Newport News

About Newport News

Newport News is a major city on the southwestern end of the Virginia Peninsula just a short drive northwest of Norfolk. The city saw significant growth in the second half of the 20th century, and though the growth rate has slowed somewhat, plenty of people are still relocating here. In Newport News, you'll enjoy easy access to a number of public parks, numerous hiking trails and a thriving arts scene.

The History of Newport News

The first European settlers made their homes in Newport News in 1621, calling it Newportes Newes. The town remained fairly small until the 1890s, existing as a quiet rural fishing village with several plantations. After the Civil War, California merchant Collis P. Huntington re-established the area as a new town, changing the name to Newport News. When a portion of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was established in the city, Newport News began to grow into a major hub of transportation of coal and other goods.

Huntington then went on to build the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, which quickly evolved into the largest shipyard in the world. The company earned a leading position in the construction of military warships, further fueling its growth and expansion. In 1896, Newport News was officially incorporated, and it has continued to evolve ever since.

Living in Newport News

Newport News attracts a variety of new people with its excellent recreational opportunities, stable economy and affordable housing. Here, you can enjoy one of the largest public parks in the country, with over 8,000 acres featuring 30 miles of biking, walking and jogging trails. The park was the historic site of part of the Battle of Yorktown, a major battle of the Revolutionary War. The waterways of Newport News offer fishing, boating and even beach areas and are perfect for the warm summer weather.

Jobs are plentiful in Newport News, which has an unemployment rate slightly lower than the national average. Job growth is positive, thanks to leading industry sectors including manufacturing, defense, research and technology. The Oyster Point Business Park is one of the most important business districts in the Virginia Peninsula areas, home to offices of major businesses including PNC Bank, Verizon Wireless and The Boeing Co. If you're planning to look for a job in Newport News, you might want to consider checking out the city's largest employers: Newport News Shipbuilding, Fort Eustis and the Newport News School System.

Newport News Neighborhoods

Here are a few of the great neighborhoods you'll find in Newport News:

City Center

Considered by many to be the new downtown of Newport News, City Center is a Southern-inspired development that contains a variety of businesses, retail shops, restaurants and apartments. You'll notice plenty of nods to the city's maritime roots, and the focal point of the area is a massive, five-acre fountain.

Port Warwick

Port Warwick is designed in the style of new urbanism, and is a newer addition to Newport News. The community is named after a fictional literary city, and all of its streets are named after well-known authors.

Hilton Village

Hilton Village was constructed between 1918 and 1921 to provide housing for shipyard employees arriving during the wartime production boom. The neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has earned special recognition as an important example of urban planning.

Newport News Schools

Newport News Public Schools manages most of the city's public schools, with some schools offering specialized programs focused on STEM and college prep. There are also several private schools to consider, with both faith-based and secular options.

Christopher Newport University is the city's public university, and it offers a range of liberal arts degrees. You also have the option of many other public and private universities in neighboring cities.

Resources for Moving to Newport News

Here's a quick guide to help you plan your move to Newport News:

• Utilities: Dominion Virginia Power is the city's main electricity provider, while Virginia Natural Gas manages natural gas. Newport News Waterworks facilitates all residential water services
• Garbage and Recycling: The city provides curbside collection of trash, recyclables, yard waste and bulky items.
• Transportation: There are plenty of public transit options in Newport News, including a well-developed network of bus and passenger railroad routes. Buses provide local transportation as well as convenient access to nearby cities.

Newport News Housing

Newport News offers a variety of homes to choose from, ranging from modest houses to luxurious estates and both old and new houses. The median home value in the city is slightly lower than the national average, making it easy to find plenty of budget-friendly options.