Welcome to Hampton Roads

Rich in history, brimming with natural resources and full of economic, cultural and recreational opportunity, Hampton roads is a diverse, friendly and easy-to-know community comprised of nine cities and two counties. 

It is the nation’s 27th largest Metropolitan Area and includes Virginia’s fastest growing city (Chesapeake), its most populous (Virginia Beach) and its largest (Suffolk).  Situated in southeastern Virginia where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Hampton Roads is divided between the “Southside” – Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach; and the “Peninsula” – Gloucester, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County.

The area's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay and many lakes, rivers, creeks, and inlets is both a source of employment and entertainment for many residents of the area.  On any given day you can observe people boating, swimming, surfing, sailing, fishing and clamming, canoeing, water skiing, windsurfing, wave jumping – this is the place for it all.

With our appealing climate, there's plenty to do on land year 'round, too. Biking, tennis, and golf are big. So are minor-league pro sports, like baseball from the Norfolk Tides, ice hockey from the Hampton Roads Admirals, soccer from the Hampton Roads Mariners, football from the Hampton Roads Sharks, and fastpitch softball from the Virginia Roadsters. But if you'd rather play than watch, recreational leagues and sports groups abound.

The neighborhoods in Hampton Roads are very diverse. Each city has a very distinct lifestyle and feel.  From the farm land and rural living in Suffolk, Smithfield and York County to the glitter and eclectic feel of downtown Norfolk to the soothing atmosphere of ocean front living in Virginia Beach  -  you can find any type of lifestyle.  

Hampton Roads is one of the most desirable locations on the Eastern Seaboard because it is central to many major metropolitan areas and historic sites.  Colonial Williamsburg  is a mere 25-45 minute drive and offers plenty to do and see including Jamestown and Busch Gardens. If you prefer the great outdoors, head a few hours west and you're hiking in the mountains. Or drive a few hours north and you're exploring D.C. and New York.  An hour south and you're escaping to North Carolina's scenic Outer Banks.

 • back to top •