Hampton ROads Neighborhood Guides
About Hampton Roads
If you are in the Navy, there are good odds that you will spend a portion of your career in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Naval Station Norfolk is the largest naval station in the world. The “Seven City” area contains an unrivaled concentration of our nation’s military (over 100,000 active duty) and TEN installations across all service branches. Sailors commonly spend more than one tour of duty here—and many make it their last assignment so they can homestead in the area.
Water permeates Hampton Roads. This vast natural harbor in northeastern Virginia is formed by the Elizabeth, James, and Nansemond Rivers (along with several smaller tributaries), which empty into the Chesapeake Bay. This complex system of deep waterways makes it a busy waterway for commercial shipping, military transport, and all manner of leisure boating. The “Tidewater,” or land area, is split by the harbor into two regions: The Peninsula and The Southside.
Beautiful beaches, buzzing urban centers, perfectly preserved historic districts, and expansive wildlife sanctuaries provide something for everyone in Hampton Roads. History buffs enjoy Williamsburg and Yorktown, and the coastal areas are inundated with tourists for food, festivals, and surfing during the summer months. Yep, the East Coast has surf beaches! Employment opportunities in Norfolk are plentiful for career-minded spouses, and there are several esteemed universities and community colleges for those looking to continue their education.
Positioned on the southern edge of the Mid-Atlantic states, Hampton Roads’ climate borrows from both extremes. Winters can see bone-chilling temps and snowstorms, while summers are hot and sticky (though only three to four months long). We’d be remiss if we didn’t emphasize the heat and humidity in the summer, though. Anyone used to a good old “southern summer” should be unphased. But if you’re unfamiliar—brace yourself. It’s hot and humid, and the mosquitoes can carry off small pets. The region is also flood-prone and has a penchant for natural disasters. Flood insurance is a must, mainly because many areas lie below sea level.
Each city has a distinct personality, so it should be easy to find an area that fits your family’s style. Beach bums, foodies, and families love Virginia Beach. Active, young professionals flock to Norfolk for the downtown and Ghent neighborhoods. Those looking for a quiet pace with a historic flare look to Portsmouth. Those searching for a little more breathing room in the country head to the Western Branch and Deep Creek areas of Chesapeake.
Finding a Home
The first step in choosing where to live is to determine your priorities. There are three central values, if you will, to consider: Home Size and Price, Commute, and Schools. On each area page, we'll break down some of the more popular communities for military families and give you an overview of the trade-offs for each.
Pro Tip: If you come armed with this info before chatting with a real estate agent, they'll have an enormous leg up in helping you find a home quickly. Efficiency and knowledge are crucial in this hyper-competitive real estate market.
Homes
Hampton Roads offers a little bit of everything regarding home styles and price ranges. Oceanfront condos, modern high-rises, traditional suburban split-levels, new construction, historic colonials, bungalows, and brownstones are all options, and there tends to be a lot of available inventory. As is common in most metropolitan areas, you can usually come out ahead on BAH by buying instead of renting in Hampton Roads. Purchasing a home is something you should consider if you plan to retire or spend a significant amount of time here. People fall in love with this region a lot, so keep that in mind while doing your research. Also, be sure to factor in flood insurance, taxes, and HOAs if you want to buy. A knowledgeable real estate agent can be a massive help in Hampton Roads.
Commute
There is no avoiding the bridges and tunnels, and this is a huge consideration for commuting. You will be stationed on either The Peninsula or The Southside, and you will likely want to live on the side where you work. Going across the river is costly (by time and tolls) and could make or break your experience. Because of the unpredictability of commuting via a bridge-tunnel, we advise you to avoid it. Most people try to live where they work, so if you're stationed at a base on The Southside, you want to find a home on The Southside. A jam or accident on one of the bridge-tunnels could leave you stuck for hours!
