Getting stationed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth? Lucky for you, there are plenty of great places to live nearby! Portsmouth and the surrounding Hampton Roads area has so much to offer no matter what stage of life you’re in.
At Cova Collective, we help our clients find great new homes in the Hampton Roads area. We’ve rounded up the top five places to live if you’re getting stationed at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth – here are the cities you’re going to want to check out.
1. Portsmouth
Topping our list is the city of Portsmouth itself. Not only does it make for a very short commute to the medical center, but you’ll also be close to all of the other attractions and amenities that Portsmouth has to offer.
The city of Portsmouth is known for its beautiful historic neighborhoods, many of which are right on the water. This means the market is full of stunning homes with a rich history, and prices are more affordable than what you would find in larger metro areas. Many of Portsmouth’s neighborhoods are located directly on the water, which can make for some truly beautiful views. The local boardwalk is a great place to go for a sunset stroll.
Portsmouth is also known for having a tight-knit community where you can really get to know your neighbor. Because of the military presence in the area, Portsmouth attracts an interesting and diverse group of people from all over the country.
The Old Towne neighborhood hosts regular farmer’s markets and other family-friendly events throughout the year. Because Portsmouth is relatively dense, everything you need will be close by when you live here. You may even be able to walk to your local grocery store, bank, or post office depending on which neighborhood you live in.
2. Norfolk
Norfolk is just across the water from Portsmouth and is another great place to live if you’re getting stationed at the Naval Medical Center. Norfolk is a larger city with a bustling downtown, so it’s a great option if you want to live somewhere a little more urban.
Norfolk serves as a center for culture and entertainment in the Hampton Roads region, with popular attractions like the Nauticus National Maritime Center and the Chrysler Museum of Art to explore. It also has plenty of great restaurants in the downtown area and beautiful parks along the water. Norfolk is also a center for higher education in Virginia. Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Virginia Wesleyan University are all located here.
The Norfolk housing market has a good mix of historic homes and new construction. Many homes in the downtown Norfolk neighborhood have been in place for well over 100 years. However, you’ll find newer suburban homes as you move further out of downtown. Homes in Norfolk range widely in size and price, so whether you’re looking for a waterfront mansion, a combat urban condo, or something in between, you’ll be able to find it here. Check out our video on the best places to live in Norfolk if you want to learn more about this area.
3. Virginia Beach
If you’d prefer to live closer to the ocean but still need to commute to the Naval Medical Center, check out Virginia Beach. Your drive to work may be a bit longer, but you will be just steps from one of the best beaches in the state.
Virginia Beach is also a popular tourist destination, which means there is so much to do here. Both the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the Virginia Aquarium are both located here. The Vibe Creative District has amazing restaurants, bars, shopping, and art, so there’s always something new to explore.
In addition to the beautiful beaches in this area, Virginia Beach also has an renowned parks district. Virginia Beach is slightly more expensive than some other neighborhoods in the Hampton Roads area, but it’s still relatively affordable in the inland neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a specific type of home or price range, chances are Virginia Beach will have it. Homes here range from high-end beach condos to farm houses in Pungo and everything in between.
4. Chesapeake
Chesapeake is just a short drive south of the Naval Medical Station, making it a convenient place to live for those who have been stationed there. Chesapeake is very spread out and has a mix of suburban and rural homes to choose from, so it’s great for those who want a little bit of extra room on their property.
Like Virginia Beach, Chesapeake has an excellent park system, so it’s an excellent place to live for outdoorsy types. Families love the Chesapeake area for the highly rated school system as well. What’s great about Chesapeake is that you can get a much larger lot size for your money than in other cities. If you want to have animals, need to build a detached garage, or just like having more privacy, Chesapeake can be a great place to live.
There are also many suburban communities with three to five bedroom homes. Many of these are new construction and come with community amenities.Despite being relatively quiet, Chesapeake still has some large shopping centers and restaurants for residents to enjoy.
5. Suffolk
If you prefer an area with a small-town feel rather than an urban or suburban one, you’ll want to consider living in Suffolk. It’s about a half hour away from the Naval Medical Center by car, so it is still a relatively easy commute.
Suffolk has a great selection of charming single-family homes to choose from. There is a small downtown area as well as many neighborhoods that are more rural. The downtown area has a mix of small to mid-size homes, some of which are historic. As you move further outside of downtown, you’ll find larger suburban homes as well as rural homes with large lot sizes. Some properties are even large enough to keep animals or grow food. The entire community is very relaxed and quiet – perfect if you’re looking for something low-key.
The Suffolk area has a burgeoning arts scene and plenty of amenities for local residents. These include great schools and libraries as well as a large parks district. The town is surrounded by the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. While the name may sound a little scary, it’s actually a popular place for residents to go walking or biking.
Picking the Right Place for You
The Hampton Roads area has so many great places to live, especially if you’re being stationed at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth. With beautiful parks, vibrant culture, and a welcoming community, it’s hard to go wrong here. Be sure to check out our other blogs to learn even more about where to live in Hampton Roads, and don’t hesitate to contact the team at Cova Collective for help buying a home in coastal Virginia!
