Things I hate about Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk: live in, license, beach)

[bbguy05]

Originally Posted by twnxn

I hope people don’t take offense, but this is strictly my opinion and from my own experience.

I am native to New York, but grew up in Southern California. However, some 13-14 years ago I lived in the Hampton Roads area. I remember just moving to Virginia Beach. I was only there for a few days when some driver side swipes my car. I was going into a left turn only lane, there were some cars backed up at the light. (I believe that was the intersection of Indian River Road and Kempsville Road. One driver, left a space for this driver who was coming out of some parking lot to drive across lanes to get onto the left turn lane. In doing so, he side swiped my car. I had the right of way. We called the police to make a police report. The police determined that the other driver was at fault, and failed to yield to me. It turned out the driver had a suspended driver’s license and no automobile insurance. That experience left me with a bad impression of drivers in the Hampton Roads area. I’ve had a few close calls. I would say that drivers in the Hampton Roads (okay, I am generalizing and making an opinion only, I know there are many exceptions) are just clueless when they drive. While compared to Southern California, the drivers may be rude and jerks, but they at least know what they are doing (my opinion only- I’m sure there are also many exceptions to that).

Yes when I was in LA there was a lot of cars and traffic, but people drove with a purpose and drove like they were trying to get to their destination. Around here, I seem to come across people who just get behind the wheel and drive for no reason. They just drive slow and get in the way.

I worked with one lady who had driven all over the country, and had driven in most of the major cities. She said out of all the cities she drove in, this area was the craziest of them all. She said people around here have a death wish. This area is a military area which brings different driving styles from all over, and when they all come together...bam! You get what we have now.

[BikesareBetter]

They need a GD TJ's on the SouthSide!!! Ughhhh.. (And don't tell me soon, cause I won't believe it until I see it!)

[Erma]

Originally Posted by bbguy05

Yes when I was in LA there was a lot of cars and traffic, but people drove with a purpose and drove like they were trying to get to their destination. Around here, I seem to come across people who just get behind the wheel and drive for no reason. They just drive slow and get in the way.

I worked with one lady who had driven all over the country, and had driven in most of the major cities. She said out of all the cities she drove in, this area was the craziest of them all. She said people around here have a death wish. This area is a military area which brings different driving styles from all over, and when they all come together...bam! You get what we have now.

HAHA..try Florida, Texas, OMG and Seattle! I refuse to rent a vehicle when I'm in Washington State. I'd rather take a cab to the ferry and have one take me to the hotel and ride into work with my guys. Heading to Florida here soon and the only part I'm looking forward to is sitting on the beach at night.

[nick russo]

Virginia Beach is Great!

[Shoobie]

Agreed. The traffic is nothing like I had though it would be and over-all the people are nice. It's like anywhere else, you have your good and bad but it's way better than what I thought it would be.

[stacylee926]

I'm from NoVa - and the traffic there is horrible. However, you can't go much over 30 mph anywhere so that is also an issue. We just came back from vacation in Maine - and we drove. I will NEVER EVER drive that far north again.
Tolls, tolls and more tolls - which means slowing down, speeding up, slowing down. The NY City area was horrible - DH was a nervous wreck when doing that drive and he is NOT a nervous driver.

I do not mind the traffic here at all - even the tunnels. Traffic is pretty mild compared to other places I have lived.

This area is more of a family area, and not that much of the population needs to be out after 2:00 am. Even in DC most of the bars close at 2.

I definitely agree about Peninsula people not coming Southside and vice versa. Overall, I like the area. We have been here 5 years and still find plenty of new places to explore. I like that the area is laid back and slower paced - I think that is something that an older/middle age generation appreciates more.

[citydweller]

I "hate" VB right now because lack of rain has killed half my lawn even though I watered it off and on.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by citydweller

I "hate" VB right now because lack of rain has killed half my lawn even though I watered it off and on.

I wouldn't say hate, cuz right now we're still in hurricane season. I'm very careful what I wish for, because we could end up with another Isabelle or another Ernesto after effect.

[Shoobie]

Hurricanes was one of my major concerns, but now that I'm here it's like "meh..." It'd happen if it's gonna happen. Anyway, I know every route out of this area an can be back in the mountains in under 4 hours if need be.

My family calls me everytime a storm brews to make sure I'm still alive. I don't know if they are going to make it through the hurricane season or not; and here I thought I would be the one needing the nerve pills.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by Shoobie

Hurricanes was one of my major concerns, but now that I'm here it's like "meh..." It'd happen if it's gonna happen. Anyway, I know every route out of this area an can be back in the mountains in under 4 hours if need be.

My family calls me everytime a storm brews to make sure I'm still alive. I don't know if they are going to make it through the hurricane season or not; and here I thought I would be the one needing the nerve pills.

Mine does too. I'm not worrying about evacuating, I'm worrying about my fricken yard flooding and losing my garden!