Hi all

My husband has been offered a job in Norfolk, Va. And we planned to move to Virginia Beach next summer. I've been there only once to visit and unsure what to expect. I know the tunnel system is bad. Are there any other big issues? Is life good out there?
Please, please we need to decide soon, and I would really appreciate inputs. Please feel free to speak your heart.
TIA

where are you moving from ? I lived in Va Bch for about 5 years...military...

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We are in Chesapeake, very close to VB and it is a decent area. Hubby drives into Norfolk for work and it can be a pain with all the traffic here. VA has pretty good gas prices ( @ $2.52 today for all the complaining that goes on around here about the possibility of raising the gas tax a penny or 2 to fix the roads.) There are good and bad areas everywhere of course. I am not a beach person but there is a lot to do locally besides that. We have most all the major restaurant chains and lots of local places too, lots of shopping, nice weather most of the time and we do get seasons here. (not sure where you are coming from). Linnybop lives in VB, she might have more specific info if you want VB specifically. What catagories are you looking for info on?

I lived in Norfolk for 10 years and I loved it, but then I am a beach person, which is why I loved it. I worked in Newport News and Norfolk. However, the school systems are not that great (to me, my opinion only) we had a good grade school, Larchmont Elementary, then Maury for the high school, I had kids in both. Maury was a horrible school, even though at the time it was supposed to be one of the better ranking in the state. I lived in the Larchmont area in Norfolk, nice area, nice houses. That being said, I would never want to live "at the beach" as we called it, meaning VA. Beach, it was ok to go for the beach, shopping, nightlife, but I wouldn't live there. I had alot of friends that lived there and I just didn't care for the newer type housing, I liked the older Colonial style in the area we lived (but that's just a personal choice).

I had a couple of different jobs while living there, counselor for teenage gang members was one of the jobs I had, they did have alot of gangs there over 100 back in the 90's when I worked there, I can only imagine it is much worse now. I also worked in a juvenile detention center while living there and they do have alot of violent offenders in the area as do most larger cities. I also investigated child abuse and neglect while living there and of course that is everywhere.

The traffic is bad, it used to take 45-1 hour to make a 20 mile commute. The Navy base traffic is bad. The tunnel system is overloaded with traffic. Housing is not cheap. The shopping is good. There are alot of touristy things to see and do, beach, nice aquarium, Chrysler museum, Waterside. They have a decent mall, not great but good.

I met hubby while he was in the Navy stationed there, he is from CA and he absolutely hated the area, couldn't wait to get stationed somewhere else.

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Traffic is horrendous, especially at rush hour when the Navy *bases* ( yes, there is more than one ) lets out around 4 pm..If it is not military people it's young bloods in rice burner cars , stereos blasting at the stop lights. I think they only play rap music on the radio stations there. Many stores, lots of Targets which is what I liked.
there are some not so great neighborhoods ..stay out of Norfolk.

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I've lived in Hampton Roads for over 38 years and I love it. I’ve live in Chesapeake and Portsmouth (yes, there are some nice areas in Portsmouth). Like anywhere there are some bad areas - but there also some great ones. This is a really diverse area.
Traffic can be bad but if you can live near where he will be working it may not be so stressful. I would just suggest doing a lot of research on the area you choose and maybe run it by some folks from the area to get the inside scoop.

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Cubmom2, try Bob FM, no rap....lol

BOB FM had too many repeated songs...

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i moved to Richmond, VA from Chicago about 2 years ago...and we spend a lot of time going to the VA Beach area in the summer to hit the beach/bay. You are correct...the tunnel is a nightmare, but if you are already from a big city, it is the kind of traffic you would deal with during any big rush hour. Downtown VA Beach is very touristy...lots of tshirt shops and stuff like that...but, if head out to some of the surrounding areas there are some cute shops, galleries and cafes.

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I am moving from Salem/Roanoke in Southwest Virginia. Oh no...so VA beach is not such a good area?!?! If the traffic is like any other big city then I can handle it.
But is it too much crime...gangs...omg. Now...anything good at all? I do like the beach.

Roanoke is alot different than the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area. My ex had family that lived there and we used to visit Roanoke and Lynchburg alot. Since you live so close to the area, I would suggest that you go for a couple of weekends (or during the work week and check out the traffic) and just look around at housing and the different areas before you make a decision. As someone pointed out there are good and bad areas all around and you need to make sure you pick a nice place to live. In Norfolk you can be in a really nice neighborhood, like the one I used to live in near Old Dominion University, but you can go about 5 or 6 blocks and be in one of the worst ghetto areas there is. I would definately check the crime statistics for any neighborhood you are considering moving into.

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I actually lived in Va Bch . About 8 min. from the beach. We were a Navy family so beaches were no big thing really after living by one every time we moved. I much would rather live in Va Bch than Norfolk. Tidewater area, Or Hampton roads will be a HUGE change from the Roanoke area..Not very well mannered in this area. You will see homelessness too..get used to it..Schools I say are really good in Va Bch..what business will your dh be getting into down there ?

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I have lived in Va. Beach 18 years no problems here, I like city living! Good schools in Va. Beach. If you by a house in Va. Beach do not!! buy one by the base or in the jets flight path! noise!!

Life is AWESOME in Virginia Beach!! We have the best schools and wonderful teachers. If you are living in Va. Beach proper, you won't need to worry about the traffic. However, if you have kids, you might want to ask me about the school systems.....
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