Dam Neck

A growing commercial presence providing the perks of convenience and the peaceful seclusion synonymous with suburbia is attainable in Dam Neck. “It’s a centrally located area and very inviting. You’re close to the beach, you can easily commute to work at the Municipal Center or Naval Air Station and you have access to highly rated schools,” says Melody Workman, Realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.

Housing in Dam Neck was primarily developed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Styles consist of everything from ranch homes to colonials with bay windows and two-car garages and Craftsmans sitting on quarter-acre lots. Homeowners here take pride in keeping yards well-maintained, with the green space often enhanced by foliage and gardens. Sidewalks are a commonality, and when there are no paved walkways, the streets are often wide enough for neighbors to stroll. Condos, typically priced around $420,000, provide an alternative for buyers who may want to avoid lawn maintenance. The highest price point here falls between $700,000 and $800,000 for a custom build.

Students attend one of five elementary schools in the area – Strawbridge, Princess Anne, Christopher Farms, Corporate Landing or North Landing – all of which have an A- rating or better from Niche. They later filter into Landstown Middle, Princess Anne Middle or Corporate Landing Middle schools. The two high schools in the area are Floyd Kellam High School and Ocean Lakes High School. Ocean Lakes boasts a math and science academy, which was started in 1996 as one of the first magnet programs in Virginia Beach.

Central shopping attractions sit at Dam Neck's eastern and western ends, putting daily essentials and chain retailers within reach. Landstown Commons lodges stores like Old Navy, Ross, Kohl’s and Lane Bryant, and specialty shops addressing specific needs, including a T-Mobile and AT&T, OfficeMax, PetSmart and Walgreens. Sitting adjacent to the expansive complex along Dam Neck Road, you’ll find the Virginia Beach Farmers Market, open year-round. Sift through the farm-to-table produce, bakery, seafood market and much more to find food to fill your refrigerator and pantry.

If you’re looking for big box grocers, head to Harris Teeter or the Walmart within Red Mill Commons. Local eateries and bars border the shopping plaza for a night out with friends and family. Feast on the fresh catch of the day at Lucky Oyster, or stop by Jose Tequilas, where the margaritas and street corn have received rave reviews. Tapped Crafthouse has also quickly become a local favorite since it opened in 2017 for its industrial feel and an extensive list of beers you can enjoy on the outdoor patio.

Nearby Red Wing Park stretches across 97 acres, not far from the shores of Virginia Beach. Escape in the park’s Japanese garden adorned with cherry blossom trees, small waterfalls and bridges crossing serene creeks. The alluring grounds play host to the city’s annual week-long Cherry Blossom Festival, which features live cultural performances, martial arts demos and games and activities for the kids. Residents can also plan a day in the park packed with walking paths, playgrounds, a dog park and a variety of courts where you can play tennis, pickleball, basketball or racquetball.

Proximity to Princess Anne Park is an added benefit of living in Dam Neck. A visit here usually means catching a game on one of the multipurpose fields used for soccer, football and softball, depending on the season. It also provides residents with another option for playgrounds, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts. Locals looking to get away from the larger crowds may consider stopping by Lake Placid Park, a small community pocket park boasting peaceful waterfront walking trails and a small playground.

Commuting comes easy for residents in Dam Neck. The Oceanfront is less than 7 miles north for a day of fun in the sun, and when it’s time to clock in to work at the Municipal Center or the Naval Air Station, you’re within a 4-mile drive. Buyers with their sights set on a well-positioned neighborhood providing a blend of accessibility and privacy should explore Dam Neck.

Written By

Sara Ferguson

Photography Contributed By

David Schwartz

Video By

Curtis Newkirk