Hampton is a beautiful Virginia city that sits where the Chesapeake Bay and the James River meet. Part of what is considered to be the greater Hampton Roads area, it is a city with significant importance to the air and space industry and is home to the Virginia Air and Space Center, Langley Airforce Base, and a NASA Research Center. It is also a city full of walkable streets and friendly neighborhoods, abundant natural beauty, plenty of opportunities, and no shortage of friendly people, including a vibrant LGBTQ community. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Hampton, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Hampton's History
Hampton is a city with a long and rich history. In fact, the city’s origins can be traced back more than 400 years to the early 1600s. English settlers first arrived in the area in approximately 1610 and quickly established longstanding settlements there. The area grew quickly due to its location on both the Chesapeake Bay and the James River, and as it was well-suited to growing crops. It grew quickly and built steadily upon its rich history. Today it remains a diverse and thriving city with plenty of opportunities and much to see and do for all who call it home.
A Few Fun Facts About Hampton
Read more fun facts about Hampton here.
Hampton’s LGBTQ Community
Hampton is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG South Hampton Roads is Hampton’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
The LGBTQ Life Center is a community center that has been working to support, advance, and celebrate the LGBTQ community in the greater Hampton Roads area for more than 30 years. The Center offers a variety of services including support groups, events, health resources, education and training programs, network opportunities, and more.
What's the Weather Like in Hampton?
Hampton residents can expect to experience all four distinct seasons every year. Typically fall and spring are the most pleasant seasons of the year, with spring bringing beautiful, blooming flowers and fall promising crisp breezes and brightly colored leaves. The city receives 46 inches of rain on average per year, and around 5 inches of snow. Highs in July can reach up to 88°F on average, and the lows in the winter typically drop down to about 33°F.
Can’t-Miss Events in Hampton
Hampton Roads Pridefest is the area's annual pride celebration. Held in nearby Norfolk's Town Point Park every June since 2011, the festival includes parades, parties, networking opportunities, and more. Hampton Roads Pride also has the only PrideFest Boat Parade in the United States, honoring the area's significant maritime heritage.
The Best Neighborhoods in Hampton
If you're considering moving to Hampton, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Hampton is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. This is why it’s always advised to contact a Hampton gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Hampton is around $255,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Hampton Coliseum is a spacious 9,777-seat multi-use entertainment venue that is the place to go for excellent art and entertainment options in the city. Throughout the year, the stadium hosts concerts, comedians, trade shows, and even Cirque de Soleil. In addition, the Coliseum hosts three annual festivals: the Hampton Jazz Festival, the Hampton Funk Festival, and the Hampton Roads Soul Music Festival.
The Peninsula Fine Arts Center is an arts center is located just a few miles away in nearby Newport News and is associated with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It offers unique approaches to creating, exploring, and presenting the arts for all ages. Whether you enjoy exhibitions, performances, or taking classes yourself, there's something for everyone here!
Parks and Recreation
Buckroe Beach and Park borders the beautiful Chesapeake Bay with three-quarters of a mile of pristine beach. The park offers plenty of picnic tables, an observation pier a stage pavilion for community events, a unique nautical-themed playground, and more. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful day in Hampton.
The Virginia Air and Space Center is a unique Hampton gem that shouldn’t be missed. The Center has partnered with NASA to offer an exciting hands-on science center that includes a lunar simulator, the Apollo 12 command module, a five-story high IMAX theater, a solarium, and more. There is also an interactive engineering playground for kids, a café and gift shop, and several excellent events offered throughout the year.
Hampton Nightlife
The Rainbow Cactus Company is one of the most popular LGBTQ nightclubs in the Hampton Roads area. It features DJs & dancing, as well as drag shows, dancers, karaoke, pool & live bands. It's a great spot to spend a night out dancing and having fun with old friends – and meeting new ones.
Though not specifically a LGBTQ bar, the St. George Brewing Company is one spot you won’t want to miss on a night out in Hampton. Welcoming and friendly to all, the bar is named for the third-century Roman soldier who, according to popular mythology, slew a fire-breathing dragon. The beer brewed here proudly uses the Cross of St. George on its labels and makes twenty-two varieties of ale, bock, and stout.
Contact a Hampton Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Hampton, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Hampton, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Hampton gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
