Fox Hill-Grandview - Hampton, VA

The Fox Hill-Grandview area of Hampton carries a rich history, and historians have found documents about the area dating back to the 1600s. By the 1700s, settlers populated the area, growing tobacco and taking advantage of the abundant seafood. Historical documents also note a large Native American population that influenced the names of many neighborhood streets. The 20th century brought change to Fox Hill-Grandview, transforming it from a fishing village into a residential community on the outskirts of the city. Planned developments popped up throughout the area, increasing the population as new residents moved into the community.

Entertainment abounds near Fox Hill-Grandview. Mill Point Park in downtown Hampton sponsors festivals throughout the year. During the waterway Christmas parade, boats line the arena, draped in Christmas lights and decorations. Warm-weather fun includes the Annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival, where participants celebrate the city's maritime history.

A ride down Fox Hill Road lands you at Capri Pizza and Italian restaurant. Reminiscent of a traditional pizza parlor, Capri cooks up a variety of Italian dishes in a family-friendly environment. Enjoy fresh vegetables from the salad bar while the staff prepares your dinner from scratch. Choose from six types of parmigiana, along with Italian classics such as Spaghetti Carbonara and Veal Marsala. All entrees come with freshly baked bread to ensure you don't miss one drop of sauce. With beer on tap, this establishment makes it simple for diners to enjoy a cold brew with their meals.

Head into Downtown Hampton and you'll find a wide variety of restaurants and bars, especially along Queens Way. Popular locations include Stillwater Tavern, a sports bar with a fantastic seafood menu. Try Musasi Japanese Restaurant for sushi and sashimi, or stop in at the Conch & Bucket for even more fantastic seafood (locals will tell you to try the calamari). After dinner, enjoy craft beer at the Taphouse.

Getting around the city of Hampton when you live in Fox Hill-Grandview requires a car. Walking proves a definite option when enjoying the community, but running errands and getting to work generally necessitates a vehicle. The city maintains a public bus system, with limited service to the Fox Hill-Grandview community. Taxi cabs remain an option, but you need to call ahead and schedule a ride.

Sidewalks line most of the streets in Fox Hill-Grandview, so feel free to walk down to the shore. If your proximity to the beach proves a little too far, jump in the car and drive to the sand — the city provides a public parking area for your convenience. Most other residential parking consists of driveways and curb-side locations. Traffic rarely proves a problem in Fox Hill-Grandview, making your bike a safe and viable mode of transportation.

Fox Hill-Grandview houses one of the region's most beautiful parks. The Grandview Nature Reserve protects the area's wildlife while welcoming visitors to more than 400 acres of salt marsh and beach front. The perfect location for beachcombing, bird-watching, canoeing, and fishing, this park is maintained by the city of Hampton. Kids love combing the beaches for hidden treasures, and the park proves dog-friendly, except from April 15th through September 15th. The City just asks that you keep your furry friend on a leash at all other times.

Daily living in the Fox Hill-Grandview area of Hampton generally equals the city average. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Fox Hill-Grandview costs you about $700 per month. With $4, you can take public transportation to the center of the city or purchase a day pass for unlimited rides. If you favor your private mode of transportation, enjoy gas prices that routinely fall about nine percent below the national average. Unwind with a drink at the end of the day with a pint of beer at a local pub, which typically sets you back about $6.

You may not satisfy your department store shopping needs within Fox Hill-Grandview, but a short ride to the Peninsula Town Center gives you a mixture of well-known retailers and local gems. Anchored by such stores as Target and JCPenney, PTC (as the locals call it), gives you everything you need to furnish your home and replenish your wardrobe.

The Boutique She-She brings eclectic fashion and jewelry to the downtown area of the city, where cobblestone streets create a unique shopping experience. The Virginia Store also calls downtown Hampton home. This locally-owned establishment gives customers a selection of specialty gifts, such as handmade pottery and locally-crafted wines.

Two major grocery stores service the Fox Hill-Grandview area. A Food Lion on Nickerson Boulevard provides affordable prices, or drive a little farther to Farm Fresh, located in Willow Oaks, for a higher-end shopping experience complete with an in-store Starbucks.