Before looking for Chesapeake condos for sale, consider the history of the area. Although Chesapeake was organized by a voter referendum in 1963, parts of the area date back to the former Norfolk County which was founded in 1691. The Chesapeake region was among the first areas settled in the state's colonial era, when settlement started from the coast. The Battle of Great Bridge was fought here in 1775, in the early days of the American Revolutionary War, and resulted in the removal of all vestiges of the English Government from Virginia. Until the late 1980s and early 1990s, much of Chesapeake was either suburban or rural, serving as a bedroom community for the adjacent cities with residents commuting to these locations. Beginning in the late 1980s and accelerating in the 1990s, Chesapeake saw significant growth, attracting numerous industries and businesses of its own, many focused on supporting the local navy and air force bases.

After you buy your Chesapeake VA condo, you’ll want to get out and explore the area.

It’s a nature lover’s and sportsman’s paradise, with an extensive National Wildlife Refuge, the Elizabeth River, the Intracoastal Waterway, Chesapeake Park and the Chesapeake Arboretum providing beautiful trails, every type of boating and fishing. Residents participate in fun activities such as kayaking, hiking, biking, bird watching and picnicking.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is anything but dismal. It was created in 1974 and is home to more than 200 bird species, black bears, bobcats and otters. Fortunately, it is too far north for the American alligator. Ancient freshwater Lake Drummond is the center of activity for fishermen, sightseers and boaters.

The Dismal Swamp Canal runs on the eastern border of the refuge, paralleling U.S. Highway 17. It is the oldest continuously used man-made canal in the country today and has been in service for over 230 years. It is very popular with boaters.

On a small peninsula at the confluence of the Elizabeth River and the Intracoastal Waterway sits the magnificent 19-acre Great Bridge Lock Park, with interpretive signage explaining the lock system, where spectators get a great view of the many yachts which transit the lock as they travel between Maine and Florida. The lock was constructed to prevent salt and fresh water from the two waterways mixing. Fishing and crabbing are fun activities in the park.

The nearby Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Historical Park and Museum was created as a monument to honor the memory of the Battle of Great Bridge during the American Revolution. The excellent museum contains a permanent gallery, a dynamic exhibit gallery and an auditorium that can accommodate 100 people.

Chesapeake Park has 60 acres of grassy open space and 30 acres of leafy woodland and trees, with a three-quarter mile walking trail loop to enjoy the park’s natural features, plus a skate park, a dog park, horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball courts, a picnic shelter with BBQs and an outdoor fitness area.

The Chesapeake Arboretum is a 48-acre park with an original 18th century farmhouse. Beautiful, themed gardens extend across the property, including a fragrance garden and an antique rose garden, as well as a superb hardwood forest.

The gateway to the City from Portsmouth VA is the spectacular South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, a 5,372 ft fixed bridge over the southern end of Elizabeth River. Coastal Virginia’s tallest bridge offers sweeping, panoramic views from its soaring architectural curves. Since the Jordan Bridge opened in 1928, two tunnels and two further bridges have been added to the Elizabeth River Corridor to accommodate the needs of the growing population and military.

At Oak Grove Lake Park there are 65 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands. Picnic tables and benches are scattered along a trail, which provide a mixture of panoramic views of the lake as well as forested areas and wildlife. Enjoy fishing in the stocked lake for largemouth bass and channel catfish.

Northwest River Park, 763-acres on the banks of the Northwest River in the southeastern area of the City is the perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, providing year-round boating, fishing and hiking.