From Orlando to Virginia in summer 2008 (Chesapeake, Richmond: renting, crimes, daycare)

[nat_at772]

Okay after reading some other posts, I realized if I wanted more specific help I'd need more specific questions...so I'm trying again. Sorry if this is incorrect but I couldn't figure out how to delete my previous post.
Short Story: Currently live in Orlando, just graduated from college and got married, planning on moving my family (includes 1-year-old son) to Virginia and not sure of a nice area.

I like Orlando - I grew up in a very small city (Vero Beach) and have found that Orlando is just Vero Beach multiplied by ten plus a couple of theme parks. I would like to live somewhere that has a little of both; small enough to know my neighbors but large enough (or close to) where we don't have to drive an hour to have some fun. So far, just by searching the internet, I think Richmond, Charlottesville, Chesterfield and Chesapeake (forgive if I misspelled them) look nice but wanted some real people opinions to add to online info.

1) Where you are working? I plan on teaching high school so school districts are very important to me. My husband does construction now, but is planning on going to trade school when we move.

2) How much you are willing to spend on housing? We will be renting for the first few years, here we pay $864 for a 2 bdm/ 1 bth apt about 900 sq ft. So $850 is a comfortable range for me.

3)How long of a commute you're willing to tolerate? It depends on if I'm driving a longer distance in steady traffic or a short distance in congested traffic. I'd say 30 minutes is the most I want to spend in my car though.

4) If you have kids: Private school or public school? Right now my son is only 19 months so he'll be in daycare for a few more years but when he will be going to public schools.

5) What type of neighborhood environment you are looking for: I would like to know my neighbors. I want to live in a more family geared area, where we live now is so close to the school, everyone I know is in the 18 -22 range. Not many places to take my son in the area.

6) Community amenities important to you? Safety is a big one, but I take city data with a grain of salt. I've lived in Orlando for six years now and have never been a victim of any crimes or vandalism. We’re an outdoor type of family, My husband likes to play basketball and football, and my son needs a place to run around and use up some energy. I would like to live in an area where there are some things in walking or biking distance; like a park or library. A place that offers lots of activities for families would be great. Also, I'm a Wal-Mart shopper, so I'd have to live within a few miles of a supercenter. I like to shop, so a city with lots of shopping is nice. I like malls and outlets, especially the kind that have movie theaters and restaurants in them.

Oh a question: How is the public transportation in these cities? Right now my car is kind of point A to B; but I doubt it will make the trek to Virginia. So we'll be a one car family for a bit; the buses here are terrible, running every hour and the transfers don't make any sense. Is taking the bus a fairly painless experience?

I hope this is detailed enough to get me some direction. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated; even if you can just direct me to a website. Thanks so much!

[Rebecca Keeney]

Hi Natalay,
There are lots of great places to live in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Also, There are lots of new developments springing up all over the place around here. You can get more information on all the cities that comprise Hampton Roads here HamptonRoads.com -- Your Best Guide to Life in Hampton Roads. Let me know if this helps, ok. I hope you find what you are looking for.

All the best, Rebecca