suffolk
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While you think about moving Suffolk, VA, tons of questions pop up in the mind. Is Suffolk a good place to live? How about the population, job opportunities, climate, transport, and cost of living? Are there good jobs available? And how is the crime rate there?

We know how confused you are and thought of giving all relevant information to help you decide whether moving to Suffolk is a good idea or not. Our moving guide is the one-stop point where you can check every fact related to the city situated in the Hamptons Road metropolitan area.

Here we are set to go.

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before you move to Suffolk

  • Suffolk was the birthplace of Mr. Peanut, the famous mascot of Planters Peanuts
  • The city got its name from the Royal Governor William Gooch's home of Suffolk, England
  • Suffolk is a major tech hub of Virginia
  • The city is one of the most family-friendly in Virginia State
  • Suffolk turns into a fun zone every summer
  • About 89% of the population is above poverty level
  • It is legal to smoke inside workplaces in Suffolk
  • While marijuana smoking is illegal in Suffolk, e-cigarettes are also banned here

Top 10 things to know before moving to Suffolk

When you’re serious about packing the bags to the city, you may also be keen to know some facts about Suffolk. Here are 10 things you need to know about the city before you move here:

  • The proximity to several military installations makes Suffolk a retired soldier’s choice to settle
  • Suffolk is one of the best cities for young families in Virginia to live
  • The city has a rich history and this makes antique markets a popular destination
  • Compared to the rest of the country, the cost of living is 5.70% higher than the US national average
  • Riddick's Folly House Museum was a home utilized by the Union Army during the Civil War
  • Nansemond County Courthouse showcases Roman Revival architecture
  • Suffolk’s Annual Virginia Peanut Festival is famous for fun family activities
  • The Historic Cedar Hill Cemetery is home to a bronze monument to the Confederate dead as well as a fountain that once used to water hearse-drawing horses
  • Severe storms hit the city every year, causing damage
  • Smoking is allowed inside restaurants and bars in Suffolk

What salary do you need to live in Suffolk?

Suffolk is one of the wealthiest cities in the US and it is natural to be expensive. Housing, health, transport, and other amenities are costlier here and you may require earning an average $49,000 to make a decent living. That's because the median income in Suffolk is $49,000 and if you earn this you will be earning more than what 50% of the city residents are earning.

What's the Population of Suffolk, VA?

About 94,324 people reside in Suffolk city whereas the population of the total metro area is 1,799, 674. Here’s a breakup of the city population

  • The density is 220/sq mi
  • Among the population, 50.1% are White, 42.7 are Black or African-American, 1.6% is Asian, 0.1% is Pacific Islander, 0.8% is from other races, and 2.3% are from two or more races
  • Hispanics also form 2.9% of the population
  • The population is made up of 49% males and 51% females
  • The median age in Suffolk is 37.9
  • The city population grew by 44.6% since 2000
  • 55.1% of the residents are married couples living together
  • The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.09

How fast can you commute in Suffolk, VA?

In Suffolk, you would need to spend an average 28.4 minutes to commute one-side, which is longer than the US average of 26.4 minutes.

Here’s a breakdown of how people commute to office in Suffolk on a daily basis.

  • About 85.5% drive their own car alone
  • About 8.7% carpool with others
  • An average 3.4% work from home
  • Approximately 0.2% take mass transit

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How is the weather like in Suffolk, VA?

In Suffolk, VA, summers are hot and muggy while winters are short but extremely cold and windy. The city is wet and partly cloudy year around

Here are a few important facts about the Suffolk climate.

  • The city receives about 48 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
  • Suffolk receives about 5 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year
  • On average, Suffolk has 210 sunny days per year. The US average is 205 sunny days
  • The city gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 116 days per year
  • The July high is about 89° F while the January low is 30° F.
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Top 10 reasons to move to Suffolk, VA

Suffolk sees the arrival of a huge population annually. And there are reasons for people moving to this growing city of Virginia State

We’ve listed the top 10 reasons people are moving to Suffolk, to give you an idea of what to expect:

  • Growing economy and rising job opportunities
  • Suffolk is a tech hub
  • Low crime rate
  • Good education facilities
  • Scores high in livability
  • Climate is peasant
  • Unlimited outdoor fun options
  • Good food and wining options
  • High median household income
  • Lucrative tax incentives for start ups
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Pros & Cons of moving to Suffolk

Before you pack the bags to Suffolk, it is good to know both the merits and demerits of living there. And to help you, we’ve collated the pros and cons of living in Suffolk.