Each area has much to offer, so there is no reason to look too far away from your base for housing, especially not across a bridge-tunnel. Oh, and that's not a typo. Two "bridge-tunnels" cross from The Peninsula to The Southside. They are half-bridge, half-tunnel, and the bane of commuting in the Tidewater. Traffic jams, accidents, and congestion can make going over (and through) them highly unpredictable. All of the bridges have tolls or will soon and can cost up to $1,500 a year for daily drivers! If you choose to live where you need to cross a river, be sure to factor tolls into your annual expenses.
Schools
Most service members without children seek to be as close to the water as possible. Those with children often broaden their search criteria to include communities with popular schools in affordable neighborhoods. Look at the school's or district's report card from the Virginia Department of Education. Interview potential schools. Talk to the base or regional School Liaison Officer. Take into account all factors that could influence test scores but aren't necessarily reflective of the quality of education (i.e., a high percentage of students whose primary language isn't English). We've outlined several options regarding education models in Virginia, which we've outlined below.
Traditional Public Schools
The Virginia Department of Education operates traditional public schools. Students who reside within a school zone must attend their neighborhood school. Out-of-district transfers are an option, though only under certain circumstances (if a parent is employed at another school, you face child-care concerns, or your child has been the victim of a crime at their neighborhood school). Not all schools accept transfers, so pay attention to your school zone and don't rely on "choice-ing" into another neighborhood school.
Magnet Schools
A magnet school is a school in the local public school system that operates under the same oversight and school board as public schools. Magnet schools typically have a specific focus, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), the arts, or vocational paths. There are many competitive magnets located throughout Hampton Roads. Magnet schools typically only accept a small percentage of applicants, so lotteries are common. But living within the school's assigned district can help.
Governor's Schools
There are two highly competitive governor's schools in Hampton Roads: the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk (serving Southside area cities) and the New Horizons Governor's School for Science & Technology in Hampton (serving Peninsula area cities). These aren't just summer residential programs but traditional academic year high schools with full immersion programs and incredible opportunities! They're challenging programs to get into and are highly sought after by intellectually and artistically gifted students.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are public schools that have private oversight and come in various educational models. While some states have hundreds to choose from, Virginia only has a handful. There are two charter schools in Hampton Roads.
Private Schools
As always, you may opt for a private school education if the neighborhood school options don't excite you. Private schools can be religious-based or nonsectarian and are popular for preschool. This is a pricey option but viable for some.
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Nearby Neighborhoods
Nearby Neighborhoods
The Peninsula
About
An intricate system of waterways, known as Hampton Roads, divides the Tidewater area of southeast Virginia in two. The Peninsula extends southward between the York and James Rivers and continues into the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads. Across the harbor to the south is The Southside, which encompasses cities like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Portsmouth.
Home to Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Joint Base Langley-Eustis, The Peninsula is heavily populated with military servicemembers and their families. Air Force and Army folks are more likely to be stationed here, whereas The Southside is where most of the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines call home.
Neighbors
The Peninsula is home to various residents but is still very military-heavy. Most of the Army and Air Force families reside on The Peninsula and report to either Fort Eustis or Langley Air Force Base (technically one base, though not adjacent). Affluent locals, higher-ranking service members, and dual-income families tend to live in Williamsburg and Yorktown. Affordable housing can be found farther south in Newport News and Hampton. Folks who value privacy and quiet look to Poquoson.
Neighborhood Feel
The vibe varies across The Peninsula. Williamsburg and Yorktown exude history and classic “Americana” charm. Historic colonial row houses on tree-lined streets and master-planned suburbs attract many military families to the northern reaches of The Peninsula. Newport News and Hampton are vibrant, busy, densely populated, and convenient to Fort Eustis and Langley AFB. Hampton is extremely popular with military families because of the “bang-for-your-buck” factor. You’ll find a rural, “country” character in Poquoson, but that comes with a bit more of a commute.
