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Old 09-16-2010, 08:34 AM
 
7 posts, read 24,195 times
Reputation: 12

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I'm in the process of selecting my next duty station, and am torn between Norfolk and San Diego. I'm 22, want a safe area (as I'll be a female living by myself) and somewhere where I can walk to shopping and restaurants. Price isn't too big an issue as the my BAH will go up if I choose San Diego. I've never been out west; I spent a month in Norfolk and wasn't too big a fan. Does anyone have any pros or cons for either?
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Old 09-16-2010, 08:43 AM
 
27 posts, read 59,848 times
Reputation: 15
Not even a choice......San Diego all the way. Don't even lose sleep over it. Might be a little higher cost of living but so what. That ones a no-brainer. Norfolk is kind of nasty, run down and I wouldn't want my 22 year old living there alone - IMO.
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Old 09-16-2010, 09:48 AM
 
18 posts, read 56,088 times
Reputation: 14
I would choose SD as well, but I'm not as down on Norfolk as cajun. I think Norfolk has a lot to offer, particularly downtown, but I would still choose SD based on reputation alone.
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Old 09-16-2010, 11:10 AM
 
359 posts, read 759,141 times
Reputation: 159
OMG, pick San Diego. Where are you from? Where do you live now?

I sincerely applaud your consulting others with such a big decision.

Once you go to either coast, you kinda become a "west coast sailor" or an "east coast sailor," right? And one thing I've found with Norfolk is that pretty much everyone ends up here at least once. Then after you get here, it becomes hard to leave. Like a black hole. You might marry, pick up a family, etc. "Oh sorry, I have no orders on the west coast." That sort of thing.

This area is a great place for families, though. Cozy enough.
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Old 09-16-2010, 11:16 AM
 
85 posts, read 416,633 times
Reputation: 44
If you've been to Norfolk and wasn't a big fan then choose San Diego. I have lived in Norfolk, VA and I wasn't a fan either. ...experience sunny California. Winter is around the corner in Norfolk.
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Old 09-16-2010, 11:39 AM
 
3,848 posts, read 9,324,090 times
Reputation: 2024
SD! No question about it!
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Old 09-16-2010, 01:19 PM
 
23 posts, read 114,050 times
Reputation: 22
I lived in both cities as a civilian. San Diego is only a little more expensive in terms of housing, and honestly - it's not that much more - especially renting (I don't know about your housing options/housing allowance). I actually thought my utilities were less in SD, but that may be due to needing to use a/c and heat less. San Diego has more walkable areas, more recreational activities, it's generally safer except close to the boarder, the weather is nicer, and the area is just prettier to look at - IMO. LA and Disneyland are only about 1 1/2 hours away (if you are interested) and the beaches are very nice. Just like VA Beach, you have to find the non-touristy beaches, they are lovey. Norfolk is okay - I do like the history that's richer on the east coast, but that's about it. San Diego is also much more laid back then LA and Orange County - so if you were concerned about the southern CA "attitude", it can be found in San Diego, but it's not that bad. I would move back to SD in a heartbeat.

Good luck!!!!!!
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Old 09-16-2010, 02:20 PM
 
Location: Chesapeake-Great Bridge
11 posts, read 28,665 times
Reputation: 18
Having spent a good deal of my young life in California, and a good deal of my older life in Norfolk, I would say it totally depends on what you are looking for as far as lifestyle. Downtown Norfolk you could live in Ghent, West Ghent or Larchmont and be in a relatively safe area close to nightlife, shopping etc. There are some really charming condos down there!! (I am a Realtor, and dealing mainly with young military, everyone likes to be downtown so I have seen lots of them!).

Cost of living is definitely a LOT less than SD, and we do have 4 seasons, which some see as a plus.

Another option would be to live near the ocean front. I have shown and sold numerous places down by the beach. Just had a 2br 2 ba GORGEOUS condo go under contract that was only 225k! We are talking OCEAN FRONT totally updated, granite etc, with its own beach access right out the door.nightlife as well, and only 15 min TOPS from base. (NOB Norfolk or Little Creek) Our nice weather goes basically March through November, if not more, so plenty of time to enjoy the beach!

I wanted to give the "good part" of Norfolk, since this has been a very SD heavy thread. Love both areas, and Norfolk does have a lot of things going for it as well! I hope this helps.
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Old 09-16-2010, 04:43 PM
 
Location: Va Beach
3,507 posts, read 13,454,429 times
Reputation: 1034
I was stationed in SD when I was your age. Go there, experience it and if you like it, stay. In the military, the farther you are from DC, the better. If you have any more questions, DM me, I go to SD quite often
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Old 09-17-2010, 09:43 AM
 
1,477 posts, read 6,019,788 times
Reputation: 1116
I must say personally I hate San Diego and would never live there again (I lived there for 6 years....NON Military)..There are pro's and con's about both cities but you have already been to Norfolk so go somewhere else.....You state you have never been out west, now is the time to go check it out....Pick San Diego
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