Bennetts Pasture

The largest city in Virginia by land area, with 430 square miles within its borders, Suffolk is home to a wide variety of places to explore and enjoy. With a rich agricultural heritage and a well-preserved historic downtown, Suffolk offers a lifestyle balance between fun, local urban amenities, and laid-back small-town attractions. It’s conveniently located about 20 miles from Norfolk, 30 miles from Virginia Beach, and 60 miles from Richmond, making quick day trips or a commute to the office simple. D.R. Horton has a range of Suffolk, Virginia homes for sale. Many of our communities in Suffolk and the surrounding area come with amenities to enjoy, and all of our new homes in Suffolk offer spacious open floorplans and smart home technology.

Why choose Suffolk, Virginia

Suffolk combines small-town charm with cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. The city's expansive area presents residents with plenty of space to enjoy outdoor recreational activities or simply take a stroll downtown to enjoy the historic architecture. Suffolk’s downtown creates a picturesque setting for local businesses and community events, and there are plenty of events celebrating holidays or the area’s contributions to Virginia or agriculture. The town has a strong sense of pride and identity, and both the events and the historic district make it easy to feel at home.

Suffolk is conveniently located within the Hampton Roads region, making it simple to commute for additional employment opportunities or enjoy a weekend getaway. Larger urban areas like Norfolk and Virginia Beach are a short drive away, allowing residents to enjoy additional amenities and entertainment options.

Community life in Suffolk, Virginia

Suffolk’s historic downtown features well-preserved buildings from the late 1700s and cobblestone streets that offer a glimpse into its past while showcasing its present with a variety of boutiques, antique stores, and local restaurants. The area serves as a focal point for community gatherings and cultural experiences that highlight and support the businesses in the area, including the restaurants. Held each September, The Taste of Suffolk Downtown Street Festival offers signature-dish small portions from local restaurants, allowing attendees to savor the skill of local chefs and sample a wide variety of culinary styles. The event also includes live music, contests, and a children's area. Suffolk Restaurant Week and Suffolk Sweets Week are also popular, and both highlight local cuisine. Suffolk Restaurant Week is usually in November and features a three-course dinner menu at a fixed price. Suffolk Sweets Week is typically held in July and enables residents to sample desserts from the area’s best bakeries, ice cream parlors, and restaurants. Perfect for date night or a family outing, these events feature the personality and friendliness that is an important part of the local flavor.

If you are a salty snack connoisseur, you may enjoy that Suffolk offers more than just the culinary adventures featured downtown. Suffolk is the birthplace of Mr. Peanut, the iconic mascot of Planters, a famous peanut brand that has called Suffolk home since the early 1900s. While Planters is no longer headquartered in Suffolk and only operates a processing facility in the area today, the city is still home to many peanut farmers and processing facilities. Suffolk is also a stop on The Salty Southern Route, a path through the southeastern Virginia countryside that highlights the area’s contributions to peanuts, salt-cured hams, and pork products. If you’d prefer to stick with the nuts, however, The Suffolk Peanut Fest is held annually in October and has become a major event for the area. The festival features the usual attractions — concerts, carnival rides, amusements, and shopping — but it also includes specialty days and events, including a demolition derby, a peanut butter sculpting contest, a cornhole tournament, a chalk art competition, and “Touch a Truck,” where construction vehicles and fire trucks are on-site with their operators and available for education and exploration.

The town also hosts a variety of seasonal events. Suffolk celebrates Independence Day with its Stars & Stripes Spectacular, an event featuring live music, activities for all ages, food trucks, and a fireworks display over the Nansemond River at Constant's Wharf Park & Marina, which serves as a waterfront location for several events in the area. The TGIF Suffolk Summer Concert Series, featuring free outdoor performances and food trucks, is also held at Constant’s Wharf Park. Suffolk residents often bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the live music and community. Virginia's Historic Garden Week comes to Suffolk in April, offering tours of private homes and gardens on a peninsula flanked by Lake Meade and the Nansemond River. Attendees can tread on brick walkways, past charming porches, to established gardens filled with blooming hydrangeas, camellias, and colorful perennials.

Suffolk also hosts events and gatherings that highlight the arts. The Suffolk Earth and Arts Festival, held annually in April, brings together over 100 local artisans, authors, and environmental organizations. Attendees can explore unique creations, enjoy live music, and participate in activities for all ages, showcasing the city's commitment to creativity and environmental awareness. For art throughout the year, locals can go to The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, which serves as a hub for artistic expression. It hosts art exhibitions, theater productions, and classes in various disciplines, fostering creativity within the community. The center's performance hall also welcomes touring acts and local performers, making art in a variety of forms accessible. In fact, the town also encourages the art of literature with an annual event. The Suffolk Virginia Authors Festival is a free event held in March that showcases many best-selling authors of a variety of genres. Festival goers can attend panel discussions, book signings, and meet-and-greets, fostering a love for reading and writing within the community.

Suffolk's location in the Hampton Roads region gives residents easy access to attractions in nearby cities while maintaining the welcoming culture of a small town. The city's mix of charm and proximity to urban centers makes it appealing for those seeking community connections and diverse regional activities.

