Deep Creek North Chesapeake, VA

The Hampton Roads area holds a rich, 400-year-old history that dates back to the First Landing in 1607. Numerous museums and historical landmarks in the region showcase its intriguing past, including the closest museum to Deep Creek North, the Railroad Museum of Virginia in nearby Portsmouth.

Deep Creek wasn’t settled until the late 1700s when it emerged as a stagecoach stop between Norfolk and Elizabeth City. The community sits along the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp, one of the last large wildlife preserves in the eastern US, and the preserved Dismal Swamp Canal, which is the oldest working artificial waterway in the nation. Deep Creek North developed more recently and features residences that were built throughout the past century.

The quiet streets of Deep Creek North are surrounded by restaurants, shopping centers and lively entertainment venues. Dining options within the closest proximity to the community consist primarily of fast food joints, pizza chains and Asian fare, along with a handful of local diners, grills and sandwich shops.

Residents frequently visit C & B Diner in the nearby Gilmerton Shopping Center, especially on weekends when breakfast is served all day. Treat yourself to a New York strip steak with two eggs, toast and home fries, or try the Boothill Omelet with bacon, potatoes and cheddar cheese. A local favorite, the Southern Scramble features three eggs scrambled with sausage, then topped with gravy and cheddar cheese, along with a biscuit and home fries.

The Greenbrier district, about 15 minutes west of Deep Creek North, holds most of the area’s casual restaurants, including Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Carrabba’s and Red Robin. This major commercial center also houses several local eateries. Lemongrass Grille brings a twist to southeast Asian cuisine. Start with noodles, rice or a wrap, and then add a protein, your choice of veggies, garnishes and a sauce to create your own unique dish. From the pineapples and peanuts to the chicken and beef, all-natural ingredients set this restaurant apart.

Many locals head to Greenbrier for late night fun. Most restaurants feature full bars, and many host regular live music. Deep Creek North residents don’t have to venture too far from home for a night out. Located on South Military Highway near Canal Drive, Jokers Bar & Grill keeps patrons entertained with good food, cold drinks and a lively atmosphere. Play cards, shoot some pool or watch the game while you savor the taste of Jokers’ hand-pulled barbecue or a heaping steak-and-cheese sub. Karaoke and nightly specials attract residents from Deep Creek and beyond.

Deep Creek North sits near South Military Highway and Highway 17, just minutes from interstates 64 and 464. This convenient location makes driving the preferred mode of transport for most residents. One of the few areas in Chesapeake without bike-friendly roadways, frequent traffic congestion may cause problems for pedestrians and cyclists. Several taxi companies serve the area, along with Uber's ride-share service. Hampton Roads Transit runs a single bus line in the Deep Creek area, which connects to the rest of Hampton Roads, but buses only arrive once an hour.

Small parks and open green spaces encircle the Deep Creek North community. On a warm afternoon, young children swarm the swings and slides at Brentwood Play Area and nearby Camelot Park.

Paradise Creek Nature Park invites visitors to explore the beauty of the Elizabeth River with 2 miles of walking trails and family-oriented events throughout the year.

One of the largest recreation facilities in the area, Deep Creek Lock Park features 25 acres with a playground, volleyball court and horseshoe pits, as well as a canoe put-in and wooded foot trails with observation decks that offer a closer look at the river’s locks.

The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail also sits nearby, featuring an 8.5-mile multi-purpose trail and boat launches to accommodate hikers, cyclists, equestrians and boaters.

Leashed dogs may visit any of the local parks, but many residents prefer the off-leash dog area at Deep Creek Park.

Although the cost of living is about 10 percent greater than the national average, Deep Creek North’s reasonable real estate prices attract a number of residents in Chesapeake and the surrounding Tidewater area. Rental rates, on the other hand, run slightly higher than the citywide average. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Deep Creek North averages around $811 per month. Residents typically save money on transportation costs, with gas stations charging about 3 percent less than the national average prices and all-day bus passes available for $4. However, entertainment expenses tend to be higher here, although you can usually get a domestic beer for about $3 at a local bar.

Individuals who live in Deep Creek North can meet their daily shopping needs without going more than a mile from home. A Dollar General, CVS Pharmacy and a pawn shop sit on Military Highway near a Food Lion and a local antique shop called Granma Had One. On Canal Drive, you can shop for forgotten treasures at From Me 2 You & Thrifty Too. The eclectic thrift store carries everything from clothing to collectibles.

Adver-Tees specializes in custom tee shirts and apparel, offering screen printing as well as embroidery. The shop caters to small businesses and school organizations in the Deep Creek area but also serves the general public. Commemorate your next family reunion or special event with sweat shirts or personalized refrigerator magnets. Graphic design services are also available.

At the intersection of Highway 17 and Canal Drive, another small shopping center provides the community with a convenient pharmacy, florist and hardware store.

Food Lion and Farm Fresh serve the grocery needs of the area, but residents must travel to Virginia Beach or Norfolk to visit a local farmers market.