Norfolk area (Hampton, Suffolk, Yorktown: insurance, crime, how much)

[mcmommy]

We may be moving to Norfolk and any information about the area would be greatly appreciated. We have two young children, so good schools are a must. We are moving from Tucson and looking forward to living near the ocean. I actually grew up in a coastal town in Maine, so I am hoping that Norfolk will remind me of home.
What I would like to know:
Is there a lot of crime?
Is is a friendly city?
Is it a nice city to raise a family?
Where are the good schools?

Thanks in advance for any information...

[Ryleigh]

Well, it depends on how much money you have. I live in Va. Beach and don't have specific knowledge of Norfolk's schools, but I can give you general ideas of safe places to live: Parts of downtown, Ghent, Larchmont, and Wards Corner.

There are some very, very sketchy places in Norfolk. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. But there are also some really nice places, if you can afford it -- about $250,000 to $300,000. I wish I could tell you more about the schools.

I'd say that if you can find a place to live in one of those neighborhoods, it's safe and there's lots to do anywhere in Hampton Roads. The annoying thing is the tunnels -- the worst thing you could do is try to commute across a tunnel unless you're on swing or night shift.

Good luck!

[Lookingforasafehome]

Be sure to get flood insurance too.

[afvet]

Ryleigh suggested some good areas. Also take a look at Lafayette Historic District around Tidewater Drive and Lafayette Blvd. I lived near there for two years before coming to Tucson. There is a beautiful neighborhood of upscale homes near the Lafayette branch of the library behind the Christ the King school. I can't recall the name of the subdivision though.

Stay away from Sewell's Point, East Little Creek near Tidewater, and Ocean View.

Norfolk has a lot of crime relative to areas like Yorktown, Cheasapeake and Suffolk. I don't think it's any worse than what we have here in Tucson. It's also less expensive for housing and groceries.

I wouldn't call it friendly but it's no different than most of the surrounding areas. You'll probably want to send the kids to private school and the only one I'm familiar with is Christ the King since I don't have any myself.

If you want more detail feel free to PM me. I may be able to give you some insight since I lived there and now live in Tucson.