Outdoor adventures in Suffolk, Virginia

Suffolk has diverse landscapes and a commitment to green spaces, making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a cornerstone of Suffolk's outdoor recreation. This vast wetland offers hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and excellent birdwatching. Visitors can spot over 200 bird species, including the prothonotary warbler, the wood duck, and the pileated woodpecker. The refuge's Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia, is a popular spot for fishing and boating.

The Nansemond River is also a popular destination for water adventuring. Residents enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing on the river. The city's Parks and Recreation Department organizes guided kayak tours, allowing residents to explore the river's ecosystem while learning about local history and wildlife.

Suffolk's parks system also provides plenty of options for outdoor gatherings and activities. Sleepy Hole Park is centrally located and offers scenic views of the Nansemond River and a five-acre freshwater lake. The park is nearly 74 acres and features playgrounds, picnic areas, a horseshoe pit, and walking trails. Bennett's Creek Park also has a lot to offer. It features a boat ramp, fishing pier, and picnic areas. Those looking for a little competition can enjoy a game of tennis or disc golf, and those looking for a great place to skateboard can stop by the skate park. Those looking for a scenic stroll or bike ride can hop on The Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail. The trail is paved, and there are multiple locations for parking at trail access points throughout the city.

The city also encourages health and exercise by sponsoring sports and fitness programs and events. The Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department offers seasonal sports programs from baseball to swimming, helping young people develop athletic skills and friendships. It also runs before and after-school programs and coordinates adult fitness classes and senior citizen social events at neighborhood centers throughout the city. Additionally, the Department organizes guided nature walks and environmental education sessions, encouraging people of all ages to engage with nature.

Those looking for a golf game and beautiful views have several options right in Suffolk. The Sleepy Hole Golf Course, a municipal 18-hole course, offers challenging play along the Nansemond River. The course also hosts a social league for fun, casual play. Suffolk Golf Course, by Lake Kilby, offers terrific views and play for every skill level. Riverfront Golf Club is an 18-hole course designed by Tom Doak. The course was designed to feature the natural beauty and tidal marshes in the area. The Cedar Point Country Club provides members with a scenic 18-hole course designed by Tom Clark, as well as racquetball courts, an aquatics center, and an on-site restaurant. These local courses allow Suffolk residents to enjoy a round of golf without traveling far from home.

Suffolk offers many ways to get outside without leaving town, but its location in the Hampton Roads region also makes it easy for residents to reach additional outdoor attractions, such as the miles of sandy coastline at Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach offers an abundance of outdoor activities, like walking, biking, or rollerblading along the boardwalk; hiking, kayaking, biking, or birdwatching at the state park or wildlife refuge in the area; or, of course, enjoying activities like swimming or relaxing at the beach itself.

Businesses and economics in Suffolk, Virginia

Suffolk's diverse economy offers opportunities in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and distribution. Its major transportation routes connect the city to regional markets, making Suffolk ideal for distribution centers and warehouses. Major employers in Suffolk include Amazon, Sentara Healthcare, Smithfield Foods, and Dollar Tree, which provide stable employment in their respective sectors. Peanuts also remain an important part of the local economy. Planters Peanuts, the Suffolk Peanut Company, the Producers Peanut Company, and Birdsong Peanuts have peanut processing facilities in the area.

Suffolk's economy is supported by a wide range of industries and community-driven initiatives that create opportunities for residents and businesses. The Economic Development Authority of the City of Suffolk and YesSuffolk work to attract new companies, assist entrepreneurs, and strengthen existing businesses. These organizations also foster small business growth through workshops, networking events, and other programs.

The city offers convenient access to highways like I-664 and U.S. Route 58, which connects the city to regional markets and hubs, making logistics and commuting easy. Suffolk also benefits from its proximity to cities like Norfolk and Newport News, where industries such as shipbuilding and aerospace technology offer broader career opportunities.

Suffolk’s blend of established industries, agricultural contributions, and support for small businesses ensures a diverse economy that provides residents with stable jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurship.

What makes Suffolk a great place to live

Suffolk offers a connected community life with plenty to do. Events range from seasonal celebrations to festivals highlighting the area’s heritage. With its agricultural background and historic downtown, there is a lot to showcase. These celebrations are not the only way residents enjoy their town; they also have several parks and recreational spaces to gather for picnics or sporting events. Whatever your interest, there is something for you in Suffolk, Virginia.

With its combination of natural beauty, community events, historical significance, and growing economy, Suffolk offers a balanced lifestyle for those looking to put down roots in southeastern Virginia. Families are drawn to Suffolk for its community-oriented atmosphere, events throughout the year, and quality education. Working professionals appreciate Suffolk's growing job market and location within the Hampton Roads region, which provides access to additional career opportunities in nearby cities. Retirees appreciate the range of cultural events, recreational opportunities, and mild weather.

New construction in Suffolk, VA

D.R. Horton's Suffolk Virginia homes for sale are great for people at any stage of life. With its historic downtown, festivals, connected community, job opportunities, and conveniences, D.R. Horton communities in Suffolk offer something for everyone. Browse our listings of new homes in Suffolk, VA, or visit our model homes today.