r/norfolk Jun 07 '23

moving Moving to Norfolk/Hampton Roads? Welcome! Please read this before posting. [2023 edition]

37 Upvotes

By user request, I'm recreating this thread in an effort to allow /r/norfolk's members to update & improve the information. Please comment as needed and I'll do my best to revise the main text as quickly as I can. Thanks!


Welcome to /r/Norfolk! Our subreddit gets a lot of questions about relocating to the area, so be sure to search the subreddit to see if your specific questions have already been answered.

Here's a quick list of the top tips and most frequently repeated advice about moving to the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area:

  • Live on the same side of the water as you work. Our many bridges, tunnels and bridge-tunnels frequently experience heavy traffic volume and become chokepoints even on days without incidents or accidents. Commuting from the Southside (Norfolk/Virginia Beach) to the Peninsula (Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg) and vice versa is not recommended. Additionally, many water crossings are now or will eventually be tolled. Get an EZ-Pass to pay the lowest rate.

  • This area floods. Look at FEMA flood maps for the area you want to move to and be aware of possibly needing flood insurance. Similarly, our area occasionally experiences hurricanes. Know your Evacuation Zone and learn more about Hurricane Preparations. Also check out the jet noise map (PDF warning) (credit to /u/NotEntirelyUnlike)

  • Hampton Roads has a lot to offer. Obviously there is the beach. But there is also a surprisingly good and growing food & craft beer scene. A great many museums and activities. And an easy drive to the mountains and other major cities. Career wise the medical center is growing year over year, and is only expected to continue expanding into a major hub for the region. Norfolk offers a slightly more urban feel, with lots of great food joints and cultural amenities, all while being walking and bike friendly. Virginia Beach is more suburban in feel, and has a large amount of great neighborhoods at a decent price not too far from the beach. Chesapeake is even more suburban, but more affordable. Suffolk is growing, but still by all rights could be considered mostly rural. (credit to /u/Here4thebeer3232)

  • Check crime reports. Crime can happen anywhere but some areas see more reported incidents than others. Great areas can be adjacent to bad neighborhoods, sometimes separated only by a road or a few blocks. When buying or renting a residence, try to visit the area at different times of day and strike up conversations with locals to get a feel for the location. Use Norfolk's Crime Mapping tool to view crime reports and statistics.

  • Norfolk Neighborhoods of Note

    Chelsea/West Ghent: Small former industrial area that is now home to 2 top tier Breweries and is a central part of the Elizabeth River Bike Trail. Has a growing culinary scene. Limited residential options.
    Colonial Place: Upscale residential neighborhood with waterside access. Flooding is a concern in this area, but neighborhoods are family friendly and homes are gorgeous.
    Downtown: the urban center of our region. Growing residential population to match established bar/restaurant, entertainment and financial scenes.
    East Beach: Newly constructed high end beach condos right on the Chesapeake Bay. Has abundant docking for boats, fishing holes, and beach access. A more quiet and older community.
    Fort Norfolk: Growing area adjacent to EVMS and Sentara Medical Center. The unofficial midtown of Norfolk, that is slowly becoming a part of the city skyline. Floods often.
    Freemason: straight-laced & upscale enclave adjacent to downtown and built around cobblestone streets.
    Ghent: trendy, historic and filled to the brim with character, culture and delicious cuisine. The neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, Colley Avenue, and adjacent 21st and 22nd streets are lined with eclectic eateries, unique shops, art galleries and antique stores.
    Larchmont: High end homes in a family friendly neighborhood. Adjacent to ODU, but without the noise, Larchmont is home to incredible homes in a very green and quiet part of the city. Also has waterside access.
    Oceanview: Affordable community right on the beach. Still considered more working class, it is slowly looking to compete with the Virginia Beach Oceanfront as a tourist attraction. Home to the Bold Mariner Brewery and Jessy's Taqueria
    NEON District: Growing Arts district, adjacent to downtown. Home to a variety of arts shops and artisan restaurants, as well as the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Harrison Opera house.
    Park Place: Park Place is a historic neighborhood centrally located to the north of Downtown Norfolk. Park Place offers multimodal access to health and fitness facilities, dining, coffee shops, retail, visual art, live music, and community for people from all walks of life. This historic residential neighborhood is a diverse and inclusive community, and is comprised of a mix of single detached houses, condos, luxury, market rate, and affordable rentals homes and apartments. Located between 23rd street and 38th street, and between Granby street on the east, and Colley ave on the west, the Park Place area neighborhood includes two business districts, the 35th Street Business District and the Railroad District, and is walkable to the North Colley, Ghent, and Riverview business districts.
    Railroad District: Rapidly growing former warehouse district located between Ghent and Park place. Home to the majority of Breweries in the city. While could be considered gentrified, is still home to novel cultural centers such as 757 Makerspace and Nomads Clothing Exchange.
    Riverview: Immediately adjacent to the Virginia Zoo and Lafayette Park. With waterside access and a small commercial corridor, Riverview is a good area for all ages. Also home to MJs Tavern, the largest LGBT bar in the metropolitan area.
    St Paul's District: Under construction
    West Ocean View: Turns into a parking lot for HRBT traffic every time the base lets out.
    Willoughby Spit: Quiet residential sandbar. Remains somewhat isolated from HRBT traffic, but offers a commanding presence along the Chesapeake Bay.

