should I be this nervous? (Virginia Beach, Norfolk: oceanfront, apartments, rent)

[sancynicole]

I am in my early twenties and my husband and I are considering moving to VA BCH from NN City Center. We love NN but I was offered a job paying about 200 more per week in Virginia Beach. However, I've only been a few times and I think I already dread it. It seems to be full of traffic, and I don't think I would want to raise a family there. Also, I don't think I would feel safe at night by myself, even in what areas people say are 'good' We have searched, and it seems like a decent condo in a safe area will run us about 225k or more and apartments about 950/mo on up, which is more than 300/mo more than what we pay now for a very nice apartment. Does VA BCH grow on you or is it exacty as it seems- unsafe and disconnected? If it isn't that bad, can anyone give me some ideas about good areas for under 850/mo?? Lastly, would it be a killer to just stay in NN and commute to the BCH 5 days a week?

[Rita Mordio]

It would definitely be a killer to commute across the bridge tunnel. Especially if you work the "8-5" shift. However, Virginia Beach IS exactly what you think. Crime and Disconnection. There are some good places to go that aren't going to cost 950, unless you need a three bedroom.

Personally, I think Chesapeake would be a better place to live

[citydweller]

I live near the city center and have never felt unsafe myself but it's all relative. As for the disconnection I too feel the area is quite disconnected probably because of the military coming and going.

[sancynicole]

Thanks for the input. So far out of the 10 people that have replied, nobody has said anything very good to say about VA BCH and everyone says commuting is a bad idea. I guess my decision is pretty easy afterall- I'll be looking for employment on this side of the HRBT.

[bittersweet]

I think that most people would rather live in Virginia Beach than Newport News or Norfolk. VB was voted one of the best places to live by Money Magazine last year, and the schools here are better. The commutes suck, but Virginia Beach really isn't unsafe as people are saying. I don't know where you all live or where you are looking, but I was born and raised here and turned out just fine. As far as VB being a transient place, that's pretty true because of the military. However, there are tons of people who have been here a long time and like it. Many people in the military have retired and raised there families here and cultivated friendships with neighbors and co-workers. As with most places, I really think your experiences are what you make it. VB isn't perfect, but it's not the bad place that people are making it out to be.

[darzz1]

Originally Posted by bittersweet

I think that most people would rather live in Virginia Beach than Newport News or Norfolk. VB was voted one of the best places to live by Money Magazine last year, and the schools here are better. The commutes suck, but Virginia Beach really isn't unsafe as people are saying. I don't know where you all live or where you are looking, but I was born and raised here and turned out just fine. As far as VB being a transient place, that's pretty true because of the military. However, there are tons of people who have been here a long time and like it. Many people in the military have retired and raised there families here and cultivated friendships with neighbors and co-workers. As with most places, I really think your experiences are what you make it. VB isn't perfect, but it's not the bad place that people are making it out to be.

How can you say Va. Bch isn't unsafe! THe entire Hampton Roads has loads of crime! I don't care what stats say all you have to do is listen to the News or read the paper.

There's a murder, rape, or robberies all through out Hampton Roads on a daily basis. There was just a case of a group of kids beating a kid to DEATH! Yes,, that was norfolk. There have been a few rapes down at the oceanfront this summer - granted late at night but it happened. What about the policman gunned down on gen booth a few yrs ago!

Let's not kid ourselves and be honest w/people. I have lived here for 12 yrs and haven't had much troubles but I would beware about re-locating here.

This is just my honest opinion! It's to bad this area has a lot to offer and could be very nice. I know crime is getting bad everywhere!

[DoveDiva]

I wouldn't do it for the price range you're interested in.

I'm originally from Miami. I lived in Virginia Beach for a quick minute when I moved up to HR (the significant other lived in VA Beach) and I didn't feel too safe. (and that says a lot) We were living someplace and our rent was about what you are looking to spend. We ended up moving onto the Peninsula.

In comparison to the Peninsula, VA Beach has more of a city feel. It's not as laid back as NN, Hampton, and York County.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, you'll definitely be in a safer area. I felt safer in the areas that had higher rent prices.

[damian]

I dont think you could wrong by staying on the peninsula...the area has really come a long way in the past five years, more restaraunts, retail, new housing and communities....plus you are close to williamsburg, a quick drive to Norfolk and even richmond

[expatcoco]

I am not sure where all the complaints are coming from about Virginia Beach. I suppose it depends on which part of the city you are talking about, but you have to remember that Va. Beach is the largest city in the state of Virginia. That said, Virginia Beach has consistently ranked near the bottom in its crime and is substantially below average for other cities its size.

Having lived in places like California and the Boston metro area, Virginia Beach has a much better quality of life. My family has had property in Virginia Beach since the early '80s, and its value has gone up significantly, which is a primary indicator for its quality of life. Granted, the prices have gone up to the point that perhaps some people are priced out. However, it has one of the best school systems in state and even the country (I graduated from the school system and found that I was better prepared than my peers who went to boarding school when I attended college). In the neighborhood my parents live in, you can walk around alone at 1 a.m. and feel absolutely, positively safe.

Virginia Beach has a reputation across the state and nation as a great place to live. The parks and recreation system is phenomenal as is the natural beauty along the coast. You can also go experience a little bit of country in the southern part of the city, which is considerably more rural. (A bit of trivia, Virginia Beach has a great deal of agriculture, particularly in corn, soy and wheat! Betcha didn't know that!)

Anyhow, I'm not sure where the negative feedback is coming from. Sour grapes, maybe?

[darzz1]

Originally Posted by expatcoco

I am not sure where all the complaints are coming from about Virginia Beach. I suppose it depends on which part of the city you are talking about, but you have to remember that Va. Beach is the largest city in the state of Virginia. That said, Virginia Beach has consistently ranked near the bottom in its crime and is substantially below average for other cities its size.

Having lived in places like California and the Boston metro area, Virginia Beach has a much better quality of life. My family has had property in Virginia Beach since the early '80s, and its value has gone up significantly, which is a primary indicator for its quality of life. Granted, the prices have gone up to the point that perhaps some people are priced out. However, it has one of the best school systems in state and even the country (I graduated from the school system and found that I was better prepared than my peers who went to boarding school when I attended college). In the neighborhood my parents live in, you can walk around alone at 1 a.m. and feel absolutely, positively safe.

Virginia Beach has a reputation across the state and nation as a great place to live. The parks and recreation system is phenomenal as is the natural beauty along the coast. You can also go experience a little bit of country in the southern part of the city, which is considerably more rural. (A bit of trivia, Virginia Beach has a great deal of agriculture, particularly in corn, soy and wheat! Betcha didn't know that!)

Anyhow, I'm not sure where the negative feedback is coming from. Sour grapes, maybe?

I think the negative feedback comes from being informed,,, news, papers etc.

My friends live in a great section of va bch... Great Neck Area and had 2 attempted robberies in broad daylight! Thx goodness for there neighbors!

I wouldn't feel safe walking anywhere in va bch at 1am in the morning.

Glad you like it here but let's not mislead others!