Living in Hampton Roads
From its historic beginnings, the Hampton Roads region has grown into a diverse, dynamic and exciting region with more than 1.8 million residents and counting. The water defines the region’s sense of place, with over 3,000 miles of shoreline offering many outdoor activities including swimming, sailing, fishing, surfing, kayaking, boating and more.
Comprised of 14 diverse localities, each community has its own unique identity and culture. From the bustling metropolitan core of Norfolk, to the sunny oceanfront of Virginia Beach, the rolling farms of Suffolk, and the rich history of Yorktown, every lifestyle can be found here. Diverse living options are abundant with housing that averages 3% less than the national average. As a whole, Hampton Roads is known as a lively, hard-working region that radiates southern charm.
Between the New York Times-recognized Chrysler Museum, the ever-changing exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), two thriving art districts — the Vibe District in Virginia Beach and the NEON District in Norfolk, there is no shortage of cultural opportunities in Hampton Roads. The region is also home to America’s Historic Triangle and boasts three living-history museums: Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown Victory Center.
The region also has a growing music scene with festivals, local, and national acts performing across all genres. Every summer, the American Music Festival brings together the largest outdoor music crowd on the East Coast at the Virginia Beach oceanfront while the Neptune Festival celebrates the sand and the surf with a sand sculpture contest in September. Grammy Award-winning artist Pharrell Williams hosts the Something in the Water festival in his hometown of Virginia Beach, welcoming more than 35,000 guests. Other live entertainment venues in the region include the Hampton Coliseum, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Norfolk Scope, Harrison Opera House, Sandler Center, Chartway Arena, Chrysler Hall and Virginia Beach Amphitheater.