Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News VA Metro 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News, collectively known as Hampton Roads, is a region in Southeast Virginia covering 3,730 square miles and has a population of almost 2 million people. Retirees enjoy the region’s many beaches, golf courses, and other natural areas.

Climate & Geography

Virginia’s temperate climate allows residents experience all four seasons. Virginia summers are hot and humid with temperatures routinely reaching the high 90s. Summers can also receive heavy rainfall, particularly along the coast as hurricanes break up and travel northward. The spring and fall seasons are beautiful, though spring often quickly gives way to the heat of summer.

The Hampton Roads area is in the southeastern part of Virginia on the Atlantic Ocean and is considered one of the largest and most important natural harbors in the world partially because it remains ice free year-round and is one of the busiest seaports in the country. Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, as well as several other military installations for the Coast Guard, Air Force, Marines, and Army.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

There are a multitude of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy, activities range from historical sites to large amusement parks so there is something for everyone. Norfolk is home to one of the largest naval bases in the world as well as being a historical site for both the revolutionary and civil wars.

The Hampton Roads area has many attractions for those who are interested in military history:

• Armed Forces Memorial
• Cannonball Trail
• Fort Norfolk
• Hampton Roads Naval Museum
• Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
• Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church
• USS Wisconsin ship tours
• Mariner’s Museum and Park
• Virginia War Museum
• Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe

There are also several other museums in the area for history buffs to enjoy:

• Barry Art Museum
• Children’s Museum of Virginia
• Chrysler Museum
• Hunter House Victorian Museum
• Jewish Museum and Cultural Center
• Norfolk Police & Fire Museum
• Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
• Portsmouth Olde Town Historic District
• Railroad Museum of Virginia
• Virginia Air & Space Center

Residents in the Hampton Roads area are also just a short drive from the historic sites of Jamestown and Williamsburg both of which are home to living history museums, and other tourist activities. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is about 15 miles north of Newport News and is a popular amusement park destination for area retirees and their families.

55+ residents who are looking for more active or natural pastimes have many options including nearby beaches, wildlife management areas and hiking areas at one of the many state parks that are within an hour or two drive of the Hampton Roads area. One of the closest hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing areas to Norfolk is the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Active adults can also enjoy the Northside Park Mountain Bike multi-use trail or the six-mile Newport News Lakeside Loop trail. For those who want less strenuous outdoor activities there is the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Virginia Zoo, and the Virginia Living Museum.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Virginia collects a personal income tax, sales tax, and food tax. The property tax is set and collected at a local level, which varies throughout Virginia. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and real estate is assessed at 100% of fair market value. Property tax on a home in Virginia is on average 0.80%.

Total sales tax in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News is 6%, of which 4.3% is state tax, 1% is city tax and 0.7% is a special fund tax.

Health Care

The Hampton Roads area has several highly rated medical facilities to choose from.

• Norfolk – Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk. Rated #1 in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area. High performing in 5 specialty areas – cardiology, diabetes care, gastroenterology, geriatrics, and urology.
• Portsmouth – Bon Secours Mary View Medical Center in Portsmouth – Rated as high performing in stroke care.
• Newport News – Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News – Rated as high performing in hip and knee replacement surgery.