Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base (Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story)
Little Creek NAB is in the heart of Virginia Beach. It is combined as a Joint Base with Fort Story, which is about ten miles away. There are many military bases nearby, and this area has a large population of active duty military families and retirees. The smaller bases close by are NAS Oceana and NAS Dam Neck. Further away is the main base of NS Norfolk. North in the Hampton Roads area is Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Little Creek is just a 10-minute drive from the ocean front of Virginia Beach.
There are so many things to do and something for everyone in this area. If you're PCSing from a small city, traffic in the Virginia Beach area can be cumbersome, especially if you are traveling between cities. You must use a network of bridges and tunnels to get around the coastal Virginia area, so living close to work will help eliminate traffic. The good news is that everyone here is friendly and the community respects the military.
Little Creek is one hour from Richmond, VA, and three hours from our nation's capital.
Off-Base Neighborhoods
There are varied types of housing in the area. Norfolk is home to many military bases, so there are many options to rent or buy near Little Creek. Norfolk provides an urban setting, while Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are more suburban. The Suffolk and Smithfield areas are more rural. New construction and historical districts are not as common in Virginia Beach, but they are available in the surrounding cities.
On Base Housing
There is on base housing that is older and has been remodeled. Fort Story Family Homes (formerly Balfour Beatty) manages one new neighborhood on base called Bayside, with 3-4 bedroom layouts for enlisted families. Wait lists are currently 3-4 months. The Fort Story housing is shared with Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.
Schools
There are no post schools on Little Creek. However, there are 11 High schools, 14 Middle schools and over 50 elementary schools located in Virginia Beach alone. 56% of the school are rated above average and 30% average. All of these schools serve our military community but most are concentrated toward the middle and eastern areas of the city.
Cost of Living and BAH
Unfortunately, the cost of living in Virginia Beach has risen, and Little Creek BAH has not exactly kept up with it. This area is more affordable than Northern Virginia, but not as affordable as rural Virginia. The current market is very competitive for sales--rentals and listings sometimes go in days.
Typically the BAH does not cover both housing and utilities, so do your research and be prepared for out-of-pocket utility payments. Little Creek BAH varies depending on rank and whether or not you have dependents. To determine your BAH at Little Creek, use our BAH calculator.
Housing Costs
Average sales price for homes near Little Creek is $267,000, and today's market is moving quickly. The proximity to surrounding cities makes it easier to find a variety of sale options. Single family rentals are much harder to come by, but apartments/townhomes are available as well.
Weather
You can expect all four seasons in Virginia, with mild winters and warmer summers. Occasional tropical storms or hurricanes are common July through September, which can mean heavy rains, flooding, and power outages. There are flooding zones in certain low-lying areas of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and targeted areas within certain communities.
Base Amenities
Little Creek is small, but connected to the nearby Fort Story, which has good amenities for families. In addition to the standard Commissary and Exchange, there is also a beach specific to military, campground and picnic areas, and several great wave pools with slides.
On post, there are boat rentals and parks for outdoor enjoyment. Fort Story also has on-post bowling alleys, a movie theater, and a golf course.
Area Attractions
There is just about everything in Virginia Beach and near Little Creek NAB: nightclubs, family-friendly activities, state parks, and water activities. You'll discover multiple tourist activities and areas to explore. There are oceanfront shops, restaurants, and tourist entertainment in Virginia Beach. Visit the town center for festivals, music, and restaurants. There is a Theater for occasional events and Museums throughout the surrounding cities. These attractions are popular among military families in the area around Little Creek:
Enjoy the miles of beaches, restaurants, and seaside shops in Virginia Beach.
Visit Norfolk, stroll along the downtown waterfront on the banks of the Elizabeth River, or stop by the Norfolk Waterside Marketplace, which offers retail shops and dining.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
Virginia Zoological Park
Chrysler Museum
Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Children's Museum of Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg is only an hour away, offering historical areas and tours. The town of Williamsburg also hosts the Busch Gardens amusement park.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is 3-4 hours from Fort Story, offering mountain getaways.
North Carolina's Outer Banks are just across the border, roughly 45mins - 1.5 hours away.
Public hunting areas in Virginia are 1-2 hours away.
Food and Drink
Common Areas for popular restaurants include Red Mill, Oceanfront & Town Center. These areas serve a variety of chain restaurants and local favorites. Virginia Beach is a versatile city, serving all types of dishes, so you will find plenty to enjoy.
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