In Norfolk, mornings breeze in with the turn of the tide; there's a good chance that commute to work and back includes brilliant waterfront views; and at day's end there's nightlife to be savored--whether it's a Triple A baseball game at Harbor Park, an evening at the Opera or a barefoot boogie by the shores of the Bay.

In Norfolk, life is not to be missed; it's to be celebrated...daily.

Founded in 1682, Norfolk grew up on the water, and its miles of lake, river and bay front are central to many of its neighborhoods and more than 241,000 people who call these communities home. The city's popular logo -- an elegant young mermaid, which can be spotted in outdoor sites from Downtown to Ocean View -- symbolizes 300 years of maritime and naval heritage and its modern reputation as a city on the move.

Attractions -- such as the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin, a salute to the city's long-standing relationship with the Navy, and Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, an interactive science and technology center -- dot Norfolk's easily-walked downtown waterfront. Here, tugboats and visiting cruise ships share the waters with sailboats and merchant ships. Other treasures -- The Chrysler Museum, Norfolk Botanical Gardens and the Virginia Zoological Park -- are close by.

The Port Authority. Norfolk-Southern Railway. The Virginia Symphony. Old Dominion University. Eastern Virginia Medical School. Norfolk State University. These businesses and institutions, to name a few, contribute to Norfolk's role as the business, financial, cultural, educational and medical hub of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, providing nearly one-third of the jobs for the region. And of course, there's the Navy's mighty presence. The world's largest navy base is headquartered right here in Norfolk.

Getting to and from work is easy, thanks to the city's central location and accessibility. An interstate system, an international airport and a regional transit system make Norfolk both a great starting point and destination too.

Norfolk's Neighborhoods

But perhaps Norfolk's greatest strength is its neighborhoods. There are more than 120, with a head-turning character all their own. They draw tourists who seek a glimpse of Norfolk's everyday life; attract new residents who long to put down roots in established neighborhoods; entice military retirees to stay or return; and hold families here for generations. From charming starter homes to grand residences, from downtown lofts and town homes to brand new developments along the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk offers a range of architectural styles and prices.

Norfolk has marked achievements in restoring and redeveloping many of its older neighborhoods. At the same time, we have reclaimed land once used for commerce to build new communities. The City's best measure of success, however, is the growing number of people who have "come home to Norfolk."

So join us, won't you? Pull up a porch swing, talk to neighbors and welcome to Norfolk. There's much to celebrate!

We would love to welcome you to our community, where life is celebrated daily.

Come home to Norfolk now.