Suffolk City Guide
Suffolk, VA — City Guide for Home Buyers & Sellers
Suffolk’s housing market has shown steady growth. As of late 2025, the median home price is approximately $396,000, reflecting a 2.9% year-over-year increase. This affordability compared to nearby Chesapeake or Norfolk continues to attract families, retirees, and professionals seeking more space and suburban living. With both new construction communities and established resale neighborhoods, Suffolk offers diverse options for buyers at different price points.
Neighborhoods range from the upscale Riverfront at Harbour View with golf and waterfront amenities, to historic Downtown Suffolk with its cultural venues and walkable streets, and family-friendly areas like East Washington Street. Suffolk’s economy is supported by healthcare, manufacturing, defense, and agriculture, while its schools and recreational amenities add to its appeal. With ongoing development and balanced growth, Suffolk is more than a commuter city—it’s a dynamic, evolving place to live, work, and invest.
Suffolk, VA at a Glance
Suffolk, VA is Hampton Roads’ largest city by land area, blending historic charm, suburban growth, and rural landscapes. Known for the Great Dismal Swamp, agribusiness, and expanding communities, Suffolk offers affordable housing and diverse lifestyle options. Key indicators below highlight the market and community dynamics for buyers, sellers, and investors.
| Suffolk City | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2024) | 103,105 |
| Population Change (2020-2024) | 8.8% |
| % of Population Aged 25-54 | 40.0% |
| Median Age (2023) | 38.4 |
| Employment Growth (2019-2024) | 10.3% |
| Employment | 48,438 |
| Labor Force Participation Rate (2023) | 65.8% |
| Unemployment Rate (2024) | 3.0% |
| Median Household Income | $90,089 |
Source: Hampton Roads Planning District Commission – Hampton Roads Data Book
Suffolk, VA Real Estate Market — December 2025
Suffolk’s detached resale market is steady but shifting, and both sides are feeling it.
Prices are up slightly to $375,000 (+1.4%), and the jump in closed sales (+15.3%) shows buyers are stepping in while price growth stays mild. Sellers are still in a strong spot, with homes moving in 35 days and landing 97.5% of original list price.
Inventory is rising—203 active listings and a surge in new listings—giving buyers more choice, even as months of supply sits at a seller‑leaning 2.4.
Overall, it’s a market where buyers sense opportunity and sellers still hold the advantage, but the gap is narrowing.
Data below is for detached single family homes in Suffolk, VA (not including new construction or waterfront)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Sales Price | $375,000 (1.4% YoY) |
| Closed Sales | 83 (+15.3% YoY) |
| Median Days on Market | 35 (0.0% YoY) |
| % of Original List Price Received | 97.5% (2.3% YoY) |
| Median Sold $/SqFt | $196 (+6.5% YoY) |
| New Listings | 78 (+18..2% YoY) |
| Active Inventory | 203 (14.7% YoY) |
| Months Supply of Inventory | 2.4 (-0.5% YoY) |
Source: REIN MLS & Domus Analytics Dashboard. Market conditions change quickly—contact Liz Schuyler for the latest neighborhood-level numbers.
Where to Live in Suffolk
Suffolk offers everything from historic downtown living to upscale waterfront communities and spacious suburban neighborhoods. Below is a short description of 7 distinct areas giving you the flavor of each.
Historic charm with walkable streets, cultural venues, and early 20th-century homes. Ideal for buyers who want character, community, and proximity to shops and restaurants.
A master-planned community with golf, waterfront estates, and modern amenities. Perfect for professionals and families seeking upscale living with easy access to I-664.
Established neighborhood with riverfront homes and a strong community feel. Appeals to buyers looking for scenic views and family-friendly living.
Suburban-style neighborhood with newer homes, parks, and schools nearby. Great for families wanting affordability and convenience.
Known for its golf course, waterfront properties, and quiet atmosphere. A fit for buyers seeking space, recreation, and natural beauty.
Rapidly growing area with new construction, schools, and shopping. Popular among first-time buyers and young families.
Suffolk Schools & Education
Suffolk Public Schools (SPS) serves more than 14,500 students across 22 schools. The district is known for its balance of suburban and rural campuses, strong academic programs, and community involvement. Families can choose from neighborhood schools, advanced academic tracks, and specialty programs in STEM, health sciences, and the arts.
