What can ypu tell me about Hampton (Newport News: condos, crime rate)

[lionsfan4]

It took me a little while to understand that Hampton was a area and not just a short name for Hampton Roads . I have read about most of the other areas that make up the Hampton Roads but what about Hamton itself. Is it a nice area for families. I tried to find a home there to look at but got lost and the one I did find didn't look that great.

[Erma]

Hampton is a mix, but is spread out. City of Hampton, Neighborhood Office

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by lionsfan4

It took me a little while to understand that Hampton was a area and not just a short name for Hampton Roads . I have read about most of the other areas that make up the Hampton Roads but what about Hamton itself. Is it a nice area for families. I tried to find a home there to look at but got lost and the one I did find didn't look that great.

The real basics on Hampton from a Hampton native:

- Hampton has an average crime rate for a city it's size.
- The safer part of Hampton is North of Mercury Blvd.
- The school system is pretty so-so. The better schools are in the Bethel and Kecoughtan HS districts.
- Hampton's housing is slightly more affordable than most of Hampton Roads.

[live in dc]

Yep, I agree with Alanboy...not sure where you were that you didn't see homes that you liked. I can think of some great neighborhoods jsut off the top of my head: Elizabeth Lakes (older established middle class neighborhood), downtown Hampton has some great historic homes, Bellgrade/Baker Farm (rural, but not dirt road, newer homes), some areas of FoxHill (established middle class), homes down by the Marina are pricey but beautiful.
Public transportation is limited. You really need a car to get around or at very least, a bike. Hampton had a popular mall, mainly because, besides the mall in Newport News (about 15 minutes away), it was the only mall on the Peninsula. The mall is now under major restructuring...from what I hear, it will be more "mixed use", high end condos, shops, resturants, businesses, fewer mall-like stores. Hampton is up and coming. Lots of building and revitalization going on. Northampton, the area near Big Bethel, on the north side of Mercury Blvd, was less developed but, won't be that way for long. I understand the Magruder Blvd section of town is now a work zone. Something's about to be built, not sure what though. Hampton also has a local beach, Buckroe. Ft Monroe from my understanding is closing and that base sits on prime waterfront property. I have heard talk about some possibilities for that area from costly estates to a resort and casino area...