Points of Interest
- The Noland Trail/Newport News Park
- The Mariner’s Museum and Park
- Fort Monroe’s Casemate Museum
- Buckroe Beach and Park
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Jamestown-Scotland Ferry
- Yorktown Battlefield
- Riverwalk Landing
- Kid’s Island Playground
- Oxford Run Canal Trail
Big Plus
- If you or your spouse are considering an advanced degree, you’ll have plenty of esteemed universities on The Peninsula. Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, Hampton University is in Hampton, and the College of William and Mary is in Williamsburg.
- There is always something going on in Hampton Roads. On The Peninsula, you have access to water aplenty, battlefields, beaches, shopping, history, wildlife refuges, and an event calendar bursting with things to do.
- Living in The Peninsula puts you much closer to Richmond and Washington, D.C.
Things to Consider
- Living in the military-saturated cities of Hampton Roads comes with some added auditory stimuli. Low-flying jets buzz around almost constantly. Though the “sound of freedom” becomes more muffled as you travel north up The Peninsula, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport air traffic picks up the slack.
- Summers in Hampton Roads are hot and humid. Winters are moderate but can bring snow. The sticky weather, swamps, and marshes are a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Most of the Tidewater area is low-lying, and most of it is below sea level. Its location on the East Coast also has a propensity for attracting tropical events. Both of these factors make flood insurance a must for homeowners.
- Be sure that when working with a real estate agent, you hire someone who specializes on The Peninsula. We’ve already told you about the tunnel situation. People don’t like dealing with them, and that includes showing homes!
Newport News
About
Newport News occupies most of The Peninsula’s western shoreline on the James River and extends from the harbor to the southern edge of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. The city covers a lot of land and pockets of fantastic, family-friendly neighborhoods intermixed with some that are not as great. You’ll find a concentration of shopping and many national chain restaurants and stores here.
Highlighted areas
- Hilton Village
- Hiddenwood
- Hafner Farms
Homes
Most of the homes in Newport News are average in size. Around 2,000 square feet is the norm but can range from 1,400 to 2,800.
Commute
If you were to split The Peninsula in half vertically, Newport News would be the western slice. This long city is home to Fort Eustis, touches Naval Weapons Station Yorktown to the north, and borders Langley AFB to the southeast. Interstate 64 and 664 run the length of Newport News, providing access to all three installations. The Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel connects Newport News to Norfolk and the rest of The Southside. The closer you get to the bridge-tunnel, the more traffic you’ll have to wade through. Amtrak provides rail service for Newport News, and the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is an excellent option for air travel.
Schools
Public schools in Newport News are part of Newport News Public Schools. According to the Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) website, “To provide a gradual transition from elementary school, NNPS middle schools operate on a team-within-a-school approach for a smaller, more individualized learning environment that consists of a team of core teachers who work together to teach a group of students. The school is divided into sections by grade level, and each has its own schedule and staff support team.”
Magnet programs are popular in Hampton Roads schools, and Newport News has several. First Step is a pre-kindergarten program in Newport News. It provides school readiness activities for four- and five-year-old children in full-day programs. At Dutrow Elementary, students learn in an open environment; Hilton Elementary stresses a traditional approach to learning; Newsome Park Elementary offers a math, science, and technology magnet program; and a traditional program at Deer Park Elementary houses the environmental science magnet program. Students must apply to magnet programs.
Several notable academy and magnet programs in Newport News allow students to focus on a career or academic interests. Competitive programs are available at Woodside (fine arts and communication), Heritage (technology and university), Denbigh (aviation), and Warwick (International Baccalaureate). Transportation is available for all programs.
Hampton
About
Hampton occupies the southeastern tip of The Peninsula and is bordered by Newport News to the west, the harbor to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It resembles its neighbor, Newport News because it is an urban city with plenty of brand-name shopping and busy residents. In a region where almost every town has a military installation to call its own, Hampton lays claim to Langley Air Force Base (one-half of Joint Base Langley-Eustis). Military families choose Hampton for its affordable homes and convenient commutes.
