Main Content
Suffolk
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.
Featured Properties
Luxury homes for sale in Suffolk, VA
Average Home Prices
Average Home Price per Square Feet
Average Home Statistics in terms of:
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
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.