Norfolk Orders!

[MYSAILORSCOOPS0525]

Hello!

Ive just received word from my husband that hes being stationed in Norfolk,VA. I just wanted to pick your brains, get some feedback and information about the area...on base or off? Ive heard about the extensive waiting lists so we're prepared to live off base. I just dont know which areas I should look into....Dont even know where to start but Im excited! Any information is greatly appreciated!

Have a blessed day!

All the best,

Yadira =0)

[meagan5220]

I live in Hampton which is just over the tunnel up on the peninsula. Yes wait list can be very extensive. I have known people that waited 18 months. I prefer living off base anyways but thats a personal preference. As far as where to live honestly thats more of a come check it out yourself type thing if possible. Hampton Roads area is a tricky one compared to some places I have lived. I loveee Hampton but there are wives that claim "they wont step foot out of their car in Hampton" bc its sooooo "ghetto" Its not in any way. A lot of ppl prefer chesapeake down on that side of the water or VA beach, I personally avoid VA beach mostly bc its a huge tourist spot, and I have met quite a few rude people that live there military or otherwise (VA beach is actually rated the 12th most vain city in America lol) If something is cheap here its probably in a bad area. Tyically the rentors and apts here like to stick as close to BAH as they can. Good apts are typically over 750 for a 1 bed. So be prepared for the prices here. If you can come down and drive around it will help you decide a lot based on what you are comfortable living in. If you are on facebook there is a page called Spouses of Norfolk Naval Station and they can help sort of with good apt complexes if you are looking at apts. Also, email the housing office in Norfolk if you want apts and ask for the RPP list. Its a program for military folks and they have some bonuses to using those complexes such as lower or no deposit, rent taken out in two paychecks so its half out of each one, and a few other benefits. If you are looking at houses you can check out AHRN.com. Like I said this area is really tricky there are lots of hidden gem neighborhoods as well which is nice. but its hard to find them sometimes.

[MYSAILORSCOOPS0525]

Thank you so much for all the info Meagan!! I truly appreciate it....I know that there are "bad" or "ghetto" areas regardless of where you live so any input or advice from people that actually live there is good. I definitely plan on visiting once my husband is there to check out the different areas.

have a great day!

[meagan5220]

I am not super familiar with Norfolk, and that side of the water since we live up in Hampton, I do know a lot of people who are stationed in Norfolk but prefer to live up in Hampton, its a little cheaper living wise and its got a lot of nice hidden areas. Fox Hill and Wythe are two really nice areas. I also like Buckroe Beach area. I live in a neighborhood called Chesapeake heights and I love it. We just bought a house in Buckroe/fox hill area because we love it so much. The main concern with living in Hampton and commutin to norfolk everyday is the drive. The tunnel connecting the two can get super backed up. I am talking a 30 minute trip taking 4-6 hours if there is a wreck but there are back ways to get to the base that make the drive shorter. Many people would say the area I live in is ghetto but its supperrr quiet! there are a few streets or areas I dont like around my house but its not horrible by any means. I have been told not to live down by the base in Norfolk like super close bc I guess there are a lot of bad/run down apt complexes. Sorry I cant be more specific about Norfolk I just dont get down to that side of the water often. I love living up here and my husband drove down to norfolk for quite some time and said he is glad we live up here even if he risks the long drive in the afternoon.

[MYSAILORSCOOPS0525]

Youve been a great help Meagan!! thanks a bunch for your time =0)

[Fur&FeathersDVM]

My husband has been stationed in Norfolk for almost four years now. I only lived there part up up until now as I was finishing veterinarian school in Ohio, but have spent probably about a year there over the last four (much of that time while he was deployed or underway, my school breaks just didn't happen to line up well with his time in port!). We live off base in Norfolk. I've never felt unsafe when I've stayed there alone. My husband loves the short commute.  We can get to anywhere in the Hampton Roads region fairly quickly (Hampton Roads is the name for Norfolk and the cities around it).  There are nice areas in every city of Hampton Roads. The Ghent area of Norfolk is a really unique, cute area with lots of things to do. It's also very safe.  A lot of the apartments near Granby street in Norfolk are great- very close to a lot of restaurants, nightlife, shopping, etc.  Virginia Beach is very large and while parts of it are touristy, that's more along the oceanfront, and lots of the city is not. And some people like the beach lifestyle! :) Many of our friends have nice homes in VA Beach that are in a more suburban setting. Most of our favorite restaurants are in VA Beach.  Chesapeake also has a lot of nice areas as well, with a lot of good shopping. I worked at several veterinary clinics in VA Beach and found the people to be mostly nice (although there are some rude people, but not anymore than any of the other places I've lived). While there are definitely some nice areas over the bridge in Hampton and such, we don't like dealing with the tunnels! :) I don't feel that Hampton is anymore "ghetto" than any of the other cities in the area.    I definitely think that coming to visit and seeing the area firsthand is the best way to get a feel for it. There can be a long wait for base housing, but it all depends on which housing you want to live in, what size home you qualify for, etc. I've only had one close friend do base housing- for her it was the best option because she has a very large family and she could not have afforded as large of a house as she got on base for what her husband's BAH was.  We went with off base because it allowed us to split our BAH to cover a place in Norfolk as well as one at school for me (I went to veterinary school in Ohio). My husband also likes to be away from the base when he's not at work. Norfolk is a wonderful area with lots to do!  Hope this helps! :) Sorry if it's a little scatterbrained, didn't have much time to write but saw your post and wanted to give my input on the area. :) Welcome to you and your husband!! I hope you will love your time here!

[MYSAILORSCOOPS0525]

Thank you so much for the information!! =0)

[ProudNavyWife]

My husband and I live in Virginia Beach, whis is a really nice area. We're close to everything. I would just google apartments, houses, etc and for the area and read the reviews. That's how we found our place, and we've been here almost 2 years and love it, very safe. The rent is costly, but hey you get what you pay for, so I rather pay it then live somewhere where I'm scared to go outside. The main thing I needed was to be safe considering our husbands will be gone at times. Hope this helps! Have a blessed night!

[MYSAILORSCOOPS0525]

Thanks,Im leaning towards VA Beach so thats great to hear =0)