Why Virginia Beach Is One of the Best Places to Raise a Family in 2025

Choosing the right place to raise a family involves more than just finding good schools or safe neighborhoods—it’s about balance. And in 2025, Virginia Beach struck that balance exceptionally well, earning the #20 spot on WalletHub’s list of Best Places to Raise a Family out of 182 U.S. cities.

This national recognition didn’t happen by chance. WalletHub evaluated cities based on a comprehensive set of 45 factors across five key categories: affordability, education and child care, health and safety, socioeconomics, and family fun. Virginia Beach stood out with strengths that reflect the city’s values, resources, and quality of life.

What Sets Virginia Beach Apart

Virginia Beach ranks among the top 10 U.S. cities for health and safety, thanks to its low violent crime rate and access to quality healthcare. Families benefit from a strong sense of community security, clean air, and overall wellness.

The city has also earned high marks for public health—being named the most well-rested city in the U.S. in recent years, and recognized for its clean environment and outdoor access.

With Virginia Beach City Public Schools serving roughly 70,000 students, families have access to a wide range of academic programs, including advanced STEM tracks, International Baccalaureate options, and arts-focused academies.

Public schools here consistently meet state accreditation standards, and the city maintains a student-teacher ratio that supports personalized learning.

Unlike many coastal cities, Virginia Beach offers relative affordability—especially when compared to metro areas in the Northeast or California. WalletHub ranked it in the top third of cities for cost-effectiveness, noting the city’s manageable housing prices, moderate property taxes, and competitive utilities.

For families looking to stretch their budget without compromising on quality of life, that balance is a huge win.

Beyond the numbers, Virginia Beach has heart. It was ranked the most caring city in the U.S. in 2024, due to its high rates of volunteerism, charitable giving, and neighborly behavior. Whether it’s through school programs, local nonprofits, or civic engagement, there’s a strong culture of helping one another.

Room to Play and Grow

Beaches, Parks, and Outdoor Adventures

Virginia Beach boasts over 200 public parks, two major state parks (First Landing and False Cape), and miles of coastline with family-friendly beaches. The iconic boardwalk is perfect for bike rides, rollerblading, or an evening stroll. There’s also the ViBe Creative District, where families can enjoy local art, street murals, and weekend pop-ups.

The city’s dedication to preserving natural spaces means kids can grow up exploring forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats—all within city limits.

Weekend Fun and Culture

Virginia Beach is not just sun and sand. It’s home to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, a vibrant performing arts scene, and museums designed with kids in mind. Family events like outdoor concerts, holiday light shows, and farmer’s markets make it easy to stay connected with the local community.

Challenges and Opportunities

No place is perfect. Virginia Beach didn’t score as high in WalletHub’s “family fun” category, which may reflect fewer amusement-style attractions or limitations in public recreational funding. But many local families would argue that the city’s natural beauty and variety of outdoor options more than make up for that.

This recognition should also serve as motivation—to continue investing in family-forward spaces, programs, and policies.

A Top Choice for Families in 2025

Virginia Beach’s placement in WalletHub’s top 20 cities to raise a family is backed by more than statistics—it reflects a lived reality of safe neighborhoods, strong schools, natural beauty, and a generous spirit.

Whether you’re considering a move or already raising a family here, it’s worth celebrating what makes this city special—and working together to make it even better.

Explore the full WalletHub ranking here, and if you’re a Virginia Beach local, feel free to share what makes this city feel like home for your family.