Welcome to Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads is situated in the middle of the Easter seaboard where the James, Nansemond and Elizabeth rivers pour into the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.  It is recognized as the 36th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the United States and eighth largest metro area in the Southeast U.S. and the second largest between Atlanta and Washington, D.C.  Six of the 10 largest population centers in the U.S. are located within 750 miles of Hampton Roads. 

In 1983, Hampton Roads became the official name for the region, unifying the Southside with the Peninsula.  Home to 1.6 million people, the region includes the cities of of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg; and the counties of Gloucester, Isle of Isle of Wight, James City, Mathews, Southampton, Sury and York; and Currituck in North Carolina.

The term "Hampton Roads" is a centuries-old reference that originated when the region was struggling British outpost 400 years ago.  Hampton Roads honors one of the founders of the Virginia Company, Henry Wriothesley - third Earl of Southampton.  Signifying the safety of a port, "roads" in nautical terminology means "a place less sheltered than a harbor where ships may ride at anchor."

Hampton Roads is the birthplace of Colonial America. It is home to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement, and to Colonial Williamsburg. Its rich history, thriving maritime industry, and beautiful waterfront landscapes merge with livable communities, modern technology, economic prosperity, and a strong military presence to create a unique and welcoming place in which to live and do business.

View the Chamber members participating in the 2012 Map Project. You can find them listed in the Business Locator section of Maplocator! This online companion to the flat map includes a catergory listing, pinpoint on the map and more information about each Member. If you would like a flat map, please contact the Chamber at (757) 622-2312 and one can be provided to you free for pickup at our Chamber offices located at 500 East Main Street , Suite 700 Norfolk, VA 23510.

All other requests, go to the Chamber Shop at Shop.HamptonRoadsChamber.com to order your maps online.

Whether you are visiting the area or reside here, we encourage you to take advantage of all Hampton Roads has to offer.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce has members from throughout the region, however, our service is focused on the five southside cities.

Headquarters
Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce 
500 E Main Street, Suite 700
Norfolk, VA 23510
Telephone: (757) 622-2312

Select a city for more information:

Chesapeake | Norfolk | Portsmouth | Suffolk | Virginia Beach