John King · Realtor · Berkshire Hathaway RW Towne Realty · Virginia Beach, VA · 23454 · Ocean Lakes · (757) 270-3994
Ocean Lakes,
Virginia Beach
The complete neighborhood guide & market update for Virginia Beach's most amenity-rich, school-district-famous, and military-convenient community.
Virginia Beach's top school district — and a whole lot more
Ocean Lakes checks boxes that most Virginia Beach neighborhoods can't match simultaneously: a legitimately top-rated high school with a nationally recognized Math and Science Academy, resort-style HOA amenities that include three pools and 20 acres of common space, walking distance to the Atlantic Ocean, and some of the shortest commutes to NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex you'll find anywhere in Virginia Beach.
Located in the southern end of Virginia Beach along the General Booth Boulevard and Dam Neck Road corridor, Ocean Lakes is a large, well-established residential community encompassing single-family homes, townhomes, and condos on streets that back up to lakes, creeks, and natural areas. The neighborhood feeds into what many consider the most desirable public school pipeline in the city — and that reputation alone drives sustained buyer demand year after year.
The HOA here isn't a formality — it's a genuine lifestyle asset. Three community pools, five playgrounds, three double tennis courts, four basketball courts, large and small clubhouses, and approximately 20 acres of common area make Ocean Lakes feel more like a planned resort community than a typical Virginia Beach subdivision. Community events throughout the year keep it genuinely connected.
Where is Ocean Lakes and how do you get around?
Ocean Lakes sits in the southern section of Virginia Beach, accessible via General Booth Boulevard, Dam Neck Road, and Oceana Boulevard. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is approximately 10–15 minutes north. Sandbridge Beach — Virginia Beach's quieter, less-developed barrier island beach — is about 10 minutes south. The Virginia Beach Town Center is 20–25 minutes away.
The neighborhood is flanked on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by natural wetlands and Back Bay approaches — giving it a genuine sense of being between the water and the wild. Interstate access connects residents to the broader Hampton Roads region without excessive traffic for most destinations.
Ocean Lakes real estate: what to expect
Ocean Lakes offers genuine housing variety at accessible price points relative to its school district quality and amenity package. The market is competitive and consistent — driven by the school district reputation, the HOA lifestyle, and the military proximity that keeps demand steady year-round.
Most homes were built between 1970 and the early 2000s. The housing stock ranges from smaller townhomes and condos to medium and large single-family homes, many on lots backing to lakes or natural areas. Waterfront properties within the community command a premium. Browse current Ocean Lakes listings here.
Price ranges by type
| Property Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Condos & townhomes | $250K – $380K | Great entry point; strong rental demand from military |
| Mid-range single-family | $380K – $550K | 3–4 BR; most active segment; moves fast when priced right |
| Larger / waterfront homes | $550K – $900K+ | Lake-backing or creek-front lots; premium finishes |
| Luxury waterfront estates | $700K – $1.2M+ | Deep-water access to Ashville Bridge Creek and Back Bay |
| Rental range | $1,700 – $4,500+/mo | Oceana & Dam Neck military drive year-round rental demand |
Ocean Lakes carries a near-zero vacancy rate — one of the lowest of any neighborhood in the country — reflecting the depth of demand for homes in this corridor. If you're investing or buying as a potential rental property, the combination of Oceana personnel, Dam Neck operators, and the school district reputation creates unusually durable demand. Call me to run the numbers.
Schools serving Ocean Lakes
The Ocean Lakes school pipeline is widely regarded as one of the best in all of Virginia Beach — anchored by Ocean Lakes High School, which carries an A+ rating from Niche and houses one of the first STEM magnet programs in the city.
A+ Niche
Living in Ocean Lakes: resort-style amenities & community
The Ocean Lakes HOA is one of the most substantive in Virginia Beach — this is not a dues-for-a-newsletter situation. The community maintains approximately 20 acres of common area and a full slate of recreational infrastructure that most neighborhoods would charge separately for.
What to do in and around Ocean Lakes
Ocean Lakes is positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and some of Virginia Beach's most remarkable natural areas — Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, False Cape State Park, and Red Wing Park are all within 10–20 minutes. Here's what residents actually do.