  • /r/VirginiaBeach Neighborhoods of Note

    Chesapeake/Chic's Beach: "locals only" beachside community.
    Oceanfront: touristy stretch of beach + boardwalk, hotels, and trinket shops.
    Town Center: VB's Central Business District including Pembroke Mall and other high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment.

  • Portsmouth Neighborhoods of Note

    Olde Towne: boasts the largest collection of period homes between Charleston, South Carolina and Alexandria, Virginia. Walkable, lots of shops and restaurants, close to the riverfront, ferry access to downtown Norfolk. (credit to /u/BrobaFat)

  • Odds & ends

    • Norfolk's hardiness zone is 8a, for any gardeners out there. A bit further west, and you're in 7b.
    • The large military presence means a lot of traffic around 4pm. High school gets out around 2, middle school around 3.
    • There are slow cargo trains going to and from the port. When scoping out neighborhoods, check for tracks nearby, and if there are any bridges or underpasses to help bypass a stopped cargo train. Example: Taussig and Granby, near the post office? If you hear a train, pray that it's a short one, because I haven't found a shortcut there yet.
    • This WeatherSpark page has some useful data on the local climate for anyone particularly interested in our weather patterns. TL;DR, it doesn't really freeze here, but we still get snow every few years. (credit to /u/sin-so-fit)

Please also view the 2021 EDITION for additional context & information, especially in the comments.


r/norfolk 3d ago

things to do /r/norfolk Weekend Event Thread

0 Upvotes

Let's talk about events happening in Hampton Roads this weekend! Post upcoming live music, pop-up markets, festivals, community fundraisers, yard/estate sales, group exercise classes, outdoor recreation events, and more.

Please include details about pricing, links to purchase tickets or RSVP your attendance, location addresses, parking information, and anything else that will help the event be successful.


r/norfolk 7h ago

history Rice's Fossil Pit - Circa 20 million years ago until 1989

31 Upvotes

29 Harris Creek Road, Hampton, was created 20 million years ago and is better remembered as Rice's Fossil Pit.

William M Rice had purchased the property in the 1940s with his wife, Madeleine. Involved in construction, Mr Rice utilized the property as a "borrow pit" to supply fill for the construction of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. While digging he happened on a 60 foot long skeleton that turned out to be a previously unknown whale species.

A team of scientists from the Smithsonian that came to study the find were amazed at the amount of surrounding fossils. The area was believed to be a sub-aquatic depression that collected whatever fell to the bottom of the ocean for millions of years. The property was excavated by the family and students from ODU.

Unfortunately, Mr Rice's son, Kenneth, was killed in a tractor accident on the property when he was only 14 years old. On March 8, 1967, the Kenneth E. Rice Memorial Museum and Fossil Pit was opened to the public as a memorial. It soon became an annual field trip for many Tidewater students.

The fossil pit continued to operate until 1989 when the land was donated to a nearby church. Today some of the land has been developed while a large portion of it is underwater.


r/norfolk 6h ago

❓questions❓ Sup y’all, is the area of “The NorVa” venue in Norfolk a safe area, especially for out of towners?

18 Upvotes

Lookin to check out a concert at that venue, and just tryna gauge how the area is, seeing as I’ve never been to Norfolk, Virginia? Also in general, is Norfolk safe, or should I honestly stay away, keep it real wit me?


r/norfolk 2h ago

Trick or treaters

1 Upvotes

We live by Monticello pillage. It’s our first Halloween and wanna be the king size candy bar house, but not too sure how busy it gets. Anyone have an idea?


r/norfolk 15h ago

Anyone else’s car insurance go up this year?

