Relocation to Dominion Plant (Norfolk, Chesapeake: apartments, rentals, condos)

[tagalong]

My boyfriend is relocating due to a new post at the Dominion plant in Surry. We are trying to find out where the closest apt/condo rentals are to the plant and how long the commute would be. Is Surry just too rural? How is Smithfield? Which is a shorter commute: from Williamsburg or Smithfield? Any private rentals and if so, what resource to check?

[Mr Williamsburg]

Surry County is very rural, mostly farmland, small town has one grocery store and a few other stores there. You can find apartments/ condos in Isle of Wight or Williamsburg/ Jamestown. To get to Jamestown you will need to take the ferry. It's free but depending on your hours there will be a wait. Total drive time to Jamestown without backups is approx 35 minutes. To Isle of Wight 20-35 minutes. You can check Daily Press: Hampton Roads Daily Press or Virginia Gazette: Virginia Gazette for rentals in the area.

Good Lucj

[tagalong]

Thanks for your prompt reply. Those are the areas and papers I am checking out. Not sure of reliability of the ferry if we choose to live on the Williamsburg side of the river ... Smithfield seems to be the closest bet although I'm concerned just how rural it is. I understand there is a lot of growth starting in Isle of Wight. Has it reached Smithfield? Thx again.

[twoinview]

I grew up in Smithfield and can tell you it is growing. Not too fast, but that isn't a bad thing. I am living in Richmond now, but love to go back and slow down a little bit. Smithfield is really pretty, has a nice downtown where they have parades and farmer's markets. It is rural but growing in spots. The Smithfield Times is a local paper you can check for housing, but in Smithfield you might be better off renting a small house rather than apt. For one not a lot of apts. exist for two most have waiting lists. Now if you are younger and looking for a more urban environment and more to do past 10pm you might look into Hampton or Newport News. My brother works at the Surry plant and actually moved to Newport News a couple of years ago. His commute is about 45 min. Lots of guys he works with do the same thing. You just have to drive the JRB-James River Bridge and follow Rt.10 thru Smfd. to Surry.
Hope this helps. People either like Smithfield or they don't. I hate to say it like that, but it's true. Not really a night life, but you are kind of central. 45 mins or less from major cities of Newport News, Williamsburg, Suffolk, Va beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk etc. If you are willing to drive.