Family-friendly cities in VA (Virginia Beach, Norfolk: real estate, amusement parks, low crime)

[TeaLeaf]

What makes YOUR list of "Top 3 cities/towns in Virginia to raise a family" & why???

Thanks for your insight-
T.

[carolinajack]

williamsburg VA is one

alexandria

arlington

virginia beach

the shenandoah region,


the tidewater region

stafford area

fairfax county

[theburro]

Middleburg
Berryville
Almost any college town (schools tend to be better): Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Williamsburg

[Steven2149]

I would most definitely think of Western Va as being more family friendly. The only downside is that the job market is not as nice as NoVa or Richmond... or even Tidewater.
1. Roanoke - Good cost of living, great schools, good array of family oriented activities, low crime (the city does have its spots though), nice weather

2 - Williamsburg - I know it isn't in the region that I listed above, but the whole area is filled with American History, which all kids should be aware of. Here the crime is extremely low, but the housing is very expensive.

3 - HMMMMM... I guess that 3rd place is a bit tougher... I"m not partial to college towns, but I guess I'd have to point to one of the cities in NoVA. If you can be in an area and work nearby, great. If not, be prepared to spend a lot of family time stuck in a lengthy commute. Close to D.C, but a world away from some of the D.C. Problems.

[Velvet-T]

If you have the money:
I vote for Hampton and Virginia Beach

Hampton has re-built the downtown district to include ice skating rinks, Imax theater, parks on every other corner, outdoor concerts and shows. The neighborhoods have old, large victorian houses within walking distance of the library and the schools have very high scores. However, like I said, you have to be able to afford Hampton. The pay here is lousy so if you work in DC or Norfolk and can tolerate the commute the children will benefit by being able to grow up in a family friendly place.

VA Beach-it's pretty but has a lot of traffic and tourism. The schools are nice. There is a lot to do, just be careful what part of VA Beach you move to. The real estate will always be high so you can get a great return on your investment should you choose to leave later. It's a little spread out so you won't have the family feel unless you find an older neighborhood where people generally stay until they die.

York County has a high reputation for good schools, quiet neighborhoods, but there's little to do there. As long as you have the time and the transportation you can escape york county for entertainment, but housing is a little pricey.

Williamsburg is boring. kids will be bored to tears. If you are of retirment age, it's a wonderful world full of history and places to walk around. It's a great place to visit but other than that, children will hate it. Adults will love it. No real crime, but no real entertainment (for kids that is). There are giant amusement parks, but they even get boring if that's all you can find to do. Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion are great once a year but every other weekend is too much.

[roanoker 4]

1. LYNCHBURG...Good schools, clean living, very family oriented, singles hate it!! Its very religious and republican, but thats o.k. with families. Close to other cities, outdoor activities. A lot of the kids at Liberty University have that "fresh scrubbed look" just like the "Beaver".

2. RICHMOND SUBURBS...Almost the same place but much bigger than Lynchburg. Very conservative heartland of VA. Close to DC, beaches, Williamsburg. Good employment prospects so junior may not have to leave town when he/she graduates.

3. FREDERICKSBURG/STAFFORD COUNTY...Typical suburbia. Close to DC metro area so more cosmopolitan than the rest of the state. A train connects it to DC employment and more northern VA suburbs. In a few years, though it will probably be swallowed up by growth and become a huge parking lot just like the rest of northern VA. Forget familiy values?

[Hiking81]

1. Stay away from Northern Virginia. Prince William, Fairfax, Manassas, Arlington, Alexandria, Stafford, and Loudoun. It is congested, overpriced, many areas really lack good recreational opportunities, growing gang problems, very over-crowded schools. There are elementary schools in Prince William with over 1,200 students. I lived in Manassas for 20 years.

2. Charlottesville area - Beautiful place. Close to mountains, abundant recreation opportunities, albemarle county school are great, lots and lots of history, good shopping, people are really friendly outside of town, great medical and educational facilities, and affordable housing in places like Lake Monticello.

[`TRUFT`]

i say if you like the city try:

NORFOLK


RICHMOND


ALEXANDRIA

[Livindalife34]

IDK Virginia beach is getting kinda dangerous i used to live there

[ecolby924]

I disagree completely with the person that said Williamsburg is boring for kids... It has a movie theaters, bowling alley, go karting, parks. What else would you be excpecting for kids? I come from an area where there is absolutely nothing to do in our town, everything is a few towns over, at least a thirty minute drive. Now that's boring. Teenagers are going to be bored no matter where they are, they are just at that age, but I think Williamsburg offers alot of entertaining things to do.