Restaurants in and around Ocean Lakes
The Ocean Lakes and southern Virginia Beach corridor has a strong dining scene anchored by Rockafeller's — a genuine Virginia Beach institution — alongside veteran-owned taphouses, authentic Mexican and Italian spots, local BBQ, and the kind of casual family restaurants that become neighborhood staples.
Virginia Beach Farmers Market — right next door
Ocean Lakes residents are uniquely positioned for the Virginia Beach Farmers Market — it's practically in the neighborhood at the corner of Dam Neck and Princess Anne Roads, approximately 5 minutes away. Open every single day of the year, the market features fresh local produce, a full-service butcher shop (Country Butcher Shop), dairy store, organic grocer, fresh seafood, florist, candy and bakery, specialty garden shops, and a restaurant open daily from 7am. Live country music Hoedowns on Friday evenings from May through September. Special events monthly from March through December. Free parking.
Who calls Ocean Lakes home?
Ocean Lakes is one of the most military-connected neighborhoods in Virginia Beach — NeighborhoodScout data shows 3.6% of employed residents are active military, placing it in the top 2% of American neighborhoods for military concentration. This is driven by the proximity to NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex, which are minutes away without tunnel or major highway congestion.
Beyond military, Ocean Lakes draws a strong professional class — approximately 52% of working residents are in executive, management, and professional occupations. The school district reputation consistently attracts families with school-age children who prioritize the Math and Science Academy pipeline. The neighborhood also has a notable college student population given its proximity to several area universities.
The vacancy rate hovers near zero — a remarkable statistic that reflects the depth and durability of demand here. Homes that come available are absorbed quickly, whether by buyers or by renters from the Oceana and Dam Neck communities. The combination of schools, amenities, and military convenience creates a uniquely stable real estate environment.
Frequently asked questions
What zip code is Ocean Lakes, Virginia Beach?
Ocean Lakes is primarily in zip code 23454 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in the southern part of the city along the Dam Neck Road and General Booth Boulevard corridor.
How much do homes cost in Ocean Lakes?
Ocean Lakes home prices range from approximately $250,000 for condos and townhomes to $900,000+ for larger waterfront homes with Back Bay or creek access. The median sale price is approximately $374,000, with an average of $252/sq ft. Larger single-family homes in the $380K–$550K range represent the most active segment. Luxury waterfront properties with deep-water dock access can exceed $1M.
What schools serve Ocean Lakes?
Ocean Lakes is served by Ocean Lakes Elementary and Corporate Landing Elementary (PK–5), Corporate Landing Middle (6–8), and Ocean Lakes High School (9–12, Niche A+). Ocean Lakes High School's Mathematics and Science Academy — established in 1996 as one of Virginia Beach's first magnet programs — is one of the primary reasons families specifically seek this school zone. The entire pipeline is consistently rated among the best in the city.
Is Ocean Lakes good for military families?
It's one of the best in Virginia Beach specifically for Oceana and Dam Neck personnel. NAS Oceana is approximately 5 minutes away — a straight shot with no tunnel, no bridge-tunnel, no significant traffic. Dam Neck Annex (NSWC Dam Neck) is similarly 5–10 minutes. JEB Little Creek is about 20–25 minutes. The near-zero vacancy rate and strong rental demand also make it one of the better options for PCS buyers who may eventually hold the property as a rental. As a Navy veteran, I've helped many military families navigate this specific decision — call me directly.
What is the Ocean Lakes HOA like?
The Ocean Lakes HOA is one of the most substantive in Virginia Beach. Three community pools, five playgrounds, three double tennis courts, four basketball courts, approximately 20 acres of common area, and multiple clubhouses (one holding up to 125 people) are maintained by the association. Community events throughout the year keep the large neighborhood feeling connected. For most residents, the HOA is a genuine quality-of-life asset — not just a maintenance fee.
