Why Consider Moving?

Virginia Beach offers a unique blend of lively city life with the charm of coastal living. The cost of living in Virginia Beach, while slightly higher than in Bon Air, is justified by the quality of life and amenities available. 

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For those moving from Bon Air, the median home price in Virginia Beach is about $262,000, and the median rent is $1,258, showcasing an accessible housing market for a beach town. Conversely, Bon Air presents a more suburban feel with a strong sense of community and a slightly lower cost of living, with the median home price at $420,000 and average rent at $1,459.

Preparing for Your Move

When preparing for a move from Bon Air to Virginia Beach, it's essential to consider the types of moving services that best fit your needs and budget. 

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Virginia Beach offers a variety of options, from a professional full-service moving company who handle everything from packing to unloading, to more budget-friendly solutions like moving containers where you do the packing, and they manage the transportation. 

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There are also DIY truck rental services for those willing to do all the heavy lifting and driving themselves. The choice between these services depends on your budget, the amount of work you're willing to undertake, and the level of convenience you desire.]

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The costs associated with moving can vary widely based on the size of your move, the distance, and the type of service you choose. 

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For a move from Lexington to Virginia Beach, for example, the costs range from around $445 to $855 for a studio or one-bedroom apartment using a rental truck, to between $1,239 and $3,498 for the same size move using a full-service moving company. 

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These costs illustrate the broad spectrum of expenses you might encounter, emphasizing the importance of getting accurate estimates and considering various moving solutions to find the best fit for your situation and budget.

Cost of Living in Virginia Beach

The cost of living comparison between Bon Air, VA, and Virginia Beach, VA, highlights the nuances of each location that might influence your decision to move. In Virginia Beach, the cost of living is depicted to be marginally higher than the national average, with specific emphasis on housing. 

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The typical home cost in Virginia Beach is approximately $370,800, which is more expensive than both the national and the Virginia state averages. Renting a two-bedroom unit is around $1,590 per month, higher than both the national and state averages as well. 

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To live comfortably in Virginia Beach, it's recommended that a family should have a minimum annual income of $70,920, and a single person should have $54,400.

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On the other hand, Bon Air presents a slightly different financial landscape. The average home price in Bon Air is noted to be $344,700, slightly more expensive than the national average but a bit less than Virginia Beach's average. 

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This suggests that while housing costs are indeed a bit lower in Bon Air compared to Virginia Beach, the difference is not drastically large. The cost of living in Virginia Beach is 7.6% more expensive than in Bon Air, reflecting a relatively modest difference that could be outweighed by personal or professional considerations depending on individual circumstances.

Exploring Virginia Beach

Exploring Virginia Beach offers a comprehensive experience of coastal living with its extensive sandy beaches, vibrant community, and diverse attractions. 

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With an impressive 35 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach caters to beach lovers of all types, from those seeking the dynamic atmosphere of Oceanfront Beach to the tranquil and secluded Sandbridge Beach. 

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The iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a bustling promenade stretching three miles along the oceanfront, stands as the heart of the city's beach culture, offering restaurants, shops, and entertainment. For adventure seekers, the city is a hub for water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, with numerous rental shops and surf schools available to cater to all levels.

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In addition to its beach attractions, Virginia Beach is surrounded by natural beauty and offers a rich cultural scene. First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, making the city an ideal destination for nature lovers. 

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The culinary scene in Virginia Beach is both vibrant and diverse, offering everything from fresh local seafood to international cuisine. For families, attractions like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Ocean Breeze Waterpark promise fun-filled days. 

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The city also celebrates a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Neptune Festival and the Patriotic Festival, highlighting its community spirit and cultural richness.

Education and Healthcare

In the realm of healthcare and education, Virginia Beach and Bon Air offer robust services and facilities, contributing to the overall well-being and development of their residents. Virginia Beach, as part of the Hampton Roads area, is well-equipped with a comprehensive healthcare network. 

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Sentara Healthcare operates several facilities in the area, including Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, which are part of its network of 12 acute care hospitals and 10 nursing centers. 

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Sentara is noted for its broad range of services and has been a key player in the region's healthcare for over 130 years, having a significant economic impact in Virginia and supporting numerous jobs.

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The Hampton Roads metro area, encompassing Virginia Beach, is known for its accessibility to hospital care, with 99% of the population living within 25 minutes of a hospital. The area is home to over 5,200 physicians and 30 acute care and specialty hospitals, showcasing a strong commitment to healthcare. 

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Major healthcare providers include not only Sentara Healthcare but also Riverside Health System, Bon Secours Health System, and Children’s Hospital of The Kings’ Daughters, offering a wide spectrum of healthcare services. 

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Additionally, the region supports education through its various K-12 institutions and higher education facilities, contributing to a well-rounded community infrastructure.

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These findings illustrate that both Virginia Beach and Bon Air are situated in regions with comprehensive healthcare networks and educational resources, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical care and educational opportunities. 

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While specific data for Bon Air was less detailed in the sources, its proximity to Richmond and inclusion in the Chesterfield County suggests access to a similar quality of educational and healthcare services as those available in Virginia Beach, albeit on a potentially smaller scale due to its suburban nature.

