Living in Newport News VA offers history, modern convenience, and coastal charm all in one of the most dynamic regions of the state. Located on the Virginia Peninsula along the James River and the Hampton Roads harbor, Newport News is a new city with deep historical roots, most notably from its role in the Civil War and its continued significance as a hub for maritime activity, including the bustling Newport News Marine Terminal.
For those asking, “Is Newport News a good place to live?” the answer lies in its bustling community, access to outdoor activities, a strong job market, and proximity to nearby military bases like Fort Eustis. Plus, it’s just a short drive to Virginia Beach and other cities near Virginia Beach, making it a strategically located home base for both work and play. From scenic waterfront views to rich cultural history, Newport News offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Here’s everything you need to know before moving to Newport News.
Is Newport News a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Newport News is a good place to live. There are plenty of benefits of living in Newport News VA, including friendly neighbors, robust job opportunities, and easy access to surrounding cities like Virginia Beach.
Where Is Newport News?
What county is Newport News VA in? Newport News VA is not located within a county and is instead an independent city in southeastern Virginia. It sits on the Virginia Peninsula between the James River and the Chesapeake Bay, offering beautiful waterfront views and easy access to major cultural hubs.
Part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, Newport News shares borders with Hampton VA to the east and is just across the water from Norfolk VA, Chesapeake VA, and Virginia Beach VA. These nearby cities are all within a 30- to 45-minute drive, making commuting or weekend getaways a breeze from the city center.
Living in Newport News VA also means you’re located right on the James River, just minutes from the Chesapeake Bay, and well connected to regional job centers, military bases, and recreation.
Newport News VA Information
- Newport News county: None, independent city
- Newport News area: 119.62 square miles
- Newport News zip code: 23601-23609
- Newport News area code: 757, 948
- Newport News elevation: 15 feet
- Newport News time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 and -4)
- Closest airport to Newport News: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), 4.3 miles away
Newport News Population & Demographics
What is the population of Newport News Virginia? There are 186,247 living in Newport News VA, giving the city a population density of 2,654 people per square mile. The city is fairly young, with a median age of 34.7. This gives the area a youthful vibe, especially around the college campuses and military bases. When living in Newport News VA, you’ll walk among the same streets as many famous people. A few notable people from Newport News include singer Ella Fitzgerald, NFL coach Mike Tomlin, and actress Sonja Sohn.
Additional Newport News Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52% female, 48% male
- Racial & ethnic composition: 49% White (38% non-Hispanic), 41% Black or African American, 6% two or more races, 3% Asian, 1% other race
- Educational attainment: 92.3% high school degree (or higher), 30.5% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Median household income: $64,962 (compared to the Virginia average of $89,931)
- Foreign-born population: 7.6%
Transportation
Whether you’re moving to Newport News or already living in Newport News VA, the city offers a well-connected transportation network that makes commuting and travel convenient both locally and regionally.
Major Highways
Newport News is served by several major highways and interstates that link the downtown area with surrounding cities and states:
- I-64: The main east-west interstate through the city, connecting to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond, and further west into Charlottesville.
- US Route 60 (Warwick Boulevard): A major local artery running parallel to I-64 through the city.
- US Route 17: Travels north-south, connecting Newport News with Gloucester and Yorktown.
- Jefferson Avenue (VA-143): Another key corridor running through the heart of the city.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Newport News is served by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), a metropolitan bus system connecting the city to other parts of the Hampton Roads area. Hampton Roads Transit operates more than a dozen local bus routes in Newport News.
If you’re looking for intercity transit when living in Newport News VA, the Greyhound bus has a station in Newport News, offering travel to major cities across the US.
Airport
The closest airport is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), located just a few miles from the city center. It offers domestic flights and is a convenient option for regional travel.
Cost of Living in Newport News VA
Is Newport News a good place to live for families on a budget? Luckily, living in Newport News VA is quite affordable, especially for a big city. The Newport News Cost of Living Index is 94, meaning that it is 6% more affordable than the national average of 100. In addition to being below the national average, it’s also below the Virginia average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Newport News VA would need to earn $104,435 to live comfortably in the city.
