Are you looking at homes for sale in Suffolk, VA? Suffolk is a unique and diverse city, offering a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and affordable housing. However, like any place, there are advantages and disadvantages, and it depends on what is most important to you and what fits your needs. If you’re considering making Suffolk your home, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of Suffolk, VA to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
The Pros of Living in Suffolk
- #1 Affordable Housing
The top pro for all of Suffolk is that housing is often more affordable than in other Hampton Roads cities. You’ll get more house and land for your money, without question. Whether you’re looking for a spacious home with a big yard or something more modest, Suffolk offers excellent value.
- #2 Great Outdoor Activities
Suffolk is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With six golf courses, numerous places to launch a boat, and plenty of spots for fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching, and more, there’s no shortage of things to do. Some of the best nature areas include Bennett’s Creek, The Great Dismal Swamp, Blackwater Park, Sleepy Hole, and Lone Star Lakes. If you love being outdoors, Suffolk is the place to be.
- #3 Natural Beauty
As the largest city in Virginia by land area, Suffolk offers a diverse landscape. From the quiet, peaceful expanses of South Suffolk to the more bustling areas of North and West/Central Suffolk, there’s something for everyone.
Pros of North and West/Central Suffolk
If you live in North or West/Central Suffolk, you’ll find it relatively easy to commute to work, thanks to quick access to highways like 58, 17, and 664. Getting to places like Virginia Beach Town Center or Newport News Shipbuilding can take as little as 30 minutes, and the drive to Norfolk Naval Base is around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. These areas also offer plenty of dining and shopping options, especially in the Harbour View area, where you’ll find everything you need.
Pros of South Suffolk
If natural beauty and tranquility are what you seek, South Suffolk is the place to be. It’s quiet, peaceful, and offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, you’ll get more acreage for your money than in any other part of Suffolk. Plus, you’re still close to Downtown Suffolk, a popular and quaint spot with farm-to-table restaurants, unique shops, markets, and year-round events. And the best part? It’s only about a 15-minute drive from South Suffolk to Downtown. Just outside of Downtown, you’ll also find all the necessities like Walmart and chain restaurants.
The Cons of Living in Suffolk
- #1 Limited Public Transportation
One of the biggest cons of living in Suffolk is the lack of public transportation options. Apart from the Downtown area, there really aren’t any public transportation services available. In fact, only about 1% of the population in Suffolk uses public transportation. So, if you’re used to relying on public transit, this might be a significant adjustment.
- #2 Longer Commutes
While Suffolk offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, it comes at the cost of longer commutes. The drive to other areas of Hampton Roads can take as much as an hour or more. However, many homeowners find that the benefits of living in Suffolk outweigh the commute time, especially if they value space, privacy, and a quieter lifestyle.
- #3 Fewer Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Options
If you live in South Suffolk, you’ll find fewer shopping, dining, and entertainment options compared to Northern Suffolk. Harbour View is the only area with all the big-box stores, a wide variety of restaurants and specialty shops, a movie theater, and more. And if you enjoy concerts and nightlife, Suffolk might not be the best fit for you, as Norfolk and Virginia Beach are the go-to places for that kind of entertainment. Some homeowners, however, prefer being further away from the hustle and bustle, even if it means driving a little further to get to a grocery store or restaurant.
Building a Home in Suffolk, VA
Suffolk is a city of contrasts, offering both the tranquility of rural living and the convenience of suburban life. Whether the pros outweigh the cons depends on what you value most in a place to live. At AB Homes, we’re here to help you find the perfect home, no matter which part of Suffolk you choose. If you’d like more information about the pros and cons of Suffolk, VA, or would like to come take a look at one of our new construction homes in Suffolk, reach out today. We’d be happy to show you the AB Homes difference.