22 of the Best Neighborhoods in Hampton Roads

pretty boats on the water in Hampton roads

Table of Contents

So many factors come into play when talking about the best neighborhoods in Hampton Roads. Some of the top are community, schools, and most of all home value. That is why one of the best real estate agents in Hampton Roads on your side can help ease the struggle.

Living in Hampton Roads VA comes with perks that most of the nation does not have. In any area of Hampton Roads, you can be at one of the many beaches in less than an hour. You can also have a nightlife that ranges from amazing 5-star restaurants to local dive bars that serve the best food.

Take a look at all of these amazing neighborhoods and see what fits your needs. There are waterfrontont homes for sale, safe neighborhoods for first-time home buyers, and a few high-end luxury neighborhoods that are the best towns in Virginia to raise a family!

Some of the Best Neighborhoods in Hampton Roads to Live in

What Cities Makeup Hampton Roads? 

There are 7 cities in VA that makeup Hampton Roads. They are Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. All of these cities have special attributes that make them special. The biggest populations are in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. This is mostly because of the naval and air bases that are in the Hampton Roads area.

Best Places to Live Near Norfolk VA

Be sure to check out our more in-depth list of the best neighborhoods in Norfolk & of the current:

 

Downtown Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk is one of the top places to live in all of Virginia. There is everything you could ever want here. Waterfront restaurants and walkways down at Towne Point Park. A hip vibe down on the always-popular Granby Street. There is also a huge military presence because of the Naval Station Norfolk.

There is the Norfolk Tides AAA baseball team and the Norfolk Admirals Hockey team who both call Norfolk home. Norfolk is certainly one of the best places to live in Hampton Roads for young adults. Here you will find some of the very best condos for sale in Hampton Roads!

people enjoying beers at a brewery in hampton roads

East Beach

Up next is East Beach. This is one of the best places to live in Virginia near the beach. This up-and-coming neighborhood has a melting pot of all different types of housing. You can find lovely beachfront condos, small homes, and large, custom homes right on the Chesapeake Bay. This is also one of the safest places to live in Hampton Roads.

Throughout the neighborhood, there are super cool breweries like Bold Mariner or CoVa, so many local dining options that have been voted best of hampton roads, and laid-back community pop-ups. The beachfront here is still a local secret so get in before the rest of the area finds out about this beautiful neighborhood in Hampton Roads.

Be sure to check out all the current east beach condos for sale in Norfolk VA!

Historic Ghent is one of the Best Towns in Norfolk

The historic neighborhood of Ghent is another wonderful place to live in Norfolk. You can pick from houses with colonial-style exteriors or trendy apartments near the ODU campus. There are three smaller neighborhoods that make up Ghent. They are Ghent, West Ghent, and Ghent Square.

Some of the street roads date back to the early 1700s and still have cobblestoned streets. Ghent is a beautiful neighborhood in Norfolk and would be an amazing place to settle down and buy a house.

a Historic house in Ghent

Ocean View Norfolk

Another beachfront neighborhood to keep in mind is Ocean View. This has been one of the most popular neighborhoods in Hampton Roads since the early 1800s! It has the longest fishing pier on the east coast and a much quieter beach vibe than the VB oceanfront.

You can easily find one of the best homes for sale in Ocean View for a reasonable price, and start living your best salt life today!

Hampton VA Neighborhoods to Peep

Hampton VA is a popular city in Hampton Roads. Check out all the current homes for sale in Hampton VA.

Buckroe Beach

Buckroe Beach is not only one of the best neighborhoods in Hampton VA it is also one of the best places to live in Hampton Roads. This is a beautiful beachfront community on the Chesapeake Bay and it is basically only known to the locals. Plus, it is dog friendly and a great place for fishing.

There are family-style houses, small beach cottages, and plenty of land to purchase to build your perfect forever home. Buckroe is on the Northeastern side of Hampton and is a quiet and lovely place to live close to all the best places to go in Hampton Roads.

Sunset in virginia beach

Coliseum Central

Hampton is one of the top cities in Hampton Roads to live in. And the neighborhood of Coliseum Central is a great place to search for a home. Here you will be super close to the major highways making it a perfect place to settle no matter what city you work in.

In the Coliseum Central neighborhood, you will be living along the marshes, with inexpensive price tags. This area is a popular place for military families and is so close to the Hampton Coliseum that you could walk there to catch a show!