Average Newport News Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $25.00
- Cappuccino: $6.02
- Gallon of milk: $3.81
- Loaf of bread: $3.30
- Pound of chicken: $7.49
- Pound of potatoes: $1.24
- Gallon of gas: $3.14
- Average cost of utilities in Newport News (monthly): $201.23
Source: Numbeo
When living in Newport News VA, you’ll also be responsible for paying taxes. The property tax rate in Newport News is $1.18 per $100 of assessed value, which is slightly higher than the Virginia average but still reasonable for the region. The sales tax in Newport News is 6.0%, which includes the state rate of 4.3%, a local 1% tax, and a 0.7% regional tax for Hampton Roads. Virginia’s state income tax ranges from 2.0% to 5.75%, with no additional city-level income tax in Newport News.
Newport News Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices
Will you be exploring the housing market when living in Newport News VA? According to Redfin, the median home price in Newport News is $305,000, which is a 1.7% increase since last year. Although the average price is on the rise, it’s still lower than the national average of $447,054 and the Virginia average of $485,700. Homes in Newport News range from large, single-family homes to modern condos to cozy apartments. There’s truly something for everyone in the city.
If you’d rather rent when living in Newport News VA, then you’ll find affordable rates. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Newport News VA is $1,396, which is well below the national average of $1,727. A few popular apartments in the area include One Central Apartment Homes, Springhouse Apartment Homes, and River Park Tower Apartment Homes.
According to the 2022 ATTOM Rental Affordability Report, it’s more affordable to rent than to buy when living in Newport News VA.
Best Newport News Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Newport News VA
Thinking about where to live in Newport News, or curious about the best places to live in Newport News? Here are some top contenders among those living in Newport News VA.
Port Warwick | Walkable Neighborhood in Newport News
Port Warwick is a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented community built around Styron Square with shops, restaurants, residences, and regular events like summer concerts. With over 1,500 residents, housing includes apartments, townhomes, condos, and single-family homes. Its strategic location near Jefferson Avenue offers excellent access to I-64 and Newport News/Williamsburg Airport.
Hilton Village | Historic, Tight-Knit Community
Hilton Village is a planned English-village style neighborhood built during World War I for shipyard workers. Today, it’s known for its Colonial Revival and Jacobethan homes on tree-lined streets, many priced around $150,000 to $300,000. The village features pedestrian avenues, shops, restaurants, and a pier on the James River.
Hidenwood | Cozy Neighborhood Popular Among Families Living in Newport News VA
Hidenwood is a residential neighborhood southwest of downtown along the James River, and is a popular neighborhood among families living in Newport News VA. Its proximity to Christopher Newport University and amenities like parks and community centers make it great for families with both young and older children.
Newport News VA Weather & Climate
Is Newport News a good place to live in terms of weather? After moving to Newport News, you will enjoy a fairly mild climate. According to the Koppen Classification, residents living in Newport News VA will experience a humid subtropical climate. This means that the Newport News climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. This means that you can enjoy hiking trails and other outdoor recreational facilities all year round when living in Newport News VA.
When living in the area, you do have to be aware of the risk of tropical storms, but they are generally quite mild before they reach the city.
Additional Newport News Climate Statistics:
- Newport News annual snowfall: 4.7 inches
- Newport News annual rainfall: 46 inches
- Newport News temperature: 32ºF to 88ºF
- Newport News sunny days (per year): 215
Newport News Restaurants
When living in Newport News VA, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of food options. From fresh seafood to classic American eats, there’s something for everyone. These are the best restaurants in Newport News VA.
- Circa 1918 Kitchen and Bar: Circa 1918 is one of the best places to eat in Newport News and features New American bites and an extensive wine list. 10367 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601, (757) 599-1918
- Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Bar: Stop by Smoke BBQ to enjoy homestyle, hardwood-smoked BBQ in a casual setting. 10900 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601, (757) 595-4320
- Harpoon Larry’s Fish House & Oyster Bar: When living in Newport News VA, you can’t skip out on Harpoon Larry’s, which features crab cakes, oysters, and fresh fish. 621 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601, (757) 827-0600
Things to Do in Newport News VA
Aren’t sure what to do in Newport News? There are plenty of fun things to do in Newport News and the Hampton Roads region. These are a few of the best things to do when living in Newport News VA.
Top Newport News Attractions
- The Mariners’ Museum and Park: A top maritime museum with the USS Monitor Center, full-scale ship models, and the Noland Trail park. One of the largest maritime museums in the country.
