OK, Truth needed :) Horse person.......... (Norfolk, Hampton: living, zoning, cost of living)

[loreebee65]

considering a move from TN to the eastern shore, or the outskirts of the Norfolk area.


Wanting that easy drive to Chincoteague for regular visits and needing horse property for my animals.


Wanting a more northern vibe (meaning a diverse community, and accepting of people with differences, lifestyles and overall openness, more liberal I suppose) and just not sure if VA is quite north enough.


What is the community like, cost of living, availability of small farms, etc?

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by loreebee65

considering a move from TN to the eastern shore, or the outskirts of the Norfolk area.


Wanting that easy drive to Chincoteague for regular visits and needing horse property for my animals.


Wanting a more northern vibe (meaning a diverse community, and accepting of people with differences, lifestyles and overall openness, more liberal I suppose) and just not sure if VA is quite north enough.


What is the community like, cost of living, availability of small farms, etc?

You're not going to find that (bolded) on the Eastern Shore or in Hampton Roads.

Is Chincoteague negotiable, or must you be close to it for regular visits?

If you don't have to be there, I would look down in FL. Ocala is the "Horse Capital of the World" and you could always live closer towards Tampa or Orlando for the lifestyle vibe you're looking for. Additionally, land is plentiful and cheap, and zoning laws are favorable for animals.

Equestrian - Ocala Marion County Visitors

[loreebee65]

It is, and Ocala was a consideration when I first moved from NY, oh, 24? years ago. But, we settled in Nashville. Dislikes about that: Landlocked. I miss the coast, and the ocean. Hot, humid sweltering summers. I have never really liked the southern way. What I mean by that is very sweet on the outside, but not really knowing what someone thinks. I prefer the "what you see is what you get" vibe. Bless your heart is more often an insult than an actual expression of caring, lol.


But Florida, I just don't know. Alligators/horses. How does that even mix?


I love Chincoteague. Something about driving across that bridge. It's just a magical place for me.

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by loreebee65

It is, and Ocala was a consideration when I first moved from NY, oh, 24? years ago. But, we settled in Nashville. Dislikes about that: Landlocked. I miss the coast, and the ocean. Hot, humid sweltering summers. I have never really liked the southern way. What I mean by that is very sweet on the outside, but not really knowing what someone thinks. I prefer the "what you see is what you get" vibe. Bless your heart is more often an insult than an actual expression of caring, lol.


But Florida, I just don't know. Alligators/horses. How does that even mix?


I love Chincoteague. Something about driving across that bridge. It's just a magical place for me.

I understand completely! You would obviously get the water moving to the Eastern Shore, or Hampton Roads, but you're still going to get hot, humid summers, and those high fructose corn syrup (imitation sweetness ) southern folks here.

The alligator is just a big lizard, no big deal.

[TN Lily]

What type of riding do you do? Have you checked out any of the horse organizations on the Delmarva?

I would recommend posting on the COTH (Chronicle of the Horse) forum if you've not already done so. You'll get lots of opinions there. Chronicle Forums
Registration is free.

[cj2010]

I am on the eastern shore and have horses. There is a small horse community here. Might be hard to find small horse property. When we were looking seemed to be huge tracts of historic estates or small lots. But most importantly what has been most difficult is finding supplies and vets. The choices are few and generally expensive. The horse community does seem to be growing though so maybe better times ahead. But if you are looking for activities to do with your horses Delaware seems to have more going on. We actually get most of our hay,feed and supplies in Delaware sometimes Maryland. If you like to ride keep in mind no public land here for riding except the beach at Assateague in the off season.

[TN Lily]

The horse community in all of Hampton Roads is relatively small compared to most other parts of Virginia.

Cj2010 is point on re supplies and vet. When I had my horse on the peninsula (Hampton), there were two large animal vets who would realistically be able to come to the stable on a regular basis (in theory). My mare is now in Smithfield. There are now 4 large animal vet practices in theory that could come to this barn. Two of the four are not exactly close. I don't want to use a vet that is located an hour away.

Good luck to the OP.

[loreebee65]

Funny you should say Delaware, because I am also investigating there. It's not out of range for a weekend trip to Chincoteague, so may be very doable. The only issue is being landlocked (although the beach is never THAT far away).