Virginia Beach Community Info and Homes For Sale
The rich history of Virginia Beach dates back nearly 400 years, when the first English colonists ventured to the New World. On April 26, 1607
The now Virginia Beach area flourished immediately as a merchant trade center. Princess Anne County(as Virginia Beach was known) had so much congestion in Chesapeake Bay that by 1792, Cape Henry Lighthouse was built. The magnificent water and shores of Virginia Beach continue to require live saving operations due to seafaring life in Princess Anne County.
Virginia Beach became a popular resort destination in the 1880s. Vacationers and tourists are still a vital part of life in Virginia Beach, even after 120 years!
Since the merger of Princess Anne County and the resort town of Virginia Beach in 1963, the City of Virginia Beach has enjoyed a steady rate of growth in population as well as visitors. The 2000 Census indicates a Virginia Beach population of 425,257.
Four military installations in Virginia Beach--Oceana Naval Air Station, Little Creek, Fort Story, and Dam Neck - make the city a vital presence on the national and international map. Virgina Beach support of the military through both city and business support are unprecendented. Though the recent BRAC findings have called the viability of Oceana Naval Air Station into question, the military presence in Virginia Beach is expected to continue a significant, vital element of Virginia Beach.
Residents of Virginia Beach enjoy a conicopia of opportunities. The current new development in the Pembroke area of Virginia Beach features new shopping, restaurants such as Ruth Chris, Cheescake Factory and many more along with exclusive highrise living in the Westin Towers(underconstruction). Along Virginia Beach's key I-264 corridor, Town Center will be a jewel in Virginia Beach's life.
Virginia Beach has words defying waterfront throughout the city providing ample opportunity for water lovers in Virginia Beach to find homes along Virginia Beach's many water ways. For the pastoral loving home owners, southern Virginia Beach rolling countryside is spotted with new development. Condominium and townhome as well as single family housing are present throughout the Virginia Beach, making Virginia Beach a great place to live.
With local museums, sports and entertainment arenas, and a thriving economic base, the City of Virginia Beach attracts vacationers and future residents alike.
Sources:
The Virginia Beach Public Library, The Beach: A History of Virginia Beach, Virginia 1996.
U.S. Census Bureau, State and County Quick Facts [Homepage of the U.S. Census Bureau]. Available: www.census.gov [2001, April 30].
Related Links
Local History Archives
Bayside History Trail
The Beach: A History of Virginia Beach