Each beach vacation is concluded with the dread of returning to normal life. We have all been there, and this dread can put a damper on the rest of your vacation. But what if you could turn your beach vacation into a year-round residence? With these tips, you can make Virginia Beach living a real reality.
Establish Employment
One of the biggest barriers to moving for many is employment. Remote workers may have the option to take their work to the beach. Other workers, however, need to secure new employment. The great thing about Virginia Beach is that there are many employment opportunities, regardless of your skills.
Since Virginia Beach is a largely tourist-dependent city, you can find jobs at local hotels, restaurants, bars, or tourism centers. Entrepreneurial visitors might consider opening a new business to cater to the over 13 million visitors each year. Keep in mind, though, that business can be affected during the off-season. Business owners will need to budget properly to ensure they can cover the off-season costs. They may also have to retain staff or manage the business with reduced staff numbers.
Shop For Affordable Housing
The next barrier is finding housing. You might ease into the transition by renting an apartment or condo first. However, one of the biggest benefits of living in Virginia Beach is being near the beach. Of course, the city boasts million-dollar condos overlooking the ocean. But, if you’re seeking something more affordable, you might instead consider affordable housing options.
Investing in a vacant lot is usually cheaper than purchasing a home. Instead of paying to have a home built, you might consider park model homes. These completely customizable log cabins offer affordable pricing, and the finished product can be transported to your intended location, whether that’s near or on the beach or not.
A customized log cabin also lets you bring some of your rustic home to the beach. Combine the perfect mix of a rustic home with beach life. Build your dream beachfront home while sticking to a budget. You could also choose something slightly outside of Virginia Beach, allowing you to escape the busy tourist regions while still enjoying the local beauty. While it may not be in the budget to wake up each morning on the beach, a short drive is still better than nothing.
Invest In a Rental
Not yet ready to make the transition to full-time Virginia Beach resident? Consider investing in a vacation home and then renting it out to other travelers when you’re not visiting. Pair this tip with affordable housing options, such as a customizable log cabin, and you might find that beach living is very doable. Working with a Virginia Beach vacation rental agency can help manage the day-to-day operations of your rental business.
Get To Know the Local Community
Similar to moving to any other new neighborhood, you will want to first get to know the local community and ensure it’s right for you and your family. The United States has thousands of beaches, meaning you should be able to find one that fits your living preferences. Virginia Beach offers beautiful beaches, lively entertainment, and mild weather.
Of course, it’s important also to be aware of the downsides of Virginia Beach living. Virginia Beach can get very busy in the spring to summer months. While these crowds do ease up during the fall and winter months, this can also limit employment opportunities during these slower seasons.
As Virginia Beach is positioned off the ocean, it also carries the risk of hurricanes. The city doesn’t experience as many hurricanes as its southern neighbors but is still at risk of them. Make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage on your property and have an evacuation plan ready in case you need to leave.
Ease Into the Transition
Easing into full-time beach life can make the transition easier for some. Extend your week-long vacation to a couple of weeks to learn more about long-term life at the beach. Consider spending a full month in a rental located in a residential part of Virginia Beach.
If possible, plan to spend some time in Virginia Beach during the off-season. Since the off-season spans almost half of the year, it’s important to understand whether or not you enjoy this, too. There are fewer crowds, but there are also fewer entertainment and event options, making it seem less touristy.
Some tourist-based businesses may even close for the season. This could impact your ability to visit your favorite shops or restaurants.
Beach life in Virginia Beach doesn’t have to be a dream. Use these tips to transition to full-time beach life. Trade in the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a slower pace surrounded by the beach and ocean waters. Cost-saving tips, such as affordable housing and rentals, can help more people enjoy life at the beach.
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