Chesapeake City Guide

Seafood like crab cakes and oysters are local favorites. There’s decent international cuisine and growing vegetarian and vegan options. Late-night eats are limited mostly to fast food and casual diners.

Nightlife is low-key with bars and pubs. For more variety, nearby cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach offer clubs and live music venues.

Coffee scene includes chains like Starbucks and local shops. Some specialty coffee available but no strong third-wave culture.

Tipping is expected in the U.S. for services like dining, taxis, and personal care.

Local SIM cards are sold at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores, and electronics shops like Best Buy. Major carriers cover the region well. eSIMs are available for compatible devices.

Streets and public areas are generally clean with regular waste pickup and recycling.

Some 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores. Urgent care centers may have extended hours but 24/7 clinics are rare.

Supermarkets carry a fair range of international products. Major stores include Kroger, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Walmart, and Target. Most are open from 7 AM to 10-11 PM, some 24 hours.

Most places accept credit and debit cards. Cash is rarely needed except for small vendors or rare cases without card readers.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Truist, as well as in grocery and convenience stores. Out-of-network fees range from $2.50 to $5 plus your bank's charges.

Chesapeake Public Schools serve K-12 with English instruction. Notable schools include Grassfield High and Hickory High. International schools are rare locally but present nearby.

Limited digital nomad community in Chesapeake. Better networking happens in nearby cities. Many cafes offer Wi-Fi suitable for work.

Many parks with shaded trails and open spaces for walking and running.

Good running routes in parks and neighborhoods. Generally safe with local running clubs and regular races nearby.

Many gyms and fitness studios, including national chains and specialized options like yoga and CrossFit.

Public tennis courts in parks are available, mostly hard courts. Booking is usually first-come, first-served.

Padel is not common in Chesapeake or nearby.

Several yoga studios offer various styles with English-speaking instructors and both drop-in and membership options.

Several schools teach Taekwondo, Karate, BJJ, Judo, and Muay Thai. English-speaking instructors and drop-in options are common.

No nearby ski resorts; closest are 3-4+ hours away in western Virginia or neighboring states.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular on local waterways. Rentals and guided tours are offered in warmer months.

Surfing spots are at Virginia Beach, 20-30 miles away. Best in late summer and fall; suitable for beginners and advanced surfers.

Limited local diving. Offshore wreck diving near Virginia Beach is available for experienced divers, mainly in warm months.

Healthcare is high quality with English-speaking staff. Chesapeake Regional Medical Center is a key hospital. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer OTC meds and advice.

Tap water meets federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Good for families with many parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. Attractions include Chesapeake Planetarium and Northwest River Park.

Fairly accepting with legal protections. More visible LGBTQ+ spaces and events are in nearby Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Pet-friendly city with dog parks, many vets, and pet-friendly accommodations. Parks often allow leashed dogs.