Where is Chesapeake?

The City of Chesapeake is located in the region called Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA), the 36th largest metro area in the country with over 1.6 million residents. Chesapeake is also located adjacent to the world's largest natural harbor and the world's largest naval base.

Part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, which stretches from Maine to Florida, passes through Chesapeake. Chesapeake is the second largest city in land area in Virginia (353 square miles) and 10th largest city in the U.S. Our estimated population as of January 1, 2012 is 226,136. We are the third largest city in population in Virginia and 91st largest city in the U.S.

The City of Chesapeake was created with the merger of Norfolk County and the City of South Norfolk in 1963. The city's history dates back much further. Chesapeake is the site of the battle of Great Bridge which took place on December 9, 1775, just a few hundred yards from where City Hall stands today.

Chesapeake is also the site of the Great Dismal Swamp and the South Norfolk Historic District. Chesapeake is one of the fastest growing cities in Virginia, with a population increase of 46.2% from 1990 and 2010.

The City of Chesapeake can be reached by using one of several major transportation links in Hampton Roads including: I-64, I-264, I-464 and I-664. U.S. Route 58 connects Chesapeake to the principal north-south highways I-95 and I-85 just west of the city. U.S. Route 13 connects the city to Virginia's Eastern Shore cutting 100 miles off highway trips to the New Jersey/New York area.

Here's additional information about:

• City Government
• Quality of Life
• Economic Facts

Norfolk International Airport is the major airport that serves southeastern Virginia.