Schools in Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk: homes, best schools, live)

[lpawlus]

My family and I are contemplating a move to Hampton Roads. We have 3 kids 3 and under.

Does anyone have advice on what the best schools are and what areas we should focus on? We would most likely work in Norfolk so we would like to stay within 30 minutes of Norfolk.

What is the rush hour commute like? I've heard people mention the tunnel and bad traffic but I don't know what that means. Is there anywhere within 30 minutes where you can avoid the tunnel/bad traffic and still be in an area with good schools?

Any other insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[rtandc]

Simple answer is in Hampton Roads most people look at the high school zones when looking to relocate. The Hickory district in Chesapeake or the Kellam or Cox district in Virginia Beach will be the most given answer to this question when asked.
As far as traffic it really depends on tine and direction. Number one rule for Hampton Roads is to always live and work on the same side of the tunnels

[clking64]

my family is all in Chesapeake- we lived there many years. The traffic will be bad where ever you go t word the beach or t word Chesapeake...depends on schools, how important they are to you and environment. we lived in Chesapeake, hickory schools...you can find smaller homes thee look in etheridge manor area....or bigger closer by but hickory schools are the best. my sister is a first grade teacher there at the br primary. My brother in law a principal in Va beach....
norfolk has pockets....schools iffy, as the same with va beach --stay closer to the Chesapeake line Indian river not so bad but schools are the hardest lots of private church based for younger kids.

my husband worked on the nas norlf air base....commute always traffic..my brother in law says he always has traffic headed to the beach from Chesapeake also.

we loved it there and miss it!