Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach

Hampton Roads. Virginia: Norfolk, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach

While Hampton Roads encompasses a seven-city metropolitan area, we have identified the three closest commutable cites for our clients as circled below: Norfolk, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.

Norfolk, Virginia is a city of some 241,000 residents and more than 100 diverse neighborhoods. It is the cultural, educational, business and medical center of Hampton Roads, hosts the region’s international airport and is one of the busiest international ports on the East Coast of the United States. Located in the Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk boasts a vibrant urban renaissance and takes pride in its military and American heritage. Norfolk is one of the fastest growing cities and the government has committed long term with plans for a starter light rail line that would run from Newtown Road through downtown to the Eastern Virginia Medical Center.

With or without the light rail, Norfolk is a wonderful walking city, which can be equally enjoyed by sailing, ferry, electric shuttle, trolley, motor coach and car. Norfolk’s yearly average temperature is about 68 degrees and its annual low temperature is about 51 degrees- How Perfect! Exploring the city is easy with pedestrian-friendly streets, scenic waterways, posted street signs and a free downtown electric NET shuttle.

And, one cannot talk about Norfolk without mentioning the great shopping. Anchored by Nordstrom and Dillard’s, MacArthur Center Mall in the heart of downtown features 130 world-class stores, restaurants and an 18 screen cinema surrounded by a beautiful 70-foot atrium. Along Ghent’s quaint historical streets and neighborhoods are treasure-troves of antiques and specialty shops, along with fashionable furniture stores and flea market “treasures”.

Perhaps Norfolk’s greatest strength is its 120 neighborhoods, which attracts new residents who want to put down roots in established neighborhoods. From charming starter homes to grand residences, from downtown lofts and town homes to brand new developments along the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk offers a range of architectural styles and prices. The educational mission of the Norfolk Public Schools is to ensure the success of each student in a safe, stimulating, and challenging environment supported with a committed workforce that focuses on quality teaching and learning.

If true urban living is for you, there are the new Downtown townhouses, waterfront condominiums and loft spaces perched atop restaurants and shops. Growing families may want to sprawl among the spacious Westside homes. Like to be in the thick of it? There’s Midtown and Central Norfolk, with easy access to shopping and recreation. Southside Norfolk has affordable appeal and a variety of homes. Uptown is ideal for first-time homebuyers. And Ocean View, well, has the views – plus exciting new developments that are shaping up along the Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake is for you if you prefer suburban or rural living as this area boasts both heavily suburban housing as well as places that are very rural. For all intents and purposes, Great Bridge Boulevard, which cuts roughly horizontal across the city, is the dividing line between the more populated and more rural areas.

Greenbrier and Battlefield are two of the more known suburban neighborhoods with fair housing prices. At the other end are the rural parts of Chesapeake; with Hickory and its highly rated Hickory High School growing in popularity. However, the newer homes tend to be large and pricey. Great Bridge, another subdivision in terms of popularity hosts Great Bridge school district which is rated the number one school district in the Chesapeake area.

Virginia Beach is the area’s premier waterfront community. The city of Virginia Beach combines the elegance of a rich past with the energy of one of the most rapidly developing cities on the East Coast. Among the attractions of the city are 30 miles of shoreline with 28 miles of public beach, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and the ever-changing beauty of its four moderate seasons. The city's wonderful location, quality labor force, economic stability, competitive taxes, and good transportation system have attracted a growing number of national and international firms who have relocated their corporate headquarters to the area.

The city's economy is strengthened by a strong tourist and convention industry, four major military bases, stable real estate, construction, retail and wholesale trade, and distribution. History buff, entrepreneur, culture-lover, or nature enthusiast, Virginia Beach offers something for everyone.

Because of its proximity to the waterfront, Virginia Beach housing prices are at a premium in comparison to their sister areas. Although, a true gem of an area, families will not necessarily find larges spaces or sprawling homes.

So, Why move to the Hampton Roads area, of Norfolk, Chesapeake or Virginia Beach? Combine a reasonable cost of living, low commute times along with wonderful recreation and cultural amenities; this is one of the best places in the United States to live. As a matter of fact, Money Magazine recently named the area the number one place to live in the South. Actually, the city’s best measure of success, however, is the growing number of people who have “come home to Norfolk”.

SO, PULL UP A PORCH SWING, TALK TO YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS AND WELCOME TO NORFOLK WHERE THERE’S MUCH TO CELEBRATE!