- Nansemond River High School: Offers strong athletics, arts, and career/technical education programs.
- King’s Fork High School: Known for its International Baccalaureate program and advanced academics.
- Lakeland High School: Provides career pathways and extracurricular opportunities in a rural-suburban setting.
- Specialty Programs: Options include STEM academies, health sciences, and gifted education tracks.
Learn more at the official site: Suffolk Public Schools .
Military Presence in Suffolk
Suffolk’s military presence is smaller than neighboring cities but still plays a vital role in Hampton Roads. The city hosts key support facilities and training centers that contribute to the region’s defense network and provide stable housing demand.
- Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR): Headquarters for Navy information warfare , overseeing cyber, intelligence, and communications operations.
- Joint Staff Suffolk Complex: Training and command facility supporting joint military operations and advanced planning.
These facilities highlight Suffolk’s role in supporting modern military operations, adding stability to the housing market and opportunities for relocating families.
Suffolk Property Search
Ready to explore homes in Suffolk? Use our property search tool to browse the latest listings, filter by your preferred neighborhoods, and discover options from historic Downtown Suffolk to newer developments in Harbour View and rural estates in Chuckatuck. Direct MLS links ensure you’re seeing the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
🌾 Suffolk Homes Await
Discover a blend of historic districts, modern developments, and rural estates with real-time listings across Suffolk. Filter by price, location, and lifestyle—from Downtown Suffolk’s character-filled homes to Harbour View’s upscale living—all in one interactive map search. 🏡
🔎 View Homes for SaleExplore Suffolk, VA Homes
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Hampton Roads Market Snapshot (Domus Analytics)
❓ Suffolk Real Estate FAQ
Why do buyers choose Suffolk over other Hampton Roads cities?
Suffolk blends historic charm, suburban growth, and rural landscapes. Buyers appreciate larger lot sizes, quieter living, and diverse housing options—from downtown character homes to upscale waterfront estates—while still enjoying reasonable commutes to Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Portsmouth.
How’s the current market—are homes selling fast?
The market is steady but slowing. Homes average 35 days on market, sellers receive about 99% of list price, and inventory is building—giving buyers more leverage while prices remain firm.
What kinds of neighborhoods can I choose from in Suffolk?
Options range from historic Downtown Suffolk with walkable streets, to Harbour View’s golf and waterfront estates, Burnett’s Mill for affordability, and scenic areas like Sleepy Hole and Riverview. There’s truly something for every lifestyle.
What’s driving Suffolk’s economy and housing demand?
Healthcare, manufacturing, defense, and agriculture anchor Suffolk’s economy. Military facilities like NAVIFOR and the Joint Staff Complex add stability to housing demand and bring relocating families to the area.
Are Suffolk schools strong for families moving here?
Yes—Suffolk Public Schools serve over 14,500 students across 22 schools. Families can access advanced academics at King’s Fork High (IB program), strong athletics and arts at Nansemond River High, and specialty tracks in STEM, health sciences, and gifted education.
Suffolk Highlights: Things to Do & Places to Go
- Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge: Expansive wilderness with hiking, biking, and kayaking trails, plus Lake Drummond at its heart.
- Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts: Restored historic high school now hosting art galleries, concerts, theater, and community events.
- Riddick’s Folly House Museum: Greek Revival mansion built in 1837, offering tours of Civil War history and period furnishings.
- Planters Peanut Center: A nostalgic shop celebrating Suffolk’s peanut heritage, with fresh-roasted peanuts and local treats.
- Sleepy Hole Park: Riverside park with trails, fishing piers, disc golf, and panoramic views of the Nansemond River.
- Lake Meade Park: Family-friendly green space featuring playgrounds, walking paths, and seasonal community festivals.
- Downtown Suffolk: Charming district with boutique shops, restaurants, and murals highlighting the city’s peanut legacy.
Fun Facts About Suffolk
- 🥜 Suffolk is known as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” home to Planters Peanuts founded in 1912.
- 🌲 The Great Dismal Swamp, partly within Suffolk, inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel “Dred” and served as a refuge for freedom seekers.
- 🏛️ Riddick’s Folly was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War and is now a National Register landmark.
- 🎭 The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts was once Suffolk High School, built in 1922, and now anchors the city’s arts scene.
- 🚤 Suffolk has more than 60 square miles of water, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, making it a haven for outdoor recreation.
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