Are you wondering what it’s like living in Chesapeake VA? The quality of life here is high! There are ample attractions in Chesapeake VA to explore, plus its cost of living is low! Chesapeake is an independent city in Virginia with a rich history dating back to the 1700s, with ties to the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
It was incorporated as a city in 1919 and has since developed into a bustling yet tight-knit community. If you’re wondering if moving to Chesapeake is the right move for you, explore our in-depth guide. We cover which neighborhoods are the best, which restaurants you must check out, and all the wonderful ways to spend your free time.
Is Chesapeake VA a Good Place to Live?
Is Chesapeake Virginia a good place to live? Yes, the city of Chesapeake is a good place to live, thanks to its low cost of living, central location, family-friendly neighborhoods, and ample outdoor attractions. The COLI in Chesapeake is 4% below the US average, and its communities are highly walkable.
Chesapeake boasts 3,480 acres of park space, with most hosting play structures and paved walking paths; there are 300 ponds and two natural lakes in Chesapeake VA, ideal for nature lovers, boaters, and families alike. Groceries here are more affordable than in the average US city, and Chesapeake has affordable property taxes when compared to other US cities.
Where Is Chesapeake?
Chesapeake, Virginia, is located north of the North Carolina border, east of the Atlantic Ocean, and south of Norfolk. It’s an independent city, meaning it’s not located within a county.
One of its most attractive attributes is its proximity to other major cities; here are cities near Chesapeake VA:
- Chesapeake to Norfolk: 6.3 miles
- Chesapeake to Virginia Beach: 22.8 miles
- Chesapeake to Suffolk: 21.6 miles
The best part of living in Chesapeake VA is having access to the Atlantic; the top beaches near Chesapeake VA are Chesapeake Beach and Virginia Beach OceanFront.
Public Transportation
People living in Chesapeake VA have ample transportation options. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) connects Chesapeake to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, boasting more than seven routes. Residents can use Norfolk’s The Tide Light Rail, which runs over 7 miles along the Elizabeth River.
Although its public transportation is limited compared to nearby cities, plans are underway to expand the public transit infrastructure, potentially introducing its own bus transportation (Bus Rapid Transit and Express Bus Transit) and a light rail extension.
Chesapeake VA Population & Demographics
The population of Chesapeake is 249,422, according to the 2020 census; the city has experienced a 1.8% population increase since 2010. The median household income is above the national average, at $94,189, and only 8.7% of its population is living in poverty.
The median age here is 34.8, and 39% of the Chesapeake population is 29 or younger. People living in Chesapeake VA are highly educated, with 36.6% boasting a four-year degree or higher. Nearly the entire population (94.5%) is high school graduates. The foreign-born population is rather low, at 6%, but the veteran population sits at 13.1%. 10.6% of its residents have moved here within the last year, and 55% of the population is married.
Want to explore more of the city’s demographics before deciding if living in Chesapeake VA is right for you?
What Is the Racial Makeup of Chesapeake?
TheChesapeake VA racial demographics are diverse, with 56.2% of people living in Cheasapeake VA, being White (54.4% non-Hispanic or Latino), 29% Black or African American, 8.3% two or more races, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.7% are Asian. Only 0.2% of residents are American Indian or Alaska Native, making it the smallest racial group. Since it’s located on Chesapeake Bay, after the post-emancipation era,newly freed Black and African American individuals were drawn to the region’s maritime industries, such as oystering, boatbuilding, and seafood processing.
Political Demographics
Chesapeake has 185,280 registered voters, 52.2% of whom supported the Democratic candidate in the last election, according to BestPlaces.
Is Chesapeake Safe?
According to the FBI, Chesapeake has a crime rate that’s 25.8% higher than the state’s
and 4.5% higher than the country’s. However, the local police have reported a 22.3% decrease in violent crime.
- Chesapeake VA crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,428
- Virginia crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,930
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
- Chesapeake violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 417
- Virginia violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 234
- US violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 370
- Chesapeake property crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,011
- Virginia property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,696
- US violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954
Although Chesapeake has higher violent and property crime rates than the state and country, these statistics can sometimes be skewed due to reporting inaccuracies. Additionally, the FBI crime rate statistics encompass the entire city and are distributed across the entire population, meaning that one or two high-crime areas can significantly impact the city’s overall crime rate.
A good way to get a better idea of what is actually happening in the specific area of Chesapeake you plan to move to is by using the city’s live crime map, which shows you which crimes are being reported in real time.
You can rest easy when living in Chesapeake VA, knowing the Chesapeake Police Department and officials have initiatives in place to crack down on violent crime.
Cost of Living in Chesapeake VA
The Economic Research Institute reports that Chesapeake has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 96, making it 4% more affordable to live in than the average US city. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a family of four can live comfortably in Chesapeake with a household income of 108,692.