Highlighted Areas
- Michael’s Woods
- Farmington
Homes
Home sizes range from around 1,200 to 2,500 square feet, with 1,800 being the average. As with many urban cities, you’ll want to research the area before buying or renting.
Commute
Hampton is most convenient to Langley AFB, but Fort Eustis is nearby. You won’t find many people who live in Hampton and work on The Southside, but easy access to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel could open up that option if you were willing to risk it. Living in Hampton will give you excellent access to Virginia Beach for shopping, entertainment, restaurants, or a day at the beach. Interstate 64 cuts through Hampton and continues north through Newport News and the length of The Peninsula.
Schools
Public schools in Hampton are part of Hampton City Schools.
Choice Schools are available at all grade levels, with unique focus areas. Armstrong Elementary School for the Arts, Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology, Jones Magnet Middle School, Andrews STEM PreK-8 Engineering Choice Program, and the Academies of Hampton High School or IB/Hampton High are just a few examples. Hampton City Schools has a dedicated Early Childhood Center, which offers full-day preschool for eligible children.
Each of Hampton’s high schools has an Academy program that focuses intensely on a student’s career or academic areas of interest.
Williamsburg
About
If Williamsburg sounds familiar, you were most likely first introduced to it in kindergarten. The original colonial settlement of Jamestown is here, and people have been putting down roots in this area since the 1600s. This tourist destination offers attractions like Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, outlet shopping, resorts, and golf! The neighborhoods are affluent, family-friendly, and drenched in history.
Highlighted Areas
- Kings Mill Condos
- Ford’s Colony
- Savannah Green
Homes
Houses in Williamsburg are much larger (and pricier) than in other Peninsula cities. It’s common to see anywhere from 2,200 to 3,200 square foot homes in various styles and ages.
Commute
Williamsburg is approximately 18 miles north of Fort Eustis, and it takes roughly 30 minutes by car to commute (with traffic). Those stationed at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown might also consider Williamsburg due to its proximity.
Schools
The public schools in Williamsburg are part of the York County School Division or Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools.
Special programs in York County School Division include two elementary magnet schools, two secondary school fine arts programs, an International Baccalaureate in high school, and a gifted education program.
The Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools offer Bright Beginnings, school-based preschool services for children who are at risk and those with disabilities or delays. James River Elementary School is an International Baccalaureate school for kindergarten through fifth-grade students.
Yorktown
About
History buffs adore Yorktown—and for a good reason. Not only is it one of the original settlements in colonial Virginia, but it is also the site where General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington, ending the Revolutionary War. With over 300 years of history to celebrate, you will see the storied past of Yorktown woven throughout this modern city. Battlefield tours, museums, and festivals are popular outings, and it’s not unheard of to see reenactors strolling the Riverwalk.
Highlighted Areas
- Coventry
- Running Man
Homes
Neighborhoods are pretty posh in Yorktown and are filled with families and retirees. There is an excellent mix of historic colonials, well-maintained older homes, and plenty of new construction with all the modern amenities. Homes are typically between 1,600 to 2,600 square feet.
Commute
Some consider commuting from Yorktown a “sacrifice” as it’s only really convenient to the Naval Weapons Station. It’s only 10 miles from Fort Eustis, but the smaller roads and traffic make the drive 30 minutes or longer. Scenic Highway 17 runs south down The Peninsula and connects with Interstate 64 in Newport News. Getting to Langley AFB daily from here would be quite the drive (up to an hour with traffic), and you won’t find many willing to live that far away.
Schools
The public schools in Yorktown belong to the York County School Division. Several special programs are available in the York County School Division. There are two elementary magnet schools, two secondary school fine arts programs, an International Baccalaureate program in high school, and a gifted education program. The York County Virginia Preschool Initiative Program (VPI) offers a preschool program for at-risk children and those with disabilities or delays.
