Monterey, CA to Virginia (Hampton, Williamsburg: apartment, renting, hotels)

[keahi88]

Hey, my boyfriend and I are currently living in Marina, California, which is about 15 north of Monterey. We've been talking about moving to the east coast and Virginia is one of the states we're interested in. We're looking at moving within 6-12 months but don't know anything about Virginia. Eventually we plan on visiting to check it out, but can anyone help us with good places to look? We're both college students, we plan on just renting an apartment so any good/bad neighbourhoods would be nice to know. We're paying $900 for our 1 bedroom now, so anything that would be about the same with the cost of living. We don't really have a lot of preference being that we're looking for a new adventure, but we're sick of the greedy/rude people that consume parts of California. We both love to scuba dive, hike, and just enjoy the outdoors, and prefer a smaller neighbourhood verses large and busy, but still want to be close to society. Is there anywhere that bike transportation is big?
We're pretty flexible with work, I'm currently working at a couple hotels so I'm hoping I can just transfer. Our majors are marine biology and environmental science. I've found a few schools over there, but any suggestions are welcomed.
Any comments/advice/suggestions on Williamsburg, Hampton, or Gloucester Point, or any surrounding areas are what I'm really looking for.

I know that a lot of people post this question, so I hope this is enough info for some good specific feedback. Thank you!

[matthews1965]

Although I can't help with those areas (though very fond of all of them) I'd like to wish you the best and let you know that southern hospitality is alive and well in VA. During my most recent visit to LA, in August ,I commented to my daughter that I was absolutely aghast at the rudeness I encountered. I used to feel right at home?! Hope you will update us as you progress!! Take care!