A lot of folks want to start living in Suffolk VA! According to Wikipedia, the Nansemond people lived in the Suffolk area for thousands of years before Captain John Smith and other English settlers arrived in 1608. The settlers used the area for wharfs and farmland, and a formal town wasn’t established until 1742. The state government incorporated Suffolk in 1808 as a town. Suffolk gets its name from Suffolk County in England. People began moving to Suffolk in large numbers once railroad stops opened in the community in the early 1800s.
Suffolk was incorporated as a city in 1910, and it continued to expand throughout the 20th century. Suffolk is now a large city that combines historical charm with modern conveniences. What is Suffolk known for? Suffolk is known for its rich history and connections to the peanut industry. Suffolk’s nickname is the “Peanut Capital of the World,” while the Suffolk motto is “A Good Time to Be in Suffolk.” Is Suffolk VA a nice place to live in? Yes, Suffolk is a very nice place to live, with a sparse suburban feel, an affordable cost of living, and job opportunities for young professionals.
Moving to Suffolk may seem like the right thing to do, and it is. But before you start your upcoming move, you should learn more about what this great city offers. Here’s your guide on living in Suffolk VA.
Where Is Suffolk Virginia?
Where is Suffolk Virginia, and what county is Suffolk Virginia in? Suffolk is an independent city, meaning it is not part of a county. The city government provides all services that a county would normally provide, with assistance from the state government. Suffolk is part of the Hampton Roads area and the Virginia Beach metro area. It is 36.8 miles from Suffolk to Virginia Beach, so Suffolk is a suburb of Virginia Beach.
If you’re planning a move or visiting the area beforehand, it can be helpful to stay in the city short-term to explore different neighborhoods, commute routes, and nearby amenities. Vacation Cottage makes it easy to compare cottages, vacation homes, and extended-stay rentals in Suffolk, giving you flexible options while you get familiar with the area before committing to a permanent home.
Suffolk borders Gates, NC, Franklin, Camptown, Carrsville, Windsor, Smithfield, and Bartlett. Suffolk’s large size means it includes developed and undeveloped areas. The center of the large city is well-developed with residential and commercial areas, while the outlying areas of the community contain green spaces, lakes, and wildlife refuges. Notable geographic features in and around Suffolk include Nansemond River, Lake Drummond, and Great Dismal Swamp.
The City of Suffolk offers Suffolk Transit, which provides fixed route services for public transportation in and around Downtown Suffolk. You can use the Suffolk Transit brochure to see where Suffolk Transit routes and stops are and view bus schedules. Routes do not run to the outlying areas of Suffolk, so transportation near parks and green areas can be difficult. US Routes 17, 58, and 460 run to nearby cities and provide access to preserved historical sites, making moving to Suffolk easy.
Suffolk Population and Demographics
What is the population of Suffolk? According to the US Census, the Suffolk population in 2024 was 103,105, up by 11.5% since 2010. Suffolk is one of the top ten most populous cities in Virginia, though its population is less than 10% of the Hampton Roads population. Suffolk is the second-smallest city in the Hampton Roads area, with nearby cities like Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk being bigger than Suffolk. Suffolk has a population density of 236.3 people living in Suffolk VA per square mile, making Suffolk one of the least dense major cities in Virginia.
Notable people living in Suffolk VA include Lex Luger, Deatrich Wise Jr., and James Avery. Notable Suffolk demographics include:
- 51.3% female, 48.7% male
- Median age of people living in Suffolk VA: 39.8
- Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Suffolk VA: 47.5% White (42.0% non-Hispanic), 42.0% Black or African American, 6.3% two or more races, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Asian, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native
- Median household income of people living in Suffolk VA: $81,154 (roughly 90% of the state median)
- Educational attainment of residents living in Suffolk VA: 91.8% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 32.4% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population of people living in Suffolk VA: 4.0%
Suffolk is a family friendly community. 23.7% of residents living in Suffolk VA are under the age of 18, with 6.3% being under the age of 5. It’s also a community that’s popular among veterans, with 13% of Suffolk residents being veterans. Nearly 2,300 people living in Suffolk VA are Vietnam War veterans, while over 5,300 people have served since 2001. Many veterans are performing military moves to Suffolk to work at naval bases and military offices in and around Suffolk.
Here are the latest Suffolk crime rates, according to the FBI in 2022, with comparisons to the national and state averages:
- Overall Suffolk crime rate: 2,268 offenses per 100,000 people living in Suffolk VA (17.5% higher than the Virginia rate, 2.4% lower than the national average)
- Violent Suffolk crime rate: 476 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Suffolk VA (103.4% higher than the Virginia rate, 28.7% higher than the national rate)
- Property Suffolk crime rate: 1,792 crimes per 100,000 residents living in Suffolk VA (5.7% higher than the state rate, 8.3% lower than the national average)
While Suffolk crime rates may seem high, there are many safe places to live in Suffolk. The official Suffolk crime map reveals that most crimes occur in South Suffolk or Northern Suffolk. Many neighborhoods in central Suffolk like Wilroy do not report crimes on a regular basis. The crimes that occur in South and Northern Suffolk are often non-violent property crimes, with very few motor vehicle thefts, violent crimes, or assaults.
