Help me decide on a place to call home... (Norfolk: apartment complexes, renting)

[SojChindo]

Hello all.

I am relocating to Norfolk in mid-July for 1 year. I recently returned from a long weekend visit to the area, and I believe that I have narrowed my search down to four apartment complexes:

Heritage at Freemason Harbor (Downtown Norfolk)
The Myrtles at Olde Towne (Portsmouth)
Alexander at Ghent
The Cosmopolitan (Towne Center)

So, what do you think? Any recommendations or comments that might help me make a decision?

I am a mid-30s professional that will be working at the Norfolk Naval Station and am looking for a quiet place that is within walking distance of stores, restaurants and entertainment.

Thanks!

[MrAllGood]

Originally Posted by SojChindo

Hello all.

I am relocating to Norfolk in mid-July for 1 year. I recently returned from a long weekend visit to the area, and I believe that I have narrowed my search down to four apartment complexes:

Heritage at Freemason Harbor (Downtown Norfolk)
The Myrtles at Olde Towne (Portsmouth)
Alexander at Ghent
The Cosmopolitan (Towne Center)

So, what do you think? Any recommendations or comments that might help me make a decision?

I am a mid-30s professional that will be working at the Norfolk Naval Station and am looking for a quiet place that is within walking distance of stores, restaurants and entertainment.

Thanks!

Since you will be working in Norfolk, you probably don't want to deal with going down Hampton Blvd trying to get back to Portsmouth....it is a PAIN.

[sheldonteam]

You are going to have to go down Hampton Blvd to go to all but Towne Center

[SojChindo]

I've spoken to a few people who tell me that they can get from Olde Town Portsmouth to the Norfolk Naval Station in 15-20 minutes using the midtown tunnel. Does that sound accurate?

[pbmulligan]

"I've spoken to a few people who tell me that they can get from Olde Town Portsmouth to the Norfolk Naval Station in 15-20 minutes using the midtown tunnel. Does that sound accurate?"

That is possible if you are traveling anytime except rush hour. Going from N to P-town seems to be the harder route- anything between 4-5:30 p.m.

Those apartments you mentioned are a all upper-end in terms of pricing. Have you considered buying a condo instead? There are some fantastic buys in Ghent right now. You would be investing in your future, plus adding a tax write-off. I hate to see someone pay so much in rent.

[SojChindo]

Unfortunately I am not looking to buy right now. I already own a home in SC and will be in Norfolk for just 11 months before I head off to another (as of yet) unknown destination. I don't mind paying more for the "upscale" environment, but not looking to carry two mortgages at the moment.

I have looked at renting condos or SFH, and currently have found a nice 2-bedroom in the Historic Distric of Olde Town Portsmouth. Any feedback on the safety and quality of life in that area?