Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chesapeake, VA
Thinking of moving to Chesapeake, VA? This vibrant city of 252,000 offers a friendly suburban feel with a median home price of $347,000 and average rents around $1,550. You'll enjoy mild winters, over 60% sunny days, and relatively low crime rates for the region. Commute times average 27.5 minutes, and Chesapeake is known for its solid schools and access to natural beauty, making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Chesapeake, VA
Demographics - Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake is home to about 252,000 residents, with a balanced age distribution and a median age of 37.2. The population is predominantly White and Black, with a moderate mix of other groups, and roughly 8.5% speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the city’s diversity.
Population:
252,000
Density:
700 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
61.5%
Black:
29.6%
Asian:
3.3%
Others:
5.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chesapeake, VA?
Chesapeake’s cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 106.2. Median home values stand at $347,000, and monthly rents average $1,550, making it a relatively affordable option in the Hampton Roads region.
Median House Value:
$347,000
Gross Rent:
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,365
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,960
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$590
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.2
Grocery:
102.3
Housing:
108.5
Utilities:
101.6
Transportation:
102.7
Health Care:
104.1
Miscellaneous:
101.5
Crime
Is Chesapeake, VA a safe place to live?
The city experiences lower crime rates compared to many urban areas, with a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 406 chance of being a victim. Property crime is more common but still moderate, giving Chesapeake a reputation for safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
246
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,809
Crime Index:
2,055
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 406
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 55
Weather
What is the weather like in Chesapeake, VA year-round?
Chesapeake enjoys a mild climate, featuring winters that rarely dip below 33°F and summers averaging highs near 87°F. The area receives about 47 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine 62% of the year, making it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
50°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Chesapeake benefit from a strong economic base, with a median household income of $89,400 and a low poverty rate of 8.1%. Most adults have completed high school, and commute times average just under half an hour, reflecting a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to employment centers.
Median Income:
$46,800
Household Income:
$89,400
Family Income:
$98,100
Per Capita Income:
$38,700
Income Male:
$54,200
Income Female:
$43,500
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,550
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
32.9%
Education
How are the schools in Chesapeake, VA?
Chesapeake boasts well-regarded public and private schools, with most residents completing high school and nearly a third holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city is also home to a campus of Tidewater Community College and is located just 14 miles from Old Dominion University, providing excellent educational opportunities at all levels.

Public Schools
Name:
Grassfield High School
Street:
2007 Grizzly Trail
Phone:
757-558-4749
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.4
Name:
Great Bridge Middle School
Street:
441 Battlefield Blvd S
Phone:
757-482-2566
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.9

Private Schools
Name:
Atlantic Shores Christian School
Street:
1217 Centerville Tpke N
Phone:
757-479-9598
Students:
900

Colleges
Name:
Tidewater Community College - Chesapeake Campus
City:
Chesapeake
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
9,000
Name:
Old Dominion University
City:
Norfolk
State:
VA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Chesapeake offers robust healthcare options, anchored by major hospitals like Chesapeake Regional Medical Center and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 92.7%. The city maintains a favorable physician-to-population ratio, supporting the well-being of its residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Address:
736 Battlefield Blvd N, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Phone:
(757) 312-8121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sentara Obici Hospital
Address:
2800 Godwin Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone:
(757) 934-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.7%
Health Care Index:
71.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chesapeake, VA?
The housing market in Chesapeake is dominated by homeowners, with 72.8% owner occupancy and a median home price of $347,000. Home values have appreciated by 5.2% over the past year, and rental vacancies remain low, indicating a healthy demand for both buying and renting.
Median Home Price:
$347,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles serves Chesapeake residents with a convenient regional office and comprehensive online resources. Newcomers will find registering vehicles and securing licenses straightforward through the state’s user-friendly DMV system.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
610 Johnston Willis Dr, Richmond, VA 23236
Phone:
804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.