Chesapeake, Virginia is so many things to so many people, it isn't easy to sum it all up. But, Gateway to Fun certainly comes close. The variety of things to see and do here is amazing and seemingly endless. Whether you concentrate on the city of Chesapeake or include the entire Hampton Roads metro area, there truly is something for everyone. And that makes Chesapeake a perfect getaway destination for couples, families or groups, any time of year.

Chesapeake is in the center of so much:  attractions, golf, history, waterways, parks, nightlife, dining, music, culture, sports, and nature of all kinds. Chesapeake is located just 20 minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 15 minutes from downtown Norfolk , and 45 minutes from the history of Colonial Williamsburg or the spray and play of the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway - Thousands of boats ply the Intracoastal Waterway passing through the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Albemarle Chesapeake Canal annually. The waterway links the Chesapeake Bay to North Carolina’s sounds providing a vital East Coast connection between Boston and Key West, Florida. Whether you are sailing or watching from the shore, you’ll enjoy the sights along this historic waterway. Parks at Deep Creek and Great Bridge provide excellent observation points.

Chesapeake Arboretum - Return to nature at this 48-acre “natural classroom” dedicated to promoting horticulture and environmental awareness. One of Virginia’s finest trail systems meanders through a mature hardwood forest with many varieties of native plants and trees. The Arboretum headquarters is an eighteenth century farmhouse with theme gardens that include a fragrance and antique rose garden. The farmhouse was built in 1730 with an addition built in 1822.

Chesapeake City Park - This 75-acre site has 45 acres of open space with the remainder, rows of reforested pine trees. Electric and water service is in place to support outdoor events and large outings. The site is divided by roadways into segments which may be rented acording to the space needed. City Park is the location of Chesapeake Skate Park and the site of the annual Chesapeake Jubilee and Symphony Under the Stars. On three acres is Fun Forest, the ultimate children's playground. City Park is also the location of twelve regulation/competition class horseshoe courts and home to the city's annual Horseshoe Tournament brought to you by the Chesapeake Horseshoe Club and Chesapeake Parks and Recreation. The park also has the city's first Dog Park, opened in the fall of 2002.

Fun Forest - Spread over three acres of Chesapeake City Park, Fun Forest is the ultimate children’s playground, imagination center and family adventure area. It was built by over 1,800 volunteers from the community. Fun Forest was the winner of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society “Best New Facility in Virginia” award in 1996. The playground has an area for older children that features a dragon, three-way underground telephone, shaky bridge, dolphin tunnel slide, and many more challenges. The science and learning area teaches mathematics and science while children have fun playing with mirrors, whisper dishes, and a planet walk. The toddler playground invites little ones to steer a plane or truck, swing, slide and more. Fun Forest is truly a place for the entire family.

Portlock Galleries at SoNo - This new collection of artist working studios, shop, stores, and galleries provide unique opportunities for visitors and locals alike. Portlock Galleries will host local and traveling art exhibits, art education for area schools, summer art camps, and more.

If golf is your game, then you’ve come to the right place. Chesapeake features two daily fee golf courses that challenge golfers of all levels.

Chesapeake Golf Club - The Chesapeake Golf Club is in a beautiful woodland setting. This 6,278-yard premium semi-private golf course features rolling fairways, challenging doglegs, and some of the best greens in the Tidewater area.

Housing Cost

Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $267,000

Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $304,276; Detached houses: $325,442; Townhouses or other attached units: $199,218; In 2-unit structures: $275,000; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $264,341; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $153,219; Mobile homes: $18,552


Demographics

Population in July 2008: 220,111. Chesapeake covers 340.7 square miles. It sits at an elevation 15 feet above sea level. Area code commonly used in this area: 757

Weather

Chesapeake, VA climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 86.80 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 32.30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 16 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Chesapeake is 45.74 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is July with an average rainfall of 5.17 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com