POQUOSON
About
Poquoson (pronounced “puh-KO-sin”) is where you go to get away from it all. The calm of the rural marshland attracts those looking to have a little more space and a slower pace. The schools are highly rated, and being off the beaten path results in a safe, small-town vibe. This primarily residential community has a great mix of locals and military transplants. The relative scarcity of shopping and dining has residents turning to nearby Newport News for more than just the daily essentials.
Highlighted Areas
- Victory Cove
- Valmoore Estates
Homes
Homes are typically between 1,600 to 2,600 square feet. You will need to add flood insurance to your expenses when buying a home in this low-lying coastal community.
Commute
Poquoson is most convenient to Langley AFB. Driving to Fort Eustis or Naval Weapons Station Yorktown can take up to 45 minutes during peak traffic. You will also need to venture out to Hampton or Newport News for shopping and errands.
Schools
Public schools in Poquoson belong to Poquoson City Public Schools. Poquoson City Public Schools (PCPS) has only four schools: Primary School (K-2nd), Elementary School (3rd-5th), Middle School (6-8th), and High School (9-12th). The class sizes are small and have a low student-teacher ratio.
The Southside
About
South Hampton Roads, or “The Southside,” is a geographic cul-de-sac in the Tidewater area of Virginia. The Southside is made up of five independent cities, each with its own distinct personality. The Atlantic Ocean, the James and Elizabeth Rivers, Hampton Roads Harbor, and the Chesapeake Bay surround The Southside. While excellent for recreation, all this water means commuters must navigate the dreaded bridges and tunnels to get around.
Home to seven of the area’s military installations, The Southside has one of the highest concentrations of military personnel in the entire country. To call it “military friendly” would be an understatement. Highly rated schools, family-friendly communities, and an array of entertainment and recreation opportunities add to the quality of life factor. The abundance of jobs and institutions of higher learning excites many spouses. Art and cultural infusions are everywhere, and the restaurants rival those in other metropolitan centers across the country.
Neighbors
Good luck going anywhere in The Southside and not seeing uniforms. Those looking for a slower pace and some peace head out to western Chesapeake, southern Virginia Beach, and Suffolk. While all service branches are represented in the region, The Southside is populated mainly by the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Believe it or not, there are plenty of native Virginians and civilians who live here as well. Areas like Norfolk and Portsmouth are havens for young professionals. Virginia Beach attracts families, singles, and all who have an affinity for the “salt life.”
Neighborhood Feel
The Southside is a sprawling area with a smattering of all you would expect in a coastal locale regarding home styles and neighborhood vibes. High-rise condos, apartment complexes, colonial-era row homes, and waterfront luxury can all be found in Norfolk. You’ll find affordable historic charm in Portsmouth. Virginia Beach has master-planned suburbs, beachfront bungalows, mansions, condos, and apartments. Farther out from the Norfolk nucleus, you’ll encounter more wide-open spaces in the way of subdivided farmland in Suffolk and a rural refuge in Pungo (Virginia Beach).
Points of Interest
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Neptune’s Park
- Nauticus/USS Wisconsin
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
- Chesapeake Arboretum
- Children’s Museum of Virginia
- Lightship Portsmouth Museum
- Suffolk’s Center for Cultural Arts
- Mt. Trashmore
Big Plus
- If you or your spouse are considering an advanced degree, you’ll have plenty of esteemed universities to choose from in The Southside. Regent University is in Virginia Beach. Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Virginia Wesleyan College are in Norfolk.
- Career-minded spouses find a plethora of employment opportunities in and around Norfolk. Many industries are well represented, and several national companies have their headquarters in Hampton Roads.
- Medical care here is top-notch, with hubs like Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, and Sentara Virginia Beach General.
