Ten Reasons to move to Historic Suffolk

Small town southern charm is the picture that comes to mind when thinking of Suffolk, Virginia. Southern Suffolk that is. When looking for your next place to call home, if living in a historic town with a smaller country feel is what you seek, historic downtown Suffolk just might be what you are looking for.

Established in the 1700s as one of the first English colonies, Suffolk is a bit of a dichotomy. It is the largest city in Virginia by area. Almost 430 sq miles, 400 of which is on dry land, reaching from the North Carolina boarder up to the banks of the James River. Despite its large physical size, south Suffolk has maintained its small-town charm. Driving down Main Street and some of the other city streets you'll see historic homes in various states of restoration. Vintage homes harkening back to colonial days with spires and columns and wide wrap-around porches. You'll also see signs of the times with new construction, condos, and townhomes lining the streets. Regardless of your style or taste, Suffolk has something for everyone.

We've put together a list of 10 reasons you should consider Historic Suffolk in your next move.

1. Community is alive and well

   Suffolk residents love to get together. Constant's Wharf Park and Marina is a 28-slip marina and 6-acre park that are perfect for community gatherings. This waterside venue is the spot for weekly outdoor concerts and movies throughout the summer months.

2. Peanut Capital of the World

   The Planters Nut and Chocolate Company opened in 1912 and peanuts have been a staple of the Suffolk economy ever since. It wouldn't be a trip to Suffolk without a stop at the center. Mr. Peanut proudly adorns the corner of Main and Washington streets.

3. A Peanutty festival

   With peanuts being such a big part of the local life, The Suffolk Peanut Festival is just a no-brainer. It attracts more than 100,000 people annually and is by far the most popular festival in Suffolk. Rides and attractions fill the skyline and festival goers enjoy everything from a parade to fun food to peanut butter sculpting. There are Monster mud trucks and Flight aviation shows, concerts and petting zoos. You can even witness the coronation of the Peanut Queen and princess court.

4. Great food and dining

   Suffolk is home to some great original restaurants like the chef-owned fine dining at Harper's Table on Main Street where chef Harper Bradshaw serves fresh local produce and seafood caught from the Atlantic coast. His establishment also creates a relaxing atmosphere with its industrial cosmopolitan style of high ceilings and reclaimed vintage pine from the old Suffolk Peanut Company. If a more casual experience is what you crave, the Plaid Turnip is a fun alternative, serving southern delights like fried green tomatoes and Shrimp or Oyster Po'Boys.

5. Hiking and biking

   With miles of green all around, Suffolk is full of parks and paths to enjoy hiking and biking. Lake Meade Park is conveniently located behind Kroger's on Main St and has hiking and biking trails that pass by beautiful waterfront views as well as playgrounds. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is just 15 min from downtown Suffolk. The Washington Ditch entrance is a favorite for walking and biking. That's just naming a few. The possibilities are abundant.

6. Wildlife viewing

   Suffolk being home to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, you can enjoy over 100,000 acres of outdoor recreation. For the birders there are over 200 species of birds spotted in the refuge. There are at least 47 species of mammals from bears to otters to mink. And for the fishermen, Lake Drummond is a large natural lake with yellow perch, chain pickerel, and bullhead catfish, to name a few. The most popular are the crappies. Don't forget your canoe or kayak as there are limits to the size boat engine allowed in Lake Drummond.

7. Easy access to the rest of Hampton Roads

   If the commute is your concern when looking for homes, Suffolk will put you within about 30 min of many of the military installations in the area. Highway 58 connects downtown Suffolk to I64 and I664. From Suffolk you can go north to I664 which will have you over the James River on either the Monitor Merrimack Bridge/tunnel or the James River Bridge with easy access to the Peninsula and all of the routes to northern Virginia. Or you can head south on I64 and be at beach in about 45 minutes.

8. Farmer's Market

   What would a quaint southern town be without a farmers' market? Suffolk doesn't disappoint. At the Suffolk Farmers' Market every Saturday in the warmer months you can find locally grown fruits and veggies, as well as delicious fresh baked pastries, pies, and breads. There are jams, jellies and honey along with handmade candles, soaps and so many other delights. Many weeks throughout the summer you can find Family Fun Day activities like petting zoos and face painting. The pavilion at 524 N Main St is where you want to be.

9. Flying high

   The Virginia Regional Festival of Flight fills the Suffolk skies with small aircraft from around the area to the Suffolk Executive Airport in the spring. You'll see home-made air craft as well as antique and classic planes. Stunt pilots will wow the crowds with aeronautical acrobatics and awe-inspiring feats. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there are also car and motorcycles to admire.

10. Can you hear the train a comin?

    One of the most recognized landmarks of Suffolk is the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum. This beautifully restored railroad station is built in the Queen Anne style architecture complete with a tower and walnut spiral staircase. Many of the original features have been saved and restored. Inside is an HO scale model of Suffolk, circa 1907 built by the Tidewater Div of the National Model Railroad Association.

Suffolk is a beautiful Hampton Roads city waiting to be explored. Make sure to add it to your list as you look for that next place to call home.