List of Cities in Virginia Alphabetically

by btobers · Published August 27, 2024 · Updated November 11, 2024

Virginia has around 229 incorporated cities and towns. The state capital is Richmond, known for its historical significance. The largest city is Virginia Beach, a popular tourist destination on the Atlantic coast. Other large cities include Norfolk, Chesapeake, Arlington, Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton, Roanoke, Portsmouth, and Lynchburg. Virginia’s cities are diverse, with the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area influencing the northern part of the state, while other regions rely on tourism, military installations, and technology. Richmond and Norfolk serve as major cultural and economic hubs.

1. Virginia Beach

City Facts

Population: Approximately 459,470 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 757
Zip Codes: 23450–23479
County: Independent city (not part of any county)

Geography and History

Virginia Beach is located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The city is part of the greater Hampton Roads metropolitan area and enjoys a mild humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Virginia Beach’s history dates back to 1607, when English colonists first landed at Cape Henry before establishing Jamestown. It grew as a resort town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to its beachfront location. Following World War II, the city’s population exploded due to suburbanization, and its military presence, particularly with the nearby Naval Air Station Oceana and other installations, further drove growth. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination known for its long coastline, military significance, and growing economy.

Colleges and Universities

Regent University: A private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, known for its law school and business programs.
Virginia Wesleyan University: A private liberal arts university offering degrees in a wide variety of fields, with a focus on environmental science and business.
Tidewater Community College: A large public community college offering associate degrees and certificate programs, with a campus in Virginia Beach.
Old Dominion University (Norfolk): Located nearby, it offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
ECPI University: A private institution offering accelerated degree programs in business, health sciences, and technology.

Major Landmarks

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a major attraction, stretching three miles along the coast and featuring restaurants, shops, and hotels. First Landing State Park, where the English colonists first arrived, offers hiking trails, camping, and historical exhibits. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a family-friendly destination with exhibits on local marine life. Cape Henry Lighthouse, the first federally funded lighthouse in the U.S., is a historic site located on Fort Story. The Military Aviation Museum showcases World War I and II aircraft. Mount Trashmore, a former landfill turned public park, is a popular recreation spot with walking trails and playgrounds.

2. Norfolk

City Facts

Population: Approximately 243,075 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 757
Zip Codes: 23501–23551
County: Independent city

Geography and History

Norfolk, located in southeastern Virginia, is situated along the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay. The city has a humid subtropical climate, with moderate temperatures throughout the year. Founded in 1682, Norfolk developed into a major port city, thanks to its strategic location on the bay. Its deep-water harbor allowed it to thrive in shipping and trade, while its naval presence grew with the establishment of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and later the world’s largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk. The city played a significant role during both the American Revolution and Civil War, and it continues to be a major center for military activity, shipbuilding, and commerce.

Colleges and Universities

Old Dominion University: A public research university known for programs in engineering, business, and health sciences.
Norfolk State University: A historically black university (HBCU) offering programs in liberal arts, sciences, and engineering.
Eastern Virginia Medical School: A medical school focused on healthcare training and research, particularly known for its biomedical programs.
Tidewater Community College (Norfolk Campus): Offers associate degrees, transfer pathways, and technical certifications.
Virginia Wesleyan University (Located near the border with Virginia Beach): Offers degrees in a variety of fields, with strong programs in environmental science and business.

Major Landmarks

Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, which plays a key role in the city’s economy and identity. The Chrysler Museum of Art is a premier cultural institution with an extensive collection of glasswork and European art. The Battleship Wisconsin, part of the Nauticus maritime museum, is a major historical attraction. Town Point Park hosts festivals and events throughout the year, offering waterfront views of the Elizabeth River. The Virginia Zoo features animals from around the world, while the Hermitage Museum and Gardens showcases an eclectic collection of art in a historic mansion. The MacArthur Memorial honors the life and legacy of General Douglas MacArthur.

3. Chesapeake

City Facts

Population: Approximately 252,758 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 757
Zip Codes: 23320–23328
County: Independent city

Geography and History

Chesapeake, located in the southeastern part of Virginia, lies within the Hampton Roads metropolitan area and is characterized by its mix of urban areas, farmland, and wetlands. The city has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Chesapeake was formed in 1963 from the consolidation of the former Norfolk County and the city of South Norfolk. Historically, the area was important for its waterways, including the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, used for trade and transportation in the 19th century. Today, Chesapeake has grown into one of the state’s most populous cities, known for its suburban communities and natural areas like the Great Dismal Swamp.

