Just east of the James River at the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula, sits the city of Newport News, VA. With a population of just over 180,000, Newport News is the 5th largest municipality in Virginia and the 4th largest in the greater Hampton Roads metro area. Many Newport News residents work in shipbuilding and shipping, industries that have long thrived here given the city’s coastal geography. Other popular industries include military, as Newport News is home to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, plus aerospace, tourism, and manufacturing. Excellent job prospects, a booming local economy, and a lower than average cost of living make this an attractive place for families to settle down. If you’re considering a move to Newport News, check out some of the best neighborhoods for families:
Hilton Village
Named one of America’s Great Neighborhoods by the American Planning Association, the picturesque community of Hilton Village was originally built to house workers from Newport News Shipbuilding during World War I. Urban planner Henry Hubbard designed the neighborhood as an English-style village, with fourteen home patterns dominated by Colonial Revival and Jacobethan architectural styles. Many of the original 473 houses completed shortly after the war ended still stand along the area’s quiet, tree-lined streets. Though each house cost just over $3,000 to build a century ago, these charming 3- and 4- bedroom homes now fetch between $150K – $300K. In addition to well-maintained historical homes, neighborhood residents enjoy walking to the shops and restaurants along Warwick Boulevard, home of the Hilton Village Shopping District. Nearby Hilton Elementary, a Blue Ribbon School, has an excellent academic reputation and boasts a communication arts magnet program that attracts many families. For young families, this quaint village offers the perfect place to call home.
Kiln Creek
With “A Great Place To Be” as its motto, this village of over 2,000 homes spread across 31 neighborhoods offers something for every family. Even though home prices have risen over the past few years, it’s still easy to find a place to live between $150K-$330K. In 2015, the Southern Virginia chapter of the Community Associations Institute recognized the Kiln Creek Home Owners Association as the best overall community association of the year, and you’ll find the beauty of the village is worthy of this distinction. Kiln Creek has an accredited elementary school with a caring, supportive faculty and staff. Residents enjoy spending time hitting the links at the Kiln Creek Golf Club, but the real gem of the neighborhood is the local bowling alley, which provides family-friendly fun year-round.
Hidenwood
Hidenwood was originally developed as a charming residential neighborhood in the 1950s by the Hiden family, who saw an opportunity on the land known in colonial times as “Nutmeg Quarter.” The area’s name honors Philip Wallace Hiden, who was a mayor of Newport News, and his wife Martha, who founded the city library’s “Virginiana” Collection. Today, homes here remain true to the Hidenwood heritage, with details like quaint shutters and brick exteriors. Many homes in Hidenwood are new construction, and it’s not uncommon for them to fetch prices upwards of $400K, although most are under $350K. Hidenwood Elementary School is a draw for many families; the school’s library has an extensive collection of picture books that focus on history and science. Churches in Hidenwood often act as a community center, and scores of residents turn out to make birdfeeders or attend a nondenominational art camp with their kids. One thing’s for sure, Hidenwood offers the variety and scenery many young families seek.
Port Warwick
Port Warwick is one of the newest neighborhoods in Newport News and combines the look and feel of a historical old town center with fresh, modern construction. Over 1,500 people love living in Port Warwick. Homes are competitively priced; most are between $160K-$280K. Neighborhood planners named the streets after authors: Herman Melville Avenue and Nat Turner Boulevard, just to name a few. The heart of Port Warwick, Styron Square, takes its name from author William Styron. Hair salons, chic restaurants, and upscale residences all surround the square, making this neighborhood a destination. This pedestrian-friendly area is a big draw for many of the young families that settle here looking for stroller paths and time with their kids.
North End
The small, single-family homes in North End are just one of the reasons why families flock to this lovely Newport News neighborhood. This residential area grew alongside the local shipbuilding industry to house workers employed at Newport News Shipbuilding. For those who are history buffs, North End has great examples of the Victorian and Bungalow architectural styles. Homes are typically listed between $120K-$230K, making it easy to find a first home or new place at a reasonable price.
Newport News Movers
Newport News is a great place to call home. If you are planning an upcoming move to or from the area, we’d love to assist. Whether you’re moving here as part of a military relocation or just looking for a new neighborhood, the team at Apple Moving Newport News is here to make your move easier. We are a full-service mover with decades of experience in the moving industry. In addition to local residential and commercial moving services, we also handle specialty moves, long distance moves, military relocations, and offer affordable storage solutions. Whatever your moving and storage needs, we’re here to make your time of transition go smoothly!
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