The Suffolk Police Department employs 169 police officers who respond to all emergencies in Suffolk. The department prides itself on local engagement, so officers partner with the Local Historic Landmarks Commission and the Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society to protect public areas and promote a vibrant community spirit.
Suffolk Cost of Living
Suffolk cost of living statistics can be hard to find, so you can use Virginia Beach cost of living statistics and Hampton Roads cost of living statistics to make a rough estimate. The Hampton Roads cost of living index is 100.2, meaning items in the area cost 0.2% more than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in the Virginia Beach metro area would need to earn $8,715 a month or $104,580 a year to cover their cost of living. Suffolk is a relatively affordable city, and singles moving to Suffolk can enjoy a very affordable life. Child care in the Virginia Beach area costs $1,542 a month, so if you’re living in Suffolk VA without children, you can save a lot of money.
Suffolk real estate is affordable, and you have options for homes with modern amenities and affordable property taxes. According to Redfin, the median cost of homes for sale Suffolk VA is $425,000, with a median cost per square foot of $203. According to RentCafe, the average cost of apartments in Suffolk VA is $1,747 a month. Rent in Norfolk is roughly equal to the national average.
Typical Suffolk Living Expenses
- 12 regular eggs: $3.95
- 1 pound of beef round: $7.00
- 1 pound of tomatoes: $2.00
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.20
- Average Suffolk utilities per month: $150.00
- 1 pair of jeans: $20.00
Source: Numbeo
Suffolk Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Suffolk
Suffolk contains dozens of formal neighborhoods, subdivisions, and historic districts. Suffolk neighborhoods give you plenty of access to VA natural beauty and upscale homes for sale Suffolk VA. Here are a few of the best places to live in Suffolk.
Whaleyville | Quiet and Peaceful Suffolk Neighborhood With Newly Constructed Homes
Whaleyville was once an incorporated town, but it was annexed into the City of Suffolk in 1974. Whaleyville still has a small-town feel and a rural ambiance. It’s located in South Suffolk, away from the city center, and it contains no major tourist attractions, so it’s one of the best places to live in Suffolk for peace and quiet.
The City of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Station 8 is in Whaleyville, so you can still receive emergency services. According to Redfin, Whaleyville homes for sale have a median cost of $380,000. The Whaleyville housing market includes a large number of recently constructed homes, including four-bedroom properties covering over 2,000 square feet.
Crittenden | Waterfront and Upscale Suffolk Neighborhood
Crittenden (sometimes called Crittenden-Eclipse) is a neighborhood in Northern Suffolk. It is a waterfront neighborhood along the Nansemond River, and it was a hub for fishing and boating during the Civil War era. It now contains restaurants like Amicis and Vintage Tavern and attractions like the Nansemond Swim Club.
The real estate market is small, but Crittenden homes for sale tend to be upscale. You can buy five and six bedroom homes with over 7,000 square feet and lavish features like gourmet kitchens and grand marble foyers for less than $3 million.
Weather Suffolk Virginia and Climate
Suffolk has a humid subtropical climate zone, with hot and humid summers and short but cold winters. According to Weather Spark, July is the hottest month of weather Suffolk Virginia, with an average temperature of 79 degrees and an average high of 89.
Temperatures remain warm until mid-September and undergo a decline through the autumn. January is the coldest month of the Suffolk climate, with an average temperature of 41 degrees and an average low of 33. Freezing temperatures are not common in Suffolk.
Suffolk receives 40.5 inches of rain on average every year. Does it snow in Suffolk VA? Yes, Suffolk receives an average of 5.7 inches of snow a year. Each summer month has at least 11 rainy days, and the high rainfall in the summer creates humidity. Nearly every summer day feels humid, and most days in the summer are muggy, oppressive, or miserable. Humidity levels don’t drop off significantly until early October.
You may notice the temperatures frequently reaching 90 degrees or higher while living in Suffolk VA during the summer. Suffolk can experience severe heat days, with heat indexes over 100 degrees. It is essential that you check weather Suffolk Virginia forecasts to avoid experiencing heat sickness during the summer.
October is the best month to visit and start moving to Suffolk. The average temperature is 61 degrees, so you can stay comfortable in a long-sleeved shirt. 64% of October days in Suffolk are sunny, so you can visit community events and outdoor activities Suffolk without a rain jacket.
Things to Do in Suffolk VA
You can find many incredible things to do in Suffolk VA, including golf courses, historic buildings, and top parks! The Harbour View Marketplace is the top shopping mall in Suffolk, containing a Lidl grocery store, Verizon, and a number of restaurants. You can also shop at Walmart Supercenter, Belk, and Ross Dress for Less.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge covers nearly 113,000 acres, making it one of the largest outside attractions in Virginia. You can see 200 species of birds and 96 species of butterflies and go bird watching and hiking on 40 miles of nature trails.
