If you’re pursuing a career in nursing, Virginia Beach is a fantastic place to study. It’s home to top hospitals and a thriving healthcare industry, not to mention it boasts a fantastic quality of life. However, with 249 square miles of real estate to choose from, deciding which neighborhood to stay in can be tricky. After all, it can make a big difference in your studies, clinical placements, commute, and overall student experience. Here are five of the best areas for you to live if you’re coming to Virginia Beach as a nursing student.
1. Town Centre
If you love the buzz of being in the middle of everything, Town Center is the place to be. It’s the downtown hub of Virginia Beach, so you’ll get an urban feel and have all the amenities you need nearby. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is a mere 15-minute drive away, and Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center is around 20 minutes by car.
If you don’t have a car, public transit and ride-share options make it easy to get around. There are also a ton of great coffee shops, libraries, and quiet co-working spaces within walking distance. If you’re doing an online program, like the online post masters PMHNP program in South Carolina, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to study spots.
2. Oceanfront
If you’re big on ocean views and love the outdoors, Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront area may be for you. Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, which was ranked in the top 2% of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, is 15 minutes away. You can also reach Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital in around 10 minutes.
This area offers loads of restaurants, bars, and live music venues to let your hair down after studying. If relaxing on the beach is more your vibe, there’s plenty of that too. However, the summer months do bring an influx of tourists, which makes parking and traffic a bit of a headache.
3. Kempsville
If you’re looking for cheaper rent, Kempsville is a more affordable area to find housing. Hospitals within a 20-minute drive include Sentara Leigh Hospital and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Kempsville offers a quieter, more residential environment with fewer distractions, so you may find it easier to focus on your studies if you stay here. There’s also easy access to the highway, so your commute should be relatively easy.
Other Areas
If none of those neighborhoods feel quite right, here are some other great places to consider:
- Chic’s Beach: This hidden gem offers beachside living but without the crowds, and there are multiple highly rated medical centers within a 20-minute drive. If a tight-knit community feel and serene morning jogs on the beach are your thing, this is the spot for you.
- Hilltop: This area may come out top if you’re looking for a balance of convenience, affordability, and proximity to hospitals. Many medical offices and pharmacies in this area hire students part-time. You’ll be surrounded by amenities like grocery stores and gyms. However, it can get busy in rush hour traffic.
Endnote
Whether your priority is the excitement of city life, affordable housing, ocean views, or a beachside escape, there’s a neighborhood that meets your needs. No matter where you choose to live, Virginia Beach gives you access to some of the nation’s best hospitals and a beautiful area to enjoy outside of your studies, making it a fantastic place to start your nursing career.
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