Is Hampton VA a Good Place to Live?

Yes! Hampton VA is a wonderful place to live. You are close to not only the Chesapeake Bay & James River, but it is also one of the most affordable cities in 757 to buy a home. Plus it’s home to the Langley Air Force Base, which always brings new families and interesting people to the area. Hampton will always be one of the best towns to live in VA!

Virginia Beach Neighborhoods 

Be sure to take a look at our more in-depth article about some of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach!

Thoroughgood is a Historic Neighborhood in Hampton Roads

Thoroughgood is one of the best areas to live in Virginia Beach for families with young children because they have an amazing public Elementary school. Houses here start in the mid to $300,000 range and most are recently updated!

There is an amazing historic home here known as The Adam Thoroughgood House. It is rumored to be one of the oldest homes in Virginia Beach. Living here in Thoroughgood gives you a mix of beach life and community.

You can ride your bike to Shore Drive for a dip in the bay, or check out one of the many local restaurants, wineries, or bars. People come from all over Hampton Roads to enjoy the Shore Drive nightlife!

Bay Colony  

Up next is Bay Colony, which is one of the best places to live in Hampton Roads for families. Here you will find big family-style houses that somehow still have a small-town charm. You can expect the lot sizes to be at least half an acre with plenty of privacy. Residents enjoy the local dining along with the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club for events year-round.

This is also an amazing neighborhood if you are looking for deep-water access in VB. Check out the most recent houses for sale in Bay Colony here, it is one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach.

Now that know a little bit more about the neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, take a look at all the homes for sale in Virginia Beach!

water access is a must when picking out the best neighborhoods in Hampton Roads

Chesopeian Colony

Chesopeian Colony is one of the best-kept secrets of Virginia Beach. Homes here are located on a quiet bank surrounded by the Lynnhaven River, serving as a great deep water access point to the Chesapeake Bay.

The Chesopeian Colony is one of the best beach towns in Virginia to live in if you are looking for a quiet place to raise a family or settle down roots.

pretty flowers at a big house for sale in norfolk

Cypress Point Golf Community

If you’re a golfer, Cypress Point is one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. This is so much more than your normal neighborhood, is it also one of the best public golf clubs in the area. Take your pick of condos, family houses, apartments, and ranch-style homes around the beautiful 3-mile loop.

This is the best area of Virginia Beach if you are looking for a quiet area away from the crowds, but still close enough to all the best attractions in VB. You will be a quick commute to Shore Drive, the oceanfront, downtown Norfolk, and even the Eastern Shore! You will love this area as it is one of the best suburbs of Norfolk VA.

Great Neck

The Great Neck area is one of the most convenient parts of Virginia Beach to live in, and there is so much to do you may never have to leave the area. There are plenty of shopping centers close by with restaurants, high-end grocery stores, hair salons, boutique shops, breweries, and so much more. Once you find yourself living in Great Neck there is such an active community that you will never want to leave.

Great Neck is a wonderful area to look for luxury real estate in Virginia Beach. Most of the houses here will start around $400,000 but if you look hard, or ask Niquo for help, you might find a nice fixer-upper for less. Tucked inside Great Neck are smaller neighborhoods that include favorites like Chelsea, Alanton, Broad Bay Point, and other highly sought-after VB communities.

Little Neck

Little Neck of course must be on any list of good Virginia Beach neighborhoods. This beautiful area is located on the shores of the Lynnhaven River leading out to the Lesner Bridge. Living in Little Neck is a bit like living on an island because there is only one road to take you in and out.

Little Neck is one of the best Virginia Beach suburbs for all types of budgets. You can find small ranches all the way to luxury estates. If you are coming in town and need a home near the air force base this would be one of the best Hampton Roads neighborhoods to consider.

Favorite Portsmouth Neighborhoods

Olde Towne

Olde Towne Portsmouth is so much more than just a neighborhood, it is a way of life. Not only is it historic for being home to the first military hospital and dry dock in America it has become a super hip neighborhood to live in. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Virginia if you like walking and biking around to your favorite coffee shops & cafes.

