AT HOME: AERIES ON THE BAY, VIRGINIA BEACH

Visitors to Aeries the Bay in Virginia Beach might be surprised to see it's not just an aging complex in a great location. On the contrary, this 20-year old development of 211 townhouses and 29 single-family homes looks neat and attractive and has a real neighborhood feel to it.

Situated about a half-mile off Shore Drive in the Bayville area, Aeries Way on the (Chesapeake) Bay announces itself with a sign that features an eagle flying across a bright orange sun, which is probably not an uncommon view for the residents. The $1,600 sign, paid for with civic league money, replaced an older, battered sign in the spring.

The neighborhood is most well-known for its beach access, which consists of a boardwalk at the end of a small cul-de-sac that stretches over the sand dunes. Landmarks from the beach include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to the west and Lesner Bridge to the east.

Even though the neighborhood is off busy Shore Drive, it is almost secluded because of a large circular common area that one must drive around to find the entrance. The entire area is wooded. Trees and ornamentals are also plentiful among the yards in Aeries Way on the Bay.

The home owner profile in the complex offers a range between retirees, Navy pilots and young couples starting families. Many of the older residents left larger homes and lots of yard work in favor of tending a smaller plot.

Also, sidewalks, cul-de-sacs, and good schools, Hermitage Elementary, Great Neck Middle and Cox High - make it a good place to live with kids.

Bayside Recreation Center, Little Creek Amphibious Base and numerous restaurants are located within a mile. The location also provides an easy commute to either Norfolk or the oceanfront.

Dick Dallaire is an original owner in Aeries on the Bay, having sold a large home in nearby Thoroughgood when he retired. ``It's really a nice neighborhood. I enjoy the beach,'' he says.

Dallaire helped the civic league revive the old architechtural committee because of some of the rental homes were becoming unsightly. ``We've found that when owners are contacted directly about their rentals they show interest in taking care of the property,'' he says, adding, ``The neighborhood tends to be transient but that doesn't matter.''

The three-story townhouses feature several floor plans with a maximum of three bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms, depending on whether the unit has a cathedral ceiling. There are many little extras, such as balconies, skylights, display windows and outside spiral staircases up to the second level. Each unit has a garage.

Dawn Lee and her husband, a Navy dentist, purchased a townhouse in Aeries on the Bay seventeen years ago. ``We've seen a lot of changes,'' says Lee, adding that currently there are lots of young residents. The townhomes are popular rentals because each bedroom has a bathroom, she says.

The Lee family lives on Rookery Way at the opposite end of the beach access. ``I feel like I have to go to the beach every day,'' says Lee.

Living on what could potentially be a road busy with beachgoers hasn't been a problem. ``People are very respectful of parking at the beach. We don't really have any trouble with people taking advantage,'' she says. ``I think it's probably still a big secret.''

Many residents find the peacefulness of their small backyards as attractive as the beach. Loretta Haynes and her husband moved to Aeries on the Bay in July from a single-family home in Norfolk. They chose their townhouse on Kingbird Lane after looking at several others.

``I can't say enough about the neighborhood so far,'' says Haynes. ``One of the reasons I like it here is because of the established civic league. They want to keep the area nice.''

L. TODD SPENCER - The Virginian Pilot 

ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Public Schools: Hermitage Elementary, Great Neck Middle, and Cox

High schools.

Shopping areas: Aeries Way is within a mile of several strip

shopping centers on Shore Drive and about a 10-minute drive from

shopping centers on Great Neck Road and Independence Boulevard.

Recreation: Besides being within walking distance from the beach,

residents are close to the Lynnhaven River and the Bayside

Recreation Center.