Safe areas to live in Norfolk (Chesapeake, Richmond: apartment, violent crime, roughest)

[SatomiRoberts]

I've read some other threads and heard a lot about some great safe areas to live in, especially ghent. The problem is that my boyfriend and I are tight on money. I will be transferring to ODU in the fall as a junior, so I'm looking to live...semi-close to the school. Honestly travel is not that big of a deal for me. I'm not really picky as to whether its a college-y area or residential, I'm mainly looking for a decently priced, safe area to live in for the next 3 years.

I currently live in Richmond, and I know how black and white some areas can be when it comes to crime. But there are a few certain areas I'm eyeing and any sort of info would be greatly appreciated. =)

Here are the streets/areas we're interested in:

W. 28th St.

Lafayette Blvd

W. 34th St.

Mariner's Way

Tait Terrace

One of the apartment places we're looking at has income restrictions. Many times its a red flag about the kind of people living there (there are tons of places like that in Richmond), but it has most of everything we need. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated!! I'll be in norfolk later this week to look around and for the next month as well.

Thanks!!

[xGrendelx]

W. 28th and W. 34th are both in Park Place. Park Place is viewed as one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city. Of the people I know who live there, most of them being long-time residents of the neighborhood, they seem to like it the way it is but realize there are certain areas of the neighborhood to avoid. I would go check those places out personally at night and during the day to give you an idea of the how the neighborhood feels. Most people would probably tell you to avoid Park Place as a rule-of-thumb, but that's not to say many people aren't completely happy there.

Lafayette can be hit or miss. Really depends where on Lafayette you'll be. Lafayette and Bellevue is a decent area (in my opinion). However Lafayette and Argonne can be pretty sketchy.

I'm not entirely sure where Mariner's Way is, but I believe you're referring to the complex off of Chesapeake Blvd, right? If so, that area of the city (West Ocean View/Bayview area) is decent. Can't really say anything specific on the complex though.

Don't really know much about Tait Terrace either. I'm sure it's like the rest of Norfolk, though. It really all depends on your own comfort level and what you deem as safe. Obviously some parts of the city are worse than others, but Norfolk doesn't really have an area that's completely crime-free. For me personally, there aren't many 'hoods in Norfolk that I feel really uncomfortable in, but like I said earlier it's always best if you can go and walk/drive around the neighborhood before you decide.

Best of luck to you! Norfolk can be a really great city.

[sleeptodream138]

I second the post above. I am familiar with Park Place and I would avoid that area but it's not like a guaranteed death trap. I don't think anywhere in Norfolk is like that to be honest.

I'm not too familiar with the other locations you mentioned. I think the best advice is to take a drive around those areas both day and night and compare them with your level of comfort. Norfolk is just like any other city and if you're used to Richmond you'll be fine there.

The only thing I can really say is I would avoid the 43rd street housing on the perimeter of ODU only because they have had a rash of crimes occur there this past year or so while I was attending classes there.

Use your street smarts and you'll be okay anywhere here I think.

[SatomiRoberts]

I had a feeling those streets in the city would be not so good. But thanks. I'm mainly looking at the Mariner's Way area, which is close to the bay-bridge and its right a golf course and I believe someone on another topic said that's a good area.

Yea, there are certain areas in Richmond I avoid during nightime, too many shooting and other violent crimes. But honestly, I'm not too worried. My brother-in-law asked some people who used to go to ODU and let me know ahead of time what areas to absolutely avoid. And I plan on coming down and getting a feel for the area at least once a week all this month.

Thanks!

[Thomas3588]

I'll second xGrendalX's comments and add that Tait Terrace isn't a bad neighbohood-smaller homes-closer to Cromwell it can be a little dicey-but overall I would say a reasonably quiet area-a friend of mine has lived there for over 20 years-I think they are going to have to carry him out of his house-Tait Terrace is fairly large-so you will want to consider taking some drive thrus to measure your comfort level...

[ctconnection]

Looking to move to VA in the fall where is a good safe place to move