Suffolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 84,585. It is the largest city in Virginia by boundary land area as well as the 14th largest in the country. Suffolk is located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.
Suffolk is a great place to call “home.”
Suffolk is rich in history dating back to the Jamestown settlements, but beyond its historical appeal, Suffolk has a vibrant scene filled with arts and culture, outdoor recreation, culinary achievements, festivals, and family-friendly attractions all while maintaining a small-town charm.
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is the largest intact remnant of a vast habitat that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. “Home to one of the largest Black Bear populations on the East Coast, subtropical birds, butterflies, bobcats and white-tailed deer.
Fun family activities and great festivals
Suffolk hosts the Annual Virginia Peanut Festival. , Suffolk Peanut Fest offers concerts, amusement rides, contests and competitions, a demolition derby, a truck and tractor pull, motorcycle rally, fireworks and much more. Suffolk held the first-ever Lava Music Festival which featured national and local acts like Fitz and the Tantrums, Mutemath and Hampton Roads’ very own Kishi Bashi. Another festival is the new Mystery Authors Festival which is held at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.
Military roots
It’s proximity to several military installations makes Suffolk a great place for active and retired military to settle. Only a half hour drive from Norfolk Naval Station and other naval facilities, it’s an easy commute for many military members, as well as accessibility to many military offerings like discounts, programs and military family support. Suffolk has a dense arts scene with a blend of local and regional artists as well as performances, dance and music. There is the Shooting Star Gallery, Suffolk Art League, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts as well as several art boutiques to explore all the eclectic styles of the area.
Ranked 19th on the Best Cities for Young Families in Virginia by NerdWallet.
Among factors considered were home affordability, prosperity and growth, quality of education, and family friendliness. it offers the charm and quaintness of a small town. If you take a stroll downtown you can stop into a number of quirky antique shops and boutiques. Not only is the city great for antiquing, but it also hosts a very popular farmers’ market where you can buy many locally grown vegetables, fruits, fresh eggs and milk, as well as many artisanal goods. If you are looking for some good ‘ole southern home-cooking', Suffolk is the place to be. From Bennett’s Creek Market (which has the best chicken salad!) to Farmer Frank’s homemade ice cream, Suffolk is not short on all the best flavors and eats of the South.
The City of Suffolk was named the 15th Best City for Veterans in the Nation as a result of its strong economic indicators and robust veteran community according to NerdWallet. So for those finding a place to take up residence, Suffolk is one of those cities that makes that transition from military life to civilian life that much easier.