The Job Market

Virginia Beach, being the most populous city in Virginia, offers a wide range of employment opportunities across various departments and services, making it a significant employer in the Hampton Roads region. 

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The city values its workforce, providing comprehensive benefits and actively seeking to fill various roles that contribute to its community services. 

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On the other hand, detailed job market information for Bon Air specifically was not available from the sources reviewed, but given its suburban nature and proximity to Richmond, job opportunities may largely relate to the broader economic activities of the Richmond metropolitan area.

Housing in Virginia Beach

Housing costs in Virginia Beach are 7.6% more expensive than in Bon Air. This difference reflects the varied housing markets between these two Virginia locales, with Virginia Beach's coastal location likely contributing to its higher housing costs.

Transportation and Commuting

Virginia Beach, being a larger city with a higher population, might offer more diverse transportation options including public transit, cycling lanes, and potentially more extensive road networks to accommodate commuting to and from work and other activities. Its status as a coastal city could also mean that it has unique transportation challenges and solutions, especially during tourist seasons when traffic increases significantly.

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Bon Air, on the other hand, is a smaller, unincorporated community in Chesterfield County, near Richmond. Its transportation and commuting options might be more limited compared to a larger city but could offer advantages such as less congestion and shorter commute times on average. Residents of Bon Air likely rely more on personal vehicles for commuting, with access to regional transportation options provided by the Greater Richmond area.

Safety and Community Life

Virginia Beach and Bon Air offer distinct living experiences, including differences in safety and community life. Virginia Beach, with its population density and status as a coastal city, experiences a crime rate that is higher than 72% of Virginia's cities and towns. 

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However, it's important to note that when compared to other cities of similar size across the United States, Virginia Beach is considered safer than most. The city's crime rate stands at 17 crimes per one thousand residents, with a lower than average rate of violent crimes. Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Virginia Beach is one in 1139, making it well below the national average for communities of all sizes.

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In contrast, Bon Air presents a more quaint and suburban community life, which might contribute to a different safety and community dynamic. As a charming not-so-suburban area just south of Richmond, Bon Air offers a mix of culture, character, and history, with Victorian-era homes lining its streets, reflecting its origins as a resort village. 

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The community's tight-knit atmosphere is evident through events such as the annual Victorian Day Festival and Parade. Recreational opportunities abound, with several community pools, tennis courts, and parks like Huguenot Park providing outdoor spaces for families and individuals to enjoy. 

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Bon Air’s dining scene and shopping options, from local seafood markets to consignment shops, further enhance the community life, reflecting the area’s diversity and appeal to both long-time residents and newcomers.

Things to Do in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach offers a vibrant arts scene in the Vibe Creative District, filled with colorful murals and eclectic storefronts, where events and galleries showcase local talent. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a highlight, emphasizing education and conservation with over 12,000 animals on display. 

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For a serene experience, Sandbridge Beach provides a quieter alternative to the bustling Oceanfront, offering a natural setting for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Settling In

Virginia Beach, with its expansive coastline and vibrant city life, offers a diverse range of neighborhoods suited for different lifestyles, from bustling oceanfront areas to more serene suburban settings. 

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The city is known for its outdoor recreational activities, including surfing, beach volleyball, and hiking in state parks like First Landing State Park. Cultural attractions such as the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and performances at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts provide residents with a rich arts scene. 

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Additionally, the city's economy is buoyed by sectors like tourism, defense, and technology, offering a variety of employment opportunities.

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Bon Air, on the other hand, provides a more subdued suburban experience. Its historical charm, with Victorian-era homes and a tight-knit community, makes it an appealing place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The area is known for its excellent schools, making it attractive to families. Its proximity to Richmond allows for easy access to the amenities of a larger city while retaining a small-town feel. Recreational opportunities in Bon Air may be more centered around community events, local parks, and leisure activities that foster a strong sense of community among residents.

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Both Virginia Beach and Bon Air offer appealing qualities depending on what one is looking for in a place to settle. Whether it's the dynamic coastal lifestyle of Virginia Beach or the peaceful, community-focused living in Bon Air, both locations provide unique environments that cater to a wide range of preferences and needs.

Comparison with Bon Air

Comparing Bon Air and Virginia Beach reveals distinct lifestyles. Virginia Beach, known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, offers numerous activities like kayaking and art exploration in the Vibe Creative District. 

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Bon Air, with its suburban charm and historic Victorian homes, provides a quieter environment close to Richmond's amenities. Housing in Virginia Beach is pricier than in Bon Air, reflecting the coastal city's broader range of amenities and attractions.

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In conclusion, moving from Bon Air to Virginia Beach is a significant transition that offers a plethora of opportunities for personal and professional growth. With its beautiful beaches, robust job market, and vibrant community, Virginia Beach presents an attractive destination for those seeking a blend of city life and coastal leisure. 

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Proper planning and preparation can make the transition smoother, allowing new residents to fully embrace and enjoy their new home in Virginia Beach.