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About Suffolk

The vibrant independent city of Suffolk is located in the southeastern part of Virginia. Founded in 1742, this historic city boasts a unique blend of urban and rural elements, offering residents and visitors an array of experiences. The city's picturesque waterways, lush parks, and charming downtown area provide an amazing way of life that seamlessly blends natural beauty, a rich culture, and convenient amenities.

Luxury homes for sale in Suffolk, VA

Suffolk

Average Home Prices

$144,750Lowest
$398,900Median
$1,142,519Highest

Average Home Price per Square Feet

$140.91Lowest
$199Median
$282.09Highest

Average Home Statistics in terms of:

3.6No. of Beds
2.5No. of Baths
2,004.52Square Feet

A Closer Look at Suffolk

Suffolk, VA is located along the beautiful and historic Nansemond River and is part of the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, which also includes Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the Newport News Metropolitan Statistical area.


Covering an area of approximately 430 square miles, it is the second largest city in Virginia (the first largest by land area) and is bordered by Chesapeake and Portsmouth to the northeast and the Isle of Wight County and Southampton County to the west. The city is approximately 20 miles from Norfolk and 90 miles from Richmond. Part of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife lies within Suffolk and the refuge makes up the city's southeast boundary.


As of 2022, Suffolk has a population of roughly 95,000 residents. The city sees a steady population growth each year, attracting new residents, investors, and businesses to the area. Suffolk is known for being a diverse and inclusive community, a melting pot of cultures and traditions reflected in its food, culture, and annual events.


The city is also known for its peanut production, thanks to the establishment of the Planters Peanuts mass processing plant by Amedeo Obici in 1916. Aside from this, the largest industries in the area today include education, health care, professional and scientific services, and manufacturing. Most residents are employed in private businesses and local and federal government.

A brief history

Before the arrival of European settlers, the area around the rich Nansemond River was home to Native Americans, specifically the Nansemond People. The river offered rich resources and sustained the populations around it.


In 1742, the town of Suffolk was founded and named after the hometown of Governor William Gooch. The town was burned by the British in 1779 but was later rebuilt. The town also played a pivotal role in the Civil War, having been occupied by Confederate and Union forces.


Many historic buildings and architecture related to the Great Dismal Swamp still stand in Suffolk. These sites are significant not only for their historical value but also for their role in the Underground Railroad and the movement of enslaved people seeking freedom. Studies on the Great Dismal Swamp highlight its importance as a refuge for runaway slaves and its enduring legacy in the region


Suffolk officially became a city in 1910. In 1974, it became the City of Suffolk, incorporating Holland, Whaleyville, and Nansemond County.

Real Estate

The real estate market in Suffolk, VA is competitive, with average home values in the last five years rising by around 54%. Average home values are approximately the same as the national average. Meanwhile, luxury properties, including sprawling estates and land can command prices of up to $2 million or more.


Real estate investments in Suffolk, VA can yield good returns in the long run, given the steady appreciation of property prices. Rental properties also have good profit potential as around 25-30% of residents rent their homes. Average rent prices are also similar to the rest of Virginia and generally lower than the national average.


The housing stock in Suffolk, VA mostly consists of homes built within the last 30 years. In fact, around half of the homes in the city were built between 2000 and 2013, while 15% were built in the 1990s. There are a lot of new developments in the area, making new construction homes more available to the general market. New-construction homes are great for homeowners looking for more energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and customizable options compared to already-built homes.

What to expect

There is a wide range of property types in Suffolk, including single-family homes, sprawling estates, townhomes, condos, multi-family properties, and land. It’s not uncommon to see homes with more than 3 bedrooms. In fact, more than 35% of homes for sale in Suffolk have four or more bedrooms.


Average single-family homes for sale in the area typically have updated kitchens, plenty of storage spaces, open porches, and yards. Some homes may even have sunrooms, walk-in pantries, utility rooms, and similar amenities. Homes come in a variety of architectural styles that complement the seasons in the area, including ranch, cottage, bungalow, Cape Cod, American Colonial, and contemporary.


