Can Live Anywhere! (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton: to rent, condos, house)

[KimSP]

I can live anywhere from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach. I work at home so commuting isn't an issue. Because my work is independent, it's best for me to be near shops and restaurants and activity during the day -- in other words, no suburban communities where everyone is elsewhere during the day.

I like to be near quaint shops and locally-owned restaurants, bookstores, libraries, museums and galleries. Be even better if I can walk to those places. Prefer to rent a two or three bedroom house or condo at this point. I'm a single woman in late 40s, no kids, with a very good income. Not into bars and nightclubs. Enjoy going to classical music performances and other cultural events.

The top contender at the moment is Williamsburg, but that's because it's most familiar. I don't know much about other areas in the region. I'm visiting this weekend to look around more closely and find a place that seems to suite my needs and preferences.

Any guidance is appreciated.

[Erma]

Stay with Williamsburg

[rtandc]

Originally Posted by KimSP

I like to be near quaint shops and locally-owned restaurants, bookstores, libraries, museums and galleries. Be even better if I can walk to those places. Enjoy going to classical music performances and other cultural events.

I don't know much about other areas in the region.

Williamsburg might be the only place that comes close to what you are looking for......the other cities in Hampton Roads dont offer much if anything based on your needs....I am sure someone will post something about downtown Norfolk also but that would be a reach

[Erma]

Originally Posted by rtandc

Williamsburg might be the only place that comes close to what you are looking for......the other cities in Hampton Roads dont offer much if anything based on your needs....I am sure someone will post something about downtown Norfolk also but that would be a reach

I agree...you'll find more quaint shops in Williamsburg.

[shellytc]

If you want to check out Norfolk, check out Colley Ave, Ghent area. or some of the condos near the waterfront or MacArthur Center. The strip at Virginia Beach would work for you 3 seasons, but dead of winter can get a little slow. You would probably love taking walks on the boardwalk though. Go down there and take a walk!!! You can look for homes in the Shadowlawn area. Some of my fav. rest are near Rudee Inlet, walking distance from that area.

Shelly

[emeraldgirl]

Originally Posted by KimSP

it's best for me to be near shops and restaurants and activity during the day -- in other words, no suburban communities where everyone is elsewhere during the day.

I would suggest Ghent only b/c of the no suburban communties. Otherwise, sounds like Wmsburg has the other aspects that you are looking for. I am sure you will be able to decide for yourself when you visit what will be the best fit for you. Good luck! I have lived in both Wmsburg and Ghent and they both have their own unique feel about them.

[mikeas]

Take a look at Old Towne Portsmouth.

[KimSP]

Thanks to you all for affirming my initial thoughts and giving me tips on places to check out this weekend. I appreciate your generosity! Thanks!

[cityboi757]

You have to go to the downtown Norfolk, Ghent, Old Towne Portsmouth area.

Don't care what anybody says, that's the area you've described. Not Williamsburg

[xGrendelx]

Originally Posted by KimSP

I like to be near quaint shops and locally-owned restaurants, bookstores, libraries, museums and galleries. Be even better if I can walk to those places. Prefer to rent a two or three bedroom house or condo at this point. I'm a single woman in late 40s, no kids, with a very good income. Not into bars and nightclubs. Enjoy going to classical music performances and other cultural events.

I'd say Norfolk has all of these, especially in the Freemason/Ghent/Downtown area. All of them are walkable. In fact, according to WalkScore.com, those areas are some of the most walkable in all of Hampton Roads and with the new light rail coming, Downtown will become even more walkable. Lots of available places to rent/buy. Downtown Norfolk seems like it has a lot of developing going on. Norfolk is also considered the cultural and historical center of Hampton Roads, so there's plenty of theaters and venues for your classical music fix, many of which are in Downtown, and your want to be near bookstores, shops, libraries, museums, and restaurants will be more than sufficed. And if you combine Olde Towne Portsmouth, a ferry ride from Downtown Norfolk, you've seriously got everything you ask for.