What goes on in Virginia beach? (Norfolk, Richmond: sales, apartment complex, crime rates)

[jj2008]

I have been reading a lot of stuff about good and bad areas in Virginia beach. It seems that gangs are everywhere and that people dont feel very safe in their apartment complex at night. What does really go on in Virginia beach? Is there a very safe area to live with a young child?

[Rita Mordio]

Originally Posted by jj2008

I have been reading a lot of stuff about good and bad areas in Virginia beach. It seems that gangs are everywhere and that people dont feel very safe in their apartment complex at night. What does really go on in Virginia beach? Is there a very safe area to live with a young child?

My apartment complex had a beating occur a few weeks back. 20 teens used make-shift weapons to beat another teenager.

The problem with Va Bch and Hampton Roads in general, is that you have inter-connected cities. Many times you hear about "So and so" from this city were arrested in another city for committing "X" crime.

Gangs are almost everywhere because it's easy to get around from city to city.

Our city's stats are low.. however, people relate crime statistics of Va Bch to other "Big Cities" - when we should be considering Hampton Roads as one entity for crime statistics. I imagine the area as a whole would be pretty high on the list.

Just about every spring, a group of teenagers decides that they want to go around using a BB gun on people's cars and homes. This has happened for the past 5 years or so.

Virginia Beach has some good areas though, but because they are "high end," those areas are usually the center of antagonizing acts like above mentioned.

[jj2008]

thank you so much for the info. What areas would you consider safe to live? Do you think it is worth moving there ? I am starting to consider other places.

[StuyTownRefugee]

Originally Posted by jj2008

I have been reading a lot of stuff about good and bad areas in Virginia beach. It seems that gangs are everywhere and that people dont feel very safe in their apartment complex at night. What does really go on in Virginia beach? Is there a very safe area to live with a young
child?

For its size VB is way down the list of large cities in crime rates. You can check out the link below to get more of the info.
It's 61st in the nation. Look at the population figures on the left, VB is large than many other more attention getting cities like Raleigh. Stockton is half the size but much higher in crime.


Virginia Beach442,78 446223061343729034251531002834.361
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_..._by_crime_rate

[Rita Mordio]

Originally Posted by jj2008

thank you so much for the info. What areas would you consider safe to live? Do you think it is worth moving there ? I am starting to consider other places.

IMHO the "safest" area to live in the City-City part of Virginia Beach would have to be down in the First Colonial area near the hospital.

However, the Pungo area is pretty calm - it's just a more rural area... Well, that's changing as well. They're building more and more houses down in that area - so I wouldn't live there as the greenery is going away.

As far as Hampton Roads goes - there's a nice patch of lovely in the Lee Hall area of Newport News. Yes, it's Newport News - but we're talking the far north area where it meets with James City County. It's lovely and beautiful up there. I want to move back there.

[hurley89]

Crime in VB is nothing compared to other places. Sure you get the occassional shooting or something but shooting incidents never really happen to innocent, random people walking by. I feel safe walking anywhere in VB. However, Norfolk is a different story

[Erma]

Originally Posted by jj2008

thank you so much for the info. What areas would you consider safe to live? Do you think it is worth moving there ? I am starting to consider other places.

Well, if you can find a "safe" city in the united states that is not prone to gangs, drug users, drug sales or whatever, good luck!

I personally don't think this area is as bad as Miami, Seattle, San Diego or Chicago. Maybe it's just the folks that think it's bad because they haven't been anywhere else.

[sleeptodream138]

Echoing a few responses, VB as a whole really is safe. It's very, very low on crime compared to other places. I also agree that people are going to perceive things differently based on their background/experiences.

In VB, you can go just about anywhere and be alright. Yes, crime does happen but crime happens everywhere. You just have to maintain some street smarts.

I have lived here for 24 years (my whole life thus far, haha), and I can honestly tell you NOTHING has EVER happened to me in Va Bch. A few awkward/potentially scary things have happened to me in Norfolk but Norfolk is an actual city. That's just the way it goes. Va Bch is more like urban sprawl so people aren't as concentrated.

I've been to truly horrible parts of DC and some less-than-savory areas of Richmond and Baltimore. Absolutely NOTHING compares to that here. You'll be fine.

[bbguy05]

Originally Posted by Kuharai

Virginia Beach has some good areas though, but because they are "high end," those areas are usually the center of antagonizing acts like above mentioned.

True! It's been countless times you turn on the news to see the "high class" or "uppity" neighborhood get hit by vandals. People wake up to have their car windows busted, keyed or spray painted. Usually it's just bored teenagers.

In my opinion, this city is generally safe. You will be fine, just don't be flashy and bring attention to yourself (as with any area in the world).

[slimmy]

also check the area around Kellam high school and around the court house on Princessanne road, very good areas and pretty safe. I would say these areas are some of the nicest in Vabeach