The article examines coastal rentals, property maintenance, flood considerations, and long-term appreciation for buyers and investors in Virginia Beach.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should buyers and investors understand before purchasing property in Virginia Beach’s coastal real estate market? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring Real Estate Expert Robert Ramey of Robert Ramey – Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.

Ramey explains that successful investing in Virginia Beach real estate begins with understanding how the coastal environment affects both property value and rental potential. The city attracts a steady mix of tourists, military families, and year-round residents, which creates a strong foundation for consistent demand. Investors who study local trends, from seasonal rentals to long-term leasing opportunities, can position themselves to benefit from both short-term and lasting growth.

Seasonal rentals remain one of the most visible opportunities in the area. The HelloNation article highlights how rental demand peaks from late spring through early fall, with consistent occupancy from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Popular neighborhoods such as Chic’s Beach, the North End, and the South End attract visitors seeking quiet blocks, walkable streets, and direct access to the bay or ocean. Because this tourist season follows a predictable pattern, investors in these communities can plan income forecasts with a high degree of confidence.

Sandbridge receives special attention as one of Virginia Beach’s most distinct coastal markets. The neighborhood combines wide beaches with a relaxed atmosphere and supports both weekly summer visitors and extended winter stays. According to Ramey, this dual-season appeal allows Sandbridge rentals to produce more stable year-round income than many other waterfront locations. Investors value the balance of privacy, accessibility, and consistent rental performance that this part of Virginia Beach offers.

Owning coastal property requires more consistent maintenance than inland real estate. The HelloNation article explains how salt air influences siding, decks, railings, and exterior systems such as HVAC units. Even homes several blocks from the water experience some level of exposure. Ramey emphasizes that careful budgeting and scheduled maintenance help reduce long-term costs. Investors who stay proactive in addressing coastal wear maintain stronger returns and greater property longevity.

Flood zones in Virginia Beach also play a central role in investment planning. Properties throughout the region vary in elevation and proximity to tidal areas, creating different risk levels and insurance requirements. Ramey advises investors to review updated flood maps, check for recent drainage improvements, and confirm any necessary flood insurance coverage. A clear understanding of these factors ensures that financial projections accurately reflect ongoing expenses and that investments remain sustainable over time.

Virginia Beach appreciation patterns tend to remain steady and predictable. Ramey notes that properties near the water, in strong school districts, or close to major employers consistently demonstrate gradual long-term growth. Unlike more volatile markets, Virginia Beach real estate benefits from steady demand generated by tourism, the military community, and stable residential neighborhoods. Investors who focus on well-established areas often find that appreciation builds quietly and reliably, even during broader market fluctuations.

Short-term rentals continue to attract interest from investors seeking flexibility and higher seasonal returns. The HelloNation feature explains that these opportunities come with specific considerations, including local regulations and neighborhood rules that may affect rental frequency. Ramey encourages buyers to review city ordinances and homeowners’ association guidelines before purchasing. Investors who select communities already familiar with short-term activity tend to experience smoother operations and fewer regulatory complications.

Long-term rentals remain another cornerstone of the Virginia Beach investment landscape. Military rotations, professional relocations, and family moves sustain consistent rental demand throughout the year. Ramey points out that long-term leases provide predictable income and lower turnover costs compared to short-term rentals. For many investors, this model offers a balanced path toward financial stability, especially in neighborhoods near Oceana and Dam Neck Annex.

The coastal environment also influences design and durability standards for investment properties. Homes that use resilient materials, such as moisture-resistant flooring and reinforced decks, experience fewer maintenance interruptions. Ramey highlights that tenants and vacationers alike appreciate clean layouts, reliable climate systems, and well-kept outdoor spaces. These improvements not only enhance comfort but also protect long-term performance. Properties that combine function with durability consistently earn better reviews and higher occupancy rates.

Marketing and presentation further shape rental success in Virginia Beach. Since many renters discover properties online, listings with bright, clear photography and organized descriptions generate more engagement. Ramey advises investors to highlight outdoor features and coastal proximity, since these elements define much of the city’s lifestyle appeal. Clean, well-maintained properties that reflect the relaxed rhythm of coastal living tend to attract repeat guests and stronger word-of-mouth interest.

Ultimately, investing in Virginia Beach real estate rewards preparation and long-term thinking. Ramey’s perspective, as presented in the HelloNation article, emphasizes that both short-term and long-term strategies can succeed when investors understand the influence of the coastal environment. Properties that are well-maintained, carefully evaluated for flood risk, and located within stable neighborhoods tend to achieve the best results. With realistic expectations and consistent upkeep, Virginia Beach continues to offer investors strong appreciation and dependable rental opportunities along the shoreline.

Investing in Virginia Beach Real Estate: What Buyers Need to Know About Coastal Rentals, Appreciation & Short-Term Opportunities features insights from Robert Ramey, Real Estate Expert of Virginia Beach, VA, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

Community Brings New Homes and Small-Town Charm Minutes from Tuscaloosa

MOUNDVILLE, Ala., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lennar, one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, today announced the Grand Opening of Cherokee Bend, a new community of single-family homes in Moundville, Alabama. Prospective homebuyers are invited to explore the new community and experience the charming lifestyle and ample home designs Cherokee Bend has to offer.

