Suffolk is an independent city located in the South Hampton Roads area of eastern Virginia.  Geographically, it is the largest of the Seven Cities of Hampton Roads, and the largest independent city in land-area in the entire Commonwealth.  As of the 2000 census, the city has a total population of 63,677.  A more recent 2006 census estimate shows that the city's population has grown to 81,071.

Suffolk Public Schools, the local public schools system, operates 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, and one alternative school.

The communities in contemporary Suffolk, vary widely, from the urbanized areas and downtown section of the former town of Suffolk, to the suburban neighborhoods, and areas which were rural farms, woodlands, or grew as small unincorporated towns.

In modern times, Suffolk remains a major peanut processing center and railroad and highway transportation hub.  It hosts a diverse combination of industrial, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and hospitality businesses, as well as active farming.

Each year in the fall, the City of Suffolk hosts Suffolk Festival Incorporated's annual Peanut Fest.