Here are a few pros and cons of moving to Suffolk

Pros of living in Suffolk
  • Wide range of outdoor activities
  • Low cost of living
  • Low crime rate
  • Lot of local sporting teams
  • Amazing historical homes
Cons of living in Suffolk
  • Far away from a lot of things in Hampton Roads
  • Flooding at low lying areas is common
  • Heavy traffic

Best places to live in if you’re moving to Suffolk VA

Reaching Suffolk, your priority would be to find a home in a decent neighborhood. Luckily, Suffolk has many good neighborhoods.

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value
1 Hobson 1,064 $475,806
2 Nansemond 32,127 $689,555
3 Kenyon/Kilby 6,980 $467,445
4 Arbor Meadows 32,127 $450,205
5 Bennett Creek 32,137 $394,701
6 Holly Acres 1,330 $311,583

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Cost of living in Suffolk, VA

Compared to the rest of Virginia, Suffolk is 1.7% costlier than the rest of the US. The booming economy, growing job opportunities, and high average salary contribute to the high cost of living in the city.

Here is a simple breakdown of the key elements that make up the city’s cost of living since you’re considering moving to Suffolk

Living Expense Suffolk Virginia National Average
Overall 101.7 103.7 100
Grocery 98.3 99.6 100
Health 107.4 102.4 100
Housing 101.1 111.8 100
Median home cost $281,400 $329,200 $291,700
Utilities 98.1 99.3 100
Transportation 104.4 99.4 100
Miscellaneous 100.2 100.5 100

How is the job market in Suffolk, Virginia?

Suffolk has a booming economy and this contributes to job growth. If you are moving here for a job, you’ll be happy to know that there is no shortage of skilled jobs here.

To help you, we’ve got the latest job stats in the city.

  • Suffolk records a positive job growth
  • The unemployment rate in Suffolk is 5.7% and the US average is 6.0%
  • Jobs have increased by 1.3% over the past year
  • The average salary in Suffolk is $66,822
  • The future job growth in Suffolk is predicted to be 35.15%, whereas nationally it is assumed to be 33.51%

Here is a breakdown table to better understand the Suffolk job market.

Employment Information Suffolk, Virginia United States
The income per Cap $31,329 $31,177
Household Income $68,089 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 5.7 6.0%
Recent Job Growth -5.78% -6.18%
Future Job Growth 35.15% 33.51%

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Fastest growing jobs in Suffolk, VA

If you’re moving to Suffolk with a job purpose, you’d be keen to know the fastest-growing jobs in the city. The following are the top ten fastest-growing jobs in the city.

Rank Job Title Average salary Openings in 2023
1 Registered nurse $62,873 426
2 Sales associate $32,528 234
3 Shift supervisor $38,911 228
4 Delivery driver $33,903 150
5 Subject matter expert $111,660 133
6 Customer service representative $26,376 131
7 Assistant manager $42,255 127
8 Certified nursing assistant $27,605 117
9 Shift leader $37,915 111
10 Licensed practical nurse $42,302 110

Top career options in Suffolk

Who takes the fat paychecks home in Suffolk? Aren’t you curious to know that? Check our list of top career options in Suffolk, which will help you in the job hunt.

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary
1 Nephrologist $207,234 $116,000
2 Internal Medicine Physician $205,376 $119,000
3 Physician $197,534 $111,000
4 Hospitalist physician $194,121 $110,000
5 Managing partner $145,955 $71,000
6 Pharmacist $134,076 $89,000
7 Senior Manager $132,683 $86,000
8 Processing manager $107,597 $62,000
9 Home mission worker $100,000 $78,000
10 Security specialist $94,651 $50,000

Best companies to work for if you’re moving to Suffolk, VA

So what are the best companies to work at Suffolk? The city has hundreds of companies to join but when you know the best ones, it becomes easier. Here is a list of the best employers in Suffolk.

  • Birdsong Corporation
  • Sysco Food Services of Hampton Roads
  • Diatec Environmental
  • Vitex Packaging Group
  • New Dominion Pictures
  • Podesta Michael Graphic Design
  • Wanchese Fish
  • Lynxnet, LLC
  • Lake Prince Woods
  • Western Tidewater CSB

What's the average salary & income in Suffolk, Virginia?

