Chesapeake, Virginia, is a gem of a city nestled in the heart of Hampton Roads. Known for its lush natural beauty, strong sense of community, and convenient location, Chesapeake offers an exceptional quality of life for individuals, families, and professionals alike. If you’re considering a move, here are some of the city’s highlights and reasons why Chesapeake might just be the perfect place to call home.
One of Chesapeake’s biggest draws is its natural beauty. The city is home to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling area of wetlands, forests, and diverse wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, bird watching, fishing, and kayaking in this serene environment. Chesapeake also boasts an abundance of parks and green spaces, with over 70 parks scattered throughout the city, including Oak Grove Lake Park and Northwest River Park. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to have an outdoor adventure, Chesapeake has it all.
While Chesapeake isn’t directly on the coast, it is only a short drive away from some of the best beaches in Virginia. Residents can easily access Virginia Beach for a day of sun, surf, and sand or enjoy the scenic beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. The city itself is crisscrossed with rivers, lakes, and canals, which means boating, fishing, and other water activities are always close at hand. The Elizabeth River and the Intracoastal Waterway provide ample opportunities for water-based recreation.
Chesapeake is an attractive destination for families and professionals due to its affordable housing market. The city offers a variety of housing options, from single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods to modern townhouses and apartments. Greenbrier and Western Branch are popular neighborhoods with great amenities, while areas like Great Bridge and Hickory offer a quieter, more rural feel. Chesapeake is also known for its safe communities and low crime rates, making it an ideal place to raise a family or enjoy a peaceful lifestyle.
For families with children, Chesapeake’s public school system is among the best in the region. Chesapeake Public Schools is highly regarded for its academic programs, extracurricular activities, and dedicated staff. Schools like Grassfield High School, Great Bridge Middle School, and Hickory High School consistently rank highly for academic achievement. Additionally, Chesapeake offers access to private schools and specialized education programs, ensuring that children have plenty of educational opportunities.
Chesapeake is strategically located within the Hampton Roads region, making it a prime spot for job seekers. The city is home to a diverse economy, with industries ranging from healthcare to logistics. Major employers in the area include Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, Dollar Tree (which has its headquarters in Chesapeake), and QVC. In addition to local opportunities, the city’s proximity to Norfolk Naval Base and the Port of Virginia provides ample career prospects for those in the military or maritime industries. Chesapeake's job market is steadily growing, making it a great place to find employment.
One of the top advantages of living in Chesapeake is its central location. The city is part of the larger Hampton Roads metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth. This makes Chesapeake an ideal home base for commuters who want to enjoy the benefits of a quieter, suburban lifestyle while still being close to major cities. With Interstate 64 and Interstate 464 running through the city, getting around the region is a breeze. Plus, Chesapeake is just a short drive from Norfolk International Airport, offering easy access to national and international travel.
Chesapeake is a rapidly growing city, and with that growth comes economic opportunity. The Greenbrier area is a bustling commercial hub, offering a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. From Chesapeake Square Mall to Greenbrier Mall, you’ll find plenty of retail options. Additionally, the city is known for its support of small businesses and entrepreneurship, with local markets, boutique stores, and restaurants flourishing across the area. Chesapeake also has a strong agricultural community, which means fresh, locally-grown produce is readily available through farmers’ markets.
Chesapeake is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere. The city offers a wide variety of activities for children and families, including numerous parks, sports leagues, and community events. Chesapeake Arboretum provides a peaceful space for families to enjoy nature, while Fun Forest is a popular playground with attractions for children of all ages. Chesapeake’s libraries, recreation centers, and museums also provide ample educational and fun opportunities for families to engage with the local community.
Though Chesapeake is known for its natural beauty, it also has a vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from local history to seasonal traditions. The Chesapeake Jubilee, an annual celebration of the city’s heritage, offers carnival rides, live music, and fireworks, drawing visitors from all over Hampton Roads. The Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon and Battlefield Park events celebrate Chesapeake’s unique location and history, making the city feel both connected to its past and forward-looking in its growth.