All the best attractions in Portsmouth are here in the Olde Towne Square and are easily walkable. No matter what time of the year it is you can always find some type of party or event going on as well. If you are into historic houses there is a large collection of colonial homes in Olde Towne. Some have been remolded to modern floor plans, but you can still find plenty of hidden gems that have the original bones.

girls hanging out in front of a brewery with beers

River Pointe – West Norfolk

River Pointe in Portsmouth was recently built and is on the shore of the beautiful Elizabeth River and is one of the best neighborhoods in Portsmouth VA. Throughout River Pointe, you will find all different types of homes that fit any and all needs. From big 6 bedroom estates to small one-bedroom condos, this neighborhood has it all.

Another great thing about this community is that all residents get access to the community pool during the summer months. Houses do not stay on the market long here so if you are thinking of making the move to River Pointe ask Niquo today what houses are available.

Neighborhoods of Suffolk VA

Downtown Suffolk

Downtown Suffolk is one of the best neighborhoods in Hampton Roads if you like the slower pace of life. But don’t let their small-town vibe fool you, there is still plenty going on here. On Main Street in Downtown Suffolk, you will find food, fun, and festivals.

You can get a lot of bang for your buck here when it comes to home value too. There are new neighborhoods popping up all the time in Suffolk, but historically downtown is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Suffolk.

a front door at a cute apartment complex is a great neighborhood in hampton roads

The Riverfront at Harbor View

The Riverfront is home to one of the best golf courses in Virginia, the Riverfront Golf Club. Members and residents can enjoy the 18-coarse, swimming pools, and a beautiful clubhouse. There are also plenty of walking trails and places for children to ride their bikes around the streets.

The Riverfront gets its name because it is on the shores of the beautiful Nansemond and James Rivers. Houses here range start from $400,000 and you’ll find some of the best luxury real estate for sale in Suffolk, VA.

a sunset in Virginia Beach

Hot Newport News Neighborhoods

Carriage Hill

Up first on the list of some of the best neighborhoods in Newport News VA is Carriage Hill. Here you will find a family-friendly neighborhood with mostly 3-4 bedroom homes with great prices when it comes to neighborhoods in Hampton Roads. You can also find a few condos with maintenance-free living.

If you are looking for the best places to live in Newport News va, near Ft. Eustis. Carriage hill is just a short 10-minute drive away. Carriage Hill has been recommended by passed and current military, as an amazing place to live. Lucas Creek is one of the hot spots for residents to relax in the sun or try their hand at fishing.

Hidenwood

Hiddenwood is one of the best neighborhoods in Hampton Roads for families, couples, and singles. There is a great mix between family-style homes and apartment complexes built back in the 1950s. Christopher Newport University is super close and has trendy clothing shops, fun food to try, and a lively vibe. Which also helps keep the area young.

Another great thing about living in Hidenwood is that it is just minutes from downtown and on the James River. Many of the beautiful properties are waterfront or within walking distance of the water. This is a wonderful neighborhood to live in if you are looking for waterfront property without the big price tag.

a peir at sunset

Hilton Village

Hilton Village has an amazing history behind the building of the neighborhood. A large number of houses were built by ship workers that moved to Newport News back in WWI. The neighborhood is built with a European vibe and has a market-village layout. You can walk along the main street and have everything right at your fingertips.

The public schools here are top notch and many ship working families move here to take advantage of the affordable housing. If you need a nice place to live in Newport News, the Historic Hilton Village is one of the best neighborhoods in Hampton Roads for military and ship workers.

Some of the Best Neighborhoods in Chesapeake VA 

Butts Station

Butts Station is one of the best neighborhoods in Chesapeake VA. Here you will find lovely homes that are very well-kept. Finding a nice spacious yard should not be a problem in Butts Station because most properties are at least half an acre. Many families move here to purchase their first home and end up staying until their kids are grown.

You can find all types of homes here from late pre-revolution builds to modern homes built in the last ten years. Another great reason for moving here is the elementary and middle schools of Butt Station are highly ranked among the schools in Virginia.

Hickory

If you need land for your horses, family, farm, or anything in between then Hickory is going to be one of the best neighborhoods in Hampton Roads for you. Here you will find big houses with even bigger property lines. You will find the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway here as well as a quick route to HWY 12 that takes you straight down to the popular OBX.

The public schools in Hickory rank high and are considered to be some of the best in all of Hampton Roads. For this reason, many young families are making their move to a slower pace and more family-focused way of life.

a horse property in hickory is a great neighborhood in hampton roads

Greenbrier

One of the most popular Chesapeake Virginia neighborhoods is Greenbrier. You can find any and everything you are looking for throughout the Greenbrier section of Hampton Roads. There are huge shopping centers, a very popular mall, and some of the best restaurants here to enjoy.

