Norfolk is an independentcity in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  With a population of 234,403 as of the 2000 census, it is Virginia's second-largest incorporated city, and is also one of few urban areas in Virginia showing a resurgence in population, with an estimated population of 238,832 in 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Norfolk is located in the Hampton region, named for the large natural harbor of the same name located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. It is one of nine cities and seven counties that constitute the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk, Newport News, VA-NC MSA.  The city is bordered to the west by the Elizabeth River and to the north by the Chesapeake Bay.  It also shares land borders with the independent cities of Chesapeake to its south and Virginia Beach to its east. One of the oldest of the Seven Cities of Hampton Roads, Norfolk is considered to be the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the region.

The city has a long history as a strategic military and transportation point. Norfolk is home to both the Norfolk Naval Base, the world's largest naval base, and the corporate headquarters of the Nofolk Southern Railway, one of North America's principal Class I railroads. As it is surrounded by multiple bodies of water, Norfolk has many miles of riverfront and bayfront property. It is linked with its neighbors by an extensive network of Interstate highways, bridges, tunnels, and bridge-tunnel complexes.

According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 96.3 square miles.  In addition to extensive riverfront property, Norfolk has miles of bayfront resort property and beaches in the Willoughby Spit and Ocean View communities.

The climate is humid subtropical with moderate changes of seasons.  Spring arrives in March with mild days and cool nights, and by late May, the temperature has warmed up considerably to herald warm summer days.

Norfolk has a variety of historic neighborhoods, some with a unique style to the City.  Some neighborhoods, such as Berkley of which were formerly cities and towns themselves.  Others, such as Willoughby Spit and Ocean View have a long history tied to the Chesapeake Bay.  Today, neighborhoods such as Downtown and Ghent have transformed with the revitalization that the city has undergone.

Norfolk remains the region's cultural heart.  In addition to having several outstanding museums, it is the principal home for several major performing arts companies.  Norfolk also plays host to numerous yearly festivals and parades, mostly at Town Pointe Park in downtown.

Notable Buildings

• Scope
• MacArthur Memorial
• The Norfolk Academy
• The Customs House