Relocation advise needed (Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg: rentals, hotel, house)

[Dialtone]

Hi everyone,

My wife has a Residency interview at Riverside Hospital in NN this Friday. We arrive the day before and need to meet some of staff the evening before. The next morning I will be free to roam around a little to get a little perspective on the areas. Competition for residency is quite high so nothing may come from this.

We are white, have two children, ages 13 and 6. So, where ever we move to, my son will be graduating from the school if we settle into a home. We live north east, of Cincinnati, in a 4 bdrm, 2600sf house/with a basement, valued about $290k (hope it sells well). I don't want to spend that much, if I can help it.

Upon moving, I will have to locate a job. Currently I am a lead electronic technician. Mainly RF with some digital. I do have some IT experience, but my certification expired several years ago.

My wife and I like a quieter safe areas where our kids can run around and play with others kids. We're used to being able to sleep with cars unlocked and even doors unlocked and have no concern of crime. Is that a remote possibilty?

What would be some areas that would come close to feeling like where we're from? 25 miles or so from Newport News is fine.

I welcome questions and advise. Forgive me, if I don't answer quickly. I will be checking back several times over the next few days. Hopefully the hotel will have WiFi.

Thanks

[Mr Williamsburg]

Try York County or Williamsburg/ James City County. Home prices will be a little higher than Cincinnati. Maybe rent for a while. There are some great deals on rentals. We are very happy living in James City County both with the quality of life and the schools ( our two boys are in elementary school) Know a lot of York County residents that echo the same statement.
Check www.SchoolMatters.com for school comparisons.

[chesapeakesim]

Hi Dialtone,

If you take everything you said and reversed it I think Newport News would be the city for you . I don't live there so can't say for sure, but from what I hear from everyone you don't want to live there. Mr. Williamsburg is right, try York County or Williamsburg.

We are white, have two children, ages 13 and 6. So, where ever we move to, my son will be graduating from the school if we settle into a home. We live north east, of Cincinnati, in a 4 bdrm, 2600sf house/with a basement, valued about $290k (hope it sells well). I don't want to spend that much, if I can help it.

Housing is much higher here than Cincinnati, $290K or less won't get you that much, definitely not a 2600sf house that is in good condition or in a decent area. You will probably end up paying like $375K or more for something comparable to what you have.

Upon moving, I will have to locate a job. Currently I am a lead electronic technician. Mainly RF with some digital. I do have some IT experience, but my certification expired several years ago.

Most of the tech jobs here are military related, and there are not a lot of those given the size of this region. A lot of this area is more service type jobs or retail. You will find this area pays a lot lower for those types of jobs than other cities.

My wife and I like a quieter safe areas where our kids can run around and play with others kids. We're used to being able to sleep with cars unlocked and even doors unlocked and have no concern of crime. Is that a remote possibilty?

ROFL, trust me, if you move to Newport News, lock your doors! . I am sure some parts are better than others, but I have never heard of Newport News being a very safe city.

So in short, I would stay away from NN and try York/Williamsburg, I think you will be happier up there. But definitely check it out and see what you think for yourself. Good luck!

[Norfolk]

Williamsburg, Yorktown areas probably your best bet unless you like crime, then I would live in Newport News or Hampton.

[Dialtone]

Thank you all for the advise. We're here now and I'll be roaming around some tomorrow. The low pay scale is reminding of what Cincinnati is for me.

The electronics that I work on are for military applications, but we sell to contractors such as Boeing and Grumman. It's still months before we learn if she matches to a residency program in any of the programs. And perhaps we won't have to move at all.

Thanks again