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Sleepy Hole

Sleepy Hole

$476,418 Average Value
$215 Average Price per Sq Ft
92 Homes For Sale

A quiet, rustic atmosphere

Tucked up against the Nansemond River with Bennett Creek cutting through it and massive parks just a few minutes away, Sleepy Hole provides residents with proximity to a vast array of outdoor recreation and waterfront activities. “You still have a country, rustic atmosphere,” says Amy Thomas, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices with 25 years of experience selling in the area. “It’s just quiet and lovely. There’s wildlife out there. I think that’s one of the benefits, that Suffolk still offers that.” Despite this, Sleepy Hole doesn’t feel far removed from essentials. In fact, with its location just 11 miles from downtown Portsmouth and downtown Newport News as well as just 14 miles from downtown Norfolk, residents are usually only a few minutes away from practically anything they need. “I think a big part of the draw here is just the location,” Thomas says. “The close proximity to the naval bases, hospitals and all kinds of new restaurants and shopping.”

Sleepy Hole has beautiful views of the Nansemond River.
Sleepy Hole has beautiful views of the Nansemond River.
Private docks and boathouses connect to large waterfront homes in Sleepy Hole.
Private docks and boathouses connect to large waterfront homes in Sleepy Hole.
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Fishing and kayaking at Sleepy Hole and Bennet’s Creek parks

The waterfront, 73-acre Sleepy Hole Park features a long fishing pier that juts right out into the Nansemond River and is equipped with a canoe and kayak launch. On land, the little park has a playground, volleyball court, horseshoe pit and walking trails. Nearby, the 57-acre Bennett’s Creek Park also offers a fishing pier and three boat launches onto Bennett Creek alongside a playground, disc golf course, tennis courts and walking trails. Golfers enjoy heading to Sleepy Hole Golf Course, a waterfront championship golf course. When they want to really experience nature and don’t mind a bit of a drive, residents head to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The heart of this 113,000-acre refuge is 25 miles away from Sleepy Hole, but it’s the largest intact remnant of a forested wetland and swamp that once covered more than 1 million acres. It’s home to a diverse ecosystem of wildlife, including bobcats, white-tailed deer, otters and one of the largest black bear populations on the East Coast. Over 200 species of birds also call the refuge home, making it a prime birding spot all year round. It’s also a popular destination for hiking as well as for fishing and boating on Lake Drummond.

Residents enjoy a challenging round of golf at Sleepy Hole Golf Course.
Residents enjoy a challenging round of golf at Sleepy Hole Golf Course.
Explore nature and take a hike through the woods at Sleepy Hole Park.
Explore nature and take a hike through the woods at Sleepy Hole Park.
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Waterfront homes, new constructions

Thanks to its river and creek, Sleepy Hole has collections of grand waterfront homes, often with private docks and boathouses. Landlocked homes tend toward large brick houses or Cape Cods, though recent influxes of home development have led to a lot of new construction homes built in contemporary styles with Craftsman or Modern Farmhouse influences. These homes start as low as $215,000 for a small three-bedroom that needs renovation and typically climb to about $700,000. This isn’t a hard cap, though, as a large four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home on the water with a private pier and boat launch can climb as high as $1.3 million. It’s also possible to find condominium developments that offer amenities alongside turnkey homes. Thomas sells two- and three-story condominiums in one such development, called ARRAY at Bennett’s Creek Quarter. “We have a beautiful clubhouse, we have swimming pools, fitness areas, dog parks, all kinds of great amenities, so it’s resort-style living in northern Suffolk,” Thomas says. These condominiums start at just under $300,000 and can climb a little over $400,000. “We’ve been very busy,” Thomas says, adding that they’ve sold 40 units in 2023 just in ARRY at Bennett’s Creek alone. “It's a good problem to have.”

Riverfront views add to the beauty of Sleepy Hole.
Riverfront views add to the beauty of Sleepy Hole.
Custom new construction homes are available in Sleepy Hole.
Custom new construction homes are available in Sleepy Hole.
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Suffolk’s Festival of Lights

Every year, Suffolk’s Festival of Lights is held in Sleepy Hole Park, featuring festive lights, live music, food trucks and local vendors. There’s also a Military Day Horseshoe Tournament in the park in early May. At the edge of Sleepy Hole, the residential and storefront community of Bridgeport hosts a farmers market during the spring and summer as well as a yearly Holiday Market, which features food and drinks from local vendors, a live DJ and visits from Santa.

