Suffolk, VA

Suffolk, Virginia

Introduction to Suffolk, Virginia

Suffolk, Virginia is 28 miles W of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Suffolk is situated in the South Hampton Roads region of Eastern Virginia. By acreage it's the biggest municipality of the Seven Cities of Hampton Roads. The city was the birthplace of Mr. Peanut, the famous mascot of Planters Peanuts. It's a primary railroad and highway transportation center and is a prominent peanut processing location.

The economy is based on retail businesses, manufacturing, distribution, farming and a variety of hospitality businesses. Major employers in the city include Planters Peanuts, Lipton Tea, QVC, Unilever, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The city consists of a large number of distinct areas. Suffolk was hit by a Tornado in 2008 which damaged more than 120 homes and 12 businesses.

History

In 1742 the town was established and utilized as a port along the Nansemond River. It was originally named Constance's Warehouse. The name was taken from the Royal Governor William Gooch's home of Suffolk, England. It was an important transportation center due to the railroads running through the city. The peanut industry became a major factor for the economy. Suffolk became an independent city in 1906. The well known Planters Peanuts was established in 1912. In the year 1974 it expanded by merging with the towns of Holland and Whaleyville and Nansemond County.

Attractions

• Heirloom Botanic Garden Boutique is a notable historic farmhouse.
• Planters Peanut Center.
• Southern Gun Works and Museum.
• Suffolk Museum.
• Glebe Episcopal Church is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Downtown Historic District.
• Nansemond County Courthouse showcases Roman Revival architecture.
• Obici House features Art Nouveau architecture and was built by the founder of Planters Peanuts.
• Riddick's Folly House Museum is a large home featuring Greek Revival architecture and was utilized by the Union Army during the Civil War.
• Suffolk Seaboard Station Museum.
• Suffolk Visitor Center at the Historic Prentis House.

Events and Entertainment

• Suffolk Peanut Festival.
• Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival.
• Nansemond Indian Tribal Pow-Wow.
• Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is an impressive structure and is utilized for educational events. It also features concerts and theatrical productions.
• Suffolk Farmers Market.

Activities

The Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a large wilderness acreage featuring an abundance of wildlife and includes Lake Drummond which is a popular location for fishing and boating. The area's rivers and lakes provides excellent opportunities for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving and fishing. Davis Lake and Campgrounds is popular for camping, swimming, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Lone Star Lakes Park includes numerous lakes and opportunities for fishing, walking along nature trails and horseback riding. The city is home to five championship golf courses. Residents and visitors enjoy taking walks along the scenic riverfront.

Comparative Profile of Suffolk, VA

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

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Female Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Age of the Population
Racial Diversity
Senior Citizens
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
People Above Poverty
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
Housing Recently Built
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Suffolk Almanac

Suffolk Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Suffolk Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Nearby Cities and Towns

Suffolk Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Suffolk Hospitals

SENTARA OBICI HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
2800 GODWIN BOULEVARD
(757) 934-4000
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Suffolk

Wal-Mart in Suffolk

Suffolk High Schools (2004)

LAKELAND HIGH
214 KENYON RD
757-925-5530
Serves 1,950 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 16.3

NANSEMOND RIVER HIGH
3301 NANSEMOND PKWY
757-538-5420
Serves 1,657 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 15.5

PRUDEN CENTER FOR INDUS/TECH
4169 PRUDEN BLVD
757-539-7407
A Vocational School

Suffolk Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Suffolk Beauty Academy

Suffolk Public Schools-Sentara Obici Hospital School of Practical Nursing

(List of All Virginia Colleges)

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