Luxury homes often come as mini-estates or estates with landscaped grounds, outbuildings, guest residences, and pools, as well as unique features such as private ponds,and even shooting ranges. Given Suffolk’s proximity to the Nansemond River and other local lakes, waterfront and water-view properties are widely available and often come at a premium. You will also find gated and exclusive communities with top notch amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, clubhouses, swimming pools, exercise facilities, and private parks.

Notable neighborhoods in Suffolk, VA

Neighborhoods

Suffolk is a rare gem of a community, blending the conveniences of urban living with the tranquility of rural life. It is widely regarded as a great place to raise their family or to retire, thanks in part to the continuous development of the area. There are also quite a few exclusive communities and neighborhoods in Suffolk, each with its own unique perks. Here are five of the best neighborhoods in Suffolk, VA to shop for real estate.

Harbor View

Harbor View is a riverfront and golf course community in Northern Suffolk within close proximity of the Nansemond and James Rivers. The neighborhood features condominiums and single-family homes in different styles with golf course access, as well as waterfront, and wooded area views. It’s a quiet community with plenty of opportunities for recreation, including golf, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and canoeing. The community also features paths for walking, jogging, and biking.


Some of the communities in Harbor View include the Club Villas, The Gables, Golf Villages, Linkside Cove, and Madison Place, among others.

Neighborhoods

Suffolk is a rare gem of a community, blending the conveniences of urban living with the tranquility of rural life. It is widely regarded as a great place to raise their family or to retire, thanks in part to the continuous development of the area. There are also quite a few exclusive communities and neighborhoods in Suffolk, each with its own unique perks. Here are five of the best neighborhoods in Suffolk, VA to shop for real estate.

The Riverfront

The Riverfront is one of the communities in Harbor View. It’s a master-planned resort-style luxury community in Northern Suffolk along the Nansemond and Names Rivers. The Riverfront offers custom homes and condominiums, and provides exclusive perks for residents, including an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Doak, a 43-acre lake with jogging and walking paths, volleyball and tennis courts, swimming pools, and a clubhouse. There are also a couple of waterfront parks and playgrounds for children.


The Riverfront offers easy access to the I-664 and is minutes from Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, and Norfolk.

Neighborhoods

Suffolk is a rare gem of a community, blending the conveniences of urban living with the tranquility of rural life. It is widely regarded as a great place to raise their family or to retire, thanks in part to the continuous development of the area. There are also quite a few exclusive communities and neighborhoods in Suffolk, each with its own unique perks. Here are five of the best neighborhoods in Suffolk, VA to shop for real estate.

Bennett’s Creek

Bennett’s Creek is named after a tributary of the Nansemond River, along which the community was developed. Considered one of the best places to raise a family in the area, the neighborhood is located close to highly rated schools and boasts a palpable sense of community among residents. Bennett’s Creek Park serves as the community hub, featuring two free boat ramps from where residents access the Nansemond River. The Park also includes a playground, tennis courts, a nature trail, and fishing and crabbing piers. There’s also a 2.6-mile-long canoe trail that passes through a salt marsh.


A notable community along Bennett’s Creek is The Landings, a premier age-restricted waterfront community for adults 55 and up. The community features resort-style living, water views, and access to the river. There are also plenty of shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities nearby, close to the I-64.

Neighborhoods

Suffolk is a rare gem of a community, blending the conveniences of urban living with the tranquility of rural life. It is widely regarded as a great place to raise their family or to retire, thanks in part to the continuous development of the area. There are also quite a few exclusive communities and neighborhoods in Suffolk, each with its own unique perks. Here are five of the best neighborhoods in Suffolk, VA to shop for real estate.

Driver

Driver is another great neighborhood in Suffolk located at the junction of State Routes 337, 125, and 627. Driver was originally called Persimmon Tree Orchard but was later renamed to Driver after a local merchant, E.J. Driver. The neighborhood has a small-town feel compared to communities in the vicinity.


The community boasts a peaceful charm, natural surroundings, and family-friendly atmosphere. Driver is known for the Driver Days Festival, a weekend of live music, chili cook-offs, fun runs, and other family-friendly activities. It’s also known for its iconic old-time general store, the Driver Variety Store.