- The Tidewater is a great place to retire, and many service members and their families try to make this their last duty station and homestead. With so many military installations in The Southside, this is truly one of the most military-friendly areas you’ll find. It’s also an epicenter for the Navy on the East Coast, so extending your tour for several years is possible to provide a little geographic stability for your family.
- Each residential “bubble” is well-stocked with shopping, restaurants, and other amenities, so you won’t have to travel far for essentials.
- Some of Hampton Roads’ highly recommended public, magnet and governor’s schools are on The Southside.
Things to Consider
- Commuting to The Peninsula is unpredictable because of the bridge-tunnels, and there’s no escaping smaller tunnels in and around Norfolk. Locals can zip around and through them with ease, but newcomers and tourists brake for no reason other than anxiety. Plan accordingly.
- Virginia Beach sees an influx of over 100,000 people every summer! Tourists swarm the area during the summer, though they concentrate on the coastal areas. If you need to get around, you may have more luck on a bike rather than in your car, and you need to learn the backroads. But, hey—that’s the price you pay to live in a beach town!
- Living in the military-saturated cities in Hampton Roads comes with some added auditory stimuli. Low-flying jets buzz around almost constantly. Though the “sound of freedom” becomes more muffled as you travel north to The Peninsula, there is no escaping the noise in The Southside.
- Summers in Hampton Roads are hot and humid. Winters are moderate, but can bring snow. The sticky weather, swamps, and marshes are a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Though there are a couple of “suburban” areas like Chesapeake and Suffolk, The Southside is predominantly urban. If you want to be able to walk to a corner store or have coffee at a sidewalk cafe, you’ll have much more to choose from here than on The Peninsula.
- Most of the Tidewater area is low-lying and below sea level. Its location on the East Coast also has a propensity for attracting tropical events. Both of these factors make flood insurance a must for homeowners.
- Be sure that when working with a real estate agent, you hire someone who specializes in The Southside. We’ve already told you about the tunnel situation. People don’t like dealing with them, and that includes showing homes!
Virginia Beach
About
Virginia Beach is the epitome of an East Coast beach town—warm, friendly, and buzzing with tourists. The shopping is a standout perk, boasting higher-end retailers like Lululemon and Anthropologie, gourmet grocers like Whole Foods, and an up-and-coming boutique scene. The restaurants are another attraction, with locally sourced food on every corner, especially those on the Oceanfront. Golf, resorts, concerts, and sporting events round out the entertainment and recreation offerings—not to mention the three-mile stretch of beautiful Atlantic beaches. Virginia Beach hosts the annual East Coast Surfing Championship. Mt. Trashmore is a local favorite, and it’s not as scary as it sounds. Once upon a time, it was a landfill, but it has been filled in and repurposed into a hilly park that children and families enjoy year-round.
Virginia Beach is a sprawling city that extends from the Hampton Roads Harbor to the North Carolina state line. There is a surge of tourists during the summer, but you’ll learn to love them as the locals do. Families flock to Virginia Beach for the short commutes, impressive amenities, schools, and overall quality of life. There’s just something to be said for living by the water! The farther south you go, the more breathing room you’ll have, but with that comes a longer commute from some of the fantastic amenities in town.
Highlighted Areas
- Oceanside
- Chic’s Beach
- Hilltop
- Waterfront
- Sawyer Estates
- Redmill
- Windsor Woods
- Towne Square
Homes
The average home size ranges from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet. Styles of homes vary from apartments to bungalows and from modern split-levels to beachfront mansions.
Commute
Living in Virginia Beach is a no-brainer if you or your spouse are stationed at NAS Oceana, Dam Neck Annex, or Fort Story. From most of Virginia Beach, access to Interstates 264 and 64 is convenient, and most of The Southside is only 20 to 30 minutes away. Living in Virginia Beach is a no-brainer commuting from here to Naval Station Norfolk is also pretty easy due to the absence of tunnels along the way. Commuting to Portsmouth will take a little longer, but you can minimize the tunnel traffic with creative navigation. Keep in mind that several smaller bridges and tunnels are located throughout The Southside, each with a substantial risk of bottlenecks and accidents.
