Where can I find apartments under $1000 in safe neighborhoods? (Virginia Beach: to rent, condo)

[Itsamemario]

I've been considering moving to Virginia lately and I'm not very familiar with VA. My main reason for wanting to be in VA is to be a driveable distance away from NJ. I'd be driving to NJ anywhere between 3 to 6 times per year so I'd also like to live in a city/town I could see myself staying in long term.

I don't know anyone in Virginia so I'd be looking for a town where I can meet new people and make friends. I'm a single Hispanic male in my early 30s. I'm into fitness so being near a gym and grocery store is really all I need. . I work from home so I don't want to be in a city's downtown area where parking and traffic are annoying. I'm fine being right outside of a city where housing is cheaper.

I will be looking to rent for a year or two and then I'd be looking to buy a house. Are there any good towns in Virginia that are safe and have apartments for under $1000/month? I posted this in NOVA but didn't know Northern Virginia is super expensive. I don't care about being close to DC. I'll probably never even go to DC. I have looked at apartment prices for Staunton and Harrisonburg. What are these cities like? Does it sound look my needs would be met in these cities?


When are you moving? *no date in mind. Possibly in a few months.
Where are you coming from? * Texas. Grew up in New Jersey.

Why are you moving? *To be closer to NJ but I hate NJ and I hate how congested Pennsylvania can be. I don't want to live near multi family homes with no parking on the block.

Where will you be working? At home.

Have you been here yet? *Only as a kid but I only remember Virginia Beach and Busch gardens. So realistically, no.

Will you buy or rent? *Rent for a year or two. Then buy.

If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? *house. Up to $200k. I only need like 1000-1500sqft

If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? *I'm looking for apartments under $1000. One or two bedroom is fine. Preferably around 500-900sqft. I'd be looking for a 2nd floor apartment with no neighbors above me.


Are you married or single? Do you have children? *Single. My kid doesn't live with me.

Do you prefer public or private schools? *N/A

Do you have pets? *No

Do you want or need a yard? *No
Are you keeping a car? *Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? *Calm and quiet. With some bars or nightlife 15-30 minutes away.

What do you want to be closest to?
A gym and a grocery store. I like convenience within a 15 minute drive.

[Flamingo13]

Regardless of how many posts you list, it's not possible unless you might find a place out in the boonies.

[DAXhound]

Outside of Harrisonburg...the Valley is all around nice. Getting more expensive by the day, though. I'm partial to it, as a JMU grad, but the world class health care is going to be at UVa/C'ville.

[badger74]

Lynchburg

https://www.bing.com/maps?q=lynchbur...4232EE70AAAD23