Possible relocation to Newport News from Northville, MI (Norfolk, Hampton: rental, mortgage)

[max1603]

Hi,
My family has a real possibility of relocating to Newport News within the month. We have a 5 year old, 3 1/2 yr. old, and 9 month old that we will have to transition also - so this is a huge decision for us since we have no family or have never been to Virginia. Can anyone provide any information with my below questions?

1. Great schools are very important to us - where are they in the area?
2. Should we rent a home first in ? Also, another concern is we also have to sell our home in Northville - if we are unable to sell, we are considering renting that out until the housing market gets a little better.
3. We are looking at a mortgage of $300-350K.
4. We live in on a great tree-lined street, walking distance to library, parks, baseball fields, cafes, and Starbucks. Are there any neighborhoods that resemble this that cover all of the above?
5. Last but not least, within a half hour commute to work (located in Newport News) is where we prefer.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[mwz26]

Sounds like you should be looking at Williamsburg/James City County. I currently live in JCC and at Ft. Eustis in NN, commute is 25-30 minutes. The school system is MUCH better than NN. You may not be within walking distance of everything but you would be a short drive.

[Erma]

and it will be ALOT warmer! :-)

[michiganmom48]

We moved to this area last July from Michigan. My husband works all over Hampton Roads. I know what you are going through. WE don't have family or friends here either. My husband came down months before myself and kids. WE have a 16, 6, 6, 23 month old. He listened to some people in worked with who were from North Carolina. We rented there and hate it. It takes him an hour to get home and there isn't nothing here. The Hampton Roads area was so over whelming to us that he took the peoples advice but what they loved we don't. I would rent. Because you just don't know until you live someplace if it is the right place for your family. Rented does cause you to be stuck for awhile but then you can move.

[vatonyc]

Try 23606 zip code in Newport News, VA. My son started Kindergarten at Yates Elementary this past Sept. The teacher to student ratio is about 18:1 and even less, since there is a teacher assistant to each class.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by michiganmom48

We moved to this area last July from Michigan. My husband works all over Hampton Roads. I know what you are going through. WE don't have family or friends here either. My husband came down months before myself and kids. WE have a 16, 6, 6, 23 month old. He listened to some people in worked with who were from North Carolina. We rented there and hate it. It takes him an hour to get home and there isn't nothing here. The Hampton Roads area was so over whelming to us that he took the peoples advice but what they loved we don't. I would rent. Because you just don't know until you live someplace if it is the right place for your family. Rented does cause you to be stuck for awhile but then you can move.

Personally, it's something you have to aclimate to. You haven't been here long, I remember your posts. Until Obama rescues Michigan economically, you folks will have to make the best of it. It's unfortunate that due to the governments inability to manage the national budget, that people have to relocate to live. I've lived and traveled everywhere. Some places I liked, some I didn't like, but it wasn't my choice as I'm sure it wasn't yours. Hopefully things will work out in your favor or maybe you'll grow into the area. It is a different world than Michigan by all means. I'm originally from Wisconsin, but after being everywhere else on God's green earth, I made my home here. When I retire, I may end up on a little lake with a little cabin and a little fishing dock with a little boat!

[michiganmom48]

Sounds like a nice thing a little cabin. I think it going t take a lot to get Michigan on the right track. I think Obama is the right President to do that but Michigan is hard hit and I hear more lay off to come. Michigan is a great place to live but cebters around the Auto industry. When they goes bad it just flows on down. I don't disrespect those who live in the area we do. I just don't think it suites us. I think Virginia would have been better.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by michiganmom48

Sounds like a nice thing a little cabin. I think it going t take a lot to get Michigan on the right track. I think Obama is the right President to do that but Michigan is hard hit and I hear more lay off to come. Michigan is a great place to live but cebters around the Auto industry. When they goes bad it just flows on down. I don't disrespect those who live in the area we do. I just don't think it suites us. I think Virginia would have been better.

Understandable. When Ford closed the assembly plant here in Norfolk, thousands were laid off due to low sales. This place was employment for generations of workers and wasn't easy to get a job at. I have a good friend in Detroit who works for Ford, who travels to Dearborn and is getting laid off two weeks at a time. She has come down here a few times to visit and works with folks who relocated to Michigan when the plant closed here who feel just as you do, but went in the opposite direction. I hope the best for you and your family.

[Mr Williamsburg]

I would definitely recommend renting first when you arrive. Maybe shoot for a shorter term lease to give you a chance to scout out the area, schools, recreation, shopping, traffic etc. There are some great rental deals too !
As far as where to look , you should explore York County. Well within 30 minutes to Newport News, maybe a lot closer depending on in Newport News your spouse will be working. Check out the schools and compare for yourself on www.SchoolMatters.com Williamsburg/ James City County would be another consideration. Our two children attend school there and we can vouch for the quality of schools.

We live in on a great tree-lined street, walking distance to library, parks, baseball fields, cafes, and Starbucks. Are there any neighborhoods that resemble this that cover all of the above?

New Town in Williamsburg partially fits the description above but only town homes and the trees are newly planted.. Coventry in York County might be a consideration. It might be a bit difficult to find all of the above in an neighborhood.

[damian]

look in the 23606 zip code in Newport News....Hidenwood, Riverside areas are very nice