Country feel close to Norfolk (Virginia Beach, Chesapeake: house, safe neighborhood, good schools)

[kleinaar]

Hi all! We are moving to VA this summer (military) and I am looking for a good area to concentrate my house hunting efforts on. I'm from a small town (we're talking less then 5,000 people) and I'm hoping to get that same kind of feel. In others words, the best place away from lots of people, night life, tall buildings, etc. :-) I need to stay within an hour commute from Norfolk for the hubby. Everyone tells me to avoid Norfolk itself or near the bases (due to crime, poor neighborhoods, etc.). Thinking Virginia Beach is a little too much action for me too. I'm looking right now in Chesapeake, Suffolk, and towards North Carolina and just across the border. We are a homeschooling family, so I'm not concerned with the local schools, but I would like a nice quiet safe neighborhood with good churches to choose from. Our price range for a house is under $250,000, nothing fancy needed. Don't need fancy malls or outlets nearby either, I am happy as long as there is a grocery store and Wal-Mart nearby. lol If anyone can help steer me in the right direction, I would be very greatful. Thanks!

[damian]

Try Isle Of Wight county/Smithfield area; Moyock NC just over the VA border next to Chesapeake

[Erma]

Originally Posted by damian

Try Isle Of Wight county/Smithfield area; Moyock NC just over the VA border next to Chesapeake

Or out near Dock Landing Road near the Monitor Merrimac Tunnel area.

[mikeas]

Try Isle of Wight County (Carrollton, Smithfield, Windsor), Surry County, or somewhere in the Southern part of Suffolk. Also don't rule out North Eastern North Carolina (Moyock), the 168 express-way and 464 get you into Norfolk fairly quickly, lots of people commute from down there.

[stacylee926]

Agree with the above posters - although Carrolton/Isle of Wight/Norther Suffolk is my favorite. Even though you don' need malls etc, these areas are definitely a country feel, but close (within 15 min) to a small mall and restaurants and several Walmart's.

[sh2009]

The Hickory area of Chesapeake is nice, and has good schools from what I hear (no kids myself so I've never looked into it). Elizabeth city is also pretty nice (no idea about the schools though)...my dad lives out there and it's really country!! But US 17 makes the commute super-easy. It takes about 45 min to get from his house to downtown Norfolk. Good luck!!!

[shellytc]

I would suggest NC, (moyock, currituck, or Elizabeth City.) Your hubbys commute to Norfolk will be easier than the commute from Suffolk through the tunnels. You should be able to get a nice house for that money, be close to the Sound, and your taxes will be fairly low. Schools aren't as sought after, but you are homeschooling, so not a problem. I think you would like it.

Shelly

[kleinaar]

Thank you all, I'm definitely looking in the areas suggested. :-) Any good realtor suggestions?