Will HR ever be 'up and coming'?

[Upsilon]

Gateway is trash. There's a lot of locally home grown IT companies in the area, the largest that I know of being ESI. Probably one of the best companies I've ever worked with in regards to computer support/IT/sales... just everything.

I'm also surprised at how many people say this place shuts down so early at night, I was out until 2:30am last night and the highways were packed with people coming home from all over the area... Maybe on the weekdays it's not as hot, but the weekends there's a bunch of different things you could attend if you wanted. Probaly more so for younger people than anything else but you never know...


As far as up and coming. I do agree that Norfolk and quite possibly Virginia Beach have this area at bay as far as attracting businesses. I have to admit though that Chesapeake has grown massively over the past 4 years and they keep on building more and more apartments EVERYWHERE...

[citydweller]

I think Chesapeake is doing well. They have an educated populace and an abundance of companies from all over the world really. I'm not one for suburban living persey but they are doing well. I think Norfolk IS trying and light rail is a great start. I think Mayor Fraim is progressively minded has done some great things for Norfolk especially over the last few years. Of course right now the economy is down and a lot of building that would have happened has stalled. Maybe in a few more years things will start to turn around. I can see Norfolk's skyline coming around and the Town Center buildiing out. I think Town Center is a great project and the 50 year plan for the CBD is truly amazing.

[VA7cities]

Originally Posted by Upsilon

Gateway is trash. There's a lot of locally home grown IT companies in the area, the largest that I know of being ESI. Probably one of the best companies I've ever worked with in regards to computer support/IT/sales... just everything.

I'm also surprised at how many people say this place shuts down so early at night, I was out until 2:30am last night and the highways were packed with people coming home from all over the area... Maybe on the weekdays it's not as hot, but the weekends there's a bunch of different things you could attend if you wanted. Probaly more so for younger people than anything else but you never know...


As far as up and coming. I do agree that Norfolk and quite possibly Virginia Beach have this area at bay as far as attracting businesses. I have to admit though that Chesapeake has grown massively over the past 4 years and they keep on building more and more apartments EVERYWHERE...

I agree. Normally when I step out (to party), my nights dont wind down until maybe 3 ish which means im probably arriving home at about 4 or sometimes even 5, and even then there are people out and about going to IHop, Waffle House, or some after hours spot. Depends on where you live in the area also. Certain areas may be ghost towns after certain hours.

[stva]

It's all been said before but the problem with the area is the lack of jobs for educated, young professionals. Myself and many of my friends would have stayed in the area but there is little to no opportunity there. Many of the people that I know who stayed are unhappy with their job/stuck in bad jobs.

Houses pricing are also a big issue as you pay have to pay a premium to live in HR vs. Richmond (just as an example) and the salaries don't really support this.

If HR can figure out how to keep and attract talented young professionals, it will be up and coming. It's always been a good area to raise children (given sufficient income!)

[MrAllGood]

Until the 7 cities can at least move in lock step with one another in regards to just above everything that has been discussed (instead of going seven different directions), nothing will change.