Neighborhoods

Suffolk is a rare gem of a community, blending the conveniences of urban living with the tranquility of rural life. It is widely regarded as a great place to raise their family or to retire, thanks in part to the continuous development of the area. There are also quite a few exclusive communities and neighborhoods in Suffolk, each with its own unique perks. Here are five of the best neighborhoods in Suffolk, VA to shop for real estate.

Whaleyville

Whaleyville was once an incorporated town in southern Nansemond County. It’s located halfway between downtown Suffolk and the North Carolina border, along US Route 13. A few miles east of Whaleyville lies The Great Dismal Swamp, a National Wildlife Refuge with historic significance, serving as a safe haven for Native Americans and enslaved people looking to escape the Southern states around the Civil War. The area is named after Seth M. Whaley, a lumber mill businessman from Maryland.


Whaleyville's tranquil atmosphere and proximity to nature make it a highly desirable area to live. Popular local pastimes include taking walks, fishing, camping, and grilling.

Living in Suffolk, VA

Suffolk is known for its spacious suburban feel and small-town charm, blended in with all the conveniences of city living. There are plenty of parks, trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area, as well as a diverse cultural scene.


Here are some of the most important things to know about living in Suffolk.

Accessibility

Suffolk, VA is highly accessible, thanks to its location in the Hampton Roads and the mid-Atlantic area. The city is highly walkable, with several walking, jogging, and cycling paths winding through the community.


Suffolk is also connected to major highways and thoroughfares, including Interstate 64. Routes 58 and 460 connect Suffolk to the I-85 and I-95, while Routes 460 and I-64 connect to Richmond. Routes 13, 17, and 95 link Suffolk to major cities in the north (e.g. Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York), while the I-85 and I-95 lead to southern points such as Raleigh and Atlanta.


The average commute time in Suffolk is around 30 minutes, according to the United States Census Bureau. The main mode of transportation for workers aged 16 years and up is by personal vehicle. Other means of transportation to work in the area include carpool, walking, motorcycle, and bicycle.


The city has several airports nearby, including the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport, Norfolk International, and the Suffolk Executive Airport. Amtrak is the only available passenger rail. The Port of Virginia is also less than 40 minutes from Downtown Suffolk, with facilities that include 6 terminals, a 50-foot harbor, and direct service to and from Virginia.

Climate

Suffolk, VA has a comfort index of 7.4 out of 10, making it more comfortable than most other places in Virginia. The city's subtropical climate is characterized by humid summers and mild to cool winters. That said, the most comfortable and pleasant months of the year include May, September, and October. Meanwhile, Jully is the hottest and one of the most humid months, followed by August and June.


In the summer, temperatures can reach the mid-to upper-80s, while temperatures range from 40s to 60s in the winter. Suffolk experiences around 116 days of precipitation (including rain, snow, sleet, and hail) and 210 sunny days on average.

Schools

The local public school system is highly rated in the area. The city is served by Suffolk Public Schools, which includes over 20 schools offering preschool to high school education. Athletic programs and classroom technologies give students a meaningful learning experience. Some of the top-rated schools in Suffolk include the Florence Bowser Elementary School, John Yeates Middle School, and the Nansemond River High School.


There are several private schools in the Suffolk area as well, including the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and the Suffolk Christian Academy. Those who wish to pursue higher learning will find opportunities in nearby institutions such as The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, Christopher Newport University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, and Virginia Wesleyan College.


Shopping and dining

Suffolk has a vibrant shopping and dining scene. Downtown Suffolk is home to numerous shops housed in charming brick buildings, selling everything from clothing and home decor to gifts and antiques. Some of the finest restaurants in the city as well as convenient services are also found here. In addition, Downtown hosts many of the city's community events, including Suffolk Farmers' Market, which runs every Saturday from May through November.


Shopping malls like Bennetts Creek Crossing, Harbour View East, and Suffolk Shopping Center provide trendy and varied options, while big box retailers and grocery stores provide convenience.


Suffolk's restaurant scene bursts with all varieties of flavors, from American favorites to a wide array of international cuisines. If you’re looking for a cozy pizza and pasta place, Amedeo’s Ristorante and Amici’s at Village Market are great options. Craving Asian cuisine? Pho 79, Koi Sushi, and Happy Garden can be your next favorite spot. You can explore more restaurant and shopping options on the Official Suffolk Tourism website.


