Chesapeake, one of the seven cities within the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, provides a fantastic rural atmosphere with pockets of urbanism scattered throughout it. The city boasts a prime location that allows you to reach pristine barrier islands within just a couple of hours while also being within a few hours of the nation's capital. With nearly 233,000 residents, Chesapeake is the third largest city in the state according to its population. Comprised of numerous acres of protected natural areas, there are also a number of Chesapeake neighborhoods that are ideal for retirees.

Top Chesapeake Neighborhoods for Retirees

In addition to lots of green spaces, such as the Great Dismal Swamp, Chesapeake simply offers a slower and more relaxed atmosphere compared to other cities in the Hampton Roads area. There are urban farms, horse stables and lots of other pursuits that can capture your attention. When searching for the best communities for retirees, consider the following neighborhoods:

1. Lighthouse Pointe

Helpful Statistics:

  • Average Age: 55+ years of age
  • Median Income: $93,083 per year (Deep Creek statistic)
  • Crime: Slightly below national average

Lighthouse Pointe is a planned retirement community that offers its residents a whole host of amenities. Utilizing a holistic approach provides residents with the ability to customize their experiences within Lighthouse Pointe. With the ability to live life as independently as possible, the community is situated mere minutes away from some of the top healthcare options in the area. At Lighthouse Pointe, you can enjoy an experience that is all-inclusive including meals prepared by their in-house team and served in the dining room -- restaurant style -- cable TV, heating, utilities and weekly services that provide linen changing and basic housekeeping.

2. The Reserve at Greenbrier

Helpful Statistics:

  • Average Age: 55+ years of age
  • Median Income: $74,272 per year (Greenbrier statistic)
  • Crime: slightly below the national average

The Reserve at Greenbrier is a community that is restricted to those aged 55 or older. Opulent and upper scale, the Reserve at Greenbrier is fully equipped to meet your social needs with a variety of clubs and activities that are there for your choosing. Designed to keep your body as active as your mind, the Reserves at Greenbrier boasts a business center, fully-equipped fitness center, media room, demonstration kitchen and much more. A 24 hour library, rooms for gaming with systems such as the Wii, music, billiards and more, you will never find yourself bored at this retirement neighborhood. Social groups and regularly scheduled outings help keep your social calendar as full as you like. Enjoy the theater, Karaoke evenings, on-site entertainment and educational speakers that allow you to spend time with your old friends while also making new ones. Tastefully decorated and maintained by a top-notch staff, living at the Reserve at Greenbrier allows you to enjoy your retirement to its fullest.

3. South Norfolk

Helpful Statistics:

  • Average Age: 33.1 years of age
  • Median Income: $44,314 per year
  • Crime: slightly higher than the national average

Situated along the Southern Branch Elizabeth River, South Norfolk was originally a small city in its own right. Though it merged with Norfolk County in 1963 to become the city of Chesapeake, the area retains its unique sense of community. Located just over the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, the neighborhood of South Norfolk allows residents easy access to a medical complex that includes Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, home to a heart program that is nationally ranked. The Gateway at SoNo recently opened and includes a mix of condos and single family homes within the area. In addition to its luxury living spaces, The Gateway at SoNo also includes retail and office areas. This makes it easy for you to take care of your everyday errands right within your community. Homes in the community range from $121,000 to $137,000. The listing prices of homes listed in the two years between January 2014 and projected to January 2016 have remained pretty steady within the upper $120,000 range. The sale prices of those homes has ranged from around $100,000 to the upper $130,000.


The statistics for South Norfolk show the real estate market as a whole being below what the city of Chesapeake has experienced. The area's median home price for the final quarter of the year of $158,950 is 12.7 percent lowers than the prior three months of May 2015 to August 2015. This figure also represents a decrease of 3.6 percent when compared to data from the same time period in 2014. Compared to Chesapeake's median home price, the median home price for South Norfolk is nearly 31 percent less. Prices for homes listing in South Norfolk average about $164,817, a decrease of $823 -- or 0.5 percent when compared to data from the previous week. Homes in South Norfolk fetch an average of $92 per square foot which is 28.68 percent less than the city of Chesapeake as a whole. There is a revitalization effort underway within the South Norfolk neighborhood.