Need Help - Moving to York or Chesapeake (Richmond, Portsmouth: for sale, real estate)

[djfamily]

My husband has taken a new job in Portsmouth and we are currently living in Raleigh. Doing some research on good areas to live. We have two small children. Looking for a nice area, good schools, low crime and safe, good for kids. I've heard good things about York County. We're also looking into Chesapeake. We don't know much about the areas. I'm a stay at home mom and hopefully this will be our last move for awhile so want to make sure we do the right thing for our children. I love a small town feel - at the same time do not want to be too rural. Would like to have shopping somewhat close by. My husband is fine with a 45 min commute to Portsmouth so York sounds like a good option. Just wondering if it's an area with a more older population? Also need a good real estate agent if anyone knows one. Any info on the above would be greatly appreciated. I feel the best way to know an area is to talk with the locals. Thanks!

[rmboyle]

York County is a wonderful area with great schools. I would not consider it to be rural until you get further north towards Gloucester (Which would probably be too far for your husband to commute). The Tabb area of York County is very popular with lots of great homes. It is close to shopping, restuarants, and more.

In Chesapeake you may want to consider the Western Branch area which would be the closest to Portsmouth or the Great Bridge area which would be about the same commute as York County. Both have great schools and again close to shopping.

[VaVet96]

We've lived in York County for 20 years now and have two kids who have benefitted from the excellent school system and facilities in the county. I have to say though that traffic on the Peninsula has become a nightmare in the past 10 years. Close proximity to the job (I'm 3 miles from mine) is so important anymore. People will tell you all sorts of things when you're looking about the traffic, but until you drive the route, at the times of day you'll actually be driving to and from work, you have no idea how bad it can be. It takes a little extra effort, but it will pay off for you and your kids. I changed jobs because of deteriorating traffic situation around here. There are some improvements coming, but don't look for any big changes to be done for another 5 years or so. Don't get me wrong, it really is a wonderful place to live and meets all the criteria you specified. Obviously, we wouldn't have stayed 20 years if we didn't enjoy the area.

[haycordus]

we currently live in the seaford area of york county. my husband and i both went to the schools our children are currently going to. i will not or would not live anywhere else. my husband goes to norfolk daily and has found ways around the traffic congestion, ie leaving earlier/later. we have 3 small children and they love it here as much as we do. good luck

[irisheyes13]

We have really enjoyed our 7 years in York County and the Tabb school district. I would say this is a younger community to a large extent but there is a nice mix of all age groups. I can PM you on a great realtor and would be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

[djfamily]

Thanks to all for the valuable info. We're a little nervous about having to make another move. Especially from Raleigh which we love. This makes our decision process all the more easier.

[bluesea718]

I live in the Bruton area of York County which is very convenient to I-64. The schools are excellent, Williamsburg amenities including close proximity to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA.

The problem with a Portsmouth commute from this side of the river is the bridge/tunnel access, which can be a real headache. I don't commute in that direction but I hear about it on the radio.

My house is for sale - if you're looking in the $350K price range, please PM me and I'll give you some more info.

[Catsndogs]

We am interested in knowing more about Gloucester. My friend from Richmond says it is us...we moved from a place near Annapolis on the Eastern Shore of Md. by the Chesapeake Bay to Tennessee. We do miss the water, also want to retire in a few years. Can we get anything nice for under $200K. The good housing prices in Tenn. spoil us. Where should I look if Gloucester is too high? On fixed incomes we will not be able to go too high. tnx

[Mr Williamsburg]

There are new homes being built in Gloucester Va near the courthouse that can be bought for $230,000. That is the best deal around. You can buy a resale home for $200,000 but the new ones are so much nicer. Riverside has a Hospital and medical facilities very close by. Ford dealer is right down the road. I am a realtor and have sold many homes in Gloucester. My in laws live there near the Ware river and will never leave. The best Ice cream in town is at Short Lane Ice Cream. There are many quaint shops on Main St near the courhouse, Ware Neck Produce, Olivias Restuarant, antique shops. The Farm Fresh on Rt 17 was just remodeled and is wonderful. Amazingly there is now a Starbucks in the Farm Fresh ( first one in Gloucester) Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes are nearby as well. Colonial Wiliamsburg is only a 25 minute drive over the bridge and down the beautiful Colonial Parkway. Water is everywhere around Gloucester York River, Ware River, North River. Pm me if you have any questions at all.

[Logan23456789]

I live in Chesapeake and I can't say much for it, high crime rate (not as bad as Portsmouth I think though) and the schools are terrible, very high drop out rate. Anyplace has to beat here.