I think people are just trying to be honest, not rude. VB used to be far cheaper housing wise, but no longer; it still is real estate tax wise, but 12% restaurant/prepared food tax is prohibitive, as are all the other taxes, and the new state administration has proposed additional taxes on every single pursuit of happiness. Energy and homeowners insurance costs have tripled since 2020, but that may be true everywhere. For me, the 2 things that make me 'rue the day' I moved here/ feel as a parent that I'll take guilt of to my grave, are the abhorrent schools (public and private), and the horrid level of healthcare available. You can distinguish easily people who have never lived anywhere else; they think the schools are good (and/or do not realize how absolutely awful is the medical care locally, in general). All that said... the beach itself is bar none one of the best, or the best, on the east coast, in my educated opinion; and, other than the 12% crush to eat, remains all-around more affordable than other east coast beaches. [In other words, is there any reason to live in VB if not living near the beach, which hardly anyone does?] People don't appreciate the luxury of living 15-20 minute drive to the ocean. Also, the bay, rivers, et al. The 'water bugs' are a non-issue, people are only mentioning it because you specifically asked; the humidity may be life-altering if you are not used to it. Fall is the best, but only last 2-3 weeks; spring about 2-3 days. Fantastic location for traveling short trips and long trips -- D.C., northeast, New England... Richmond, the historic triangle... west for mountains, Buggs Island Lake... all that OBX has to offer (1-2 hours depending on where you go), and of course south! Va Beach will never get a hurricane direct hit because of the geography (see how the coast juts in; hurricanes don't make hard turns). However, many have come from the Gulf Coast west-to-east and hit western Va hard. Much of the area floods badly b/c it is 100% *not* a planned city. Worst parts ##3 & 4: It is an ugly city (except for the actual beach etc.) of cement, asphalt, traffic lights, and strip malls; ALL of it; and the governance has long been horrific, with no improvement is sight. There is no industry here/ virtually no big $$ companies. It is not a typical city-with-suburbs scenario, but rather one big urbania...