The quaint city of Chesapeake is a peaceful sanctuary near the Virginia coast and many residents find the comfortable pace and low-key atmosphere of this robust community to be right up their alley.

With close proximity to the coast, a bounty of surrounding scenic attractions, and all the amenities that support a high quality of life, this city of nearly 238,000 residents creates the ideal setting for settling down into a semi-custom home or other residence. Here is a quick look at six reasons you will love living in Chesapeake, VA:

1. Quality School District

Chesapeake is served by the Chesapeake Public Schools system, which offers education to more than 39,000 students at 45 schools—each with its own active Parent Teacher Association—and two education centers. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can receive a respectable education at the Chesapeake schools, which include Greenbrier Primary School, Greenbrier Middle School, Oscar Smith Middle School, and Oscar Smith High School. The district also supports its own radio station and TV station and has distinct education facilities, such as the Chesapeake Planetarium.

2. Natural Surroundings

Chesapeake is nestled in the heart of coastal Virginia along the Intracoastal Waterway. That means you have access to roughly 22 miles of fresh and salt waterways, including the Dismal Swamp Canal, Oak Grove Lake, Lake Drummond, and Elizabeth River. Fishing, kayaking, paddling, and canoeing are easy to partake in, thanks to Chesapeake’s plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. Additionally, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Northwest River Park and Campground are great spots for walking scenic trails and catching sightings of rare bird species. The city also maintains a number of parks, including the Chesapeake City Park, home of the well-known Fun Forest playground, as well as Deep Creek Park, Elizabeth River Park, and Western Branch Park.

Related: The Cost of Living in Virginia

3. Year-round Celebrations and Festivals

Living in Chesapeake VA is made all the richer by the city’s diverse offering of family-friendly events and festivals, which are held throughout the year. During the summer, residents can purchase fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables, herbs, plants, eggs, honey, and meats at the Chesapeake Farmers’ Market. Chesapeake also hosts and participates in several festivals, including the Chesapeake Wine Festival, Virginia Arts Festival, Chesapeake Jubilee, Dismal Swamp Stomp Running Festival, and Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Birding Festival.

4. A Vibrant Dining Scene

Every October, the city celebrates Chesapeake Restaurant Week, and that’s because there is something to celebrate. Chesapeake’s dining options include more than chain restaurants and fast food. When it comes to dining establishments, local favorites include Lockside, Ddeb’s A Taste of Home, Andiamo Pizza Napoletana, Daikichi Japanese Bistro, City Deli, Court House Café, The Cutting Edge Café, and Passion the Restaurant.

5. Attractions Galore

You don’t have to be an outdoor enthusiast or foodie to enjoy living in Chesapeake, VA. The city offers a number of other attractions, including two of the largest bowling alleys in the state, the Chilled Ponds Ice Sports Complex, the Chesapeake Arboretum, Cloud9 Trampoline Park, Greenbrier Family Skating Center, and the Ocean Breeze Waterpark. Known for its rich history, Chesapeake is also home to top-notch vintage stores, in addition to plenty of other retail establishments.

6. More Fun Is Not Far Away

While there are numerous enjoyable things to do in Chesapeake VA, the city is also part of the larger Hampton Roads metropolitan area that includes Suffolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, and Newport News. Traveling along major highways to neighboring cities to enjoy other events and attractions is easy for residents. Even if you want to get away for a long weekend, Washington, D.C., is only 200 miles away. There is never a dull moment with plenty to do in such close proximity.

A Life You’ll Love

No matter how you and your loved ones like to spend your spare time, you are sure to be satisfied in Chesapeake, VA. Once you move into your new home in this vibrant city, you will never be far from engaging social events, outdoor recreation, delicious dining, and natural wonders while also enjoying a strong sense of community and civic life.

To learn more about building and living in the Fieldstone development in Chesapeake, VA take a look at our free 25 page guide:

 

 

“Chesapeake.” Web page on the OFFICIAL TOURISM WEBSITE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA. Accessed online at https://www.virginia.org/cities/Chesapeake/

Directory of All Schools & Centers.” Chesapeake Public Schools website. Accessed online at https://cpschools.com/schools-centers/

City of Chesapeake Virginia official website. Accessed online at http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/Home.html

Chesapeake Convention & Visitors Bureau official website. Accessed online at https://www.visitchesapeake.com/things-to-do/