There are over 34,000 homes in this area making it one of the best neighborhoods in Hampton Roads for supply. You can find small condos, and two-bedroom homes, all the way to large estates. No matter what kind of home you need Greenbrier will have options you will love.

Great Bridge

Up next is the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake Virginia neighborhoods. Downtown Great Bridge is right on the intercoastal waterway, there is a great park and plenty of restaurants to check out. The homes and lifestyle here are a bit luxurious, but somehow the area still has a small-town vibe.

Nearly every year the Great Bridge High School football team competes at a state championship level. All of the public schools in the area score above average on the greater school scale. A local secret, Big Woody’s, the local’s favorite watering hole has food and drink specials every time the bridge opens, and their streamed shrimp are on point!

a sail boat in the water

What are the nice areas of Hampton VA?

There are plenty of nice area of Hampton.

Is Hampton Roads Virginia a Nice Place to Live?

Yes! Hampton Roads Virginia is a nice place to live! There are 7 cities that make up Hampton Roads, all with their own charm and regional specialties. You can go from the freshest seafood at the Oceanfront of Virginia Beach to the historic cities throughout Newport News. In Hampton Roads there is plenty of nightlife, dining options, outdoor activities, and plenty of clubs to join.

What is the Nicest Part of Virginia Beach?

The nicest part of Virginia Beach is anywhere on the water. As it namesake says, Virignia Beach is full of beaches and bayfront to explore. You can find some of the best neighborhoods in Hampton Roads in Virginia Beach, and if we had a pick a few of the nicest parts it would be the Oceanfront, LagoMar, Sandbridge, and Pungo!

Is Hampton VA a good area?

Yes Hampton VA is a good area. There are a few spots to avoid buying a home, but overall Hampton VA is a great area to live. The Hampton Coliseum, Power Pack Shopping Center, historic areas, breweries and so much more to keep you entertained. Plus it is less than an hour you can be at the sandy shore of Virginia Beach!

Conclusion

Hopefully, after looking through this list you found the perfect Hampton Roads neighborhood for you! Now all you need to do is give a buyers agent a call and let them find you the perfect house! There are new listings every day so please do not hesitate to reach out.

Take a look at our list of what services real estate agents provide. And if you have any questions from there, please let us know!

Join The Discussion

0 thoughts on “22 of the Best Neighborhoods in Hampton Roads”

  • How to Buy a House in Virginia: 10 Steps – Hawkins Group

    […] However, with the right real estate agent, you can make the process of buying a house in Virginia a breeze. Here is a 10-step comprehensive guide on the steps you need to take to buy a house in Virginia.  Take a look here for some information on finding the right neighborhood in Hampton Roads.  […]

    Reply
  • A Guide For a First time Home Buyer in Virginia – Hawkins Group

    […] there are a few special tips to keep in mind. One tip is to look for homes in up-and-coming neighborhoods. While you may be tempted to buy in a trendy, established neighborhood, homes in these areas can be […]

    Reply
  • New Listing Alert! 2534 Grandy Ave in Norfolk, Virginia – Hawkins Group

    […] area is full of life and is in one of the best neighborhoods in Norfolk. You and every home buyer out there has a dream of owning a home, and I’m hoping that this […]

    Reply
  • The Best Spring Events in Virginia You Don't Want to Miss! 2023 – Hawkins Group

    […] nature comes back to life. It is the perfect time to explore Virginia’s picturesque parks, charming towns, and unique attractions, all while enjoying some of the best events of the […]

    Reply
  • New Home for sale in Chesapeake, VA 728 Sail Fish Quay – Hawkins Group

    […] and more! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to live in one of the most desirable communities in Chesapeake. Schedule a showing today and see for yourself what makes this home so […]

    Reply
  • Virginia Beach Waterfront Real Estate: Enjoy the Salt Life with a View – Hawkins Group

    […] Virginia Beach waterfront real estate is always a good idea! Virginia Beach is one of the biggest cities in Hampton Roads and is a coastal gem that boasts a stunning array of waterfront […]

    Reply
  • Explore the Best Luxury Homes for Sale in Norfolk VA – Hawkins Group

    […] Norfolk is home to some of the best neighborhoods in Hampton Roads. […]

    Reply

Compare listings

Compare
Search
Price Range From To
Other Features