Virginia’s coastal scenery is a defining part of the state’s appeal, and no region of the state offers more coastal beauty than Hampton Roads. Located in southeastern Virginia, this region surrounds the Hampton Roads harbor, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a densely populated area, home to some of Virginia’s largest cities, and has plenty of buyer appeal. Let’s explore some of the characteristics of this area that make it an excellent place to live and a prime real estate option.
Appealing Cities and Towns
The Hampton Roads region has a substantial population of more than 1.8 million people. The area’s population is primarily in what’s often referred to as the “Seven Cities,” which consists of Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.
Hampton Roads’s core cities are deeply historic, as they were the homesites of some of the first colonists to reach America. Today, they are vibrant, diverse places with unique cultures. Virginia Beach is known for its sandy shores, delicious dining options, and bustling boardwalk. Norfolk is famous for world-class museums, a thriving arts scene, and a longstanding maritime legacy. Hampton is a scenic and historic city with superb seafood restaurants, a charming downtown, and sandy shores.
Even outside the “Seven Cities,” Hampton Roads has enjoyable places to explore. Williamsburg is a historic city in the northern Hampton Roads area, famed for its preserved architecture and museums that showcase the area’s fascinating history. Also, Smithfield is a charming community with a small-town feel, comprising buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and a busy downtown with pleasant local businesses.
Incredible Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation
Hampton Roads is ideal for those who love the great outdoors. This scenic natural region has quaint waterfront settings everywhere you look, making it a center for outdoor recreation. Boaters, swimmers, and surfers flock to Hampton Roads to experience its vast beaches, marinas filled with watercraft, and incredible fishing destinations.
There are many appealing nature areas where visitors can relax to get away from the urban atmosphere of Hampton Roads. Newport News Park is a perfect place for a quiet stroll in a serene natural setting. Buckroe Beach and Park is a sandy beach in Hampton that offers kayak and canoe rentals and a pleasant coastal environment for relaxing. Virginia Beach houses First Landing State Park, a scenic natural area known as the arrival site of the Jamestown colonists.
Thriving Economy with Abundant Opportunities
Hampton Roads is one of the economic centers of Virginia and has a diverse array of job opportunities for residents. Historically, the area has long been a port and trade center, comprising shipyards, vast harbors, and a constant flow of large vessels. While this remains an integral part of the region’s economy, as the country’s largest private shipyard can be found in Newport News, Hampton Roads has a diversified job market with plenty of high-paying jobs across sectors.
A significant source of the Hampton Roads economy comes from the government. Hampton Roads is home to the largest concentration of military bases in the nation, and Huntington Ingalls, the largest military shipbuilding company in the U.S., is based in Newport News. There is also a substantial private sector. Dollar Tree is headquartered in Chesapeake, and numerous significant companies operate in Virginia Beach, including Stihl, Geico, and VT Group.
