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Welcome to
Hampton Roads

1.8M Population

Conveniently located 3 hours from Washington D.C. and within a day’s drive of ⅔ of the U.S. population

Affordable cost of living and low corporate tax rate unchanged since 1972

Home to 200+ international companies and the world’s largest maritime industrial base

Hampton Roads' Advantages

Discover Hampton Roads, a dynamic hub with strategic maritime advantages, cutting-edge industries, unparalleled logistics, and diverse opportunities for innovation and growth.

Port of VA

Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads is a global trade hub, housing the world’s largest naval base and the sixth-largest containerized operation in the U.S.

Military

Hampton Roads is known for its strong military presence, with 15 installations and over 80,000 active-duty personnel.

Quality of Life

Hampton Roads offers a high quality of life, with residents rating their living experience as excellent or good.

Workforce

Hampton Roads has a dynamic workforce of approximately 895,000, enriched by graduates and transitioning military personnel.

Clean Energy

Hampton Roads pioneers sustainable progress through clean energy, driving the region towards a greener future with innovation and environmental stewardship.

Key Industries

The Alliance proactively engages a diverse set of core and emerging target industry sectors where the Hampton Roads region holds a competitive value proposition.

Distribution & Logistics

Hampton Roads is strategically located in the heart of the mid-Atlantic, which lends significant logistical advantages to the region.

Business & Shared Services

Home to over 130,000 employees working in the business and shared services sector, Hampton Roads is an ideal expansion location for businesses seeking to capitalize on an available pool of talent.

Advanced Manufacturing

Built upon the foundations of a strong and dedicated workforce, logistics epicenter, research excellence, and business-friendly cost structure, the region can support a variety of manufacturing industries

Food & Beverage Processing

Representing 19,000+ jobs and an economic output of $2.36B, Food & Beverage Processing is a booming industry in Hampton Roads.

Information Technology

Information Technology is a rapidly growing and important sector in Hampton Roads encompassing 2,500+ establishments that employ approximately 28,000 people.

Emerging Industries

Hampton Roads has a thriving business community, with a total of 32,500+ establishments dispersed throughout our 15 localities.

Defense & Maritime

With a total of 15 installations, including Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, and over 80,000 active-duty military personnel, the region has one of the largest concentrations of armed forces in the United States.

Hampton Roads’ Localities

15 diverse localities, one thriving region.

Hampton Roads, in southeastern Virginia, is a dynamic metropolitan area anchored by cities like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, and Newport News. Known for its maritime heritage, military presence, and diverse landscapes, the region offers a mix of urban and suburban living. With a busy port, historic sites, and vibrant cultural attractions, Hampton Roads is a unique and dynamic destination on the East Coast.



Hampton Roads’ Localities
Norfolk Virginia Beach Portsmouth Chesapeake Suffolk Franklin Isle of Wight Southampton James City County Williamsburg Hampton Newport News Poquoson York County New Kent County

Norfolk

 

Norfolk is a thriving city of almost 250,000 residents, serving as the regional center for healthcare, arts and culture, business, higher education, professional sports, innovation and entrepreneurship. A city of international commerce and trade, we have specializations in a wide variety of industries, including shipbuilding and repair, distribution and logistics, information technology, and defense.



Virginia Beach

 

Virginia Beach, the largest city in Virginia, is a vibrant East Coast city that nurtures a healthy mix of industry, attractions, and people. Miles of pristine waterfront make our community a premier destination for business and pleasure alike. With commitment to pro-business policies, access to a skilled and abundant workforce, and a robust transportation system, Virginia Beach is the ideal location for your next business opportunity.



Portsmouth

 

The City of Portsmouth offers a modernized historical downtown full of walkable businesses, as well as cultural and recreational entertainment options. The dynamic neighborhoods and business districts offer residents and professionals access and options quickly while remaining central to the 757.



Chesapeake

 

At the heart of Coastal Virginia, Chesapeake is uniquely positioned as the “Mid-Point of the Mid-Atlantic" and is the transportation hub of the Hampton Roads region. Geographically, Chesapeake is connected to major waterways and abundant tracts of land and protected wetlands. By having direct access to the Elizabeth River, four major highways, and a quick drive to an international airport, it is clear why Chesapeake is an ideal location for many businesses and residents.



