Newport News, VA, known as "The Shipbuilding Capital," is a historic city with a rich maritime heritage. Located in southeastern Virginia along the James River, Newport News is approximately 30 miles north of Norfolk and 70 miles southeast of Richmond. This medium-sized city is renowned for its shipbuilding industry, vibrant cultural scene, and strategic military importance.
Newport News' climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, allowing for a variety of outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, including the scenic Newport News Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, and the beautiful Huntington Park, which offer trails, gardens, and opportunities for boating and fishing.
The cultural scene in Newport News is dynamic, with attractions like The Mariners' Museum and Park, the Virginia Living Museum, and the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Newport News Greek Festival, the Fall Festival of Folklife, and the Newport News One City Marathon, celebrating the community's diversity and vitality.
Education is a priority in Newport News, with institutions like Christopher Newport University and Thomas Nelson Community College providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Newport News an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as Riverside Regional Medical Center, also supports a strong job market and ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care.
Living in Newport News combines the benefits of urban living with the charm of a historic community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Amtrak station, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its historical richness, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, Newport News offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Newport News, Virginia is a mid-sized city with a population of 179,582 residents. Newport News is known to be an ethnically diverse city. The two most common races are White (47%) and Black or African American (41%). All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 47% of the Newport News population is married. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Newport News, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 24 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Newport News, Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Newport News, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, commute, health & safety and more.
Using data and statistics Newport News has received a livability score of 75/100. This score is ranked in the 89th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the United States average, Newport News ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Based on the scores for each individual category, Newport News has received high marks for amenities (B), cost of living (B+), education (B+) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Newport News. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F).
Living in Newport News offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Newport News provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Virginia Living Museum, Mariner's Museum, and Newport News Park.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Newport News, the average school test scores are an impressive 67%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
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 Newport News 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.
Newport News 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 Newport News. Median real estate prices in Newport News come in at $194,700, which is 21.6% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Newport News, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 5.3% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Newport News | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.8% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.5% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.2% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.7% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.4% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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