Chesapeake, Virginia, is the third biggest city in the state and is considered a part of the larger Hampton Roads metro area. Chesapeake is known as being a very diverse city with a laid-back, coastal vibe, friendly people, and beautiful scenery. If you’re interested in making the move to the Chesapeake area, you’ll find that there’s a lot here to love!
A Look at Chesapeake’s History
While the history of the state of Virginia itself is a long one, the history of the city of Chesapeake itself is significantly more recent. Norfolk County itself was formed in 1691 as part of the Virginia colony, and eventually, the incorporated town of South Norfolk was founded within Norfolk County in 1919. Chesapeake itself, however, was not created until 1963, when the formerly independent city of South Norfolk consolidated with Norfolk County. While Chesapeake was officially incorporated only recently, it has a long and significant military history. During the Revolutionary War, its canals we used by the American troops to drive out the British, and its canals have been in use in one way or another since that time, for more than 200 years now. As Chesapeake has continued to grow, it has attracted many industries and businesses of its own in addition to developing a thriving arts and culture scene, and a thriving and growing LGBTQ community.
A Few Fun Facts About Chesapeake
Read more fun facts about Chesapeake here.
Chesapeake’s LGBTQ Community
Chesapeake is a city with a diverse and growing LGBTQ community – one that is fortunately supported by a number of community resources and support networks, including:
The LGBTQ Life Center has been working to support, advance, and celebrate the LGBTQ community in the Chesapeake area for over 30 years. The Center offers a variety of services including support groups, events, health resources, education and training programs, network opportunities, and more.
PFLAG Hampton Roads is a local chapter of the national PFLAG organization which serves the Chesapeake area. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the United States, and has for many years, played an essential role in providing support, education, advocacy, and resources to LGBTQ communities across the country. It also offers regular networking and support meetings and events for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What’s the Weather Like in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake is a city that offers residents the experience of four distinct seasons. Summers can be warm and rather humid, with highs averaging around 89° in July, while winters can be somewhat cold but not unbearably so, with lows in January averaging around 31°. Chesapeake receives more than the national average of rainfall per year, but significantly less than the national average for snow. May, October, and September are generally the most pleasant months in Chesapeake, although fall and spring generally are quite nice, regardless of the month.
The Best Events in Chesapeake
Hampton Roads Pridefest is the Chesapeake area’s annual pride celebration. Held in Norfolk’s Town Point Park ever June since 2011, the festival includes parades, parties, networking opportunities, and more. Hampton Roads Pride also has the only PrideFest Boat Parade in the United States, honoring the Chesapeake area’s strong maritime heritage.
The annual Chesapeake Jubilee is a family-friendly festival held each year in Chesapeake in the summer, and it is one event you won’t want to miss. From the music to the vendors, to the games, rides, and fun, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Where to Live in Chesapeake
Unlike some larger cities in the United States, Chesapeake doesn’t have one particular “gayborhood”. This is not to say that there aren’t many wonderful neighborhoods to choose from in Chesapeake, though. The Hampton Roads area generally, is known for being very LGBTQ friendly, and that includes Chesapeake, and there really aren’t any specific neighborhoods or cities in the area that are more welcoming than others. Some people feel that Ghent is the best part of the Hampton Roads area because it is very walkable and full of plenty to see and do, but others prefer Chesapeake for its diversity and central location. The median home value in Ghent is approximately $338,000, and in Chesapeake, it is around $283,500, and there are a variety of housing options and styles to fit all budgets and interests.
Arts and Entertainment
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, located in nearby Virginia Beach, features a wide variety of art for visitors to enjoy, ranging from paintings to video installations and other visual media. The collection features work from local artists as well as artists from around the world. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers studio art classes, and there are a variety of classes to choose from, from ceramics to painting to photography.
Since the time that it opened in 1972, Chrysler Hall has served as the premier performing arts center of the Hampton Roads area. There are many performing arts groups who call Chrysler Hall their home, including Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Norfolk Forum, the Virginia Arts Festival, Broadway in Norfolk, and Generic Theater, among others. There is truly a show to suit everyone’s tastes, and you won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy one (or several!) yourself.
Parks and Recreation
This 90 acres of park space in the city is one of Chesapeake’s premier entertainment areas. Chesapeake City Park is the location of the annual Chesapeake Jubilee, Symphony Under the Stars, and many other events throughout the year, in addition to simply being a wonderful place to enjoy a beautiful sunny afternoon.
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a natural sanctuary and preserve initially created in the 1970s. It is the largest intact remnant of a marshy, woodland habitat that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, and it is a beautiful place to enjoy and soak in the unique beauty that is characteristic of the Chesapeake area.
Chesapeake Nightlife
The Rainbow Cactus Company is a gay nightclub featuring DJs & dancing, as well as drag shows, male dancers, karaoke, pool & live bands. It’s a very popular spot and one that you won’t want to miss during a night out in Boise.
MJ Tavern is a down-to-earth gay bar with a covered patio offering draft beers, comfort food & karaoke. It’s a great spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy the evening with friends.
Contact a Chesapeake Realtor Today
If Chesapeake seems like it would be a great city to call home, there’s no day like today to get started with your search. The best first step is always to find a realtor who knows and loves the city and can help you find a home and a neighborhood that are a great fit for your needs. If you’re ready to do just that, contact a Chesapeake gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
