Costs of living in HR (Norfolk, Chesapeake: apartment complex, home, utilities)

[Bulldog Dan]

I am considering a move to Norfolk/VA Beach/Chesapeake area. I have been able to get some useful information from posts on this board. What are the cost of utilities in the area? I have seen some estimates on the board that are unexpectedly high. Given the cost of housing compared to wages, I don't want to decide to move and find out the utilities run $600 to $800 a month.

Thanks for any input.

[irisheyes13]

Our home in York County is about 3300 sq feet and our utilities are not unreasonable in my mind. Our summer electric bills this summer have been about $230 a month and it has been a very hot summer. We do have a programable thermostat which I think does help. We are not daytime TV watchers either. Hope that gives you an idea..

[anpadas]

I've never had my utilities run to $800 a month, but the electric bill can get high during the summer when the A/C is going! Then again, I don't splurge in things like cable TV, and my water (until recently) has generally been paid for by whichever apartment complex I've been staying in. I believe that my utilities have topped at $400 during the summer - including internet access, gas, water, electric, and phone.

Hope this helps.