Moving a family is a big project, and moving to a new city adds a layer of unknowns: which neighborhood, which school, where to stay while you look, and how to buy a house you may only see on a screen. If you are relocating to Virginia Beach with family, this guide breaks the move into manageable steps, whether you are arriving on PCS orders or making a civilian move for work or lifestyle.
We focus on logistics here. For neighborhood-by-neighborhood detail, see our guides to Virginia Beach neighborhoods for families and family-friendly neighborhoods by commute and budget.
PCS Moves vs Civilian Moves
The path differs depending on why you are moving.
| Step | PCS move | Civilian move |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline driver | Report date on orders | Job start date or personal timeline |
| Moving costs | Government-arranged move or personally procured move options | Employer relocation package or self-funded |
| Temporary housing help | Temporary lodging allowances may apply | Corporate housing or short-term rentals |
| Financing | VA loan often available | Conventional, FHA or VA if eligible |
| Housing office | Base housing office can help with options | Your agent and employer HR |
| School transition | Military Interstate Children’s Compact can help with transfers | Standard enrollment process |
Tips for military families
- Start as soon as orders arrive. Summer is peak PCS season, and movers book up quickly.
- Contact your installation’s housing office to understand on-base options and wait times before deciding to buy.
- Use your VA benefit wisely. Our VA loan comparison guide covers entitlement and offers.
- Think about the next PCS. Many families buy with an eye toward renting the home out later.
Tips for civilian families
- Review your relocation package to see what your employer covers.
- Talk to a lender early, especially if you are changing jobs, since lenders verify employment.
- Consider timing your sale and purchase so you are not carrying two mortgages longer than necessary.
Choosing an Area From a Distance
Picking a neighborhood when you have never been to Virginia Beach can feel overwhelming. Narrow it down with these filters:
- Commute. Map your drive to work or base at rush hour. Bases like NAS Oceana, Dam Neck, JEB Little Creek-Fort Story and Naval Station Norfolk pull families toward different parts of the city.
- School assignment. Use the school division’s address lookup to confirm which schools serve a property. Do not rely on listing descriptions.
- Lifestyle. Do you want walkable beach access, a quiet suburban cul-de-sac or space in rural Pungo?
- Budget and property type. Compare single-family homes with condos and townhomes.
- Flood risk. Check FEMA flood maps and get insurance quotes early.
Once you have two or three target areas, ask your agent for a video drive-through of each. Seeing the streets, nearby shopping and traffic gives you a feel that maps cannot.
Touring Homes Virtually
Virtual tours have made remote buying far more practical. To get the most from them:
- Ask for live video, not just recorded tours. You can direct the camera and ask questions in real time.
- Request close-ups of the roof, HVAC, water heater, windows, ceilings and under sinks.
- Ask about smells and sounds. A camera cannot pick up a musty crawlspace or highway noise.
- Have your agent walk the street and show neighboring homes.
- Bring the whole family on the call so everyone can weigh in.
Then rely on a thorough professional inspection, which you can attend by video, to confirm condition.
School Enrollment Basics
Virginia Beach City Public Schools assigns students based on home address. Before you buy, confirm the assigned schools for the specific property. Once you have an address, enrollment typically requires:
- Proof of residence, such as a deed, lease or settlement statement
- Child’s birth certificate
- Immunization records
- A physical exam for students entering Virginia schools for the first time
- Records or transcripts from the previous school
If you are moving mid-year, contact the school as early as possible. Check the division’s website for current requirements and any specialty programs that have their own application timelines.
Temporary Housing Options
Unless your closing lines up perfectly with your arrival, you may need somewhere to stay for a few weeks.
Options include:
- Extended-stay hotels
- Furnished short-term rentals (outside peak beach season they can be easier to find)
- Corporate housing through your employer
- On-base temporary lodging for military families
- Staying with family or friends in the region
Book early in summer. Virginia Beach is a tourist destination, and short-term options near the Oceanfront fill up during peak season.
Your Relocation Timeline Checklist
8 to 12 weeks before the move:
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage
- Choose a local buyer’s agent
- Research areas and schools
- Book movers or schedule your government move
6 to 8 weeks before:
- Start virtual home tours
- Make an offer and schedule inspections
- Arrange temporary housing if needed
- Request school records and medical records
3 to 4 weeks before:
- Finalize your loan and homeowners insurance
- Set up utilities for your new address
- Arrange a remote or in-person closing
Moving week:
- Final walk-through, in person or by video
- Close and get your keys
- Enroll children in school
- Update your address and vehicle registration
Selling or Renting Out Your Current Home
Many relocating families also have a home to deal with back where they live now. You have three basic choices: sell before you move, sell after you move, or keep the home as a rental.
- Selling first frees up your equity and avoids two payments, but may mean a stretch in temporary housing.
- Selling after you move lets you buy here without rushing, but you may carry two mortgages for a while; ask your lender how that affects your approval.
- Renting it out can make sense for military families expecting to return to an area, but plan for property management and landlord responsibilities from a distance.
Talk through the numbers with your lender and a tax professional before deciding.
Settling In
Once you arrive, a few tasks help your family feel at home faster. Register vehicles with Virginia DMV within the required timeframe, update your driver’s licenses, find pediatricians and dentists, and explore local parks, libraries and recreation centers. Getting kids involved in a sport or activity early helps them make friends quickly.
Let Us Help With Your Move
Relocating is easier with someone local handling the details. Maureen Montealegre and the Aulegre Real Estate Team help families moving to Virginia Beach and across Hampton Roads search, tour and buy, including from a distance. Contact us to plan your move or call Maureen at 219-406-1757.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a home in Virginia Beach without visiting first?
Yes, many relocating buyers do. With live video tours, detailed inspection reports, electronic signatures and remote or mail-away closings, you can complete most of a purchase from a distance. Many families still prefer one in-person trip to confirm their top choice if time allows.
What do I need to enroll my child in Virginia Beach City Public Schools?
Requirements typically include proof of residence, your child's birth certificate, immunization records and a physical exam for students new to Virginia schools, plus prior school records. Check the school division's website for the current list, since requirements can change.
How early should I start planning a move to Virginia Beach?
Ideally two to three months ahead, especially if you plan to buy. That gives time for pre-approval, remote home search and a typical closing period. Military families should start as soon as orders arrive, since summer PCS season is busy for movers and housing.