Typical living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $13.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.17
- Loaf of white bread: $3.78
- Dozen eggs: $3.36
- Pound of chicken fillets: $3.66
- Average Chesapeake utilities per month: $177 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo
Property taxes in Chesapeake are among the most affordable in the country. According to the city’s website, Chesapeake’s real estate tax rate is $1.01 per $100 of assessed value. The effective property tax rate in Chesapeake is about 0.92%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%
- Question: What is a livable wage in Chesapeake, VA?
- Answer: According to the Living Wage Calculator, the living wage for one adult with zero children living in Chesapeake VA is $25.55. Two adults, both working, and two children can live on $27.65.
Chesapeake VA Real Estate Market Overview
Before living in Chesapeake VA can become your reality, you should consider your budget and whether you plan to buy or rent upon moving here.
The housing market in Chesapeake is very competitive, with homes for sale in Chesapeake VA, selling within a median of 37 days, with 40.4% selling above their listing price. However, 1.83% of homes experience price drops before being sold. The median home price in Chesapeake is $419,250.
Renting in Chesapeake isn’t as common, with a renter population of 25%. According to RentCafe, the average monthly rent in Chesapeake is $1,707.
Chesapeake Neighborhoods
The city of Chesapeake Virginia hosts six boroughs: South Norfolk, Butts Road, Deep Creek, Pleasant Grove, Western Branch, and Washington. Each of these boroughs has its own unique neighborhoods and communities to choose from.
Camelot Neighborhood Chesapeake VA
Living in Chesapeake VA is great regardless of where you end up, but Camelot is a standout option. Camelot is a family-friendly neighborhood in Chesapeake that hosts a park, an elementary school, and a community center. Homes for sale in Camelot are priced at around $500,000.
Edinburgh – New Construction
The homes for sale in Edinburgh are few and far between and are typically priced between $700,000 and $1 million, making it a more affluent area to call home. A major pro to buying here is that all properties are new construction, ensuring a secure investment.
Ravenna – Great Location
Located off of Mt. Pleasant Rd, Ravenna is the ideal neighborhood if you like to keep busy. Mt. Pleasant High School is directly across the street, and there is also a robust shopping center half a mile west, hosting restaurants like Bad Habits and Hotrodders Cafe.
Honorable Mentions
- Riverwalk – Southwest of Greenbrier West near RiverWalk Parkway
- Creekwood – Homes are situated around a large pond near Bryant Farms Park
- Homestead – Located in Deep Creek West with proximity to the 664
If you’re relocating with pets, finding suitable accommodation can be an important part of your move. Platforms like PetFriendly makes it easy to compare pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals in the area, helping you secure comfortable temporary housing before settling into a permanent home in Chesapeake. It also allows you to filter properties based on pet policies, amenities, and budget, so you can quickly find options that suit both you and your furry companion.
Chesapeake Weather
The Chesapeake climate is humid subtropical, or “Cfa” according to the Köppen Climate Classification system. You will experience all four seasons when living in Chesapeake VA; the summers are hot and humid, whereas the winters are wet and cold. Temperatures range from 34°F to 88°F. The rainiest month is August, with a 45% chance of rain on any given day, and the snowiest month is February, with an average snowfall of 2 inches.
The best times to visit Chesapeake are mid-to-late May and from late August to mid-October. The late spring and early summer months offer cool temperatures with minimal rainfall, while the fall provides picturesque foliage and pleasant temperatures.
Is Chesapeake, Virginia In a Flood Zone?
34.9% of all Chesapeake properties are at risk of flooding within the next 30 years. The best way to determine if your future home is in a flood zone is by utilizing the city’s flood management map.
Things to Do in Chesapeake VA
Are you looking for the top things to do in Chesapeake? Coastal Virginia offers a plethora of outdoor activities, parks, lakes, and stunning natural beauty. You’ll never run out of things to do here, from its fresh and salt waterways, various community events, and 88 parks.
Chesapeake Arboretum
The Chesapeake Arboretum features 45 acres of forested trails, gardens, and educational facilities.
624 Oak Grove Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23320, (757) 382-6411
Chesapeake Planetarium
The city of Chesapeake Planetarium offers educational programs about the planet to residents of Chesapeake, schools, and private educational institutions.
310 Shea Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23322, (757) 547-0153
Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation
Experience the region’s rich history at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Foundation. You can explore what it was like to live in Chesapeake 100 years ago and learn how it has developed into the great city it is today.
1775 Historic Way, Chesapeake, VA 23320, (757) 482-4480
Parks
There are countless parks to visit when living in Chesapeake VA; here are some of the best.
- Northwest River Park – One of the many free things to do in Chesapeake is Northwest River Park. There are options for fishing, boating, and camping.
- Chesapeake City Park – This expansive park in Chesapeake features open spaces, a dog park, a large playground, basketball courts, and picnic areas.
- Fun Forest Playground – An entirely wooden playground located within Chesapeake City Park and ideal for anyone with children.
- Elizabeth River Park – Playgrounds, picnicking areas, a dog park, a fishing dock, and a boat ramp.
