Moving to Suffolk, VA? This guide has everything you need to know about this charming place. Suffolk is known for its historic charm and modern amenities, which make it an ideal place for people of all ages. From affordable housing and excellent schools to beautiful parks and a thriving job market, this city is the perfect place to call home. So whether you’re considering a move for work, family, or retirement, you will get a great living experience here. So if you want to know about this city’s environment, amenities, and more, keep reading.
Things to Know Before Moving to Suffolk, VA
Located in southeastern Virginia, Suffolk is a beautiful city that is bordered by the cities of Chesapeake and Norfolk. Along with being a part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, it is also the largest city in Virginia, which ensures you get access to charming historic districts, modern amenities, and plenty of green spaces. If you talk about the climate, it’s generally mild in Suffolk.
Although summers are hot and humid, winters are cool but not extremely harsh, which makes it a good place to be year-round. You don’t only get all the benefits of living in a big city but also access to fun outdoor activities. Suffolk has been growing steadily over the years, but it still maintains a small-town feel. So if you move here, you can expect good schools, a strong job market, and a variety of recreational activities.
Housing Options
If you are asking ‘Is Suffolk Virginia a good place to live’, then the range of housing this city offers will easily answer this question. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment, a suburban home, or a rural property, you’ll get various options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. There are many amazing neighborhoods where you can choose to live.
If you want a place with upscale homes and a dynamic shopping and dining scene, Harbour View is an ideal option for you. Bennetts Creek is another great neighborhood if you need a suburban atmosphere with family-friendly amenities. For history lovers who want charming homes and a small-town feel, Driver Village can be the perfect place.
Average Home and Rent Prices:
According to Zillow, the average home value in this city is $363,137. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Single-family homes – Depending on the location and size, prices can typically range from $250,000 to $400,000
- Townhouses and Condos – These are more affordable and can range between $150,000 to $250,000.
- Luxury Homes – If you want to live in an upscale area like Harbor View, prices can exceed $500,000.
Renting is another option if you don’t want to put a big sum upfront. According to Apartments reports, the average rent for one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments is $1,512/month, $1,719/month, and $2,057/month respectively.
Cost of Living
Before you make a move to Suffolk, you must know its cost of living. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you budget and plan effectively.
Utility Costs
These costs are inevitable as it’s very difficult to sustain a quality life without heating, cooling, and internet services. The good thing is that utilities in Suffolk are generally on par with the national average. Here are some typical monthly costs:
- Electricity: $100 – $150
- Water and Sewer: $40 – $70
- Natural Gas: $50 – $100
- Internet and Cable: $60 – $120
Groceries
You will spend money on groceries regularly, that’s why it’s important to know their costs to budget effectively. Here are some typical costs for common items:
- Milk (1 gallon): $3.50
- Bread (1 loaf): $2.50
- Eggs (dozen): $2.00
- Chicken Breast (1 pound): $3.50
- Apples (1 pound): $1.50
Transportation
Transportation costs can vary depending on your lifestyle. If your work requires frequent traveling, your fuel expenses will rise. However, you can use public transport options to reduce them. Here are some average expenses:
- Gasoline (per gallon): $3.00
- Public Transportation: Although options are limited, Hampton Roads Transit bus services are available.
- Average Car Insurance: $100 – $150 per month
Healthcare Costs
One good thing about Suffolk is that healthcare costs here are slightly lower than the national average. So you can expect excellent medical facilities without a huge financial burden. Here are some typical expenses:
- Doctor’s Visit: $100 – $150
- Dental Check-Up: $80 – $120
- Monthly Health Insurance Premium: $300 – $500 (for an individual plan)
Community and Lifestyle
Suffolk is known for its tight-knit community and rich lifestyle options. So whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree, you will feel a welcoming and friendly environment. As compared to other cities, Suffolk is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates below the national average.
Every year, this city hosts various events to help people socialize and make new connections. Suffolk Peanut Festival, Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival, and Taste of Suffolk are good examples of that. Along with this, Suffolk has numerous volunteer opportunities, so if you want to give back to the community in various clubs and organizations. The Rotary Club of Suffolk engages in various community service projects and Suffolk Art League promotes local arts and culture.
What makes Suffolk, VA a good place to live?
Suffolk is not only a cultural hub, but it also provides amazing fun opportunities for everyone. So if you’re still asking ‘Is Suffolk va a good place to live’, here are some great things about Suffolk that will help you get more clarity.
Dining and Shopping
Suffolk offers a wide range of dining options, from charming local boutiques to popular shopping centers and a variety of restaurants. If you like shopping, then Harbour View Shopping Center is the best spot for you. There are many local stores like Best Buy and PetSmart and you will also find many specialty stores like Wine & Design, and Suffolk Jewelry. Downtown Suffolk is another great spot where you can find unique boutiques and specialty stores like Embroidery and Shooting Star Gallery.
Coming to dining, Harper’s Table is very popular for its Southern-inspired cuisine. If you want to get a farm-to-table dining experience, you can visit Vintage Tavern. The Plaid Turnip is another casual eatery that offers American classics and comfort food. People who like to have a more relaxed dining experience can go to places like Derl’z Restaurant and River Stone Chophouse.
Fun Activities
Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly outings, Suffolk has something to offer. If you love activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge can be a perfect place for you. For families, Sleepy Hole Park is an ideal option as it offers fishing, picnicking, disc golf, and other family-friendly activities.
There are many historical venues like Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and Riddick’s Folly House Museum where you can explore well-preserved architecture and furnishings and get access to guided tours, historical exhibits, and special events. If you want to spend time with your kids, then you can visit Bounce House to enjoy inflatable play areas, arcade games, and birthday party hosting.
Quality Education
You will find a variety of educational institutions in Suffolk, which makes this city ideal for young children, teenagers, or anyone looking for higher education opportunities. If you’re looking for public schools, Nansemond River High School is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities. You can also opt for King’s Fork High School if you need Advanced Placement (AP) courses and athletic programs.
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and Suffolk Christian Academy are private options where you get education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. There are also higher education institutions like Tidewater Community College that offer associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development programs.
Excellent Healthcare Services
Suffolk is home to a range of healthcare facilities and services. The Sentara Obici Hospital is known for its emergency care, surgery, imaging, and diagnostic services. If you want primary care and therapy, you can go to Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View. The good thing about this city is that it has a relatively high physician-to-patient ratio compared to national averages, ensuring timely access to healthcare services. All the hospitals and clinics in Suffolk consistently receive high ratings for patient satisfaction, which means you will never have to worry about quality of care and medical outcomes.
With its affordable housing, diverse job market, excellent schools, and plentiful recreational options, Suffolk offers a high quality of life for residents of all ages. You will find all the necessary amenities here, so you won’t have to worry about compromising on anything. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful neighborhood, outdoor adventures, or a place to grow your career, Suffolk has it all.
Although it is a great place to live for people of all ages, it depends on your lifestyle needs whether you will feel at home or not. That’s why it’s important to research properly before you make a move. If you’ve made up your mind, then you can use moving companies in Suffolk to execute your move safely.
