Discover the Thriving Communities of Hampton Roads, VA

Courtesy of VisitNorfolk

No matter where you land, Hampton Roads is a great place to live. From coastal Virginia Beach to urban Norfolk and everything in between, this region offers something for everyone.

1. Chesapeake, VA

The second-largest city in Virginia with a population of over 250,000, Chesapeake offers a best-of-all-worlds blend of urban, suburban and rural. Despite being a growth-oriented city, Chesapeake is also highly nature-centered, with the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and gorgeous waterways, forests and farmland.

2. Franklin, VA

A historic river town consisting of about 8,000 residents, Franklin is everything you’d expect a small Virginia town to be: community-focused and family-friendly. Its walkable historic district is lined with boutiques, restaurants and galleries, including many historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

3. Gloucester County, VA

Situated on the waterfront of the York River and Chesapeake Bay, Gloucester County is home to around 38,000 people who enjoy all the outdoor recreation their location provides (namely boating and fishing). Small seaside communities dot the coastline, and with that come delicious seafood restaurants, picturesque views and low-stress living.

4. Hampton, VA

This vibrant city has it all: beaches, museums, a rich cultural arts scene and exciting community events. With roughly 137,000 residents, Hampton is especially great for families who want good schools, easy access to the water and enriching attractions, like the Virginia Air & Space Center.

5. Isle of Wight County, VA

Encompassing Smithfield and Windsor, Isle of Wight County is the place to be if you love history. From the colonial architecture in Smithfield’s historic downtown to the Isle of Wight County Museum, the 38,000 residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life with friendly neighbors and scenic river views.

6. James City County, VA

Colonial history meets thrilling entertainment in James City County, home to the Jamestown Settlement and Busch Gardens Williamsburg; the former, a living history museum, the latter, a European-themed amusement park. With 78,000 residents, this is a popular place to raise families or enjoy retirement.

7. Newport News, VA

A working waterfront city, Newport News has strong ties to shipbuilding, defense and engineering. The city is also rich with green spaces – in fact, it’s home to one of the largest city parks in the nation. The city’s 183,000 residents enjoy annual marathons, cultural festivals and a renowned maritime museum.

8. Norfolk, VA

Creativity abounds here, where its 231,000 residents embrace diversity, artistry and history. Norfolk is known for its delightful downtown, where murals, galleries, and shops create a colorful landscape. With walkable neighborhoods, frequent festivals and Navy ties, it’s a place unlike any other.

9. Poquoson, VA

Thanks to extensive bay and creek access, Poquoson boasts a strong fishing and seafood heritage. With 12,400 residents, it’s a close-knit community with strong civic pride and a nautical identity. That identity is celebrated each year with the Poquoson Seafood Festival.

iStock/Dee Liu

10. Portsmouth, VA

A seaport city with a thriving arts and history scene, Portsmouth leans into entertainment and growth (especially in the foodie sector) while honoring its rich historic past. From the stunning architecture in the Olde Towne Historic District to concerts along the Elizabeth River, amenities are abundant for Portsmouth’s 96,000 residents.

11. Smithfield, VA

The “Ham Capital of the World” is a picturesque riverside town of 9,000. Smithfield’s historic Main Street features beautifully preserved colonial architecture, while Windsor Castle Park offers trails and kayaking along the Pagan River. This charming destination perfectly captures a slower pace of life.

12. Southampton County, VA

With rolling farmlands, rivers and forests, nature is Southampton County’s strongest asset. Its 18,000 residents enjoy affordable living, low traffic and deep community ties in a rural setting. Many make their livelihood through farming and raising livestock.

13. Suffolk, VA

A land-rich city with plenty of large, natural areas and wide-open spaces, Suffolk is most well-known for its peanut farming (celebrated each year at the Suffolk Peanut Fest). This family-oriented city hits the sweet spot between rural and suburban, home to 103,000 residents.

14. Surry County, VA

The smallest county in the region, Surry is home to 6,500 residents. It’s also where you’ll find the James River and Chippokes State Park, a historic plantation with trails, river shore and places to camp.

15. Virginia Beach, VA

With 455,000 residents, Virginia Beach is the largest city in the region, and it made Livability’s 2026 list of Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. At this beach destination, surf culture and tourism reign supreme. It has boardwalks, parks and festivals galore, including the Neptune Festival and its sand sculptures, kite flying and concerts.

Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg Resorts

16. Williamsburg, VA

As the storied capital of 18th-century Virginia, Williamsburg is a living masterpiece of American heritage. Visitors can traverse cobblestone streets where costumed interpreters bring the Revolution to life, while the adjacent campus of William & Mary stands as a pillar of academic excellence.

17. York County, VA

York County is the historic heart of early America. As the site of the final major land battle of the Revolution, the county’s identity is defined by the Yorktown Battlefield and the Riverwalk Landing. Today, its 70,000 residents enjoy serene nature trails, modern suburban conveniences and a vibrant calendar of community festivals.