A Naval And Maritime Mecca… And More

Size

64 sq. miles

Population (2001 est.)

233,147

Median Family Income (2001 est.)

$31,815

Government City Council and City Manager

Major Industries

Ford Motor, Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine at EVMS, Norfolk Shipbuilding & Drydock, Norfolk Southern, Sentara Health System, Bank of America, USAA, U.S. Navy

City Information (757) 664-4000

School Information (757) 628-3843

Norfolk is a 400-year-old seaport that ’s the East Coast’s new vacation hotspot. It has been voted the South’s #1 big city to live in by Money Magazine, and voted a #1 place to visit by practically everyone who’s ever been there.

With over 100 ships of the Atlantic Fleet stationed here, Norfolk Naval Base is the largest naval base in the world. Hampton Roads’ premier museums, opera and symphony companies also take up residence here, helping Norfolk to retain its ranking as one of the most livable American cities in which to live.

Over the past 10 years, over $400 million of private investment has been spent on renovating downtown Norfolk, making it one of the most exciting stories of city renewal on the East Coast.

Banks and law firms have also enjoyed Norfolk as the financial and legal center of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Shoppers are enjoying the McArthur Center Mall, Nordstrom and other first-class retailers in Hampton Roads.

The city’s renaissance continues as additional levels have taken their place in Norfolk’s waterfront town: Harbor Park, the state-of-the-art home to the minor league baseball team Norfolk Tides; the Battleship Wisconsin, and Nauticus, the national maritime center.

The Harbor Link and Elizabeth River Passenger Ferries offer a unique way to travel and avoid traffic congestion between Hampton, Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Norfolk’s manufacturing sector has also seen a boost. In 1993, 22 new and expanding companies made a $94-million investment in the city. The largest infusion came with the Ford Motor Company’s $77-million plant expansion.

A seaport city, Norfolk’s moderate climate, numerous educational opportunities, close proximity to beaches and other recreational areas, and abundance of yearround festivals make it highly conducive to family living.

Housing opportunities abound in Norfolk. From the older, established neighborhoods to new housing developments, from historic rowhomes to modern condominiums and townhouses, and from waterfront property to beach cottages, virtually every style and price range can be had.

Norfolk’s neighborhoods offer diversity and show the real meaning of “neighborhood.”

So whether you call it “Nor-folk” — just like it is spelled — or “Nawfock” — just like the natives say it — welcome to one of Hampton Roads’ shining stars and a proud neighbor of the Peninsula. M

Beyond the surf and sand of this popular resort city, Virginia Beach has combined business, industry and related resources with a pleasant lifestyle for any season. As Virginia’s most populous city, it offers an abundance of shopping, concerts in the parks and other recreational activities making it an appealing place to live, work and play. From a wide selection of cityoperated business parks to plenty of privately developed business, industrial and commercial centers, firms seeking to relocate or establish new enterprises here will find a very conducive business climate.

Located on Hampton Roads’ coastal plain, Virginia Beach lays claim to 26 miles of Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay beaches. Its history dates from the 1600s when Capt. John Smith, founder of the first English-speaking colony in America, initially landed at Virginia Beach’s Cape Henry and proclaimed, “Heaven and Earth never agreed better to frame a place for man’s habitations....”

Although tourism and conventions have brought in over $380 million of business, Virginia Beach is more than just one long beach. The city has been one of the fastest growing in Virginia. Its primary attraction is its livability.

For six consecutive years, Virginia Beach ha s had the lowest crime rate in America for cities its size. Its schools are frequently named among the best in the country. It also has some of the finest parks and recreation systems in the commonwealth.

In addition to tourism and conventions, Virginia Beach’s diverse economy includes: retail and wholesale trade, the military, agribusiness, construction and real estate, business and industry. In 1993, 26 companies either moved here or expanded operations for an infusion of $18 million. The city is home to the Christian Broadcast Network and the affiliated International Family Entertainment, whose Family Channel is one of the largest TV cable networks.

So whether you call it by its full name, “Virginia Beach,” or its shortened name, “Vah Beach,” welcome to one of Hampton Roads’ shining stars and a proud neighbor of the Peninsula. M