Hampton is a city in the state of Virginia located on the southeast side of the Virginia Peninsula. The city is and independent city, which means that it is not part of a county. The city has a variety of historical sites, businesses, industries and residential areas. The city is also and educational center with three universities, Hampton University, Bryant and Stratton College and Thomas Nelson Community College, located within the city. Hampton is a diverse city with large African American and Asian communities. The city served by many primary highways such as the Interstate 64, Interstate 664 and U.S. Routes 17 and 60. Public buses and rail road services are provided by the Hampton Roads Transit. Additionally, Amtrak makes several daily stops in the city.
Mercury Central is a neighborhood located in central Hampton. It is one of the best places to live in Hampton as it has pleasant sunny weather, a low cost of living and plenty of amenities. Mercury Boulevard cuts across the neighborhood from east to west. The road is named after the Mercury space program, which was launched from the adjacent Langley Research Center. The neighborhood has three parks Town Square, Air Power Park and Mary’s Park. Petty crime is an issue in Mercury Central with a crime rate that is 35 percent above the national average. The neighborhood has large Caucasian and African American populations which live together. House prices and rents are affordable. They are lower compared to other neighborhoods in Hampton.
Northampton is a neighborhood located in the mid-western section of Hampton. The neighborhood is home to one of the earliest little league baseball leagues in the country. The neighborhood is primarily residential with many apartment complexes, shopping centers and schools. There are many high performing schools in the neighborhood such as Forrest Elementary School, Phoenix preK-8, Jefferson Davis Middle School, Bethel High School and Tucker-capps Elementary School. The schools run the Northampton Bruins League, a little league baseball and football team. There are many cafes and restaurants in the city offering a wide range of cuisines from soul food to Chinese food. Fresh grocery stores are also available in the area as there is a Farm Fresh Pharmacy store in the neighborhood.
North King St is a neighborhood located in east-central Hampton. The neighborhood is located to the east of Southwest Branch Back River’s confluence with the Atlantic Ocean. There are only two parks in the neighborhood Ridgway Park and King Street Linear Park. There are mostly fast food restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King and Cheri’s Chocolate in the area. The neighborhood does not have any galleries or museums. Public transport is available with many stations on Little Black River Road and Silver Isles Boulevard. There are many shopping centers and retail stores in the neighborhood offering a variety of goods. Most of the houses in North King St are occupied by their owners. Home prices in North King St are affordable. Renters can easily find homes as many apartments are available for renting.