When you think of Virginia Beach, what adjectives come to mind? Sand? Fun? Shopping? What about...cheap?
According to the website, Cheapism.com, Virginia Beach is #3 of 10 best cheap cities for raising a family. The website, which promises to find the best, cheap products out there, picked Virginia Beach out of 52 other mid-size U.S. cities.
Many people shopping at Virginia Beach Town Center couldn't believe it.
"You can't believe everything on the Internet," said Jane Rhoades, who grew up in Virginia Beach. "It's surprising, Virginia Beach being a resort city has higher tax rates, season rent that goes up in the summer, parking meters, little things like that add up."
Cheapism.com came to its conclusion by evaluating four factors: cost of living, per-student spending by school districts, violent crime rate and median household income.
In the article, the website admits Virginia Beach has a high cost of living, but reads, "that's offset by high median income, low unemployment, and low sales tax." Meaning the value of the city is worth it, and some residents agree.
"I've traveled a lot and it is one of the better places to live raise a family, " said Virginia Beach resident Jeff Bowab. "I think goods and services are in line with the average here. I think home prices are what skyrocketed, but everything else is good."
"I think it's with living here even if it costs a little bit more based on the fact that we do have a low crime rate," added resident Jason Swango.
Omaha, Nebraska came at the top of the list. To see Cheapism.com's list of top 10 best cheap cities to raise a family, click here.
