Concerned Parent - Moving To VB (Norfolk, Newport News: middle-class, apartments, rental)

[msviolar]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rtandc
You do have some largely black neighborhoods in Va Bch and you also have some largely white neighborhoods also but most are a mixture of all races and everyone seems to get along...Sure you will have a few families here and there that have to show the hate but I guess you will find that everywhere....Va Bch does have a gang problem...not just black gangs but white gangs and hispanic gangs also so it is smart to know their territory especially if you have kids
Having only 200K will be a problem in this area as most houses are well above that average especially where most people consider the area safe with low crime.....You might have better luck trying to find a rental until you learn the area and decide on if you want to buy or not in a certain neighborhood....The market is flat right now so you might be able to find a rent to own type of deal for around a grand a month in a few of the lower priced neighborhoods or something in the condo/townhome areas but be perpared because in Va Bch most apartments rent for that much and much more....


Would it be possible to give me an idea of the area where most of the gang problems are concentrated? I have already chosen an apartment community - Woodshire Apartments on S. Budding Avenue. I do have children and is quite concerned for them both - boys. And, I'm African-American. I read the Virginian Pilot on-line about once a week. But, hearing it from someone other than the reporters gives me a bit more of a better perspective on what I may expect.

Thank you so much in advance,

[New Jersey in VAB]

I can tell u personally there always gnags somewhere, but in VA Beach not very much if there are gangs they dont do anything. They are usally a group of friends say there a gang but they are just acting stupid and childish. Now Newport News a good 15 miles away 40 -50 min away has much real gang activity, and parts of Norfolk, but Va beach is low on crime rate, robbery low, but still always be careful there are always nut jobs out in the world.

[the4pits]

I believe the area you have choosen is OK. I have lived in VB for 35yrs, and with most places in the country, crime is everywhere. As far as gangs, there is no real "gang activity" in VB except for certain area high school kids that fight at parties and call themselves "gangs". Sure there are some pretty bad neighborhoods where there are drugs,shootings,etc but you can find that in any city. I am pretty sure that the area you have choosen is zoned for Princess Anne High School which is a very good school. Try searching VB school zone maps, and enter your address. As long as you are not in the Plaza or Green Run schools, you just fine.

[Mark Sr.]

msviolar,

Try VBCPS - School Locator / Map Center.

-Mark

[VA Yankee]

If a community your considering looks good in the afternoon, go back at night. Drive around the block so to speak, look at the crowd at a 7-11 etc. This will give you a feel of what the area is really like.