Newport News Apartments and Rentals

Newport News apartments and rentals are an affordable way to enjoy coastal living in this historic Virginia city. Newport News is at the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula on the north shore of the James River. It is part of Hampton Roads, which refers to the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metropolitan area as well as the body of water surrounding it, which is one of the largest harbors in the world.

Newport News is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. It began shortly after the founding of Jamestown in 1607. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement. By 1619, present day Newport News was known as Elizabeth Cittie and it remained rural until after the Civil War. In the 1880s Collis P. Huntington built a railroad and a shipyard that led to rapid growth in business and population. The port played a major role in the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. The shipyard also was vital in warship construction. The modern city of Newport News was created in 1958 when residents of Warwick and Newport News voted to consolidate.

Today, more than 180,000 people make their home in Newport News. It offers residents a mix of city, coastal and suburban lifestyles, all at remarkably affordable prices and with a great climate. Residents enjoy four seasons, although none of them are extreme. A city-led revitalization effort has brought in new industrial, commercial and mixed-use development in recent years. Newport News also has embraced the New Urbanism concept of creating walkable neighborhoods with a balance of mixed housing and jobs. One such area is Oyster Point City Center, or City Center to the locals. Another larger development like it is planned for the north end of the city.

Popular Newport News neighborhoods include: The Colony, Wendwood, Campbell and Warwick Landing

For more than a half century, Newport News' economy has been closely tied to the military. The U.S. Air Force-U.S. Army installation at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, as well as other nearby military installations and companies serving them, employ many local civilians. Other top employment sectors are the shipbuilding, aerospace and maritime industries, as well as education.

For pursuit of higher education, Newport News offers Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University, all public colleges. The most well known local university is The College of William and Mary. Founded in 1693, it is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the nation.

The cost of living in Newport News is only slightly above the national average, which is somewhat unusual for a coastal city. This translates into affordable rents despite the spectacular coastal location. Monthly rent on a typical one-bedroom apartment ranges from about $675 to $785. You can expect to pay between $850 and $1,000 for a two-bedroom unit. The city also offers a nice selection of upscale rentals, as well as condos and homes for rent.

Newport News gives residents a wealth of attractions and entertainment options to choose from. The bustling city has numerous options for dining, nightlife and shopping. Plus its beautiful coastal location gives you access to all kinds of outdoor and water activities. Cultural venues abound for the theater, classical music, dance and art. These include the Peninsula Fine Arts center, the Peninsula Community Theater, The Ferguson Center for the Arts, and the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center.

Newport News really shines when it comes to historical and specialty museums. Among the most popular are the Mariner's Museum and USS Monitor Center, Endview Plantation, Lee Hall Mansion, James A. Field House, the U.S. Army Transportation Museum and the Virginia War Museum. The pinnacle of historic sites in the area has to be Historic Jamestowne, the first permanent English settlement in North America, dating from 1607.

Special events in Newport News are designed to appeal to the whole family. The 4th of July Stars in the Sky Independence Day celebration bills itself as the largest and most elaborates fireworks show in the state of Virginia. Thousands gather in downtown along the waterfront for a festival with food and live music before the fireworks begin. The Newport News Fall Festival of Folk Life has been a city staple for more than 30 years. Folklore lovers are drawn by the live performances, food & drinks, games and more. There's also the King Lincoln Music Festival in August in Newport News Park features performances from musicians in rock, blues, jazz, reggae and more. And the annual Newport News Children's Festival of Friends is designed especially for children with more than 100 free hands-on activities, rides and costumed characters.

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