Outdoor recreation

Surrounded by rich nature, Suffolk locals and visitors have plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, camping, swimming, and so much more.


These are the top outdoor destinations in the area:


  • Lone Star Lakes Parks The Lone Star Lakes Parks covers more than 1,000 acres of land with 11 lakes open for freshwater fishing. The park also features several facilities, such as nature trails, picnic areas, a playground, and a horse trail. Visitors and residents can enjoy archery, crabbing, disc golf, and model airplane flying on the park’s open field.

  • Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge The Great Dismal Swamp is one of the last remaining wildernesses in the country. At one point in its history, the swamp covered more than a million acres along southeastern Virginia and into northeastern North California. Today, the Great Dismal swamp covers over 111,000 acres and is home to various species including Black Bears, Bobcats, Killifish, and River Otters. Fishing and boating are allowed near Lake Drummond all year round. Visitors can enjoy hiking on trails, biking, kayaking, hiking, and nature photography in the area.

History, arts, and culture

Another thing that’s great about Suffolk is its rich history and art scene. Here are some of our must-see places when you visit Suffolk:


  • Suffolk Visitor Center (Nansemond County Courthouse)
    A great starting point to exploring Suffolk is the Visitor Center, which formerly served as the Nansemond County Courthouse. The first floor of the building features a gift shop and an exhibit gallery displaying important moments in the city’s history. The second floor serves as the modern-day municipal office of the Department of Economic Development and the Division of Tourism.

  • The Obici House The Obici House is the former home of the founder of Planters Peanuts, Amedeo Obici, and his wife Louise. The mansion is built in the Art Noveau style along the Nansemond River. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now serves as a special events venue and restaurant.

  • Planters Peanut Center The Planters Peanut Center is a facility that features historic equipment used to make the world-famous Planters Peanuts. It also houses a gift shop and retail store that offers various Planters products, including candies, snacks, and gift packs.

  • Suffolk Art Gallery and Suffolk Art League The Suffolk Art Gallery features various exhibits and collections crafted by local artists. In partnership with the Suffolk Art League and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Gallery hosts programs and events all year round. These include painting, pastel drawing, weaving, and quilting classes. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

  • Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts was originally the Suffolk High School but was restored and made into the premier visual and performing arts venue in the area. The building features a Greek Revival style with a 500-seat theater. The 78,000-square-foot facility includes a dance studio, as well as various studios for painting, sculpting, weaving, and art classes. It also houses a ballroom, banquet hall, a classroom museum, and an on-site restaurant called the Plaid Turnip.

Local events

The official Suffolk, VA Travel and Tourism website has a full calendar of events for the entire year. Two major festivals and events held each year are the Suffolk Peanut Festival and the Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival. The Suffolk Peanut Festival celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage, thanks to the Planters processing plant in the City. The celebration is held every fall and features peanut-themed treats, entertainment, carnival rides, educational exhibits, parades, cooking contests, and a fireworks show.


The Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival is an annual literary event in Spring that celebrates the mystery genre. It brings together mystery authors, readers, and aspiring authors from across the country and abroad for a weekend of author panels, book signings, workshops, and discussions about mystery literature.


There are also a wide variety of events each season. In spring, there’s the Kick-off to the Suffolk Farmers’ Market Season and Eggstravaganza, or the yearly Easter celebrations. In summer, there are converts, air festivals, and food festivals. During the fall, there’s Driver Days Fall Festival and the Friday Night Fright Film Series.


Explore Suffolk, VA Real Estate With the Area’s Top Real Estate Agent

Navigating the real estate market in Suffolk, VA can be daunting without the help of experienced, local real estate professionals. Fortunately, our team at The Agency Coastal is here to provide you with the top tier service you deserve as you explore the many luxury, golf, waterfront, and other real estate in Suffolk, VA.


We are a boutique real estate brokerage that specializes in local knowledge and market information. We pair our expertise with technology to provide our clients with the best real estate service, whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Suffolk, VA and the surrounding areas


Let us help you and your family find a great place in our community. Call us at 757.434.4171 or send a message here to begin your homebuying journey in Suffolk, VA.

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