Home to the majority of the areas’ employers including Fort Eustis, Newport News is often referred to as “The Peninsula’s Anchor”. Besides ample jobs, this great city offers tons of shopping, recreation, services and quality neighborhoods. Newport News real estate taxes are $1.10/per $100 assesses. There are several sections in this city; examples would be Midtown(east and west) and Denbigh (north and south). From living in the middle of a city center, residing in a typical suburban neighborhood to even owning a 1920′s charmer in a throw-back neighborhood, Newport News has it all! For those looking for that “mixed urban/residential feel”, eastern Midtown has two spots to consider, Port Warwick and City Center. Picture, Lady and the Tramp Meets the 21st Century and you’ve just described Port Warwick. Choose from modern condos or brick townhouses/detached homes, all built no later than 2000 . There are even live-above homes for purchase, the perfect match for Port Warwick business owners. All are centered around various parks, the most notable being Styron Square. Styron Square and its picturesque gazebo is the center of the community; it’s the spot for regular free summer concerts and seasonal farmer’s markets. Wrapped around the perimeter of the park are many great shops and restaurants such as Blush Bridal Consignment Boutique, The Boutique, Schlesinger’s and Tropical Smoothie. City Center at Oyster Point is an even newer addition to Midtown Newport News area. New upscale condos are available for purchase at 757-784-1358. Owners can expect to enjoy great shopping and restaurants right outside their door, such as Ann Taylor Loft, Chico’s, Great Wraps and Salsa’s. For a special treat, head over to the local Marriott lunch room for a tasty and affordable brunch. All surrounds Fountain Park/Plaza, the heart of City Center. Seasonal free events such as Fridays at the Fountain and Family Films by the Fountain can be enjoyed by area residents. One could even bike to work! Truly, this Oyster Point area has traditionally been known for its strong Newport News business presence. Canon, UPS, RE/MAX Peninsula, Peninsula Settlement LLC, Atlantic Bay Mortgage and The Law Office of Smith and Peters are just some examples of OPT businesses. If someone is looking for a typical neighborhood setting, there are plenty of choices in Newport News. Communities such as Meridian Parkside, Ivy Farms, Courtney Trace, Sycamore Grove and Beechlake Estates all enjoy ready access to Hampton Roads Center Parkway. This major roadway offers an easy commute to Langley AFB in Hampton. There are several charming established neighborhoods Midtown West as well. Hidenwood, James Landing and Glendale are perfect examples. Each enjoy easy access to Christopher Newport University and Riverside Hospital, two main employers of the area. Amazing waterfront or water view homes can be found in Riverside, another desirable and established Midtown community. Much of Riverside borders the Mariner’s Museum and has easy access to Noland’s Trail around Lake Maury. Neighborhoods such as Wedgewood and Summerlake are close to Riverview Farm Park; a spot that features a dog park and two large playgrounds. In fact, 247 Season’s Trail in Summerlake is currently for sale and ready for its new owners. If you’re looking for a hassle-free home right by a marina for your boat, a townhouse in Marina Bluff or condo at Windward Towers would be ideal. A highly popular Denbigh South neighborhood is the large community of Kiln Creek. Residents of this amenity-rich golf community enjoy a wide variety of homes, from condos and townhouses to starter and upscale properties. If you own a home in this community, you’ll have a use of pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, ball fields and walking/jogging trails. Country club membership is separate but residents can still play on the course during certain times. Kiln Creek has easy access to two interstate exits via Victory Blvd. And Jefferson Ave. Shopping, restaurants and businesses are nearby; there is even Kiln Creek ES, gas station, day care centers and a vet clinic right in the community. Kiln Creek owners enjoy a less than 5 minute commute to the Jefferson Lab, the Headquarters for Ferguson Enterprises and Wolseley N. America. All are also major employers of Hampton Roads. For home buyers looking for a super-quick commute to Fort Eustis, there are several North Denbigh detached home neighborhoods to consider. Examples would be Colony Pines, Windsor Great Park, Beechwood and Lee’s Mill. For those looking for an older/more eclectic neighborhood, Hilton Village would be an obvious choice. This circa 1918-1930′s neighborhood offers both duplexes and detached homes w/ charming courthouse-styled backyards. Enjoy walking with your family to the quirky Hilton shops as well as Hilton ES. The community is even bordered by the James River. Brandon Heights is an equally charming community that attaches to Hilton Village. If you’d preferred a unique 1940′s home w/ a larger lot, Warwick on the James would be a great choice. All these neighborhoods enjoy an easy commute to the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Yard, the largest area employer. You could even walk to your job at the NN Shipyard; just buy a home in Historical Huntington Heights. Needless to say, there are many quality Newport News neighborhoods to consider.
Known for its excellent magnet program, Newport News has many public schools in its system. There are currently 24 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 5 high schools, and 4 early child centers. Childtime, Bright Heights, Hampton Roads Montessori, St. Andrew’s, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Hampton Roads Academy are just a handful of Newport News daycares and private schools. Christopher Newport is an excellent four year university. Its namesake is taken from Captain Christopher Newport, one of the founding fathers of Jamestown. Besides school choices, employment and great neighborhoods, Newport News has plenty to do! Enjoy a concert at the Ferguson Center of the Arts, located on the CNU campus. Observe native wildlife at the Virginia Living Museum. Play in the sand and swim in the James at Huntington Park. Feast on fresh local crabs and enjoy breathtaking river views at The Crab Shack. During the holiday season, ice skate and visit with Santa at Fountain Plaza in City Center. A true Newport News tradition is visiting Newport News Park during the holiday “Celebration in Lights”. For under $10, enjoy a family car ride through the park, transformed by 7500 themed lights. Play some holiday music on your car radio for the total “Winter Wonderland” experience!
