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Newport News, VA


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Newport News, Virginia

Introduction to Newport News, Virginia

The Virginia City of Newport News is located on the southwestern end of the Virginia Peninsula. One of the state's largest cities, Newport News encompasses 62 square miles and lies about 6 miles southeast of Hampton and 24 miles northwest of Norfolk. The city is served by two airports: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, located in the city itself; and Norfolk International Airport, in Norfolk. The principal highway servicing the city is Interstate I-664. Other major thoroughfares in the area include Interstate I-64; U.S. Routes 17, 60, and 258; and Virginia State Highways 32 and 143.

First settled in 1621, the area had been referred to "Newportes Newes" several years earlier. The actual source of the name is not known with certainty, although several theories are prevalent. Several Civil War engagements took place in the area including the 1862 Peninsula Campaign. Newport News remained a small community until the 1890s when it became the eastern terminus of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Railway. The city was formally organized and incorporated as a city in 1896 without having earlier been incorporated as a town. In 1958, the neighboring cities of Warwick and Newport News were consolidated as the newly-expanded city of Newport News.

One of the principal movers & shakers in Newport News' history was a man named Collis P. Huntington. Huntington was one of the builders of the country's first transcontinental railroad and owner of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Later he became developer of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, which became the world's largest shipyard and retains its prominence in the shipbuilding field to this day. The city of Huntington, West Virginia was named in his honor, as was Huntington Avenue in Newport News.

Things to Do in Newport News

World-class attractions, over 30 public parks, as well as great places to go and things to see and do are all part of the Newport News visitor experience. The Peninsula Fine Arts Center houses a wide array of diverse artworks and dynamic exhibitions that change every few months. Kids can create personal masterpieces in the interactive Hands On For Kids gallery. Kids will also enjoy the Peninsula S.P.C.A. Exotic Sanctuary & Petting Zoo. The Exotic Sanctuary features an African mandrill, otters, a Siberian tiger, and a black leopard; while the Petting Zoo contains chickens, goats, deer and even a peacock. The U.S. Army Transportation Museum chronicles 200 years of Army transportation through models, dioramas and full-size vehicles and equipment. The Virginia Living Museum offers hands-on activities and an observatory, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay and the underground realm of a limestone cave, or experience a steamy cypress swamp and a cool mountain cove. History buffs will savor the Virginia War Museum, where American military history unfolds. Collections of artifacts, vehicles, weapons, posters, and uniforms trace the development of the U.S. military from 1775 to the present.

Soccer fans can take the 10-minute drive to Newport News' neighboring city of Hampton, where pro soccer thrives. The Hampton Roads Piranhas are participants in the United Soccer League's Premier Development League (PDL). Fans of college sports can enjoy Hampton University's NCAA Division I athletic teams. Known as the Pirates, the University's teams compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Baseball fans can take the 30-minute drive to Norfolk, where the Norfolk Tides play Class Triple-A minor league baseball. The Tides are affiliated with MLB's Baltimore Orioles and compete in the International League.

High Points

Newport News strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Virginia):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 7%Newport News Racial Diversity
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 15%Newport News Public Transportation Use

Comparative Profile of Newport News, VA

Comparing Newport News to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Virginia (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Children Under 5 Years Old810
Female Share of the Population73
Racial Diversity510
Age of the Population41
Male Share of the Population48
Senior Citizens42
Well-Paid Single Men47
Well-Paid Single Women46

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married65
Average Household Size59

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Above Poverty75
People in Middle Class or Better66
Median Family Income46
College Educated Adults37

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times65
Public Transportation Use59
Walking and Biking to Work59
Working at Home13

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents73
Housing Recently Built78
Affordability of Property Taxes72
Seasonal and Vacation Housing43
People Living Alone43
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals28

Detailed pages on related topics: Newport News collegesNewport News travelNewport News mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Newport News CollegesNewport News Colleges
Newport News colleges and trade schools.
Newport News Hotels & TravelNewport News Hotels & Travel
Newport News hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Newport News MortgageNewport News Mortgage
Newport News property, mortgage, and real estate.

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Places Similar to Newport News

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Historic Newport News

photo

Custom house and post office between 1900 and 1910

Select a photo to view (Source):

Custom house and post office between 1900 and 1910

Custom house and post office between 1900 and 1910

Newport News (West Ave. residences) between 1900 and 1910

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