Hampton Roads, VA: Where Your Lifestyle Beckons

Nathan Lambrecht

When it comes to quality of life, the Hampton Roads region of Virginia features a bit of everything, catering to many different preferences. Whether you crave an urban city, a coastal setting or even a rural landscape, you can find it in Hampton Roads.

The Urban Core

If city living is your vibe, Norfolk is the place for you. A vibrant and diverse city with incredible food, historical roots and a thriving arts scene, Norfolk has everything you want in a city – plus easy access to nature and the water.

“There are countless options for music, art and cultural experiences, and the city has grown significantly since I was a kid, which is exciting to see,” says Norfolk native Amasa Andes, now Chief Strategy Officer for the nonprofit An Achievable Dream. “Plus, no matter where you are in Norfolk, you’re never far from a river or the Chesapeake Bay.”

Paige Hawsey

Beyond all the things that make it a great place to live, there’s also plenty that makes Norfolk a great place to work.

“Norfolk’s central location is a huge asset,” Andes says. “Living here makes it easy to stay connected and engaged throughout the region, and there are many meaningful opportunities for collaborations, partnerships and long-term regional impact.”

Saltwater and Shorelines

Virginia Beach is for those who crave a coastal city – and all that comes with it. We’re talking surf culture, tourism and plenty of outdoor recreation, for a start.

“Virginia Beach has everything from city vibes to beaches to rivers and green spaces,” says Jake Maines, local Realtor and 10-year resident. “It’s a beach town that isn’t just a tourist area – it has well-established businesses and a ton of growth building on strong infrastructure.”

Nathan Lambrecht

Visitors and residents alike enjoy the city’s boardwalks and festivals, not to mention an exciting nightlife. Virginia Beach’s central location also makes it particularly appealing, whether you want to take a quick day trip to the mountains or a moderate road trip to New York City. Additionally, there’s a large, grounding military presence in Virginia Beach, thanks to multiple bases located in the area.

Farm and Field

For a quieter pace and rich, rural landscapes, Suffolk and Smithfield are both amazing locales.

Both places have a major presence in the food production world – Suffolk is known for peanuts (long associated with the Planters brand and the birthplace of the iconic Mr. Peanuts mascot), and Smithfield is known for its ham products (it’s the headquarters for Smithfield Foods).

Gerville

The rural nature of these places does not preclude them from being community-oriented, however. There are multiple events and festivals throughout the year that bring people together, like the Suffolk Earth and Arts Festival and Suffolk Pickle Palooza.

Both Suffolk and Smithfield also feature very charming downtown districts, with historical buildings that preserve the rich architecture of decades past. In fact, if history appeals to you, you’ll find many gems here, such as St. Luke’s Church – Virginia’s oldest, still-standing church – or the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum.

Family Anchors

Raising a family in a suburban setting definitely has its appeal, and Hampton Roads delivers. Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth and Poquoson are all excellent options for families of all sizes.

“I live in Portsmouth, and it’s incredibly neighborly with a great pride of community,” says Joe Harmon, Coordinator of Secondary Performing Arts for Portsmouth Public Schools.

Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

A 12-year resident who also serves as a board member for the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority, Harmon cites a plethora of reasons why the area is such a great place to live and work, especially for families.

“We have a school division that cares about students and parents, we have an incredible parks and rec system, a ton of free and engaging events in the city, and on top of all that, a low cost of home ownership,” Harmon says. “And on a professional level, it’s a great place to start a business. We have so many small business grants, and there’s ample opportunity to do business and thrive, and we feel the local impact daily.”