29-year-old single female considering moving to Norfolk (Virginia Beach, Portsmouth: apartments, home)

[S_Derkins12]

Hi,

I am a 29 year old single female considering moving to Norfolk for a job opportunity.

My major concerns are:

(1) Safety. I'd like to be able to walk around by myself, even at night. Safety is, by far, my #1 concern.
(2) Amenities. I don't need bars and clubs necessarily, but restaurants and grocery stores are key. If they're within walking distance, even better.
(3) People. I'm almost 30. And I'm single. It would be great if there were other young professionals around to meet.
(4) Outdoor activities. I run for exercise, and while I don't need a park or other green space, I'd like to be able to run a 5 mile loop on the sidewalks and feel safe doing it.
(5) Commute. My office will be in the E. Main/Granby area.

I'll be able to spend around $1200/month on rent. Scanning through the posts on this forum, it seems like Ghent will probably be my best bet. Alternatively, what's up with the area that I've seen designated on craigslist as "Freemason?" It looks like there are some nice apartments there and I think it would be walking distance to my office.

What do you guys think? Is it worth it to come for a job? It's not a job that I *need*, but it's a good opportunity, but I'd be making a 3-4 year commitment, so if I think I'd be unhappy living in Norfolk it wouldn't be worth it. I'll be moving from NYC and while I've never really gotten into the whole urban thing here, I do like how easy it is to meet people my age.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

[xGrendelx]

Both Ghent and Freemason are nice areas. Freemason is more low-key since there's not a whole lot in the actual neighborhood other than residences, but it's considered to be a section of Downtown, whereas Ghent is its own district.

If you look at a map, Freemason's borders are W. Brambleton Ave to the North, Boush St to the East, and the water to the West (it kinda makes a triangle shape). Both Ghent and Freemason are walkable neighborhoods, especially with Downtown so close by, and relatively safe in my opinion, but if you're out walking around at night be sure you know your surroundings because it's not hard to wander into some rough neighborhoods in that area. Park Place is just North of 21st Ave from Ghent and not the best place to be alone at night, and the projects on the Eastern side of Downtown (Freemason is on the Western side) are just as bad if not worse.

Ghent has more going on in terms of nightlife and entertainment because of Colley Avenue and 21st Street (both have many shops, restaurants, bars, etc). But Freemason is closer to Downtown and the nightlife on Granby and Monticello Streets.

If it were me, and I had a pick of Freemason or Ghent, I'd go with Freemason. I like that it's more low-key, but only a few blocks from the middle of Downtown. If your office is at E. Main and Granby, you can walk there from anywhere in Freemason. I'd also be willing to bet that Freemason is safer than Ghent, although Ghent is pretty safe for the most part. I'd just rather have all that Downtown offers within walking distance (things like Waterside, the NorVa, Scope, MacArthur Mall, Wells Theatre, Nauticus, etc). Of course it's best if you experienced the area in person before deciding. Best of luck to you!

[Spazkat9696]

Is there anything at waterside?

[S_Derkins12]

Thanks for the informative answer, xGrendelx!

[xGrendelx]

Originally Posted by Spazkat9696

Is there anything at waterside?

Restaurants, festivals at Town Point Park, views of the water and Old Town Portsmouth. I think it's pretty nice down there.

[mikeas]

Originally Posted by S_Derkins12

Hi,
(1) Safety. I'd like to be able to walk around by myself, even at night. Safety is, by far, my #1 concern.
(2) Amenities. I don't need bars and clubs necessarily, but restaurants and grocery stores are key. If they're within walking distance, even better.
(3) People. I'm almost 30. And I'm single. It would be great if there were other young professionals around to meet.
(4) Outdoor activities. I run for exercise, and while I don't need a park or other green space, I'd like to be able to run a 5 mile loop on the sidewalks and feel safe doing it.
(5) Commute. My office will be in the E. Main/Granby area.

1- Freemason, Ghent, or Downtown are very safe in my opinion. Also consider taking a look at Old Towne Portsmouth. The rents are cheaper over there and you can take a ferry to downtown Norfolk.

2- There are many restaurants to walk to in Downtown, Ghent, and Old Towne Portsmouth. Ghent has 2 walkable grocery stores and Downtown has 1. Portsmouth has none.

3- There are a lot of single men here with all of the military and government contracting jobs.

4- I see lots of people running throuh Ghent and Freemason. Here is trail that connected West Ghent with downtown. (Attractions - Downtown Norfolk)

5- Your commute from Ghent to Downtown will be a breeze. As long as you aren't going through a tunnel its usually not that bad around here. From Freemason or Old Towne you could ride the ferry or walk.

[S_Derkins12]

Thanks, mikeas!

[Colorado_Caroline]

Don't do it.

[mikeas]

Originally Posted by Colorado_Caroline

Don't do it.

Let me guess. You moved to Virginia Beach because your husband is in the military and got stationed here and now you want to go back home to Colorado?

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by mikeas

Let me guess. You moved to Virginia Beach because your husband is in the military and got stationed here and now you want to go back home to Colorado?

Ironic, everyone and their mother wants to leave HR and can't while I left HR and probably want to come back and can't.