Sleepy Hole Park is a good place to relax and enjoy nature.
Sleepy Hole Park is a good place to relax and enjoy nature.
A pedestrian in the nearby Downtown Suffolk walks by a beautiful mural.
A pedestrian in the nearby Downtown Suffolk walks by a beautiful mural.
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Food Lion, Harris Teeter and dining a few miles away

Residents pick up groceries at Food Lion or Harris Teeter and often swing by A Dodson’s for home décor and gifts. Big box stores like Michaels and T.J. Maxx are just a few minutes outside Sleepy Hole. Right on the water of the Nansemond River, Decoy’s Seafood is a local favorite when it comes to treating themselves to a nice dinner out. It’s particularly well-known for its crab cakes and hush puppies. Souper Pho & Banh Mi is another go-to for its banh mi sandwiches and bubble tea. With major cities just a short drive away, other shopping and dining opportunities are never far away. “There’s lots of shopping, all the amenities that you’re going to want as far as restaurants and groceries,” Thomas says. “Everything is just right there within miles of the neighborhood.”

A. Dodson's in Sleepy Hole is a local favorite for home decor and gifts.
A. Dodson's in Sleepy Hole is a local favorite for home decor and gifts.
AJ Gator's in Sleepy Hole is the local Sports Bar and Grill.
AJ Gator's in Sleepy Hole is the local Sports Bar and Grill.
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Engineering at Nansemond River High

Niche gives Suffolk City Public Schools a B-minus rating. Children can attend Creekside Elementary School, which has a C-plus, and John Yeats Middle School, which has a B-plus, before moving on to Nansemond River High School. Nansemond River High has a B rating and is a 2020 to 2021 Project Lead the Way Distinguished School with a focus on engineering. The school also has an active Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.

John Yeates Middle School has a B-plus on Niche.
John Yeates Middle School has a B-plus on Niche.
Kids are challenged to excel at Nansemond River High School in Suffolk, Virginia.
Kids are challenged to excel at Nansemond River High School in Suffolk, Virginia.
At Creekside Elementary, students flourish amidst a vibrant, nurturing educational environment.
At Creekside Elementary, students flourish amidst a vibrant, nurturing educational environment.
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Near Route 17 and I-664

Route 17, also known as Bridge Road, runs through Sleepy Hole, and hopping onto Interstate 664 takes only a few minutes. From there, residents can reach and cross the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel to downtown Newport News. Downtown Norfolk and downtown Portsmouth are likewise relatively short drives away. “It’s really a convenient location,” Thomas says. “When I started selling real estate 25 years ago, I never dreamed that Suffolk would be centrally located, but it totally is at this point with all the new roadways. It’s wild.”

Christina Norwood
Written By
Christina Norwood
Gregory Hayes
Photography Contributed By
Gregory Hayes
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Daniel Willingham

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norfolk International

32 min drive

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Sleepy Hole US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Sleepy Hole Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$479,000
Median Sale Price
$455,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$525,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$391,139
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$295,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
299
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$215

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
4,514
Number of Homes for Sale
92
Median Year Built
2003
Months of Supply
3.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,460
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,988
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,404
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,221
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
15,681

Open Houses

  • Friday, Feb 6
    4 - 6pm

    1013 Strawberry Ct, Suffolk, VA 23435

    $589,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,720 Sq Ft
    • 1013 Strawberry Ct
    • New 4 days ago

    Built in 2023 and gently lived in, this show-stopping home delivers the wow of new construction without the wait. The open, light-filled layout stuns with 9-foot ceilings, preset lighting throughout, and luxury vinyl plank flooring that sets the tone the moment you enter. The chef’s kitchen is an entertainer’s dream featuring a large statement island and gas range, while the upstairs minibar with

    Agent Photo
    Darlene Hollywood Gaines
    BHHS RW Towne Realty
    (757) 693-4711
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  • Friday, Feb 6
    2am - 4pm

    126 Creek Front Ln, Suffolk, VA 23435

    $547,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,758 Sq Ft
    • 126 Creek Front Ln
    • New 19 days ago

    Stunning entry foyer opening to GR and Hearth Room, screened porch, open kitchen, loft view. Amenities galore including community pool, pier & gazebo, kayak launch, daytime docking, firepit & picnic area, dog park, garden, exercise room, yard maintenance, trash pickup, master insurance policy. Large Great room w/ gas FP and Hearth room open to bright screened porch overlooking nature and woods.

    Vicki Gallagher Howard Hanna Real Estate Svcs.

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  • Saturday, Feb 7
    10am - 12pm

    2714 Burning Tree Ln, Suffolk, VA 23435

    $499,999

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,314 Sq Ft
    • 2714 Burning Tree Ln
    • New 2 days ago

    This beautifully maintained 4bed 2bath ranch offers a blend of comfort, style, and function. A traditional living room and dining room create welcoming spaces for gathering, while the updated kitchen features modern finishes ready for everyday living and entertaining. Plantation shutters add timeless charm and natural light control. The updated bathrooms provide a fresh, clean feel, and the

    Hillary Kaufman 1st Class RE Barn Door Homes

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
15,695
Median Age
39
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$112,620
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$129,068

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.2%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
38.2%
Advanced Degrees
17.5%
% Population in Labor Force
75.3%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
8''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

38 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

36 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Sleepy Hole