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tracys305 · 10-10-2006, 08:57 AM

hi,

i will be relocating to the area at the end of this month. i will be working in virginia beach and am trying to figure out where to live.

i am mid-30's w/ no kids and have heard the ghent area of norfolk is pretty cool. i like to be walking distance to lots of things to do. (bars, restaurants, etc.)

if not ghent, what about the chicks beach/shore drive area of virginia beach? any opinions about this vs. ghent?

if i live in norfolk, how bad is the commute to virginia beach during the day? i live in south florida right now and am already used to a nasty 30-40 minute commute one way.

thanks for your help and/or advice!!!

tracy

jmadz · 10-10-2006, 04:23 PM

I used to live in Ghent. Ghent is really cool if you're into being close to funky bars and restaraunts. Its really a one of a kind place in an other-wise bland Hampton Roads. It has a great mix of housing from starving artists to ODU students to doctors and lawyers. On the weekends I parked my car and never got back in until it was time to go to work. It a short drive or nice bike ride to downtown. Walking distance to Cultural ammenities like Harrison Opera House and Chrysler Museum of Art. My wife and I have a dog and there is a cool dog park you can walk to as well.

Chicks Beach is a cool place too. The difference is you're taking your life in your own hands if you think you can walk Shore Drive. Nice views of the ocean. I prefer Ghent myself, but Chicks Beach would easily be my second choice if I were in my 20s-30s, single and looking to meet friends.

Good luck!

tracys305 · 10-11-2006, 07:30 AM

thank you so much jmadz! yes, i think i will like ghent a lot better, too. i am only worried about the commute to virginia beach. i can handle 30 minutes more or less, but do you or anyone else know if it's worse than that?

thanks!
tracy

Ryleigh · 10-11-2006, 12:42 PM

It depends on where in Virginia Beach you're planning to work. If it's right off I-264, it shouldn't take you longer than 25-30 minutes from Ghent. Besides, you'll be going opposite most of the traffic, since more people live in Va. Beach and commute into downtown Norfolk. But if your workplace is far from the interstate, it could well take you 45 minutes to an hour. But keep in mind that if you chose Chick's Beach, that can also be a hefty commute to elsewhere in Va. Beach, depending on where you're going.

Other than that, jmadz said exactly what I'd have said.

Based on what you said about walking distance of fun things to do, I think Ghent is your best bet. It's also easy to meet people/new friends in Ghent. There are tons of people in their 20's-30's.

tracys305 · 10-11-2006, 01:39 PM

thanks a lot ryleigh for the additional info. 25-30 minutes is no problem for me. and, yes, i will be working right off i-264 so it shouldn't be bad at all.

i really appreciate the input from both of you. what a helpful website! i can't wait to get up there and start a new life in ghent. if you two are any indication of what the people are like, it should be a thrill.

innergee1 · 10-26-2008, 04:54 PM

We are considering moving to VA and I really like what I've read about the Ghent area. I think my family would love it there. Does anyone have any info on the schools? I have two children and the schools would be my 1st priority.

rtandc · 10-27-2008, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by innergee1

We are considering moving to VA and I really like what I've read about the Ghent area. I think my family would love it there. Does anyone have any info on the schools? I have two children and the schools would be my 1st priority.

I see you bumped an old post but the answer is still the same.....If public schools are your 1st priority then Norfolk (Ghent) is out of the question unless you plan to pay for your kids to go to a private school, Norfolk schools lag well behind compared to the Va Bch/Chesapeake school systems....Not saying that your children could not obtain a good education from Norfolk schools but most parents dont want their kids to have to deal with the cross town busing issues, gang problems and the long list of other problems that seem to plague the school system in Norfolk

shellytc · 10-27-2008, 11:32 AM

innergee, there are some really neat neighborhoods in Norfolk, Ghent being one. But also Larchmont, Winona, Colonial Place just to name a few. The choices in school depends on where you live. And there are some good private school options as well. Without breaking the bank.

shelly

Tedderbug · 03-21-2010, 09:42 PM

The public school system in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and alot of Virginia Beach is horrible! Chesapeake is your best option. All of the Chesapeake Public Schools have great academic scores and quiet, friendly neighborhoods. I used to live there, and loved every minute of it! I lived in the districts of Hickory, Great Bridge, and Western Branch. They are wonderful! And they are only a few minutes from downtown! Good Luck!

steflee55 · 03-22-2010, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracys305

thanks a lot ryleigh for the additional info. 25-30 minutes is no problem for me. and, yes, i will be working right off i-264 so it shouldn't be bad at all.

i really appreciate the input from both of you. what a helpful website! i can't wait to get up there and start a new life in ghent. if you two are any indication of what the people are like, it should be a thrill.

Tracy, I am moving to the area in August and will be considering Ghent myself. once you get around and see the area, please do keep in touch and let me know your opinion. I am looking for a 3 bedroom house preferably. I've seen the apartments that Ghent has to offer, they're not bad, but like I said, I'm hoping for a house.