Town Center Experience and Priorities Survey
The goal of this survey is to learn more about your participation and experiences, as well as ideas for beneficial changes and improvements to Town Center. Your voice matters whether you rarely visit or if you are an actual resident of Town Center. The City of Virginia Beach wants to hear from you!
Your answers to this survey will generate critical, insightful data that the City of Virginia Beach will use to better serve its residents. The survey deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey about Town Center.
Estimated Completion Time: 5 to 6 minutes
Phases
Survey Responses
Which of the following best describes you? (Select all that apply.) [#354387]
How often do you visit Town Center? [#354404]
When you visit Town Center, how do you typically arrive? (Select all that apply.) [#354390]
How convenient is parking when you visit Town Center? [#354406]
How easy is it to get from where you park or arrive to your destination? [#354410]
How easy is it to find your destination when walking in Town Center? [#354421]
How helpful are the maps, signs, and directories around Town Center? [#354422]
Which of the following Town Center events have you attended in the past 12 months? (Select all that apply.) [#354423]
Other: Which of the following Town Center events have you attended in the past 12 months? (Select all that apply.) [#354423]
The most frequently mentioned activities attended at Town Center over the past 12 months were concerts and live music events, especially those at the Sandler Center etc.], as well as free outdoor concerts and music at the fountain or plaza. Movie nights, both general and themed (fall, family, outdoor, Saturday), were also commonly attended.
Other notable events included themed or seasonal festivals (Summer Fest, Fall Fest, Easter, Christmas events) and family-oriented activities such as princess days and scavenger hunts. Comedy shows at the Funny Bone and other venues were also mentioned.
Dining, shopping, and casual gatherings at restaurants and cafes were cited as regular activities. A few respondents mentioned attending rallies or special interest events.
A small number of comments referenced barriers to participation, such as parking difficulties.
Overall, the most popular draws to Town Center are concerts (especially at the Sandler Center), outdoor music and movie events, and seasonal or themed festivals, with additional interest in comedy, family activities, and dining/shopping experiences.
How would you rate the variety of entertainment and events offered at Town Center? [#354426]
How likely are you to attend events at Town Center in the next 6 months? [#354428]
How satisfied are you with the number of free or community events offered? [#354429]
How would you rate the cleanliness of Town Center's public spaces (e.g., Fountain Plaza, sidewalks, Sandler Center Plaza)? [#354431]
How would you rate the cleanliness and appearance of the parking garages in Town Center? [#354436]
How would you rate the maintenance of outdoor features (seating, landscaping, lighting, etc.)? [#354437]
Which improvements would most enhance your experience in Town Center’s public spaces? (Select up to two.) [#354438]
Other: Which improvements would most enhance your experience in Town Center’s public spaces? (Select up to two.) [#354438]
Most respondents emphasized the need for improved pedestrian safety and walkability in Town Center, with frequent calls for pedestrian bridges, elevated walkways, or safer crosswalks across major roads like Virginia Beach Blvd and Independence Blvd. Many described the current environment as unsafe or inconvenient for pedestrians, with several specifically calling it a “pedestrian death trap”. Suggestions included pedestrian-only streets, better signage, and more benches and hangout areas.
Parking and accessibility were also common themes. Multiple respondents requested more and better-located handicapped/ADA parking c41aee75-b1c2-49d2-83f8-241722e49a9,. Others noted the need for improved parking garage design, cleanliness, and safety, including better lighting, security cameras, and elevator maintenance.
Safety and security concerns were repeatedly mentioned, especially regarding crime, loitering, and the presence of homeless individuals. Some called for more police presence or security personnel, while others asked for better care for homeless individuals.
There was strong support for more green spaces, parks, splash pads, and play areas for children. Many want these spaces to be integrated into the main areas, not isolated or disrupted by construction.
Calls for more local, independent, and unique businesses and events were frequent, with several expressing frustration over the dominance of chain stores and restaurants. Suggestions included more pop-up events, craft shows, food trucks, and live music.
Improved public transit options, especially light rail and better bus service, were also commonly requested.
Other recurring suggestions included more public restrooms better traffic flow and road redesign and more nightlife and entertainment options.
A minority of respondents felt no further investment or changes were needed, or opposed using additional taxpayer funds for improvements.
Overall, the most common priorities were pedestrian safety and connectivity, accessibility, security, green spaces and play areas, local businesses and events, improved transit, and better traffic and parking management.