Trails
- Indian River Park South Side – 91 acres of forest with various scenic trails to hike
- Oak Grove Lake Park – 1.5 miles of walking paths around a lake
- Portsmouth Ditch TrailHead – Hiking area along the Great Dismal Swamp Canal
Waterways
Many people living in Chesapeake VA have boats, enjoy kayaking, or simply appreciate its many waterways from land. Here are a few notable bodies of water to check out:
- Indian River
- Atlantic Ocean
- Lake Drummond
- Dismal Swamp anal
- Chesapeake Bay
- Intracoastal Waterway
Community Events
One way to meet new people after moving to Chesapeake VA is by attending events. The city’s most notable ones are the Virginia Arts Festival, the Chesapeake Wine Festival, and the Chesapeake Jubilee. Check the community special events calendar to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your new city.
Restaurants Chesapeake VA
Chesapeake is home to a vibrant dining scene with a variety of chain restaurants and fine dining options. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood or a home-cooked meal, the restaurants in Chesapeake VA offer a range of options.
Daikichi Japanese Bistro
One of the best things about living in Chesapeake VA is the delicious Japanese Bistro, Daikichi. Here you will find delicious dishes like hibachi, sushi, dumplings, crab rangoon, and so much more.
1400 Battlefield Blvd N, Chesapeake, VA 23320, (757) 549-0200
Lockside Bar and Grill
If you’re looking for waterfront dining in Chesapeake, Lockside Bar and Grill is the place to be. They serve traditional seafood dishes like flounder, scallops, and clam chowder. The ambiance is great, and the expansive deck outside offers ample space options.
200 Battlefield Blvd N Ste 1, Chesapeake, VA 23320, (757) 410-5999
Pirate’s Cove Restaurant
Pirate’s Cove is renowned as one of the top restaurants in Chesapeake, thanks to its wide range of local fish options, friendly service, and affordable prices. It’s a family-friendly spot, perfect for lunch or dinner.
109 J/K, 109 Gainsborough Square, Chesapeake, VA 23320, (757) 549-7272
Living in Chesapeake VA means you have plenty of restaurants to choose from!
Jobs in Chesapeake VA
There are thousands of Chesapeake jobs seeking qualified applicants. Whether you work in the public sector, medical field, retail trade, or manufacturing, Chesapeake, Virginia, has a robust job market waiting for you. The unemployment rate here is 3.5%, which is lower than the national average of 4.2%.
Not sure who to apply to when living in Chesapeake Virginia? Here are the city’s major employers:
- Chesapeake City Public Schools Employment
- The City of Chesapeake Jobs
- Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
- Walmart
- Dollar Tree
- Sentara Healthcare
- Cox Communications
A main contributor to the city’s economic stimulation is its proximity to the Port of Virginia, one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. There are numerous manufacturing companies in Chesapeake, including Manufacturing & Design Technology Inc., Nitto, Inc., and Amazon distribution and processing centers. Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Expand Energy are two more great companies to consider.
Is Chesapeake VA a good place to live for young professionals? Yes, thanks to its unique economic development initiatives, including Foreign Trade Zone 20 and HUBZone Empowerment Contracting, as well as its strategic location providing access to four major highways.
Chesapeake Schools
K-12 public school students living in Chesapeake VA are served by Chesapeake Public Schools (CPS). There are 40,000 students across 48 schools and centers within the district, providing robust options for your child.
The district offers unique educational programs, such as Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs like the STEM Academy at Grassfield High School, while maintaining a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1. Some schools in CPS are Title I institutions that receive additional federal support to enhance educational outcomes. Beyond academics, the district offers prime extracurricular programs in arts and athletics, with schools like Oscar Smith High School achieving state championships in football.
Public Schools
There are nine primary schools, 11 elementary schools, eight intermediate schools, 10 middle schools, and seven high schools in the district. A few notable schools include:
- Greenbrier Middle School
- Grassfield High School
- Greenbrier Primary School
- Oscar Smith High School
Private
Are there good private schools when living in Chesapeake, VA? Private schools in Chesapeake include Veritas Collegiate Academy, Atlantic Shores Christian School, StoneBridge School, and Chesapeake Montessori School.
Chesapeake Statistics & Information
- Chesapeake county: Independent city
- Chesapeake area: 350.95 square miles
- Chesapeake zip code: 23320-23328
- Chesapeake area code: 757 and 948
- Chesapeake elevation: 12.2 feet
- Chesapeake time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5 and -4)
- Closest airport to Chesapeake VA: Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is 15.6 miles from Chesapeake
Map of Chesapeake VA
Explore more about living in Chesapeake VA, with this map of Chesapeake.
Moving to Chesapeake VA With Off Load Moving
Living in Chesapeake VA is great. The schools are excellent, with a district that offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. The area offers numerous recreational activities, and the restaurant options are diverse and robust. What more could you want from your future home?
If you’re ready to call Chesapeake, Virginia, home, call the best Chesapeake movers, Off Load Moving, at (757) 749-7212 for a free estimate.