Schools
Public schools in Virginia Beach belong to Virginia Beach City Public Schools. One of the most popular schools is Kemps Landing Magnet. Almost a third of the students in this district are military connected!
VBCPS offers a full-day preschool with transportation for those who meet the criteria and a half-day kindergarten (morning or afternoon sessions depending on the neighborhood) for children who will be five years old on or before September 30 of the upcoming school year. All VBCPS Title I schools provide full-day kindergarten for their students.
Special programs in VBCPS include partial Spanish immersion at select elementary and middle schools and the Green Run Collegiate International Baccalaureate (IB) public charter school. VBCPS even has a planetarium!
Norfolk
About
The first thing to know about Norfolk is how to say it. Nothing will single you out as a transplant quicker than pronouncing it as it's spelled. "NAH-fick" is an inviting urban center with amenities galore. A busy waterfront, parks, art galleries, live entertainment, and professional sports are all at your fingertips. Norfolk's nightlife and restaurant scene are perks for many, and many of the neighborhood's rates are high in walkability. Career-minded spouses love Norfolk for its melting pot of industries and the who's who of national headquarters (Geico, FedEx, and Stihl, to name a few). Old Dominion University and several community colleges invigorate the area with young residents and provide options for spouses interested in continuing their education. Norfolk's borough-like neighborhoods offer just about any vibe you could want. Downtown has skyscrapers, quaint historic districts, and the oh-so-popular Ghent neighborhood. Diverse architecture and neighborhood styles can be found all over the city.
Highlighted Areas
- Ghent
- Lakewood
- Larchmont
- Waterside
Homes
Average home size ranges from 1,200 to 2,100 square feet and could come in the form of a condo, historic townhome, or expensive single-family home.
Commute
Norfolk is in the middle of Hampton Roads. The intricate web of waterways and accompanying bridges and tunnels can take some getting used to. Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Little Creek-Fort Story, and Camp Allen lie within city limits. Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth are all across the Elizabeth River, so you must factor in a tunnel if commuting to one of these installations.
Schools
Public schools in Norfolk are Norfolk Public Schools. Special programs to note in NPS include five middle school specialty programs (including World Studies, Medical, Science and Engineering, and a middle school International Baccalaureate program) and five high school specialty programs (Military Science, International Baccalaureate, Arts, Medical/Health Professions, Leadership, Science, and Engineering).
Twenty percent of NPS students are military connected, and the district has programs like Interagency Collaboration and Wrap-around Services to serve these students. Norfolk Academy is Virginia's oldest independent school and boasts an impressive campus and curriculum.
Portsmouth
About
The city of Portsmouth, pronounced “ports-muth,” lies just west of the Elizabeth River from Norfolk and is similar in many respects, although “P-Town” has a much slower pace. The shipyards, manufacturing plants, and railway terminals give it a rustic, industrial feel. The downtown has an old-world vibe with 1880s-era brownstones and colonials on cobblestone streets. It’s also undergoing a revival emphasizing the local culinary scene. There are pockets of really nice neighborhoods beyond the historic district, but you need to do your homework. You’ll also want to spend some time researching your options if you have school-aged children.
Highlighted Areas
- Churchland
- Old Towne
- Long Point
Homes
Portsmouth homes range from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet on average. The good news is that you can buy a home three times the size of a house in Virginia Beach at the same price!
Commute
Ideal commutes from Portsmouth would be to its resident installations: Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth. Commuting to Norfolk and Virginia Beach is manageable, but you’ll need to go through either the Midtown or Downtown Tunnel. Also, a very inexpensive ferry can take you back and forth to Norfolk. Though it may not be ideal for daily commuting, it’s an excellent outing for visiting family.
