Norfolk, VA, is known for its significant naval presence, the vibrant Ghent district, and cultural attractions like the Chrysler Museum of Art. All of these factors as well as sites like the Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Virginia Zoo, the Nauticus National Maritime Center, and the Chrysler Museum of Art make it a great place to reside in the Mid-Atlantic region. If you’re considering buying a home in Norfolk, know that the median home sale price is $300,000, and the average rent for an apartment in Norfolk is about $1,390.
But if you’re not sure about living in the heart of Norfolk, don’t worry. To help you find the right place to buy a home, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best suburbs of Norfolk, VA, to check out. And they’re all less than 30 miles away from the city. Let’s see what suburbs are on the list.
#1: Portsmouth
Median home price: $239,900
Average sale price per square foot: $157
Average rent for an apartment: $1,445
Distance from Norfolk: 3 miles
Portsmouth, VA homes for sale
Portsmouth, VA apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $239,900, Portsmouth is the first spot on our list of suburbs of Norfolk, VA. About 97,900 people live in this suburban area and you’ll only be about 3 miles away from downtown Norfolk. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to explore the Olde Towne Historic District, known for its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming shops and restaurants, visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum to learn about the city’s maritime history. You can also discover Craney Island, a nature preserve and historic site with walking trails, wildlife viewing, and views of the Elizabeth River.
#2: Hampton
Median home price: $274,950
Average sale price per square foot: $174
Average rent for an apartment: $1,553
Distance from Norfolk: 17 miles
Hampton, VA homes for sale
Hampton, VA apartments for rent
The second suburb on our list is Hampton. Just about 17 miles from Norfolk, you can explore the Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Virginia Zoo in just a quick drive. Make sure to visit Fort Monroe National Monument, the Virginia Air and Space Center, and the Hampton History Museum, relax at Buckroe Beach and Park, and wander through the Phoebus Historic District. When living in this suburb of 137,100 people, you can also spend the day checking out the charming downtown.
#3: Newport News
Median home price: $276,000
Average sale price per square foot: $181
Average rent for an apartment: $1,552
Distance from Norfolk: 27 miles
Newport News, VA homes for sale
Newport News, VA apartments for rent
Just 27 miles away, you’ll find the suburb of Newport News. From parks and outdoor recreation to shopping, there’s lots of things that make Newport News a great place to live. Make sure to explore historic spots like the Mariners’ Museum and Park and the Virginia Living Museum, enjoy outdoor activities at Newport News Park, a large park with hiking and biking trails, a golf course, and a campground, and discover the exhibits at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center.
#4: Suffolk
Median home price: $354,950
Average sale price per square foot: $185
Average rent for an apartment: $1,982
Distance from Norfolk: 20 miles
Suffolk, VA homes for sale
Suffolk, VA apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Newport News is Suffolk, the next suburb on our list. With roughly 94,300 residents in this Norfolk suburb, make sure to explore Riddick’s Folly House Museum, a historic mansion showcasing 19th-century life and architecture. You can also visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and kayaking, and wander through Downtown Suffolk, featuring historic architecture, shops, restaurants, and the Suffolk Visitor Center.
#5: Smithfield
Median home price: $355,000
Average sale price per square foot: $199
Average rent for an apartment: $1,862
Distance from Norfolk: 28 miles
Smithfield, VA homes for sale
Smithfield, VA apartments for rent
About a 40 minute drive into the city, consider adding Smithfield to your list of suburbs of Norfolk, VA, to consider moving to. Home to 8,500 residents, this town can be a great choice for people looking to remain close to Norfolk while living in a small town. In Smithfield, you can visit Windsor Castle Park where you can hike along the trails and see the Manor House, or check out charming downtown Smithfield.
#6: Chesapeake
Median home price: $361,000
Average sale price per square foot: $200
Average rent for an apartment: $1,830
Distance from Norfolk: 7 miles
Chesapeake, VA homes for sale
Chesapeake, VA apartments for rent
Sixth on the list is another well-known Norfolk suburb is Chesapeake. With just about 249,400 people living in Chesapeake, it’s a great suburb to consider moving to. There’s lots of activities to do in this suburb. For example, you can visit Great Bridge Lock Park, which features a historic lock, a visitor center, and a waterfront area along the Intracoastal Waterway, and experience seasonal activities at Hickory Ridge Farm, including pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and farm events. Be sure to explore the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, a scenic trail for hiking and biking that runs along the historic Dismal Swamp Canal.
#7: Carrollton
Median home price: $365,000
Average sale price per square foot: $196
Distance from Norfolk: 22 miles
Carrollton, VA homes for sale
Carrollton, VA apartments for rent
Seventh on our list of Norfolk suburbs is Carrollton, which is 22 miles into the heart of the city. With a population of nearly 7,500, Carrollton is a great area to live in that’s not nearly as big as Norfolk. If you find yourself moving to this suburb, make sure to explore Nike Park.
#8: Virginia Beach
Median home price: $370,999
Average sale price per square foot: $220
Average rent for an apartment: $1,985
Distance from Norfolk: 18 miles
Virginia Beach, VA homes for sale
Virginia Beach, VA apartments for rent
If you’ve been living in Norfolk for some time, you’ve probably heard about the suburb of Virginia Beach. About 459,500 people reside in Virginia Beach, so you’ll have a fraction of Norfolk’s population while remaining only 18 miles from the city. Once moving to Virginia Beach you’ll want to relax on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, explore marine life and exhibits at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, and discover the natural beauty of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, known for its diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and birdwatching.
#9: Moyock, NC
Median home price: $393,738
Average sale price per square foot: $194
Distance from Norfolk: 25 miles
Moyock, NC homes for sale
Moyock, NC apartments for rent
Another great place to consider moving to that will get you access to downtown Norfolk in just about 35 minutes is Moyock, NC. Roughly 5,200 people live in this suburb, but you’ll find plenty to do in Moyock. Popular things to do in Moyock include visiting Shingle Landing Park and grabbing a meal at a local restaurant.
#10: Poquoson
Median home price: $444,818
Average sale price per square foot: $198
Distance from Norfolk: 29 miles
Poquoson, VA homes for sale
Poquoson, VA apartments for rent
The last spot on our list of suburbs of Norfolk, VA, you’ll want to consider moving to is Poquoson. This suburb has a population of 12,500 and you can explore Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge with views of the water, stroll through Thomas Jefferson Rollins Nature Area, and check out the Poquoson Museum. There is plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend while living in this charming town.
Methodology: Whether a suburb was under a 30-mile drive from downtown Norfolk. Median home sale price data and average rent price from the Redfin Data Center during December 2023. Median home sale price data and average rent price from the Redfin Data Center during December 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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