Colleges and Universities

Tidewater Community College (Chesapeake Campus): Offers a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, particularly focused on business, technology, and health sciences.
Regent University (Nearby in Virginia Beach): A private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs.
Old Dominion University (Norfolk): Public research university offering programs in engineering, education, and business.
Norfolk State University (Norfolk): A historically black university offering degrees in liberal arts, sciences, and engineering.
Chesapeake College (Online/Continuing Education Programs): Offers a variety of courses, certifications, and associate degrees online.

Major Landmarks

Chesapeake is home to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a vast wetland area with hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking opportunities. The Chesapeake Arboretum, known as “Nature’s Classroom,” offers a beautiful space for walking and exploring local flora. Battlefield Park marks the site of the 1775 Battle of Great Bridge, a pivotal Revolutionary War skirmish. The Chesapeake Planetarium, one of the oldest in the state, provides educational programs for stargazers. The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, part of the Intracoastal Waterway, is popular for walking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The Chesapeake Veterans’ Memorial is a tribute to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

4. Richmond

City Facts

Population: Approximately 232,866 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 804
Zip Codes: 23173, 23218–23298
County: Independent city

Geography and History

Richmond, located at the fall line of the James River, is the capital of Virginia and one of the state’s oldest cities. The city enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Richmond’s history dates back to its founding in 1737, and it played a central role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War, serving as the capital of the Confederacy. Its strategic location along the James River made it a critical hub for trade and industry, especially tobacco. Post-Civil War, Richmond became a financial and legal center in the South, continuing to grow as a regional center for government, law, and commerce.

Colleges and Universities

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU): A public research university known for its arts and health sciences programs, particularly its nationally ranked School of the Arts and medical school.
University of Richmond: A private liberal arts university with strong programs in business, law, and the humanities.
Virginia Union University: A historically black university offering programs in business, education, and theology.
John Tyler Community College: Offers associate degrees and transfer programs to four-year universities, with a campus in the Richmond metropolitan area.
Bryant & Stratton College: A private institution offering career-focused degree programs in business, healthcare, and technology.

Major Landmarks

Richmond’s history is reflected in its numerous landmarks, including the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, which remains a working seat of government. The American Civil War Museum and the Museum of the Confederacy explore the city’s pivotal role in Civil War history. Monument Avenue, known for its statues of Confederate leaders, has been the site of historical reinterpretation in recent years. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers stunning landscapes and seasonal displays. Maymont, a historic estate with gardens and wildlife exhibits, is a popular attraction for families. Belle Isle, located in the James River, is a favorite spot for outdoor recreation and history buffs alike.

5. Newport News

City Facts

Population: Approximately 184,587 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 757
Zip Codes: 23601–23630
County: Independent city

Geography and History

Newport News is located on the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula, along the shores of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Newport News has a long history tied to shipbuilding and maritime industries. It became a critical hub during the Civil War and later evolved as a center for shipbuilding with the establishment of Newport News Shipbuilding in the late 19th century. This industry helped drive the city’s growth, and it continues to be a major contributor to the local economy, with a strong military presence due to its proximity to several naval bases.

Colleges and Universities

Christopher Newport University: A public liberal arts university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on leadership, civic engagement, and the sciences.
Thomas Nelson Community College: Offers associate degrees, certifications, and transfer programs in fields like healthcare, business, and engineering.
Old Dominion University (Norfolk): Offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
ECPI University: A private institution providing career-focused degrees in business, technology, and healthcare.
Norfolk State University (Norfolk): A historically black university offering degrees in liberal arts, sciences, and engineering.

Major Landmarks

Newport News is home to the Mariners’ Museum and Park, one of the largest maritime museums in the world, with exhibits on naval history, shipwrecks, and exploration. The Virginia War Museum highlights the city’s military history. Newport News Park, one of the largest city parks in the U.S., offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and camping. The USS Monitor Center, located at the Mariners’ Museum, showcases artifacts from the famous Civil War ironclad. The historic Lee Hall Mansion provides insight into 19th-century life in the region, while Endview Plantation offers Civil War reenactments and tours.

List of Cities in Virginia Alphabetically

1. Virginia Beach

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

2. Norfolk

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

3. Chesapeake

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

4. Richmond

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

5. Newport News

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

List of All Cities and Towns in Virginia in Alphabetical Order

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