Chesapeake’s history is rich and deeply tied to the nation’s early history. Sites like Chesapeake’s Battlefield Park, where the Battle of Great Bridge took place during the American Revolution, allow residents to connect with the past. Historical homes, museums, and landmarks are dotted throughout the city, providing educational experiences and a sense of connection to America’s colonial roots.
Chesapeake, Virginia, offers various resources and support systems for the LGBTQ+ community, ranging from advocacy organizations to social and healthcare services. While Chesapeake itself is a quieter, more suburban area, its proximity to larger cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach ensures access to a wide array of LGBTQ+ resources within the broader Hampton Roads region. Here are some key LGBTQ+ resources available in and around Chesapeake:
Although based in nearby Norfolk, the LGBTQ Life Center serves all of Hampton Roads, including Chesapeake. It provides comprehensive support services for LGBTQ+ individuals, including:
Support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals, including youth, trans individuals, seniors, and more.
Mental health counseling and peer support.
HIV testing and prevention services.
Community events and outreach efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Website: https://www.lgbtlifecenter.org
Equality Virginia is a statewide advocacy organization that champions LGBTQ+ rights across Virginia, including Chesapeake. They focus on:
Advocacy for LGBTQ+ legal rights and non-discrimination protections.
Educational resources and training to foster inclusivity.
Community events, including virtual events and the annual Commonwealth Dinner, which brings together LGBTQ+ advocates and allies across the state.
Website: https://www.equalityvirginia.org
TAP VA is dedicated to supporting transgender and gender non-conforming individuals across Virginia, including in Chesapeake. They offer:
Emergency housing and shelter assistance for trans individuals.
Support with legal name and gender marker changes.
Advocacy for transgender rights and awareness-raising initiatives.
Website: https://www.tapvirginia.org
PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is a national organization with local chapters. PFLAG Chesapeake provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, offering:
Support groups for parents, families, and allies of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Educational resources to help families understand and support their LGBTQ+ loved ones.
Advocacy efforts aimed at promoting acceptance and equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Website: https://pflag.org/chapter/pflag-chesapeake
Several healthcare providers in the Hampton Roads area, including Chesapeake, offer LGBTQ+-inclusive services, ensuring that individuals have access to respectful and affirming care. Two options include:
LGBT Life Center Health Clinic (Norfolk) – Offers HIV/STI testing, gender-affirming care, and mental health services.
Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) – Known for providing specialized care for the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender healthcare and hormone therapy.
Given the strong military presence in Hampton Roads, LGBTQ+ individuals in the military or veterans can access support through:
Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) – Provides legal support, advocacy, and resources for LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families.
Naval Station Norfolk LGBTQ+ Support Groups – Available for LGBTQ+ military personnel and families stationed in the area.
Website: https://modernmilitary.org
While Chesapeake itself is more suburban, LGBTQ+ residents can easily access the vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife and social scene in nearby cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Popular venues include:
MJ's Tavern (Norfolk) – A welcoming LGBTQ+ bar offering karaoke, trivia nights, and community events.
The Wave (Norfolk) – A popular nightclub known for its LGBTQ+ friendly environment, hosting drag shows, dance nights, and themed parties.
Chesapeake and the surrounding Hampton Roads area host various events that celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and promote inclusion:
Hampton Roads Pride – This annual festival in Norfolk includes a PrideFest, boat parade, and community activities to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and raise awareness for LGBTQ+ issues.
Website: https://hamptonroadspride.org
While Chesapeake itself offers a quieter lifestyle, LGBTQ+ residents have access to numerous resources and community support both locally and through nearby cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach. From advocacy and legal assistance to healthcare and social activities, LGBTQ+ individuals in Chesapeake can find inclusive and affirming spaces to thrive.
Chesapeake, Virginia, offers the best of both worlds: a quiet, family-friendly environment with plenty of modern amenities and easy access to urban conveniences. Whether you’re drawn by the affordable housing market, top-rated schools, or abundant natural beauty, Chesapeake provides an exceptional quality of life. Its blend of history, culture, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity makes Chesapeake a perfect choice for anyone looking to plant roots in a thriving and welcoming community.