3100 Desert Road, Suffolk, VA, 23434, 757-986-3705
Sleepy Hole Park
Sleepy Hole Park covers 73.6 acres and is the best outdoor point of interest for picnicking and other outdoor activities. While living in Suffolk VA, you can rent one of eight picnic shelters, go boating on a five-acre lake, and play horseshoes in a horseshoe pit.
4616 Sleepy Hole Road, Suffolk, VA, 23435, 757-923-2385
Lake Meade Park
Lake Meade Park is one of the top Suffolk attractions close to the city center. The park covers 67.8 acres and is unique among Suffolk parks for having a skate park and a tennis court.
201 Holly Lawn Parkway, Suffolk, VA, 23434, 757-514-7250
Additional Things to Do in Suffolk VA
The City of Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department plans special festivities Suffolk, like the Suffolk Peanut Festival, throughout the year. You can see when these events will occur using the Visit Suffolk events calendar.
Restaurants Suffolk VA
The Hampton Roads area has produced unique foods like hickory-smoked glazed ham and blue crabs. You can taste these dishes and enjoy other unique experiences at restaurants Suffolk VA.
Cazadores
Cazadores was the first Mexican restaurant to open in Suffolk, and it currently offers classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas, burritos, and arroz con pollo. Cazadores is a top family-friendly restaurant, with kids living in Suffolk VA eating free every Monday night.
1701 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA, 23434, 757-923-9440
Amicis
Amicis is a casual pizzeria well known for its hand-crafted dough and brick-fired oven. You can try out specialty pizzas or make your own pie with fresh toppings like caramelized onions and sunny-side-up eggs.
157 East Washington Street, Suffolk, VA, 23434, 757-923-5300
Vintage Tavern
Vintage Tavern is one of the most romantic restaurants in Suffolk, making it good for date nights. The restaurant serves Southern comfort food like baby back ribs and fried chicken. Vintage Tavern also has an extensive wine and drinks menu, with a rotating list of weekend cocktail specials.
1900 Governors Pointe Drive, Suffolk, VA, 23436, 757-238-8808
Jobs in Suffolk VA
You can enjoy a favorable job market Suffolk with opportunities for future job growth. According to DataUSA, 44,856 people have jobs in Suffolk VA, up by 17.5% since 2013. Healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade are the three biggest job sectors in Suffolk, and each of these sectors makes over $60,000 a year in median earnings. Over 10% of jobs in Suffolk VA are management jobs with over $170,000 a year in median earnings.
According to Payscale, the average salary of Suffolk jobs is $66,000 a year, with an average hourly wage of $18.30. According to Yes Suffolk, three major employers in Suffolk VA are Amazon, Suffolk Public Schools, and Naval Information Forces. You can look for many job opportunities in Suffolk, including government employment opportunities. You can apply for jobs in Suffolk VA on Indeed, and you can apply for City of Suffolk jobs on the municipal government’s website while living in Suffolk VA.
Suffolk Schools
Many families start moving to Suffolk to send their children to Suffolk public schools. Suffolk City Public Schools is the official public school district in Suffolk, serving all students living in Suffolk VA. The district is home to 11 elementary schools, five middle schools, and three Suffolk high schools. You can use the official Suffolk City Public Schools attendance zones to find out which schools your students are zoned for.
US News ranks Northern Shores Elementary School as the best elementary school in Suffolk. It also ranks Northern Shores in the top 250 elementary schools in the state. US News ranks John Yeates Middle School as the best Suffolk middle school, also ranking in the top 75 Virginia middle schools.
US News ranks Nansemond River High School as the best high school in Suffolk VA. The high school is home to over one dozen extracurricular clubs. Nansemond River High School is also home to a unique and popular Air Force JROTC program, supporting students living in Suffolk VA who want to pursue a military career.
Ask a resident living in Suffolk VA about private schools in Suffolk, and they’ll talk about Nansemond Suffolk Academy. Nansemond Suffolk Academy is a PreK-12 private school with a student-centered curriculum. Teachers strive to offer an individualized education that meets a student’s specific needs and gives them skills they can apply to their day-to-day lives.
Paul D Camp Community College has a campus in Suffolk. Paul D Camp Community College offers certificates and associate’s degrees in dozens of disciplines, including nursing, computer science, and administrative support. The Suffolk Public Library is the official public library in Suffolk, serving all residents living in Suffolk VA.
Suffolk Statistics and Information
- County: N/A
- Suffolk area: 428.91 square miles
- Suffolk zip code: 23432-23439
- Suffolk area code: 757 and 948
- Suffolk elevation: 39 feet
- Suffolk time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Suffolk: Norfolk International Airport (ORF), inside Suffolk VA
Suffolk Map
You can use this Suffolk map to find the best things to do, restaurants, and amenities in Suffolk VA!
Start Living in Suffolk VA Today
Living in Suffolk VA can be spectacular! You can enjoy some of the best outdoor destinations in Virginia like Bennett’s Creek Park and enjoy cultural heritage at house museums and railroad museums. You can also buy an affordable home for sale and get a high-paying job.
If you’re ready to start moving to Suffolk, you can call expert Suffolk movers today. Off Load Moving is the best Suffolk moving company, with 25 years of experience. Call (757) 749-7212 for a free estimate now.