Suffolk

 

Suffolk is a rapidly growing city in south central Hampton Roads , and is home to several prosperous companies. With outstanding schools, experienced labor force, quality workforce development programs and overall excellent quality-of-life, there are many reasons why someone would opt to move to or do business in Suffolk.



Franklin

 

Franklin is a thriving city found in the southwest of the Hampton Roads region. With exceptional transportation corridors to the Port of Virginia, a Regional Workforce Development Center, ample real estate zoned for commercial use, a passion for start up business growth and an affordable quality of life, the City of Franklin is an ideal location for investment opportunity.



Isle of Wight

 

Isle of Wight County is a progressive community that embraces change while protecting the integrity of its rich cultural and historical heritage. The County’s 319 square miles provide fertile ground for its most prosperous businesses, including Smithfield Foods, Keurig, Dr Pepper, and International Paper.



Southampton

 

Southampton, located in the southwest of the Hampton Roads region, is home to an exceptional transportation corridor to the Port of Virginia, a Regional Workforce Development Center, a passion for start up business growth and an affordable quality of life. Founded in 1749, Southampton owes its rich economic heritage to agriculture and forestry.



James City County

 

James City County is the perfect blend of a friendly, small-town feel and big-city culture. You’ll find a full range of housing options, award-winning local schools, outstanding higher and continuing education opportunities, and a low crime rate.



Williamsburg

 

The first municipality in Virginia, Williamsburg was founded in 1632, or more than 100 years before the country in which it now sits. Known as Virginia’s colonial capital, the modern-day city of Williamsburg is a thriving community that attracts millions of tourists to explore its shops, amenities, and, of course, the world’s largest living history museum: Colonial Williamsburg.



Hampton

 

The city of Hampton, located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, is situated at the heart of the Hampton Roads region. Anchored by aerospace and defense facilities, major medical centers, and higher education, Hampton attracts a highly educated workforce and high-tech companies to its business parks, Downtown, and Coliseum Central Business District.



Newport News

 

The City of Newport News is the third largest city in Hampton Roads and the fifth largest city in Virginia. Sitting on a prime vantage point where the James River meets the Chesapeake Bay, the city runs approximately 23 miles along the James River and the Hampton Roads Harbor.



Poquoson

 

Poquoson is a suburban city of approximately 16 square miles in the middle of the Hampton Roads region. A former fishing village with over 84 miles of shoreline on the Chesapeake Bay, it draws individuals looking for a small town lifestyle with excellent schools.



York County

 

For more than 375 years families, businesses, and major attractions have selected York County as their location of choice. Nestled between the York River, York County boasts an abundance of shopping, dining, and recreational destinations.



New Kent County

 

The County of New Kent is the fastest growing locality in Virginia. Strategically located at the northernmost part of the Hampton Roads region, New Kent provides access to the Richmond market and is convenient for warehouse, transportation, industrial, manufacturing, data centers, or a variety of commercial opportunities.



Allies in Economic
Development

Behind the success of Hampton Roads Alliance stands a network of esteemed sponsors, recognized as our invaluable Allies in Economic Development. Their unwavering support fuels the region’s growth, fostering collaboration and driving sustainable economic progress.

The Latest from
Hampton Roads, Virginia

Blog

Hampton Roads: Positioned for Growth in a Changing Economic Order

In an era of unprecedented global and national shifts, Hampton Roads is uniquely positioned to thrive. Bruce Katz, of New Localism Advisors, sees the area as a critical player in the evolving U.S. economy. Working closely with the Hampton Roads Alliance, Katz is helping define the region’s strengths, setting it apart as…

Blog

Exploring Hampton Roads: Real Estate Tours with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership

At the Hampton Roads Alliance, we understand the critical role that real estate and site selection plays in driving economic development. That’s why each year, we host real estate tours in partnership with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). These tours provide an opportunity to showcase the diverse and…

Blog

Hampton Roads Alliance’s Jared Chalk Appointed to VEDP’s Commerce and Trade Committee on Business Development and Marketing

In a move that underscores the dedication of the Hampton Roads Alliance to bolster regional economic development, Jared Chalk, a key leader in the organization, has been appointed to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Commerce and Trade Committee on Business Development and Marketing. This committee is…

Connect With The Alliance

Do you have a question about business in Hampton Roads? Interested in talking to one of our business development professionals? The Alliance is here to help. Please complete the form below to request additional information about the Alliance, the Hampton Roads region or how to begin your company’s expansion or relocation project.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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