Explicit Questions regarding a Move to Southest Virginia!! (Norfolk, Richmond: crime, neighborhoods)

[momurda54]

Hello,

I have quite a bit to ask, and would appreciate anyone's insight if relevant and honest!! Thank you!!

My boyfriend and I are hoping to move to the Norfolk area in early June. I have many questions that I keep finding mixed opinions about. SO I have listed explicit questions and user-friendly links to guide you in the direction of my exact preferences. I hope I have helped you help me!! Thank you so much!!

I enjoy sunny days; especially bright blue skies with huge white fluffy clouds.

-I enjoy picturesque places to live. This could range from the Lake of the Ozarks http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_of_the_Ozarks to Dubai, United Arab Emirates http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubaito Newbury Street in Boston http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newbury_Street_(Boston) - I have resided in all and find each wonderful in unique ways. Bottomline, I love nature/water, cities (but not too big), and history. Is the Hampton Roads area a good fit?

-I really love the new urbanism. An example around my current residence is called New Town http://www.newtownatstcharles.com/. Everything you need without the long commute! But a big city in distance and a small town feel without the gossip. For examples in your area- http://www.peninsulatowncenter.com/default.aspx OR http://www.norfolkdevelopment.com/

-We are both conservatives but do not really care about politics unless we are surrounded by protesting liberals and unfair policies to ‘make up’ for past mistakes. In other words, we like progressiveness without the government control.

-For recreation we hope to find co-ed sports, attend college sporting events, garden, go to the YMCA, attend festivals and museums, etc. Were not necessarily outdoorsy but we do like to be out and about. We aren’t too picky.

-I like culture. I like ethnic food, history, observing people. I love how St. Louis has little neighborhoods that are all small and unique. Examples below:
a) Clayton http://www.slfp.com/ClaytonBusinessDist.html
b) Central West End http://stlouis.missouri.org/cwe/ (broken link)[/url]
c) Delmar Loop http://visittheloop.com/
d) Westport Plaza http://www.slfp.com/West-Port-Plaza.html

-We are used to A LOT of humidity- and no longer want that in our seasons. The same goes for snow. We understand occasional moist-heat and snowflakes- but I hate the cold and love heat without the humidity.

-I know that the Hampton Roads area is a HUGE military area. Would we be negatively affected by not being in association with the military? We don’t mind military and in fact we limited our search to this area because my boyfriend is interested in doing accounting for the government opposed to a financial firm.

-We both plan to get our Masters once we are settled. I would most likely get my MBA or a Masters in Counseling. He would get his in Accounting and later sit for the CPA. Is Old Dominion is good university?

Okay, I think that is it FOR NOW!! Again, please use my links to help you get an exact feel for my preferences. And if you can suggest a different area- so be it!! Thank you!!

P.S. As for traffic- we are hoping to work in a small center and maybe bike or walk? But we don’t want the DC feel with joggers everywhere! As for crime- we are coming from St. Louis! Number one or two highest crime in the nation- I think we have the common sense needed. As for religion- we do not attend regularly; however, I must admit- I love to see any forms of religious buildings! Like I mentioned above, I used to live in a Middle Eastern country!

Thank you

[momurda54]

For those who are attempting to navigate through my post- I am sincerely sorry for the [url] stuff. ( I have tried to delete those more than eight times now!

[stacylee926]

I will answer a few questions.

The bright blue skies with big fluffy clouds - that is Florida. I have never seen anything like that anywhere else. When I see those clouds here I always call them 'Florida clouds'. We get them, just not every day.

You will find plenty of college sports. ODU now has football and basketball is big at ODE too. We also have the minor league sports - baseball and hockey which are fun, without the big pro ticket prices.

This area is not trendy - although a few places are trying. Town Center in Va Beach is doing a decent job and I think Hampton has a similar feel.

I was born and raised in NoVa and moved here 6 years ago - HR is NOTHING like NoVa!! I mean that in a good way . Traffic here is limited to rush hour, but the tunnels can also be crazy at any hour too. Summer traffic is bad at the HRBT all the time.

Hope that is a little help

[mlm668]

I can give some insite into VA weather. It is never consistent. You can have 2-3 years of mild summers or winters and the get hit with a real whammy. I have seen years where we had weeks of 95-100 degree weather (VA is normally humid in summer but high temps make it worse) and then the next year, the temp rarely goes above 85 with low humidity. Down in HR may not be as bad, but you also have the urban aspect and all the asphalt tends to hold heat. And don't forget about the hurricanes. We get hit by one every once in a while. The worst I remember in my 40 years of living was Isabel in 2003 but like all Eastern Seaboard states, it really is hit or miss.

Same with winter. 2010 is the most snow we've gotten since 2000 and most years we get none at all. When we do, it usually is at least one good dumping of a 4-12 inches depending on where in the state you happen to be.
As for all the other stuff, yes, there is plenty to do in VA but not necessarily all in one locality. ODU has a better rep now than it did when I was a teenager and is generally considered a good school. The military presence is just that, a presence but I wouldn't necessarily say you'll find more civilian jobs because of it. I've noticed a lot of jobs promised in my area due to BRAC are intended for family members/spouses of those stationed nearby but it may be different in Norfolk (I'm south of Richmond). My suggestion there would be to check USAjobs.com and see what's available in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads area.

As for politics, VA is not known for its progressiveness. We don't have screaming liberals, but the conservatives have a tendency to spin their wheels and hold up back simply to spite the liberals who do speak up. JMO

[momurda54]

Originally Posted by stacylee926

The bright blue skies with big fluffy clouds - that is Florida. I have never seen anything like that anywhere else. When I see those clouds here I always call them 'Florida clouds'. We get them, just not every day.

I grew up with these skies in St. Louis! LOL. But I know what you mean about not everyday. Thnk you for your input!

[Erma]

I love the morning sunrises and the beautiful sunset in the evening by the ocean. The weather...it's humid, I grew up in it as well, but being near the ocean, it isn't that bad as the bay or a lake.
You have alot to do here and only a short drive to the Outer Banks, Corolla, Duck and other fun day, overnight or weekend getaways. Lots of camping in this area and all over the state. Lake Smith is awesome if you like to fish and camp. We RV and there are some local places if you do not care to drive for 4-5 hours for a weekend camping trip.