Chesapeake Apartments and Rentals

Bordering North Carolina near the wetlands of southern Virginia, the independent city of Chesapeake is a mid-Atlantic paradise. With a temperate climate and variety of attractions, many Virginians are looking at Chesapeake apartments for rent so that they can be a part of a warm, welcoming community. With only 6.8 percent of residents living below the poverty level according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, this is a prosperous and thriving place to live, work and play.

The first settlement in Chesapeake began in 1636 when English immigrants began building a community along the banks of the Elizabeth River which would later become the site for the Battle of the Great Bridge in 1775 during the American Revolution. After George Washington began commissioning work on the Dismal Swamp Canal, commerce and trade came into the area and the city began to grow.

The areas around Chesapeake were mostly rural until the early 1900s, but after the neighboring city of Norfolk began to expand to the south, the area started to develop its own waterworks, public schools and post office. Eventually, the city became known as "South Norfolk" in 1950. During the 1950s, both Norfolk County and South Norfolk lost nearly 50,000 residents due to annexation suits and both cities agreed that steps needed to be taken to plan for the future. In 1962, citizens from both communities determined that the city would be independent and named "Chesapeake."

The 1960s and 1970s were crucial for the young city's development, but much of the city's growth happened in the 1980s when Mitsubishi opened three plants in the area. Today, Chesapeake is a strong community that has a distinct blend of rural and urban areas with strong leadership ready to take on the 21st century.

According to the city's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top private employers in Chesapeake are LTD Management Co, Sentara Healthcare and QVC. With an urban and rural presence in the city, there are several farming communities in the area as well. With a median household income of $67,855 according to the 2010 census statistics and great job opportunities in a variety of fields, it is no surprise that many people are looking for apartments in Chesapeake.

Students in Chesapeake frequently attend Tidewater Community College. As the largest provider of higher education in the Hampton Roads and among the 50 fastest-growing two-year institutions in country, this college has been nationally recognized in technology delivery.

Despite a low poverty level and high median household income, Chesapeake's cost of living index is slightly lower than the U.S. average, according to research from. As of 2009, the average rent price in the area was $1,028 per month with a large population increase of 11.6 percent from 2000 to 2010. Even though Chesapeake is in a high income bracket, it still remains a very affordable place to live.

The historic Dismal Swamp Canal has more ties to history than just George Washington. This 22-mile canal is the spot where Edgar Allen Poe reportedly wrote parts of his famous romantic poem, "The Raven." For those who love outdoor adventure, there is no better place to observe diverse wildlife than at the canal. River otters, tropical birds and the occasional black bear all call this beautiful refuge home.

The city is exciting year-round, but Chesapeake really comes alive during the community's Friday Summer Concert Series in Greenbrier. Free to Chesapeake residents, profits from the wine, beer and beverages sold at the series goes to a local charity.

To find a Chesapeake apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.