Our guide to the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach named Great Neck and Kempsville as the city’s top family picks, both known for strong schools and genuine safety. Let’s take a closer look at what actually makes these neighborhoods work for families, plus a few more worth considering.
Quick Hits: Virginia Beach Neighborhoods for Families
| Neighborhood | Avg Home Value | School Access | Standout Feature | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Neck | $650K+ | Cox High School, Cape Henry Collegiate, First Colonial High School | Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Great Neck Recreation Center | Waterfront, convenient, top-ranked |
| Alanton | $500K+ | Alanton Elementary | Alanton Baycliff Recreation Center, Broad Bay Country Club | Peaceful, waterfront, close-knit |
| Kempsville | $400K+ | Virginia Beach City Public Schools | Cul-de-sacs, neighborhood parks | Suburban, accessible, family-focused |
| Ashville Park | $650K+ | Virginia Beach City Public Schools | Man-made lakes, farmland setting | Tranquil, spacious, scenic |
| Red Mill | $420K+ | Virginia Beach City Public Schools | Spacious single-family homes | Family-friendly, suburban |
Great Neck
Great Neck is home to some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the entire city, and for families specifically, the draw comes down to top-ranked schools including Cox High School, Cape Henry Collegiate, and First Colonial High School, all consistently rated among Hampton Roads’ best. The corridor also holds everyday retail heavyweights like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Target, and Petsmart, meaning families rarely need to leave the immediate area for routine errands.
Located on a peninsula between Lynnhaven Bay and Broad Bay, Great Neck offers real waterfront living alongside its school and shopping advantages, and quick access to both Interstate 264 and Highway 58 keeps commutes to Chesapeake or nearby beaches genuinely manageable. That combination of water, schools, and convenience commands a real premium, with homes here regularly reaching into the millions on the high end.
Alanton
Alanton, a Great Neck enclave developed in the 1960s on 17th-century farmland, is often touted among the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach for its blend of scenic appeal and modern convenience. Alanton Elementary anchors the neighborhood academically, and it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in the entire city, offering families a peaceful, close-knit atmosphere that’s become a point of local pride.
The Alanton Baycliff Recreation Center and nearby Broad Bay Country Club give families active lifestyle options within the neighborhood itself, and the Alanton Civic League keeps community spirit genuinely high through regular neighborhood events. Home styles range widely, from cozy brick ranches to expansive waterfront estates, all set on generous lots along winding, tree-lined roads.
Kempsville
Kempsville earns its reputation as a suburban haven, with cul-de-sacs, schools, and family-friendly parks built into nearly every corner of the neighborhood. It gives families a genuinely accessible entry point into Virginia Beach, without the waterfront premium that defines Great Neck and Alanton just a short drive away.
Because Kempsville sits further from the water than the Great Neck corridor, families here trade some scenic waterfront access for real affordability, a straightforward tradeoff for buyers who prioritize space and budget over a bay view.
Ashville Park
Ashville Park surrounds itself with man-made lakes and farmland, offering families a tranquil, spacious setting with Craftsman and Colonial-style homes that stand apart from the denser development closer to the Oceanfront. It’s specifically noted as a strong pick for families and nature lovers alike, a genuine combination that’s harder to find elsewhere in the city.
Given its farmland-adjacent, more rural setting, families in Ashville Park should expect a car-dependent daily routine, a real tradeoff for the neighborhood’s open space and lake views that denser, more central neighborhoods can’t replicate.
Red Mill
Red Mill rounds out Virginia Beach’s spacious, family-friendly neighborhoods, with single-family homes offering more room than the denser waterfront communities closer to Great Neck. It gives families a straightforward, suburban option within Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ broader system.
Like Kempsville, Red Mill trades waterfront access for affordability and space, making it a genuine option for families comparing their budget against Great Neck or Ashville Park’s higher price points.
Which of These Fits Your Family Best?
If top schools and waterfront access matter most, Great Neck and Alanton both deliver that, at a real premium. If affordability and suburban space matter more than a bay view, Kempsville and Red Mill both offer genuine value. And if a tranquil, lake-and-farmland setting appeals to you, Ashville Park is worth a serious look.
Final Thoughts
Virginia Beach’s family neighborhoods consistently combine strong schools with genuine safety, so the real decision comes down to how much you’re willing to pay for waterfront proximity versus space and affordability further inland. Walk or drive through a few of these neighborhoods on a weekend to get a real feel for the pace, and pair this guide with our full neighborhood breakdown for complete pricing and safety context across the city.