Good place to live in Norfolk/VA Beach??

[NavyNCSU]

I am about to move up to Norfolk, and in my few visits there in recent years, I didn't see a whole lot of nice areas to live.

Here's the problem...I'm a single chick who hasn't lived alone in a while and the last time I did, my apt. was broken into.

I hate to sound like a snob, but are there any really nice, safe apartment complexes that I should check out?

Thanks for any help...

 

[COD Guy's Girl]

I have family and a boyfriend that live in Norfolk, VA. They both live in the Ghent area which is very nice and within walking distance to a lot of nice restaurants and the downtown area. Ghent Village and Ghent on the Square are both very nice apartment complexes in the area. Both have security gates and I know Ghent on the Square has access alarms in each apartment. They both have websites to get pictures of the apartments.

 

[SAR522]

Ghent is a very nice area in downtown Norfolk, but very expensive as well. Virginia Beach has many nice areas along with some not so nice areas. The nicer apts. and condos in VA Beach are pretty expensive also. If you like the downtown atmosphere then I would reccomend Ghent, but if you're the beach type check out the Shore drive area. Shore drive is a very safe area with a lot of nice local bars and restruants.

 

[NavyNCSU]

Thank you, that helps a lot...

Does anyone know anything about Newport News/Hampton? A friend told me that area is nice too...I'm heading up there this weekend to do some apartment hunting and I appreciate all the advice!!

Thank you!

 

[SAR522]

Stay away from Newport News and Hampton. The housing is alot cheaper, but there is a lot more crime. Also the tunnel traffic to Norfolk/VA Beach is crazy. Be prepared to wait 30 min to an hour each way in traffic. Oh, and there is nothing to do there either.

 

[Road Program]

Most importantly, where are you going to be based? A drive to NOB from Ghent is a lot different than a drive to NAS Oceana.

Newport News is also known as "Bad News"

Hampton is just a pain in the a$$ to drive.

Yorktown...see also "Hampton"

Suffolk...tunnels and all your friends who live at the beach will say, "Well, it's a bit of a drive out there just for free food and beer."

Ghent...awesome place unless you have a problem with the artsy-fartsy crowd. The drive is very doable, but sometimes Hampton Blvd gets packed in the mornings, like right now since some gates are closed to base.

VaBeach...where you live will determine your drive and kind of community. It's a pretty huge, diverse area.

Need more info? I've been living here for three years. Here's a hint to get you started, apartments under $700 for a 1 bedroom will probably not be in the nicest areas.