Exploring Virginia Beach Neighborhoods: A Seoer's Perspective
When asked about my favorite neighborhood in Virginia Beach, I must admit that I don't have a single neighborhood I can confidently call my favorite. Over the course of my life, I have only lived in two distinct neighborhoods within the city, with a few others I've revisited for visits. Let’s dive into what I have experienced in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, and perhaps uncover some of the best neighborhoods in the area.
Two Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach
I lived in two neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, one from 1968 to 1992, and then again from August 1998 to September 2023. The first neighborhood was overshadowed by nearby areas such as Lakeville Estates, College Park, and Woodstock, all newer and larger. Lakeville Estates, in particular, is often associated with the College Park area and tends to be more visible in the context of the entire region.
Both of the neighborhoods I lived in were solid places to call home. The first, Kempsville and Fairfield, were more upscale areas from the 1950s, with some houses reminiscent of the movie ‘Parent Trap’. My wife and I once considered buying a home there in 1998. Fairfield, built in the 1970s, was larger and newer, positioning both Kempsville and Fairfield within the upper and upper-middle-class brackets.
My second neighborhood, Lakeville, was a mix of upper-middle-class and middle-class areas. It was continuously under construction from 1965 until 1973, with Riverton homes built from 1969 to 1974. Riverton homes generally trended slightly higher than the oldest sections of Lakeville, making the area beautifully diverse and unique.
The Neighborhoods of Lakeville and Upton Estates
Both Kempsville and Fairfield were solid, upscale neighborhoods primarily occupied by higher-income families. Lakeville was firmly in the upper-middle-class to middle-class demographic. It had a section called “parasite” that was only accessible through a single street from Lakeville itself, creating a unique and separate community within the neighborhood.
Lakeville is the area enclosed by two lakes and a creek, extending almost to Indian River Road. Sunnyside Drive is the only street that serves as the main thoroughfare through Lakeville. It also houses two “parasite” neighborhoods, both built in the early 1990s and 2000s-early 2010s, which were previously used by high school students for après-party activities, while the first one was originally a strawberry field, and the second a place to make out, drink, and use marijuana.
Upton Estates, on the other hand, lies along 2 ? sides of a creek and Old Dam Neck Road on the other. Unlike Lakeville, Upton Estates doesn’t have any such parasite neighborhoods. The area is relatively unaffected by the growth and activities in adjacent areas, providing a serene environment.
Current Market Trends
While both Lakeville and Upton Estates are fine places to live, there have been recent changes in the real estate market. Currently, there are no houses for sale in Upton Estates, though four to six are anticipated by February and the spring. Typically, about ten to twelve homes sell annually, and they tend to sell quickly. This hints at a stable and perhaps a somewhat growing market, making these neighborhoods attractive options for buyers.
Among the two neighborhoods, the least expensive homes are found near theHOA, while another couple of homes are a block away from the Upton Estates area, in the North. Both homes outside the Upton Estates area in fact have their own pools, despite their proximity to the HOA pool.
Conclusion
As a SEOer, I strongly recommend that anyone considering a move in Virginia Beach or Norfolk should talk to a realtor about their needs, preferences, budget, and the important factors such as school scores, community facilities, and other amenities. Online resources are also invaluable in making an informed decision.