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This is a pretty good match up based on the size of each city. However, Norfolk is in a slightly larger metro area with a more diverse economy. Winston Salem may be growing faster than Norfolk but Norfolk is already the more densely populated city. There just isn't much available land in the Norfolk city limits to encourage development that would greatly increase Norfolk's population. Although Winston Salem may have a larger corporate job sector, Norfolk has the stability of government jobs as well as a large tourism industry in the area. I think both areas have a lot of potential to grow in terms of STEM jobs and health care. Norfolk is a much more historic city with alot of coastal mid atlantic character. You have access to miles of beaches, rivers, and canals. You also have access to amusement parks in Williamsburg as well as all the entertainment provided in Virginia Beach. Shopping and dining is similar between the two cities, but Norfolk has a better downtown. Its has a lot more character due to its age and waterfront location. Norfolk and Winston Salem are both mid sized cities that have a lot to offer, but Norfolk is in a more dynamic area.
This is a pretty good match up based on the size of each city. However, Norfolk is in a slightly larger metro area with a more diverse economy. Winston Salem may be growing faster than Norfolk but Norfolk is already the more densely populated city. There just isn't much available land in the Norfolk city limits to encourage development that would greatly increase Norfolk's population. Although Winston Salem may have a larger corporate job sector, Norfolk has the stability of government jobs as well as a large tourism industry in the area. I think both areas have a lot of potential to grow in terms of STEM jobs and health care. Norfolk is a much more historic city with alot of coastal mid atlantic character. You have access to miles of beaches, rivers, and canals. You also have access to amusement parks in Williamsburg as well as all the entertainment provided in Virginia Beach. Shopping and dining is similar between the two cities, but Norfolk has a better downtown. Its has a lot more character due to its age and waterfront location. Norfolk and Winston Salem are both mid sized cities that have a lot to offer, but Norfolk is in a more dynamic area.
Generally agree. However, Norfolk has tons of room to grow. Yes, the city is built-out, but many built-out cities are finding ways to accommodate new growth through upzoning, redevelopment, etc. Norfolk is too timid to do any of that with any significant impact.
Generally agree. However, Norfolk has tons of room to grow. Yes, the city is built-out, but many built-out cities are finding ways to accommodate new growth through upzoning, redevelopment, etc. Norfolk is too timid to do any of that with any significant impact.
Yeah I agree that Norfolk could definitely find ways to grow. I just think it is difficult because of competition from Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. Many people in the area prefer suburban living, and Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are both creating more urban areas for people to live as well.
Yeah I agree that Norfolk could definitely find ways to grow. I just think it is difficult because of competition from Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. Many people in the area prefer suburban living, and Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are both creating more urban areas for people to live as well.
Norfolk probably has a little more character than Virginia Beach, too. It's more historic, at least. I could see the appeal for younger people.
This is a pretty good match up based on the size of each city. However, Norfolk is in a slightly larger metro area with a more diverse economy. Winston Salem may be growing faster than Norfolk but Norfolk is already the more densely populated city. There just isn't much available land in the Norfolk city limits to encourage development that would greatly increase Norfolk's population. Although Winston Salem may have a larger corporate job sector, Norfolk has the stability of government jobs as well as a large tourism industry in the area. I think both areas have a lot of potential to grow in terms of STEM jobs and health care. Norfolk is a much more historic city with alot of coastal mid atlantic character. You have access to miles of beaches, rivers, and canals. You also have access to amusement parks in Williamsburg as well as all the entertainment provided in Virginia Beach. Shopping and dining is similar between the two cities, but Norfolk has a better downtown. Its has a lot more character due to its age and waterfront location. Norfolk and Winston Salem are both mid sized cities that have a lot to offer, but Norfolk is in a more dynamic area.
Winston-Salem packs in a lot of history with Old Salem and RJ Reynolds tobacco in addition to the creation of Wake Forest. I'm not sure if Norfolk completely sweeps WS on history besides its maritime nature and connection to the US military. WS is older than most US cities and has a legacy aspect to it.
Winston-Salem packs in a lot of history with Old Salem and RJ Reynolds tobacco in addition to the creation of Wake Forest. I'm not sure if Norfolk completely sweeps WS on history besides its maritime nature and connection to the US military. WS is older than most US cities and has a legacy aspect to it.
Winston certainly has an older core compared to other North Carolina cities. The western suburbs have beautiful homes and estates from the first half of the 20th century, as well.
From a city to city perspective, it is a fair matchup, but Norfolk's de facto centrality in a larger, denser metro region perhaps give the city some palpable advantages.
COL- W-S. Average housing costs and taxes are actually fairly lower in W-S.
Economy- Norfolk. Beyond the military/tourism, the city is home to the Virginia Port Authority's largest terminal, one of the largest in the nation. On a metro-wide level, it's just a larger economy, but W-S (and Greensboro together) are likely the more dynamic region.
Location- Norfolk. If we're talking about the city, it is proximate to so many others in its region with their own points of interest as well as the NC Outer Banks. Also, being right on water is a big plus for someone like myself, who is more of a beach person.
Culture- Norfolk. Gems like the Chrysler Museum, the Nauticus, and proximity to the Historic Triangle and four centuries of American history make it a unique place. Nevertheless, Old Salem, Reynolda House, etc. are fantastic places to check out as well.
Recreation-Norfolk. It might be a matter of preference. Hanging Rock State Park and Pilot Mountain are awesome, but within the city limits, the offerings are pretty similar until you factor in Norfolk's coastal advantages, e.g., boating, river and ocean cruises, etc.
Dining/Shopping-Norfolk. While you pretty much have similar commercial offerings, Norfolk does have its own Premium Outlets and some bigger stores like Ikea that some people like to have access to.
Downtown-Norfolk. It's a more robust downtown with just a bit more going on.
Brighter Future-Tie
Quote:
Originally Posted by norcal2k19
Winston-Salem packs in a lot of history with Old Salem and RJ Reynolds tobacco in addition to the creation of Wake Forest. I'm not sure if Norfolk completely sweeps WS on history besides its maritime nature and connection to the US military. WS is older than most US cities and has a legacy aspect to it.
From the metro perspective, there are few areas in the US with as much history as Hampton Roads and the historic Triangle (Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg). But, yes, Old Salem is a gem in its own right.
Norfolk gets support by being apart of the Hampton Roads region overall (Seven Cities), however they win this head-to-head in virtually all categories.
If we're talking close proximity to other metros, I feel like a good argument can be made in favor of Winston-Salem's location, though. Winston is roughly an hour from the Triangle (especially Durham) and Charlotte, two metros that are growing fast with great economies. It has a central location within the North Carolina Piedmont, alongside Greensboro and the rest of the Triad.
Norfolk is only close to one other large metro (Richmond). D.C. is still over three hours away, and south of Norfolk is rural eastern North Carolina with very few cities. Therefore, Norfolk feels a little isolated in that regard, but it's obviously closer to the Northeast than Winston is.
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