What is Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an 8,000-acre freshwater refuge in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach, established in 1938 — and it's practically in Ocean Lakes' backyard. Barrier islands, sand dunes, maritime forests, freshwater marshes, and ocean beach accessible by hiking, biking, and boardwalk. The West Dike Trail is open year-round. Exceptional birdwatching, fishing, and one of the most serene natural escapes in Hampton Roads. False Cape State Park — even more remote and pristine — is accessible through the refuge by tram tour (April–October) or by foot, bike, or boat.
How far is Ocean Lakes from the beach?
The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is approximately 10–15 minutes north. Sandbridge Beach — Virginia Beach's quiet, uncrowded barrier island beach — is about 10 minutes south. Ocean Lakes residents have genuine access to both the bustling Atlantic oceanfront and the peaceful Sandbridge retreat without the drive that residents of more centrally located neighborhoods face.
Ocean Lakes real estate market — April 2026
Updated April 7, 2026 · Source: Redfin / REIN MLS · Updated the first Monday of every month
Recent Sales
| Address | Specs | Sold Price | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1100 Strauss Dr | 3 bed · 2 bath · 1,487 sf | $440,000 | Mar 31, 2026 |
| 1113 Nipigon Ct | 4 bed · 2.5 bath · 2,000 sf | $485,000 | Mar 20, 2026 |
| 1212 Faulkner Rd | 4 bed · 2.5 bath · 2,350 sf | $575,000 | Feb 23, 2026 |
| 1116 Cardston Ct | 3 bed · 2 bath · 1,500 sf | $449,999 | Feb 10, 2026 |
| 2009 Schubert Dr | 4 bed · 2.5 bath · 2,457 sf | $573,000 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Currently Available
| Address | Specs | List Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2100 Schubert Dr | 4 bed · 2.5 bath · 2,315 sf | $619,619 | Active |
| 1616 Wasserman Ct | 3 bed · 2 bath · 1,879 sf | $500,000 | Active |
| 1888 Tolstoy Dr | 3 bed · 2 bath · 1,530 sf | $439,900 | Active |
| 819 Avatar Dr | 3 bed · 2 bath · 1,370 sf | $425,000 | Active |
| 1089 Gershwin Ct | 3 bed · 2 bath · 1,313 sf | $420,000 | Active |
Source: Redfin / REIN MLS · Data as of April 7, 2026 · View all current listings →
Ocean Lakes enters spring PCS season with steady fundamentals — median sale price near $374K, $/sq ft around $252, and 27 homes sold in the last 90 days. The active inventory is sitting in the $420K–$620K range for most single-family homes, with the bulk of movement happening in the $440K–$575K core segment. The near-zero vacancy rate continues to set Ocean Lakes apart — demand from Oceana and Dam Neck personnel, the Math & Science Academy school zone, and the HOA lifestyle creates the kind of sustained, multi-source buyer pool that holds values even when broader markets soften. Peak PCS season is here — well-priced homes will not last long.
If you're buying
Ocean Lakes' near-zero vacancy rate tells the full story: this is a neighborhood where homes don't sit. At the $380K–$575K range — the heart of the market right now — quality homes are moving in under a month. If the Math and Science Academy is a priority for your family, be prepared to compete — that school zone is one of the primary drivers of this market. Get pre-approved before you're actively searching and call me before you start so we can move the day the right home appears.
If you're selling
Ocean Lakes sellers benefit from one of the most durable and multi-layered buyer pools in Virginia Beach — school district seekers, Oceana and Dam Neck military families on PCS orders, HOA lifestyle buyers, and investors who understand the near-zero vacancy rental fundamentals. You're entering the strongest selling season of the year. Well-presented homes priced correctly are moving inside 26 days. Call me for a no-obligation valuation — I'll show you exactly where your home sits today.
Other Virginia Beach neighborhoods worth knowing
Ocean Lakes buyers often compare nearby neighborhoods before committing — here are the areas most commonly considered alongside it.
Ready to make your move in Ocean Lakes?
John King is a U.S. Navy veteran and top-rated Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty — 13+ years experience, 400+ closings, and deep roots in the Hampton Roads market. Whether you're buying, selling, PCSing to Oceana or Dam Neck, or want to know what your Ocean Lakes home is worth today, reach out directly.
Or call directly: (757) 270-3994