Schools
The public schools in Portsmouth belong to Norfolk Public Schools or Portsmouth Public Schools. Portsmouth Public Schools offers a preschool program through the Virginia Bright Start Program. Military children are qualified to participate. Special programs in PPS include the E-Learning Backpack Initiative, which provides high schoolers with a smart device, and STARBASE-VICTORY, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program run in conjunction with the U.S. Navy.
Special programs to note in NPS include five middle school specialty programs (including World Studies, Medical, Science and Engineering, and a middle school International Baccalaureate program) and five high school specialty programs (Military Science, International Baccalaureate, Arts, Medical/Health Professions, Leadership, Science, and Engineering). Twenty percent of NPS students are military connected, and the district has programs like the Interagency Collaboration and Wraparound Services to serve these students.
Chesapeake
About
Chesapeake is a suburban dream with big homes, gated neighborhoods, country clubs, upscale shopping, and fine dining. Once upon a time, this area was all farmland, but now there are subdivisions aplenty. Shopping and entertainment are abundant and recognizable—perhaps a little bland, mostly chain stores. Military families flock to south Chesapeake (Greenbriar, Great Bridge, and Deep Creek) for the schools, shopping, and easy commute to Naval Station Norfolk (tunnels can be avoided).
Highlighted Areas
- Western Branch
- Etheridge Pines
- Cedarwood
- Dock Landing
- Riverwalk
Homes
Homes in Chesapeake range from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet.
Commute
Commuting from south Chesapeake is considered a “hack” of sorts. You can drive to Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Little Creek-Fort Story, and NAS Oceana/Dam Neck without dealing with a tunnel!
Schools
The public schools in Chesapeake belong to Chesapeake Public Schools. One of the most popular schools is Great Bridge Intermediate School. Two desirable programs in Chesapeake are the Hickory schools and Grassfield High School.
Special programs in CPS include an International Baccalaureate program, the Center for Science and Technology, the Science and Medicine Academy, the Governor’s STEM Academy, language study, and a planetarium. Many resources are available to military families through the Chesapeake School Liaison Officer.
The Chesapeake Preschool Initiative (CPI) is a FREE full-day program for children who will be four years old by September 30th and live in Chesapeake.
Suffolk
About
Suffolk (pronounced “suh-fok”) is the epitome of the semi-neglected, small-town America clamoring to get back on the radar. Suffolk is a mix of rural farmland, sporadically scattered neighborhoods, and a quaint downtown. Surprisingly, local chefs are landing this sleepy town on the culinary map with award-winning eateries like Harper’s Table, Riverstone Chophouse, and Vintage Tavern.
The nearby natural playground, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, is a local favorite and defies its gloomy name. If you’re inclined to explore the great outdoors, you’ll love this haven for boating, fishing, bicycling, and bird-watching. Amenities like shopping and entertainment will be a little scarce here, but your day-to-day needs like groceries and restaurants are close at hand.
Highlighted Areas
- Burbage Grant
- Riverfront at Harbour View
- Kempton Park
- Steeplechase
Homes
There is a wide range of homes in Suffolk, measuring anywhere from 1,600 to 2,800 square feet. This will be one of those “more bang-for-your-buck” areas if a brand-new spacious home is a priority.
Commute
Though it seems like a little “out in the boonies,” commuting from Suffolk isn’t that bad. There isn’t much traffic flowing into the Norfolk area from here, and Interstate 264 takes you directly to the heart of Norfolk. You can avoid the tunnels by getting to Virginia Beach through Chesapeake. Your closest installations will be those in Portsmouth.
Schools
The public schools in Suffolk are part of Suffolk Public Schools. One of the most popular schools is Kilby Shores Elementary School. Special programs to note in Suffolk Public Schools include three high school specialty programs (International Baccalaureate, Biomedical Sciences, and Engineering), and middle school students are offered the opportunity to participate in the FLEX learning program (foreign language exploration).
Looking at relocating?
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7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
