Virginia Beach, VA land and farms appeal to investors, developers, sportsmen and homebuyers because of the city’s excellent transportation corridors and diverse economy. The 497-square-mile city has a population of 450,000. Located in the Coastal region of the state, tourism plays a significant role in its base economy. Land in Virginia Beach, VA supports both suburban and rural lifestyles. Military installations dot the map, and the Department of Defense is a major employer. Farms once were the mainstay, and the tourism area was relegated to just a strip along the Atlantic Ocean. After the former Princess Anne County and the Town of Virginia Beach merged to become today’s city, many of the farmers, who were mostly Mennonites, chose to leave in search of a more rural area. Today, there is about 23,350 acres of farmland, and crops provide 91% of the city’s agricultural sales. Some farmers have converted fields into impoundments for waterfowl hunting. The city’s miles of beaches has attracted hundreds of hotels, motels and like businesses that cater to tourism. The East Coast Surfing Championships, the Neptune Festival and the NAS Oceana Air Shows draw hundreds of thousands to the events each year. Virginia Beach City Public Schools provides K-12 public education. Seven universities and colleges, including Virginia Wesleyan University and satellite campuses of University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, offer higher learning.
