Fast Facts About Living on Fort Story
What to know about living on Fort Story.
Population (2021): 1,300 service members
Branch:
Distance from:
- Virginia Beach, VA: 16 min
- Chesapeake, VA: 45 min
- Norfolk, VA: 40 min
- Richmond, VA: 1hr 53 min
Nearest major airport:
- Richmond International Airport (RIC): 2hr
- Norfolk International Airport (ORF): 32 min
Commissioned: 1914
Commanding Officer: Captain Michael L. Witherspoon
Housing on the Fort Story Base
Fort Story is a sub-installation of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story. Fort Story is located in Virginia Beach, about half an hour down the coast from the larger base. Because it’s part of the same installation, on-base housing for service members living on Fort Story is the same as housing for Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story.
There are no barracks directly on Fort Story, but there are four neighborhoods with over 250 family housing units in the immediate area. These homes are privately managed by Fort Story Family Homes.
These homes can’t be used for temporary housing. Instead, they’re meant to be used for permanently stationed service members and their families. Many of these homes have views of the ocean and beach access, and there are many parks, pools, and golf courses. There are no schools on Fort Story itself, so children attend Virginia Beach Public Schools.
Best Areas to Live Close to Fort Story
Fort Story is slightly farther away from the largest cities around the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. The best off-base option to live close to the base is Virginia Beach. But if you don’t want to live in the hustle and bustle of Virginia’s largest city, then the second best option is Norfolk, even though it’s a slightly longer commute.
No matter where you choose to live, be sure to choose a professional realtor who specializes in working with veterans and active service members. The home-buying process is unique for service members, especially if you’re using a VA home loan, so it’s important to work with an expert who understands how it works.
Virginia Beach
Median sale price: $346,000
Virginia Beach is the largest city in the Hampton Roads metro area and the state’s most populous city, with a little more than 459,000 people. This beachside community is a popular tourist destination, but it’s also a great place to call home.
From bustling shopping malls and restaurants in the city center to breathtaking beaches, parks, and natural areas, Virginia Beach offers a diverse range of activities.
It’s also a family-friendly location, featuring highly-rated public schools. The renowned Virginia Beach Boardwalk showcases the city’s lively beach culture and frequently hosts various events, festivals, and performances.
Overall, the cost of living in Virginia Beach is on the same level as the national average. In particular, housing costs are lower than the national average. Some of the top neighborhoods in the area include
- Alanton
- Cape Story by the Sea
- Bay Colony
- North End
- Chic’s Beach
Norfolk
Median sale price: $289,950
If Virginia Beach isn’t for you, the next closest option to Fort Story is Norfolk. The commute can range from 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. However, you’ll get the benefits of urban living, but in a less crowded environment. With a population of just over 238,000, Norfolk has half as many residents as Virginia Beach.
Norfolk is Virginia’s third-largest city, and it boasts a variety of activities, restaurants, shopping centers, museums, and attractions such as the Battleship Wisconsin. In addition, the cost of living is lower than the national average, and the housing market is not as competitive as Virginia Beach.
Living in Norfolk offers the benefits of both urban and suburban living, and it’s just a short drive away from natural parks, hiking trails, and beaches. Norfolk also has a variety of neighborhoods to choose from. This includes communities in the city’s urban center as well as ones on the waterfront towards the outskirts of the city.
What Is There To Do Around Fort Story?
There are plenty of activities and local attractions if you’re living on Fort Story or the surrounding area. Some of the most popular places to visit for locals and tourists alike include:
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Along this three-mile-long boardwalk, you can find restaurants, shops, bike rental shops, and street performers. And during the summer, you can catch live music at one of the four ocean-front stages.
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. This aquarium features over 300 hands-on exhibits, including two animal touch pools. The center also has an oyster reef, a nature trail, a ropes course, a zip line area, and a 3D theater.
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Hike, bike, fish, kayak, or enjoy nature around this park, which features beachfront, freshwater marsh, dunes, and forest areas.
- Grommet Island Park. This beach park features tables for sand castle building, a sway boat, sculptures, and seating areas to enjoy the ocean view.
- Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. Admire this collection of wildfowl art, carvings, and photos located in this historic cottage built in 1895.
Buy a Home in the Hampton Roads Area With Our Team
If you need to buy a home in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, including Fort Story, get in touch with Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Reeds Real Estate. Our team has been assisting veteran and active duty service members to find their dream homes in the region for years.
Our team is so successful because we’re veteran-owned and operated, so we understand the unique needs of veteran homebuyers.
We’re recognized as the area’s best realtors because of our high-quality customer service, exceptional attention to detail, and extensive experience in the military community.
In addition, we provide several buyer’s guarantees to safeguard your interests throughout the home-buying process. This includes our Buy it Back Guarantee, which adds an extra layer of security when you purchase your new home.
To learn more about working with our team, call us directly at (757) 799-4824. You can also fill out the form on this page.
