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Northampton County
Lifestyle
The Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean surroundings contribute to a unique and pleasurable lifestyle. Outdoor recreation possibilities are numerous and varied. Activities enjoyed by natives and visitors alike include boating, swimming, hiking, biking, camping, crabbing, fishing, or simply observing wildlife in its natural setting. Miles of unspoiled ocean beaches are available on the barrier islands that line the coast. Northampton County offers public parks and athletic facilities. Organized athletics and team sports for youth and adults are available through the local public recreation and parks department. Two private membership golf courses are available within the community.
The Eastern Shore and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge is in southern Northampton County. This refuge is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that permits hiking, fishing, bird watching, and provides narrated tours. The annual birding festival in October is a major event for the community. Typically, as many as 10,000 persons are drawn to the area for the weekend celebration.
The Nature Conservatory and the state and federal governments maintain a 45-mile stretch of seaside barrier islands in their natural state. The public can access most of these islands. They are renowned for their expansive beaches, surrounding lush salt marshes, and great concentrations of shorebirds, seabirds, and migrating water fowl.
Residents can take advantage of a regular schedule of dramatic performances by local theater groups on the Eastern Shore. Norfolk, an hour's drive away, affords a tremendous variety of cultural and entertainment options including drama, concerts, museums, and sporting events.
Seasonal festivals and special events such as the Annual Seafood Festival, the Harvest Fest, and the Eastern Shore Birding Festival continue to attract thousands of patrons from surrounding areas to celebrate the amenities and lifestyle found on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
Facts and Information
Locality Profile
Total Population (2002)6072 Males
6857 Females
12,929 Total
Per Capita Income (1998) - $18,992
Unemployment Rate (2000) - 3.7%
Employment by Industry (2000)
Agriculture 15.3%
Government 23.7%
Services 25.6%
Trade 22.5%
Construction 2.6%
Manufacturing 7.7%
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate 1.2%
Transportation, Communication, and Public Utilities 1.4%
Major Employers
Manufacturing
Bayshore Concrete Products Corporation
Nonmanufacturing
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Authority
Shore Health Service Inc.
Commercial Air Service
Norfolk International Airport
Education
Elementary 2
Middle 1
High School 1
Student Teacher Ratio (1998-99)
13:1
Higher Education Facility
Eastern Shore Community College
Climate
Average January temp. 40ºF 4ºC
Average July temp. 79ºF 26ºC
Average annual precipitation 40.35"
Average annual snowfall 7.30"