- Virginia Living Museum: An interactive wildlife and science center featuring native species, aquariums, and planetarium exhibits.
- USS Monitor Center: Home to artifacts from the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor.
- Virginia War Museum: Covers American military history, including Civil War and WWII collections.
Newport News Museums, Entertainment & Arts
- Ferguson Center for the Arts: Ferguson Center of Performing Arts is CNU’s premier venue, hosting concerts, theater, and presentations.
- The Newsome House Museum: A favorite among residents living in Newport News VA, featuring artifacts from the Newsome family.
- Watermen’s Museum: Small museum featuring Chesapeake Bay maritime tales.
Newport News Parks & Outdoors
- Riverview Farm Park: Riverview Farm Park is a wide open 279-acre park with a playground, multi-use trails, picnic areas, and soccer fields.
- Newport News Park: One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., Newport News Park is a favorite among residents living in Newport News VA.
- Mariners’ Park: Mariners’ Park is a 550-acre woodland area around Mariners’ Lake.
Shopping in Newport News Virginia
- City Center at Oyster Point: City Center at Oyster Point is a mixed-use center with numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants, and a cinema.
- Patrick Henry Mall / Jefferson Commons: A must-see when living in Newport News VA, major hubs on Jefferson Avenue include Macy’s, Dillards, ULTA, and more.
Map of Newport News Things to Do
Sports
Living in Newport News VA offers plenty for sports enthusiasts, even without a local pro team. The city is home to Christopher Newport University, whose Captains teams compete in NCAA Division III sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. Residents living in Newport News VA can catch exciting college matchups at venues like TowneBank Stadium and the Freeman Center.
For professional sports, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Richmond are all within driving distance and are home to minor league baseball, hockey, and soccer teams.
Newport News Crime Rate
Is Newport News VA safe? Let’s take a look at the Newport News crime rate compared to the state and national average.
- Overall crime rate: 2,911 crimes per 100,000 people (50.8% higher than state average and 25.2% higher than national average)
- Violent crime rate: 610 crimes per 100,000 people (160.7% higher than state average and 65.0% higher than national average)
- Property crime rate: 2,302 crimes per 100,000 people (35.7% higher than state average and 17.8% higher than national average)
Although the crime rates are on the higher end, living in Newport News VA is safe. There are plenty of spots in Newport News that see little to no crime at all, and most of the crime is concentrated in just a few key areas. You can check out crime maps and crime reports on the city website.
When living in Newport News VA, you’ll be protected by the Newport News Police Department.
Jobs in Newport News VA
When living in Newport News VA, you’ll have access to a diverse job market with plenty of strong job opportunities. At the top of the list is Newport News Shipbuilding, employing over 24,000 people in naval ship construction and maintenance. The second-largest employer is Fort Eustis, with more than 10,000 military and civilian positions. Healthcare is another major sector, led by Riverside Health, which has over 9,500 staff across the region.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Newport News as of May 2025 was 3.7%, which is slightly above its long-term average but still competitive for the region. If you’re looking for job opportunities after moving to Newport News, check out the city job board or do a quick search for ‘Newport News jobs’ on Indeed.
Newport News Schools
Is Newport News a good place to live for students? With comprehensive K-12 offerings and nearby universities, living in Newport News VA is an excellent fit for families with school-aged children.
The primary Newport News school district is Newport News Public Schools (NNPS), serving the city with 24 elementary schools in Newport News, seven middle schools, and multiple Newport News high schools, plus standout specialty programs like the IB Diploma Programme, Governor’s STEM Academy, and the Aviation Academy.
For higher education, students can attend Christopher Newport University, while Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University are just a short drive away.
There are also numerous private schools in Newport News, like Peninsula Catholic High School and Hampton Roads Academy. While living in Newport News VA, make sure you check out the Newport News Public Library System.
Ready to Move to Newport News?
So, is Newport News a good place to live? While there are pros and cons of living in Newport News VA, the city (and the rest of the Hampton Roads area) is a great place to live! Newport News offers fantastic job opportunities, friendly residents, and an abundance of fun attractions.
If moving to Newport News is in your future, get in touch with the Newport News movers at Off Load Moving at (757) 749-7212 for a free quote.
