Why Live in Charles
Charles, a neighborhood in Newport News, is ideal for those who appreciate nature and a quieter pace of life. Located near the Warwick River and bordering Riverview Farm Park, residents have access to the largest playground in Newport News and a 1.5-mile walking trail. The neighborhood is primarily residential, featuring a mix of midcentury brick ranches and newer Colonial-style homes from the 2010s. Eastwood Drive connects Charles to Warwick Boulevard, where essential amenities like Food Lion and Menchville Food Mart are found, along with local dining options such as Crave Wings. For larger shopping needs, Interstate 64 nearby hosts big box retailers like Sam’s Club and Walmart.
Charles is served by highly rated schools, including B.C. Charles Elementary, Gildersleeve Middle, and Menchville High, known for its successful sports teams. The neighborhood’s layout, with its interlocking grid and cul-de-sacs, promotes walkability and reduces through traffic. Nicewood Park offers a quiet retreat with a playground, while Riverview Farm Park provides extensive trails, benches, and soccer fields, making it a popular attraction for outdoor activities.
Cultural attractions are easily accessible, with the Virginia Living Museum just 5 miles away and Busch Gardens amusement park 15 miles away via Interstate 64. Charles combines the tranquility of suburban living with convenient access to shopping, dining, and cultural destinations, making it a balanced choice for homebuyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charles a good place to live?
Charles is a good place to live. Charles is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Charles has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 5.9 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $99,306 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 35% of residents. A majority of residents in Charles are home owners, with 13.7% of residents renting and 86.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Charles can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Charles neighborhood guide.
Is Charles, VA a safe neighborhood?
Charles, VA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Charles?
The median home price in Charles is $334,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $67,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,740 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $75K a year to afford the median home price in Charles. The average household income in Charles is $99K.
What are the best public schools in Charles?
The best public schools that serve Charles are:
What are the best private schools in Charles?
The best private schools that serve Charles are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Charles, Newport News, VA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Charles, Newport News, VA?
Are home prices dropping in Charles?
Yes, home prices in Charles are down 7% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Charles, VA
On average, homes in Charles, Newport News sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Charles, Newport News over the last 12 months is $305,000, down 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$305,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$349,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$189,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$217
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
61
Median List Price
$334,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-27%