Virginia Beach and Norfolk are major cities in one of Virginia’s most beautiful and bountiful regions. Rich in history, natural beauty, and culture, the Hampton Roads region, as it’s often called, is a prime destination for tourists, transplants, and retirees – especially military retirees.
One thing to know if you are thinking of retiring in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area: The region goes by several different names. You might hear the area called Hampton Roads, Coastal Virginia, or Tidewater. The Census Bureau officially calls the region “Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC.”
Then there are two distinct subregions to Hampton Roads. South Hampton Roads, or the Southside, comprises the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. The Peninsula is mainly composed of the cities of Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg.
We’ll discuss those regions and cities more below as we consider the pros and cons of retiring in the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Hampton Roads area.
Retiring in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is often ranked as one of the best places to retire. It’s affordable and has a low crime rate, as well as numerous quality health-care facilities.
But Virginia Beach’s main selling point for retirees is that it’s the perfect medley of city, suburb, and country. You’ll enjoy miles of free beach access from the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as scenic nature trails and a national wildlife refuge.
As for where to live, you can settle down near the quiet northern beaches, along the tourist-friendly Oceanfront, or in the bustling Town Center, which boasts luxury condos and apartments along with shopping and restaurants. You’ll also find a growing number of Virginia Beach retirement communities, including many close to the ocean or bay.
Virginia Beach provides plenty of entertainment options as well. Besides the beaches, you and your visitors can enjoy festivals, the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, and numerous golf courses. If you want to spend your retirement fishing and sailing, you’ll be in luck in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads as well. Take your pick of rivers, the bay, and the ocean for canoeing, kayaking, and sportfishing.
Weatherwise, Virginia Beach and the rest of Hampton Roads experience four distinct seasons, though generally without extremes. The region might see one or two measurable snowfalls each year. Hurricanes occasionally threaten, but they generally don’t cause significant damage except for street flooding and some toppled trees.
Retiring in Norfolk and South Hampton Roads
Norfolk is the hub of Hampton Roads with the largest downtown area and compact, walkable neighborhoods. The city is known for graceful waterfront communities along the Elizabeth and Lafayette rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. No matter your choice among Norfolk retirement communities, you’ll be close to water.
For retirees who might want to drive less, Norfolk’s light rail, The Tide, connects downtown with Eastern Virginia Medical School and Ghent, a historic and bohemian neighborhood of sidewalk cafes and trendy shops.
Norfolk also is the cultural center of Hampton Roads and the preferred spot for those who enjoy a metropolitan environment. Art institutions in Norfolk include the Chrysler Museum of Art, Chrysler Hall (which hosts the Virginia Symphony and touring Broadway shows), and the Virginia Opera. Gardeners will love the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Most significantly, Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval complex in the world. Not surprisingly then, Norfolk and the rest of Hampton Roads are home to a lot of military retirees – more than 50,000, in fact, from all branches of the military. If you served in the armed forces, you’ll be more than welcome here.
Other cities you might consider for retirement in South Hampton Roads are Chesapeake, which is largely suburban; Suffolk, which is more rural; and Portsmouth, which has a historic Olde Towne and is home to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
Retiring in Williamsburg and on the Virginia Peninsula
Like Virginia Beach, Williamsburg has been ranked one of America’s best retirement destinations. More than 20 percent of the city’s population is over age 50, and retirement communities in Williamsburg and nearby cities are abundant.
Williamsburg is the heart of the Historic Triangle, an area rich in history and culture. You’ll be able to entertain visitors at Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield, or Historic Jamestowne. If you’re not into history, of course, there’s always the Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park nearby.
Adjacent to Williamsburg’s historic area is the College of William and Mary, the second-oldest college in the country. The college is another draw for retirees, particularly alumni, and it sponsors the Christopher Wren Association for lifelong learning.
The Virginia Peninsula has its own military institutions, with a joint Army and Air Force base. Of interest to military retirees will be the Hampton VA Medical Center. Besides Hampton, with its charming waterfront downtown, the other major Peninsula city is Newport News, home of Christopher Newport University and its impressive Ferguson Center for the Arts.
Cons of Retiring in Hampton Roads
Unfortunately, the positives of Hampton Roads come with caveats. The biggest issue, as any seaside resident knows, is the threat of flooding and rising sea levels. While living on the water is lovely most of the time, when there’s a storm or especially high tide, you’ll feel it. Homes and streets can experience flooding.
Another downside of life in Hampton Roads can be sprawl. The region’s 1.7 million people are spread out over 16 cities and counties. The drive from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to Colonial Williamsburg is 60 miles and requires crossing the notoriously backed-up Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. So, do your research and pick a neighborhood with the amenities you’ll want nearby.
Fortunately, you’ll have a variety of choices in Hampton Roads, whether in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Williamsburg, or another city. Beaches, charming downtowns, suburban communities, historic districts, farms – they’re all here waiting to become your retirement home.
