Where to Live Near JEB Little Creek-Fort Story: Bayside, Shore Drive and Beyond

One Base, Two Locations

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story is a little different from the other installations in Hampton Roads because it has two separate locations. Little Creek sits along Shore Drive near the Norfolk-Virginia Beach line, and Fort Story sits at Cape Henry at the northern tip of Virginia Beach, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic.

Both are on the bay side of the city, so the neighborhoods that work well for one often work for the other. This guide is part of my overview of where to live near the base in Hampton Roads.

Bayside and the Shore Drive Corridor

The neighborhoods closest to Little Creek are in the Bayside area of Virginia Beach. Along Shore Drive, Chic's Beach offers a laid-back bay beach community with cottages, newer homes and condos.

Living here usually means a short commute and easy access to the bay. The tradeoffs can include older homes on some streets, condo and townhome options that need extra review with a VA loan, and flood considerations close to the water.

Great Neck and the North End

Families looking for larger lots, waterfront or established neighborhoods often consider Great Neck, Bay Colony and Little Neck. These areas tend to sit at higher price points.

For Fort Story in particular, the North End and the oceanfront areas nearby put you close to Cape Henry and the beach. Shore Drive connects much of this area, so it's worth testing traffic on it at commute time.

Looking Across the Line Into Norfolk

Little Creek is right next to Norfolk, and some families look at East Norfolk neighborhoods like East Ocean View and Little Creek. These can offer different price points and a short drive to the base.

If your household has one member at Little Creek and another at Naval Station Norfolk, this part of Norfolk can be a practical middle ground. My guide to where to live near Naval Station Norfolk covers that side of the city.

Flood and Waterfront Considerations

Much of the area around both locations is close to the bay, inlets and Lynnhaven waters, so flood risk varies street by street. Check the flood zone, ask about past water, and get an insurance quote before you write an offer. Waterfront homes may also have bulkheads, docks or other features worth having inspected.

Schools and Daily Life

Schools here are assigned by address, through Virginia Beach City Public Schools or Norfolk Public Schools depending on which side of the line you're on. My school guides, like schools in Bayside and schools in Great Neck, are a good start, and you should confirm with the school division.

Daily life in this area tends to revolve around the water: bay beaches, First Landing State Park near Fort Story, boating and the Shore Drive restaurant scene.

Budget and Financing

Check your housing allowance with the official [DoD BAH calculator](https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Basic-Allowance-for-Housing/BAH-Rate-Lookup/) and use my home affordability calculator and mortgage calculator to test a price range. Remember to include flood insurance and any HOA or condo fees.

My guide to VA loans in Hampton Roads covers the basics, and I'll connect you with a trusted local lender who handles VA loans regularly. If you're new to the paperwork, my overview of the main documents in a Virginia home purchase walks through them in order.

Let's Find Your Spot by the Bay

Reach out to me with your command and priorities, and I'll help you compare neighborhoods near Little Creek or Fort Story. My PCS to Hampton Roads guides and PCS and military moves page explain how I help families buy before they arrive.

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Commutes, BAH, flood zones, noise zones and school assignments change and depend on the exact address, so confirm current details with official sources, your lender and the city before you buy.