfolk, England native Adam Thoroughgood was one of the earliest Englishmen to settle in present-day Virginia Beach, which was then part of the Virginia Colony. After a series of subdivisions that started in 1634, the Colony became eight counties, one of which was Princess Anne County. In the late 1800s, the small resort of Virginia Beach in Princess Anne County started to take shape, around the time when rail service and electricity came to the area. In 1927, the Cavalier Hotel opened and became a famous vacation spot. Virginia Beach became an independent city in 1952.
Tourism:
When moving to Virginia Beach, you’ll discover that there’s more to this waterside city than glistening sand and rolling waves. Granted, Virginia Beach may be home to some of the country’s most popular beach destinations, such as the Chesapeake Bay, Resort area and Sandbridge. Sure, there’s always a beach experience to fit your mood, whether you prefer to sit in peaceful solitude in an unspoiled beach or soak up an action-packed beach scene complete with rollerbladers, live music, street performers and outdoor cafes. However, beyond the beach lies some pretty interesting haunts, like the Naval Aviation Museum where you can view larger-than-life bronze sculptures and presentations depicting three historic eras in naval aviation. Virginia Beach is also home to 11 top-rated golf courses including the Cypress Point Country Club, the Heron Ridge of Virginia Beach and Hell’s Point Golf Course.
Colleges/Universities:
• Regent University
• Bryant & Stratton College
Interesting Facts:
• "The Guinness Book of World Records" lists Virginia Beach as having the longest pleasure beach in the world.
• Virginia Beach is where the headquarters and main studios of the Christian Broadcasting Network are located.
• The historic Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach has played host to some of the world’s rich and famous, including seven U.S. presidents.
•Virginia Beach ranks 34th among U.S. cities in terms of population.
Helpful Links:
• Virginia Beach Real Estate
• Virginia Beach Storage Facility
• Virginia Beach Insurance
• Virginia Beach Box Companies
• Virginia Beach Moving Guide