Newport News sits at the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula and on the northern shore of the James River. Settled in 1691, it now covers 119.62 square miles, and has a median age of 33.8 (2022). The city’s major industries are military, shipbuilding, and aerospace.

Newport News’ history of shipbuilding is reflected in its English cottage-style homes, which had been built to house shipbuilders. Those dwellings now stand among historic, Colonial-style homes and modern condos. The typical value of homes in Newport News is $260,508, up 12.1% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Adding to the city’s appeal are annual events, such as the Spring Fling craft show, the Newport News Fall Festival, the Brewers’ Invitational Beer Fest, and the Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival.

I-64 and U.S. Route 60 both serve Newport News. The Kiln Creek neighborhood, located in the city’s northern end east of I-64, offers condos, townhouses, single-family detached homes, and quick access to the Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort. Carriage Hill to the west features a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments, along with plenty of shopping and restaurants. The neighborhood of Hidenwood, southwest of downtown, contains a nice blend of single-family homes and apartments.

Newport News is a place to enjoy the outdoors, thanks to the mainly mild weather, and the city’s parks, 30 lakes, and public boat ramps.