Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a large city of nearly half a million people, perched on the Atlantic coast between Chesapeake Bay and the North Carolina state line. Supporting a thriving local economy of its own, Virginia Beach is also a popular home base for folks who work in neighboring Norfolk and beyond, largely thanks to the incredible array of things to do in your down time. The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts attracts major national performers and Broadway musicals, as well as popular local and regional acts. Throughout the year, you can always catch live shows at Farm Bureau Live, the city's 20,000-seat outdoor concert amphitheater. During the summer, Atlantic Boulevard comes alive at night; family-friendly street performers line the street, and bands play at a number of stages set up on the beach, in parks, and on the boardwalk. Virginia Beach also has a wide array of exciting entertainment options for adults, including bars, nightclubs, and live music venues, especially in the Town Center neighborhood and along Atlantic Boulevard. Of course, the undisputed favorite attraction for most locals is still the beach itself, a gorgeous stretch of sand perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean.
Charlotte
Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is North Carolina’s busiest city with over 850,000 residents. Tagged as “Charlotte’s got a lot” by the community, this bustling urban oasis offers diversity, cultural experiences, and endless adventures. Enjoy live performances, community events, local cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Charlotte offers easy access to major interstates, a public transit line, and proximity to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The city of Charlotte has earned its spot on “Best Places to Live” lists for its seemingly endless entertainment options. Catch a live concert at the Fillmore Charlotte, explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame, catch a game at NBA’s Spectrum Theater, explore Discovery Place Science, or ride the rollercoasters at Carowinds. Locals frequent Uptown Charlotte for its local attractions, nightlife spots, and abundant shopping. Uptown is surrounded by a top-notch selection of local breweries, from Sugar Creek Brewing Company to the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Charlotte is a major economic hub that houses numerous corporate headquarters, including nine Fortune 500 companies. Beyond the high-rises of the central business district and lively entertainment venues, Charlotte’s landscape features a mix of picturesque homes, historic buildings, luxury apartments, and lush greenery.
Chesapeake
Chesapeake, spanning 351 square miles in Hampton Roads, combines suburban living with natural surroundings. The city features diverse housing options from waterfront properties along the Elizabeth River to established neighborhoods in Great Bridge and Western Branch. Current rental data shows one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,607, while two-bedroom rentals average $1,737 monthly. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge stands as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation, offering miles of trails for hiking and wildlife observation. Residents enjoy convenient access to Virginia Beach's shoreline and Norfolk's downtown, while established areas like Greenbrier and Deep Creek maintain their own neighborhood character. The Battle of Great Bridge site preserves the city's Revolutionary War heritage, while modern Chesapeake thrives as an economic center, home to Dollar Tree's corporate headquarters and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. The city features outdoor spaces like the Chesapeake Arboretum and access to the Intracoastal Waterway. With a population approaching 250,000, Chesapeake maintains its community atmosphere while offering convenient access to shopping, dining, and recreation throughout Hampton Roads.
