| You can drive far and wide along the nation's | | | | Proximity to Jamestown will have its advantages in |
| interstates, but eventually you will have to admit that | | | | 2007, too, when the four hundredth anniversary of the |
| no other state on the Eastern seaboard offers such | | | | founding of the colony is celebrated. The entire state |
| diversity in culture and environment than Virginia. From | | | | of Virginia switches to party mode in that time, but |
| the majestic mountains cut by the Appalachian Trail to | | | | Hampton Roads will host the party, and residents have |
| the gentle coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean, | | | | a front row seat. |
| Virginia boasts many natural resources and | | | | 3) Family Fun |
| opportunities for prosperity. Anyone considering a | | | | Why pile the kids into a car and drive all the way to |
| move from the sweltering Deep South, the Great | | | | Disney World, when fun and excitement are right in the |
| White North, or from Way Out West ought to give the | | | | backyard? The Hampton Roads area boasts one of |
| commonwealth a try. | | | | the top amusement parks in the county: Busch Garden |
| Especially, one would do well to consider a move to | | | | Europe. From early spring to late autumn, the whole |
| the Hampton Roads area. This metropolitan region | | | | family can enjoy spine-tingling roller coasters and |
| spans ten independent Virginia cities over twenty | | | | breathtaking 3-D rides at this popular attraction. |
| towns (incorporated and unincorporated) among seven | | | | Summer offers more opportunities for fun with Water |
| counties, plus parts of the Currituck Outer Banks of | | | | Country USA in Williamsburg and Ocean Breeze |
| North Carolina. It may seem crowded to read about it, | | | | Waterpark in Virginia Beach. |
| but the Hampton Roads area stretches over much of | | | | For a slower pace, but not necessarily a boring one, |
| Virginia's coastline and attracts thousands of visitors | | | | families may take advantage of various attractions |
| annually. Many who come are tempted to stay, and it | | | | throughout the year, including the newly renovated |
| is no surprise why. Here are just ten reasons why you | | | | Virginia Zoo, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, President's |
| should come and stay, too. | | | | Park in Williamsburg, and of course the famous Virginia |
| 1) Cultural Diversity | | | | Beach Oceanfront. The advantage to being a resident |
| Hampton Roads is a veritable melting pot spilling into | | | | is that such places offer periodic discounts on |
| the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks to a strong military and | | | | admission and gifts, so if you live close by you are |
| governmental presence, people of all ethnic | | | | always in the know. |
| backgrounds call the Tidewater area home. Residents | | | | 4) Great Outdoors |
| in the northern part of the region may note a large | | | | Think Hampton Roads is all beach? Think again! True, |
| population of Mennonites, while descendents of the | | | | while it is the Oceanfront with its endless stretch of |
| Nansemond tribe are congregated in the area. | | | | sand and sea that attracts tourists and new residents |
| Such blending of the cultures is evident in annual | | | | alike, Hampton Roads offers more for the |
| festivities held in Norfolk: the Azalea Festival that pays | | | | outdoorsman with regards to activity. The |
| tribute to all nations represented in the area, and the | | | | southeastern part of Virginia represents one of the |
| AfrAm Festival which celebrates the region's African | | | | healthiest regions of the state, and it's easy to see |
| American heritage. Annual festivals, regular markets | | | | why. |
| and seminars allow everyone to absorb and | | | | First Landing State Park of Virginia Beach is a haven |
| appreciate the diversity of the people of Hampton | | | | for runners, mountain bikers, and nature hikers. Waller |
| Roads. | | | | Mill Park of Williamsburg is available for the extreme |
| 2) Rich History | | | | biker who enjoys a rough terrain and never-ending |
| It is no secret that Virginia is the seat of American | | | | excitement. |
| history, having fathered more US Presidents than any | | | | Nature lovers will enjoy leisurely walks at Sandy |
| state. It is on the shores of modern day Virginia Beach | | | | Bottom Nature Park in Hampton and False Cape State |
| where our forefathers landed, and it is in Norfolk | | | | Park at the beach, both known for beautiful flora and |
| where the might General MacArthur is laid to rest. | | | | fauna. And, if you enjoy your long walks in between |
| Deep in the bay that separates the beach from | | | | shots of golf, Hampton Roads has many courses, |
| Newport News is where the famous battle of the | | | | including the Tournament Players Club at the Beach |
| Monitor and Merrimac took place. A history enthusiast's | | | | and Golden Horseshoe in Williamsburg. |
| senses are guaranteed to be overloaded here. | | | | 5) Growing economy |
| Of course, mention of history and Hampton Roads just | | | | Business is literally booming in Hampton Roads, offering |
| would not be complete without a tip of the quill to the | | | | many opportunities for small business to grow and |
| Jamestown Settlement, the first permanent colony | | | | larger businesses to take in more employers. A strong |
| established in this country! Each year thousands of | | | | military presence helps boost regional economy, while |
| visitors make the historic triangle of Jamestown, | | | | corporations find many attractive qualities in the |
| Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg their vacation | | | | Tidewater region. Proximity to Washington, DC, easy |
| destination. To live in Hampton Roads means one can | | | | shipping access, and a growing downtown |
| explore these attractions all year round, particularly in | | | | establishment in the Pembroke section of Virginia |
| the winter when the colonial homes and roads are | | | | Beach indicate a prosperous future for Hampton |
| beautifully decorated for the holidays! | | | | Roads. |