* Economic opportunity: The Chesapeake Bay region offered a number of economic opportunities for the English settlers. The land was fertile and suitable for growing a variety of crops, including tobacco, corn, and wheat. The bay also provided access to abundant fish and shellfish, and the forests were home to a variety of game animals.
* Religious freedom: Many of the English settlers were Puritans who were seeking religious freedom. The Chesapeake Bay region was relatively tolerant of religious dissent, and the English settlers were able to establish their own churches and worship freely.
* Political freedom: The English settlers were also seeking political freedom. The Chesapeake Bay region was not under the direct control of the English government, and the settlers were able to establish their own representative assemblies and govern themselves.
* Climate: The Chesapeake Bay area enjoyed a moderate climate as opposed to the colder climate to the north and the hotter, more humid climate in the south.
These factors all contributed to the English settlers' decision to settle in the Chesapeake Bay area. By the early 17th century, the English had established a number of permanent settlements in the region, including Jamestown, Virginia (1607) and Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620).