“Cherokee Bend delivers the rare combination of comfortable small-town living within close proximity to everything Tuscaloosa has to offer,” said Jayson Williams, Division President of Lennar’s Alabama Division. “We’re proud to welcome our first homeowners to this community and bring quality, thoughtfully designed new homes to the Moundville area.”

Cherokee Bend features seven exclusive Lennar home designs: Coleman, Armstrong, Foster II, Fenway, Carson, Raleigh and Walsh. Homes in these collections are open-concept and offer single-story and two-story options, with select floorplans including covered patios and game rooms for flexible living space. Homes range from 1,143 to 2,174 square feet with three to four bedrooms and two to two-and-a-half bathrooms. Pricing starts in the $200,000s.

Each home comes with Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® promise, where the homebuilder’s most popular features and finishes are built into the base price of the home. For Cherokee Bend, this includes quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, double vanity sinks and a walk-in shower in the owner’s suite, blinds throughout, washer and dryer included, and smart home thermostats for added convenience.

Cherokee Bend offers homeowners peaceful, quiet living paired with quick access to Tuscaloosa’s culture and conveniences. Residents can enjoy community amenities including a playground and picnic area ideal for outdoor recreation close to home. Cherokee Bend homeowners can also enjoy living in close proximity to Tuscaloosa’s popular shopping, dining, and local destinations like Harmon Park and the Riverwalk near the University of Alabama campus.

For more information on Cherokee Bend, call (256) 929-7899 or visit the community website.

About Lennar Corporation
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, dedicated to making the American dream of homeownership attainable for more people. Since its founding, Lennar has built more than 1.5 million homes for buyers at every stage of life in communities across the country, from first-time and move-up buyers to active adults. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar’s homes. LENX drives Lennar’s technology, innovation and strategic investments, shaping the future of homebuilding. For more information, visit www.lennar.com.

Contact: Danielle Tocco
Vice President Communications
Lennar Corporation
Danielle.Tocco@Lennar.com
Direct Line: 949.789.1633

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SOURCE Lennar

Sandbox VR brings the ‘best virtual reality experience on the planet’ to The Station at LoSo in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sandbox VR, the world’s premier venue for virtual reality experiences, is set to open its second North Carolina location in Charlotte on September 18, 2026. Sandbox VR is working with Nextgen Virtual LLC to bring the highly immersive experience to Charlotte at The Station at LoSo, joining Sandbox VR’s additional North Carolina location in Winston-Salem. Guests can take advantage of a special limited-time offer of 20% off through September at https://sandboxvr.com/charlotte/loso. With over 150k players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.

Sandbox VR’s over 4,400 square foot venue features four VR private rooms where groups of up to six guests suit up with headsets, haptic vests, and motion sensors for full-body immersion. This technology allows players to see and physically interact with one another, creating the feeling of living inside the action together. The premium experience extends from arrival to exit, with personalized highlight videos allowing guests to relive and share their adventures.

“We are excited to bring Sandbox VR to Charlotte and introduce a truly unique social entertainment experience to the community.” said Ritesh Kumar, Franchise Owner, Sandbox VR Charlotte. “Charlotte continues to grow as a destination for dining, nightlife, and interactive entertainment, and we believe Sandbox VR will be a great addition to that mix. We look forward to welcoming friends, families, corporate teams, and visitors to experience the future of immersive entertainment together.”

Sandbox VR operates both corporate-owned locations and a robust franchise program, and recently hit $300M in lifetime sales while scaling to more than 90 global locations across five continents and 12 countries since launching in 2016. The company is redefining group entertainment with immersive experiences that transform any outing into lasting memories. Built by a team of veteran developers from EA, Sony, and Ubisoft, Sandbox VR delivers full-body immersion through exclusive content and original experiences, including the recently launched Stranger Things: Catalyst, in collaboration with Netflix, and the new Age of Dinosaurs experience in partnership with the Natural History Museum of London and leading dinosaur experts.

Sandbox VR provides an unparalleled entertainment experience with over 200,000 five-star reviews from guests worldwide. With 5 million lifetime tickets sold across five continents, the company has established itself as the global leader in location-based virtual reality. Sandbox VR is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners, Craft, and Stanford University, along with individuals such as Kevin Durant, Justin Timberlake, and Katy Perry.

To learn more about Sandbox VR, visit https://sandboxvr.com/charlotte/loso.

ABOUT SANDBOX VR
Sandbox VR is the world’s premier destination for location-based virtual reality experiences. Operating across 90+ venues around the globe through a robust franchise and corporate-owned model, Sandbox VR attracts over 150,000 guests each month. Sandbox VR provides guests the opportunity to step out of everyday reality into unforgettable adventures through exhilarating, group-play immersive experiences. Using a proprietary full-body VR platform, the company develops original and licensed content, including exclusive experiences like Stranger Things: Catalyst and Squid Game Virtuals in collaboration with Netflix, and the Sandbox VR original Deadwood series. With over 5 million tickets sold worldwide, Sandbox VR has become the leader in immersive entertainment, combining premium technology with emotionally engaging storytelling. Recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies and a two-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, Sandbox VR is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Hong Kong and Vancouver. The company has raised over $70 million from investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners, and Craft, with individual backers including Justin Timberlake, Kevin Durant, and Will Smith.

Media Contact:
Media@SandboxVR.com 

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SOURCE Sandbox VR