Known as “The City of Seven Boroughs,” Chesapeake is known for its blend of urban amenities and rural charm. Whether you want to live in a place surrounded by nature, history, or modern advancements, this place often stands out as a top contender. However, the main question is “Is Chesapeake, VA a Good Place To Live? So if you’re considering a move for work, family, or simply a change of scenery, this guide will give you all the important information to make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Living in Chesapeake
Pros of Living in Chesapeake
1- Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Chesapeake is surrounded by natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained parks, providing ample recreation and relaxation opportunities. If you want a family-friendly location, you can go to the Northwest River Park and Campground. It features over 763 acres of forest, open spaces, and water bodies so that you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, and other camping activities.
The Elizabeth River Park is another scenic waterfront park with beautiful views, a boat ramp, fishing piers, walking trails, and a dog park. For people who like to socialize, the Chesapeake City Park hosts an annual festival with live music, carnival rides, and fireworks.
2- Family-Friendly Environment
The family-friendly environment of Chesapeake makes it an ideal place for raising children. Since this city offers a variety of amenities, activities, and facilities designed to cater to families, you can expect to live a high-quality of life. The Grassfield High School is known for its strong academic performance and wide range of extracurricular activities, which ensures your kids will get good academic guidance.
Along with this, the Chesapeake Central Library is a great resource for families, as it offers a variety of programs and activities for children of all ages. The Fun Forest is another spot to enjoy with your kids. It features an array of play structures, including slides, swings, climbing equipment, and a splash pad, providing hours of entertainment for kids.
3- Strong Economy and Job Market
If you are still confused about moving to Chesapeake, VA, you should consider the strong job market and economy of this city. Chesapeake is home to several major employers that play a significant role in the local economy. It hosts Dollar Tree headquarters, which provides numerous jobs in corporate management, finance, marketing, and logistics. The Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is another big employer that offers jobs in medical services, administration, and support roles.
4- Affordable Cost of Living
The living cost of Chesapeake is relatively low compared to other cities in the region. You get a wide range of housing options, from suburban homes to rural properties and apartments. The good thing is that it caters to different budgets and preferences, which ensures you can find housing that suits your needs.
As per Zillow, the average home value is $395,813 while rent for an average apartment starts from $1500/month. Since the city has a variety of grocery stores and markets, you can get supplies at reasonable prices. You can go to places such as Harris Teeter or Food Lion that offer everyday low prices on groceries and household items. So if you want to move, you should search for moving services in Chesapeake, VA to hire reliable movers as they can make everything more convenient.
Cons of Living in Chesapeake
1- Traffic and Commute Times
Chesapeake has many advantages but traffic congestion and extended commute times are common concerns for many Chesapeake residents. As more people move to the area, the demand for infrastructure rises, often outpacing the development of new roads and improvements to existing ones. Since this city has been experiencing steady growth, the volume of traffic is increasing on the roads. This increase not only makes the highways noisy and polluted but the daily commute to popular areas also becomes more time-consuming.
2- Hurricane Risk
Being located near the Atlantic coast, Chesapeake is susceptible to hurricanes, which can pose various challenges and risks to residents. The city is part of a region that frequently experiences the impacts of these storms during the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. That’s why it becomes important to be prepared for intense rainfall and storm along with other natural disasters. During these situations, evacuation is required, which can be stressful and challenging, especially for families with young children, elderly members, or pets.
3- Limited Public Transportation
Chesapeake’s public transportation system is relatively underdeveloped compared to larger cities. This means you will need to rely on your personal vehicle, which can be challenging for people who can’t drive. The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides bus services in Chesapeake, but the routes are limited and do not cover all areas of the city comprehensively. This can make it challenging for residents to access certain parts of Chesapeake or travel to neighboring cities without a car.
Best Neighborhoods in Chesapeake, VA
1- Great Bridge
Green Bridge is very popular for its excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient access to a variety of amenities, which makes it a good place to raise kids. It features the Great Bridge Lock Park where you can get access to picnic areas, fishing spots, and a scenic trail.
If you like to jog, hike, run, or enjoy time in nature, you can also visit Oak Grove Lake Park. For families with kids, there are good schools such as Great Bridge High School, which is known for its strong academic programs and active extracurricular activities.
2- Greenbrier
If you want to live in a place near commercial areas, Greenbrier can be a good option for you as it offers a balanced lifestyle with plenty of amenities and attractions. There are many fun venues like the Greenbrier Mall where you can go and get access to fine dining options, popular retail chains, unique boutiques, and socializing opportunities.
If you like playing golf, the Greenbrier Country Club offers an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse with dining facilities. You will also have access to Chesapeake Arboretum where visitors come to explore various gardens, woodland trails, and a historic farmhouse.
3- Western Branch
Western branch is another good neighborhood if you’re looking for residential comfort and convenient amenities. The Chesapeake Square Mall is a great spot to find a variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can go to Western Branch Park to get access to walking trails, sports fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds, providing ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. You can also visit Baines Creek Park as it features playgrounds, sports courts, and open green spaces, which makes it a perfect place to spend time with your family and kids.
Conclusion
Chesapeake offers a mix of natural beauty, strong community values, and economic opportunities, which makes it an excellent city to live. Whether you want a place with beautiful scenic parks and waterways, family-friendly neighborhoods, or a robust job market, Chesapeake has something for everyone. However, you should also consider factors like traffic and hurricane risks before you decide to settle here as it can impact the quality of your life. If you’ve decided to move here, you should hire a reliable moving company in Chesapeake, VA to make moving smooth and easier.
