Hampton, VA, known as 'The City on the Bay,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Hampton Roads, Hampton is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Norfolk (20 miles) and Newport News (10 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Hampton's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Hampton is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Virginia Air and Space Center, the historic Fort Monroe, and the scenic Buckroe Beach. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Sandy Bottom Nature Park to the bustling Peninsula Town Center, known for its shopping and dining. Hampton's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from seafood cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Hampton Jazz Festival and the Blackbeard Pirate Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Hampton's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Hampton University contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Hampton is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The American Theatre and the Hampton History Museum are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Hampton provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Hampton’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Norfolk Admirals (ECHL) and the Peninsula Pilots (Coastal Plain League), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Hampton include healthcare, education, and military, with significant employers such as Sentara Healthcare and Langley Air Force Base driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and light rail, making it easy to navigate.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Hampton is a medium-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 135,169 residents. Individuals of White (40%) and Black or African American (50%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Hampton is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 48%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Hampton, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 23 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Hampton, Virginia could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like crime, health & safety, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Hampton and in the areas around Hampton is a much easier task.
Hampton, VA receives 73/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #146 in Virginia and #4,347 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Hampton has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (B+), education (B+) and housing (B).
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Hampton, the average school test scores reached an impressive 76%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Hampton an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Hampton apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Hampton real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Hampton. The median home price for Hampton homes is $188,600, which is 24.1% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Hampton, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 13.2% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Hampton | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.8% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.4% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.1% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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