When you’re moving to Suffolk for the job, the salary would matter much. Though Suffolk is a tech hub with many big names, you would be keen to know how much each one would offer. Though the package would be greatly based on which company you work for and what job you do, there would be some basic information common for all.

To help you, we’ve collated a few facts about the average salary and income in Suffolk.

  • Suffolk’s average annual pay for average jobs is $58,745 a year
  • Suffolk’s average hourly pay for average jobs is $21.80 an hour
  • Suffolk’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $872 per week
  • Suffolk’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $3,778 per month
  • Suffolk’s top earners (90th percentile) make $90,291 annually

Major industries in Suffolk

It is good to know the major industries in Suffolk before you move there. Knowing the prominent business types will help you know whether you have got ample opportunities to work.

Here is a list of the top 5 industries in Suffolk.

  • Education
  • Food and beverage processing
  • Healthcare
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Furniture manufacturing

How is the housing market of Suffolk, VA?

As you are serious about moving to Suffolk, the housing cost would be a major concern. As per the latest property records, the median home cost in Suffolk is $281,400. In Suffolk, the home appreciation the last 10 years has been 26.7%, which is up by 10%

To make things easier and understandable, here are a few facts about the Suffolk housing market.

  • Suffolk’s median home cost is $281,400
  • The median age of Suffolk real estate is 28 years old
  • The city’s home appreciation in the last 10 years has been 26.7%
  • Renters make up 25.9% of the Suffolk population
  • About 1.6% of houses and apartments here are available to rent

Average rental prices in Suffolk, VA

Reaching Suffolk, you may be staying on rent for some time and the home rental will be a major factor in determining your monthly budget. Hence, having an idea about the house rental market will benefit you.

  • Suffolk’s average rent for a studio apartment is $965
  • Suffolk’s average rent for 1-bedroom home or apartment is $986
  • Suffolk’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,159
  • Suffolk’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,628
  • Suffolk’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $2,000

What are taxes like in Suffolk?

Tax is a major factor determining the amount you take home. As you have decided to move to Suffolk, you could be keen to know the taxes existing here.

Here are a few tax-related facts existing in Suffolk, VA.

  • Virginia’s income tax is 2% - 5.75%
  • Sales tax in Virginia is 5.35 – 7%
  • The average effective rate of property taxes in Virginia is 0.80%
  • Gas tax in Virginia is 21.95 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
  • Virginia gas tax is 26.02 cents per gallon of diesel

What are the best things to do in Suffolk, Virginia?

 

Suffolk is amazingly beautiful and leaves no dull moment for you. Moving here, you’ve got a lot to explore. The city lies conveniently close to Newport News, Colonial Williamsburg, the USS Wisconsin, and the Virginia Beach oceanfront and this proves how engaging your life will be.

We’ve listed out 10 things to do in Suffolk.

  • Take a look at the statue of Suffolk’s most famous resident, Mr. Peanut
  • Be a part of the unlimited summer festivals
  • Get some liquid courage at the haunted hotel turned baron’s pub
  • Shop at the local farmer’s market
  • Visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
  • Take a trip to Sleepy Hole Park
  • Explore the Virginia Regional Festival of Flight
  • Visit Bacon’s Castle
  • Explore Virginia Living Museum
  • Appreciate arts at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts

How safe is Suffolk, VA?

If crime is a concern for you while moving to a new place, you can surely consider Suffolk as your new home as the city is much safer than many US cities. As per recent studies, the crime rate in Suffolk is gradually decreasing and the city is safer than 25% of the US cities

Here are a few safety-related facts about Suffolk

  • Suffolk's violent crime is 17.7 while the US average is 22.7
  • Suffolk property crime is 38.9 while the US average is 35.4
  • Your chance of being a violent crime victim is 1 in 258 in Suffolk
  • Your chance of being a property crime victim is 1 in 55 in Suffolk
  • The crime rate has drastically declined in the last 5 years
  • About 40% of the population feels safe in Suffolk

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What are the top schools in Suffolk, VA?

While moving to Suffolk with the family, knowing schools and colleges here is a good idea. To help you, we’ve got a list of elementary, middle, and high schools along with colleges and universities.

Our list of schools and colleges will help you in picking the best one for your child

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