Neighborhood Advice - Chesapeake/Norfolk (renting, condo, townhouses)

[WFRC]

Hi, my wife, daughter (15 months) and I are moving to the area and are interested in finding out what areas are safe and affordable (homes under $200k). We like to excersice so we want a neighborhood that we can go running from our house. Also, we would need a garage or a basement (we've got a lot of stuff). Schools not that important yet as my daughter still has a few years before she starts. A safe area is probably the number 1 objective. Primarily looking at Chesapeake/Norfolk because of the proximity to work. Thanks for the help.

[chesapeakesim]

Man, I don't know of any neighborhoods with houses under $200K in Chesapeake or Norfolk that are safe (or unsafe for that matter), houses are very expensive here. I would love to find one myself. Your best bet might be a condo or townhouse, you probably won't get a garage though and houses in this area almost always don't have basements cause we are close to sea level.

I would suggest renting first rather than buying. This will allow you to scout things out and find an area you really like. And I still think houses have a ways to come down so you might find some better bargains in a few years.

[ChessieMom]

Gosh, I agree with the previous poster. Under 200K?? And safe? Almost impossible to do anywhere around this area. Even a decent townhouse will be over 200K.

[shellytc]

there are areas in the bay area of Norfolk that are nice and are just at +/- 200k. Bayville, etc. Also, I like the area over by the airport. Have sold many houses over there.

Chesapeake is a little harder for that price range. We can find things, but it is tougher.

Va. Beach has some neighborhoods that are under +/-. most are going to be townhouses though. but the commute really isn't too bad from Va. Beach. I would also suggest that you do keep schools in mind. Your child(ren) will be attending before you know it and you may not want to sell a house and move that quickly : )

How else can I help you?

shelly

[Lisaluvly99]

Well, I live in Chesapeake, in the Greenbrier section. It's a prime location, and the neighborhood is nice. All shopping centers, great school, churches around my area.

We are in 1375 sqft 2br 2 1/2 bath townhome. I am going to be selling our townhome (FSBO) for around 184,000 - 186000. No garage, but we have a yard and lots of space! You can't beat that price for our neighborhood, plus lots of room for equity to build on the house, because of the area. Let me know if you or anyone is interested. It's a nice little townhome.