Sandbridge
Sandbridge has a 50-year history of vacation rentals, averaging 17,000 annually, which generate millions of dollars in tax revenue each year along with many private sector jobs and goodwill for Virginia Beach. In fact, of the $5.6-million the City collects in transient occupancy tax from 1,100 + homes, roughly 80% comes from Sandbridge.
The rental market there continues to grow. In 1998, the overall real estate assessment for Sandbridge was $206-million; last year, it was projected to be $1.1-billion.
Almost all of the nearly 900 homes available each summer are leased through one of four real estate firms in Sandbridge. The majority of rentals in Sandbridge are seven night stays. Short-term rentals, or stays less than seven nights, comprise just 10% of all occupancies. Each of the local rental companies thoroughly reviews renters and the reason for their visit prior to approving their stay. While the majority of visitors come to the area for family vacations, if an event such as a wedding does occur, the rental companies have personnel available day and night to monitor noise, traffic and litter, and close down parties when there are legitimate complaints.
Guests renting homes in Sandbridge recognize that they share the neighborhood with full time residents and are respectful and grateful to them for maintaining the beauty and harmony of the community.
It is vital that citizens, whether they live in or outside Sandbridge, recognize how important the vacation industry is to the economy of the City and make their feelings known to their elected representatives.