Affordable housing is housing where a household spends no more than 30% of its income on housing costs, including rent or mortgage and utilities. When families spend more than that, they are considered “cost burdened,” meaning less money is available for healthcare, food, transportation, childcare, and savings.

No. Affordable housing serves a wide range of people including teachers, nurses, first responders, hospitality workers, veterans, seniors, retail workers, young professionals, and working families. Many people who work full-time in Virginia Beach still struggle to afford housing near their jobs.

The Virginia Beach Housing Study found that housing affordability has become one of the city’s biggest challenges due to rising housing costs, limited supply, and population and economic shifts following the pandemic.

Approximately 56% of renters in Virginia Beach are spending more than 33% of their income on housing costs. Additionally, about one-third of all households in the city are considered housing cost-burdened.

The average rent in Virginia Beach is approximately $1,753 per month. To afford that rent without being cost burdened, a household would need to earn around $70,000 annually.

The shortage disproportionately impacts: Essential workers Seniors on fixed incomes Young adults entering the workforce Veterans Families with low and moderate incomes Individuals living with disabilities or mental health challenges Many workers in retail, restaurants, healthcare, tourism, and education cannot comfortably afford housing in the city where they work.

Research consistently shows that well-designed and professionally managed affordable housing does not negatively impact surrounding property values. In many cases, quality affordable housing developments can stabilize neighborhoods, improve vacant properties, and support local economic growth.

Workforce housing refers to housing affordable to middle-income workers who are essential to the local economy. This includes occupations such as teachers, police officers, firefighters, nurses, hospitality workers, and municipal employees.

Housing shortages directly affect workforce recruitment and retention. When employees cannot afford to live near where they work: Commutes increase Traffic congestion worsens Employee turnover rises Businesses struggle to fill positions Families experience more financial stress Affordable housing supports economic growth and community stability.

No. Affordable housing includes many housing models: Income-restricted apartments Workforce housing Tax credit developments Supportive housing Affordable homeownership opportunities Housing voucher programs Many affordable housing communities are privately owned and professionally managed.

Supportive housing combines affordable housing with services that help residents maintain stability and improve quality of life. Services may include: Mental health support Financial counseling Healthcare navigation Employment assistance Case management

Solace Springs is a proposed affordable and supportive housing development in Virginia Beach being advanced by VBCDC in partnership with NAMI Coastal Virginia. The project is designed to serve workforce households and individuals living with mental health challenges. The development is anticipated to: Provide approximately 60 affordable housing units Include supportive housing units Offer onsite supportive services Create community gathering and wellness spaces Support workforce retention and community health

Stable housing is strongly connected to mental and physical health outcomes. Housing instability and homelessness can increase stress, anxiety, depression, and crisis situations. Safe and stable housing provides the foundation for healthier individuals, families, and communities.

Affordable housing developments are commonly financed through a combination of: Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) Public-private partnerships Grants Local government support Philanthropic investments State and federal housing programs

Yes. Virginia Beach has identified housing affordability as a major priority and continues exploring strategies that support attainable housing, workforce housing, public-private partnerships, and long-term community stability.

Affordable housing is not just about buildings. It is about: Supporting working families Strengthening the local economy Reducing homelessness Improving public health Supporting veterans and seniors Creating more stable neighborhoods Ensuring Virginia Beach remains a community where people can live and work

Affordable housing is more than a housing issue. It is an investment in dignity, workforce retention, economic sustainability, mental wellness, and the long-term future of Virginia Beach.