Suffolk vs. Chesapeake? (Norfolk, Hampton: for sale, foreclosures, rentals)

[onexraychick]

We are moving to the Norfolk area, I'm wondering about living in Suffolk. Can you give me info? We are looking to rent but want good schools and a safe neighborhood. I have a 3rd grader and pre K. How is Suffolk compared to Chesapeake?

[marnay]

I lived in Suffolk for 10 years and moved to Chesapeake 1 yr ago. One of the driving factors of our move was the schools. Some of the elementary schools in Suffolk are ok but the high schools and middle schools.... not so much.

There are things I like about Suffolk, and things I don't. You are really tucked away and you will have to get used to driving approx. 30 min to go anywhere besides the grocery store. It is a very rural area unless you plan to move to Northern Suffolk, which is almost not really Suffolk. If you like having property and the feeling of being out in the country you will probably like Suffolk.

The area of Chesapeake we moved to the Grassfield High School zone and and we really like it. My kids love their elementary school and it is very family friendly. There is more more to do in the area with your kids. There is more traffic in Chesapeake but for me the trade off is very worth it.

[Emilly-1]

My family moved here four years ago, and we live in Chesapeake/Western Branch area. My kids attend Chittum Elementary. This school is K-5, and your kids could go to the same school. We love our school, and I have heard good things about the middle school in our district too. I have friends in Suffolk, and I hear mixed things. Overall, my friends wouldn't move there again, because they aren't pleased with the schools. On the other hand, the schools don't seem unsafe or terrible, especially for younger kids. People like the shopping in Suffolk. My area is 15 minutes from Suffolk.
One reason that my family moved to Western Branch is that we wanted a big lot. We have a .6 acre yard and updated a 1970's colonial, brick home. I like the mature trees and privacy in older neighborhoods. Our home is for sale. There are plenty of homes for sale in all areas of Chesapeake. We live across from Chittum School in Raleigh Place. There are three homes for sale in our neighborhood. There is a walking guard to help the kids across the street in the morning, and this school has lots of parent involvement. I think that you could find this at Western Branch Elementary too, but your children couldn't attend the same school then. GOOD LUCK . Our family enjoyed 4 years in Virginia.

[telemonster]

Suffolk has sub-par cable TV/Internet service compared to the rest of the region as well.

[pocohontas]

Originally Posted by telemonster

Suffolk has sub-par cable TV/Internet service compared to the rest of the region as well.

The internet is good IMO, but yes - the cable, not so much.

[Emilly-1]

I think that Western Branch , Great Bridge, and Hickory all have good reputations within Chesapeake. I am sure that I am leaving out some areas.

I know someone (like Marney--- posted above) that is trying to sell her home to move to Western Branch , Chesapeake---for the schools.

If schools aren't an issue, there are lots of cheap foreclosures in Suffolk. Be careful of new construction in Hampton Roads though. Chinese drywall problems are real. I heard about a woman in Suffolk that has a house that is a few years old. Her house has 80% drywall that is fine, but the upstairs has Chinese drywall problems. It is costing her $8,000 to remove. If her insurance company finds out about the problem, they will drop total coverage on her home. I have no idea how one knows if there is Chinese drywall in a home. I don't think that there is a test for it------like a radon test.

This problem has been in the papers, but it could be much more pervasive than anyone knows. Lots of people , like this woman, are probably trying to keep anyone from finding out, because they don't want to have insurance canceled. The drywall problems eat wiring and makes fires more likely. I guess that is why insurance companies cancel policies.

[D train outta nowhere]

Interesting read today: Money Magazine ranked Chesapeake and Suffolk among their top places to live.

Chesapeake, Suffolk ranked among top places to live in U.S. | Chesapeake News

Wait, Suffolk? Heh.

I've been through their once, saw main street (and the really nice facility - art gallery or museum?). It really quickly becomes rural. They are famous for peanuts and Chock Full O' Nuts coffee. All good things.

But it was about three small blocks and then EXTREMELY rural. If I were a kid growing up there I'd lose my mind. As an adult living there, I would lose my mind.

Did I just miss the exciting part of Suffolk? There is almost nothing there!

Not that NYC or even good ol' VA Beach are good alternatives, but c'mon, Suffolk?

[timrlee]

Hi,

We've just moved to the Suffolk area. If you are looking to rent I would get in touch with someone who knows the local area well and can point you to the right neighbourhood etc. We used Cross Realty who have been operating in the area since 1953 so know the area really well. It's 757 539 0102 - Lynn seems to run the rentals.

All the best

Tim

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by D train outta nowhere

Interesting read today: Money Magazine ranked Chesapeake and Suffolk among their top places to live.

Chesapeake, Suffolk ranked among top places to live in U.S. | Chesapeake News

Wait, Suffolk? Heh.

I've been through their once, saw main street (and the really nice facility - art gallery or museum?). It really quickly becomes rural. They are famous for peanuts and Chock Full O' Nuts coffee. All good things.

But it was about three small blocks and then EXTREMELY rural. If I were a kid growing up there I'd lose my mind. As an adult living there, I would lose my mind.

Did I just miss the exciting part of Suffolk? There is almost nothing there!

Not that NYC or even good ol' VA Beach are good alternatives, but c'mon, Suffolk?

They obviously only visited North Suffolk which really needs to declare independence from the rest of the city.