The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge beckons nature lovers with extensive hiking trails and prime kayaking waters, while the Chesapeake Arboretum showcases themed gardens and walking paths. Northwest River Park provides camping, fishing, and boating opportunities alongside Oak Grove Lake Park's scenic waterfront and playground facilities. The city's dining scene features distinctive local establishments like Ang Sushi Bistro, known for innovative Asian fusion, and Cutlass Grille, serving Jamaican and Southern BBQ specialties. The Butcher's Son Chop House and Amber Lantern Restaurant deliver upscale dining experiences with locally sourced ingredients.
The Chesapeake housing market includes diverse options across several established neighborhoods. The median price for single family homes in Great Bridge is $555,000, while Greenbrier East commands $525,000. Western Branch presents more moderate pricing with a median of $445,000 for single family homes. South Norfolk and Indian River provide more affordable options, with median single family home prices of $300,000 and $320,000 respectively. Condominiums start at a median price of $191,000 for one bedroom units and $255,000 for two bedrooms.
Chesapeake maintains a favorable property tax rate of 0.82%, lower than Norfolk at 1.01% and Portsmouth at 1.07%. The city contains several highly rated schools, including Grassfield High School serving Great Bridge. Private education options include Veritas Collegiate Academy and St. Matthew's Catholic School, both rated A plus by Niche. Commute times to neighboring cities average 15 to 20 minutes to Norfolk and Virginia Beach via I 64, I 464, and I 664, with Hampton Roads Transit providing public transportation connections throughout the region.
