Suffolk

The city of Suffolk, VA, was founded in 1742 by English colonists. It takes its name from Suffolk County in southeast England, United Kingdom. It’s an independent city with a population of a little less than 85,000 inhabitants, according to the census of 2010. By area (400 square miles of land, and 29 square miles of water), it’s the largest city in Virginia and 11th largest within the entire country.
Located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, Suffolk is one of the major cities within the area together with Newport News, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake.

What to See and Do in Suffolk, VA

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

The Great Dismal Swamp which is located in the southern part of the city offers a unique ecosystem that hosts an over-abundance of wildlife. It’s an excellent place for those who enjoy nature and provides plenty of trails for walking and biking.
 
Suffolk Visitor Center
Suffolk Visitor Center, located at 524 North Main Street, Suffolk, was previously the city’s courthouse. These days, however, it’s been transformed into a center for visitors and residents of the city and serves to educate about upcoming events and provides photographic works and displays of artefacts from the bygone era.
 
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts which is situated at 110 West Finney Avenue, Suffolk, is a beautifully appointed location for what is now a cultural arts center. For live music, this is the place to go, though there are also a number of exhibitions taking place throughout the year.

Getting Around

U.S. Highways 13, 17, 58, 58, as well as 460 all serve Suffolk. Interstate 664 passes through the northeastern section of the city.

The closest airport to the city is Norfolk International Airport which offers domestic flights and is situated 28 miles from central Suffolk. Richmond International Airport at Richmond, VA, is the closest international airport, located 81 miles from Suffolk.

Many miles of bike trails can be found at the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge which is accessible at Washington Ditch via White Marsh Road as well as at a number of other entry points. Further bike trails are to be found off Godwin Blvd at Lone Star Lakes City Park. Moreover, there are plenty of rural roadways where the traffic is light, making them suited to road riding.

Employment

Income per capita in the city of Suffolk is 5.3% higher than that of the national average where median household income is 25.3% higher than the national average. Poverty levels in the city are 21.9% less than that of the national average.

Education

The local public school system, Suffolk Public Schools, operate 19 schools, including 12 elementary, four middle, and three high schools. There are also 25 higher educational establishments within the city.

Cost of Living and Crime

The cost of living in Suffolk, VA, is 12% higher than the country’s average and the cost of housing is 29% higher than the national average. Violent crime in the city is 46% lower than the country’s average whereas property crime in Suffolk is 22% lower than the national average.

Climate

The highest average temperatures for the year within Suffolk fall in July where 79 degrees can be expected. The lowest average temperatures for the year fall in February when 43 degrees is likely.