Decent areas in Norfolk (Virginia Beach, Portsmouth: apartments, lease, condos)

[hottdamn]

I plan on moving to this area in 3 months and I've done a lot of research. I know Ghent is the safest area but it's rather expensive. Are there any other areas of Norfolk that I could get a 1bdrm (possibly and hopefully a 2bdrm) for $800 and under?

I'm a SWF, mid 30's and I'd like to be near the bay but keep hearing awful things about willoughby and Ocean avenue. I'd love to have a duplex or small house but I'm sure that's out of range. So I'm settling on an apartment. If anyone knows decent to above average safe apartments, i would love to have a list to keep on me so the next time I visit I can check them out.

Thank you so much!

[Erma]

There are several nice areas in norfolk. Check out the areas by the Airport/Botanical Gardens. Nice houses and condos on Military Hwy.

[BikesareBetter]

Military Highway is safe? Since When? ..
Despite what you might have heard, Ghent isn't all expensive. My 1BR is under $800 w. all Utils incl + Free Cable TV. Found the place in the Virginian-Pilot. Yes, Ghent is pretty safe and peaceful.
Be sure to check any area in Norfolk at night when it is dark out. There are a lot of bad areas around here in terms of crime, murders..
Check out the paper hon. Try & Avoid Craigslist at all costs unless you are feeling up to living with a pervert or perhaps someone looking to have you for supper. Not knocking Craigs but just trying to give ya a heads up that there is some pretty bad people on that site (Scammers, Prostitutes..)

[hottdamn]

Thanks Erma & Bikes!

And thanks for the tip about craigslist, I look there quite often!

[EMERALDGIRL]

I would have to agree that Ghent is one of the safest areas in Norfolk. If you can find something under $800.00 that is great but Ghent can be expensive.....good luck!

[Shoobie]

My favorite passtime is trolling craigslist to see what crap people have posted. lol There is ALOT of hate there... alot... sadly.

I suggest you check out Ghent too. It is low cost and a nice place. I moved to Virginia Beach, 10 minutes from the water, and my rent is stupid. It's not high, but for the small cracker box I got, it should be less or at least include more than just water, washer, and drier... Good thing I got a short lease! I'll be out in a month and looking for a new place to settle.

[one crowded hour]

Check out Olde Towne (portsmouth). It's in some ways a smaller and cheaper version of Ghent. To my mind, Ghent, Downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne are three great neighborhoods, a corridor of what's best in the area. If you started in Ghent, you could walk downtown, then take the ferry ($1) across the Elizabeth River, which drops you off in Olde Towne. I might go a week without having to drive bcs everything is within walking distance. Give it a look. I sound like a booster, I know, but I love this neighborhood.

[Shoobie]

I went through Olde Towne today for the first time. It seems to have alot of nice shops and things to do if you are a bit of a townie. I couldn't live that far out though, with all the Yorktown driving I do.

[Timeshare Queen]

Originally Posted by one crowded hour

Check out Olde Towne (portsmouth). It's in some ways a smaller and cheaper version of Ghent. To my mind, Ghent, Downtown Norfolk and Olde Towne are three great neighborhoods, a corridor of what's best in the area. If you started in Ghent, you could walk downtown, then take the ferry ($1) across the Elizabeth River, which drops you off in Olde Towne. I might go a week without having to drive bcs everything is within walking distance. Give it a look. I sound like a booster, I know, but I love this neighborhood.

Could you please comment on nightlife or other things to do in Olde Towne Portsmouth for a 23 yr old professional just starting a job at the Shipyard? It looked really quiet there Saturday night - very few folks walking around - versus lots more activity on Granby St on the Norfolk side.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by Timeshare Queen

Could you please comment on nightlife or other things to do in Olde Towne Portsmouth for a 23 yr old professional just starting a job at the Shipyard? It looked really quiet there Saturday night - very few folks walking around - versus lots more activity on Granby St on the Norfolk side.

I wouldn't go out at night in olde towne portsmouth. It's really not safe.
I believe your daughter would be happiest in Ghent.