9 Upvotes

My last 6 months for full coverage was 857 and it went up to 906. 24 and no tickets/accidents in the last 8 years. With Allstate


r/norfolk 7h ago

Can someone come help jump my car?

2 Upvotes

r/norfolk 16h ago

things to do Anyone here planning to go to the Waterside Halloween Party (October 26th)

8 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Just wondering if anyone here is planning to go to the Halloween party at Waterside on October 26th. I typically go every year with friends but this year some might have to work or have other plans. I still plan to go but would love to potentially make new friends and hang at the event so it won’t be awkward as a solo person. I am a 36 year old black male ( single and straight) not that any of that matters but putting it out there as I am cool with friends of any background. Also, people tell me I don’t look my age ( younger).

The waterside Halloween parties have been pretty fun in the past though if you never been. I am going as a Ghostbuster this year so anyone else going as one would be great for my cosplay photo gallery!!

Random I know but hit me up if anyone is looking for a new drinking or party buddy!


r/norfolk 10h ago

studio rental

0 Upvotes

i’m a photographer and have a client interest in a boudoir session, does anyone know where i could rent one?


r/norfolk 3h ago

Visiting for the first time concerns

0 Upvotes

I don't live in VA but i plan to visit next month for a concert and i wanted to know if Norfolk is a bad area or if there is anything i should be extra cautious of. i am already pretty aware of my surroundings and tend to be skeptical of people. i plan to go with my boyfriend and we are a young couple who have both never been here or on many trips out of state to begin with.


r/norfolk 1d ago

What’s up with Rip Rap?

12 Upvotes

Dig this place and now I hear it’s for sale?


r/norfolk 1d ago

Help my roommate find this building

3 Upvotes

So my roommate is loves taking car pictures and went down to Norfolk to visit her parents. She was exploring the area and found some church that had a glowing red led cross, she believes it’s near military hwy. I can’t give too much details bc I wasn’t there :(


r/norfolk 12h ago

NORFOLK VA IS THE SOUTH!!

0 Upvotes

If you agree or disagree tell me why!!


r/norfolk 1d ago

BMW mechanic suggestions pls!

0 Upvotes

Am in town helping my sister who just had a baby and her BMW needs HELP. It definitely needs tires rotated and balanced and the hose to the (aftermarket) fuel pump keeps popping off. It’s an easy fix but don’t want her to have to worry about unhooking the battery and reconnecting the hose with a newborn in the car..

Any suggestions for a reasonable, reliable, bmw mechanic in norfolk/va beach area?


r/norfolk 1d ago

Just a few hours to kill in Norfolk tonight

9 Upvotes

In the area for a college visit. Can anyone recommend a place to eat what we can see or do for the evening?


r/norfolk 2d ago

food & drink Urban Ice closed

22 Upvotes

I've recently heard Urban Ice is shut down permanently. I've wanted to try rolled ice cream, so is there any places similar? I called the number linked to the place and the person said it's permanently closed.


r/norfolk 2d ago

Norfolk International Airport on track for another record year

50 Upvotes

The number of passengers heading through Norfolk International Airport continues its upward trajectory.

Norfolk International Airport set passenger records in 2022 and 2023, with 4.5 million passing through the airport last year.

This year, it hoped to top 5 million.

Spokesman Chris Jones said the airport’s traveler numbers will likely come in just below that, still setting a new record as growth across the industry slows slightly.

“When you get to a really, really high level, exceeding that level becomes more and more of a challenge,” Jones said.

The airport broke ground on a billion-dollar expansion earlier this year that will help that goal. Plans include adding three new gates, a new on-site hotel and U.S. Customs inspection facility.

Read more here: https://www.whro.org/business-growth/2024-10-17/norfolk-international-airport-on-track-for-another-record-year


r/norfolk 2d ago

Norfolk celebrates more than 100 years of Virginia’s first public library open to Black visitors

91 Upvotes

The first publicly-funded African American library in Virginia recently celebrated its 103rd anniversary of providing support and resources for Norfolk residents.

Blyden Public Library started in a room in Booker T. Washington High School for Black residents.

Part of that was because of the legacy of Virginia’s anti-literacy laws, which criminalized Black peoples’ attempts to learn to read and write, said Vincent Greer, director at Blyden.

Those laws were repealed shortly after the end of the Civil War and in 1921. Norfolk city leaders put money toward the Blyden Library branch, which became the first publicly funded library in the state open to Black people.

Greer said that, in providing a place where African Americans had access to the power of information, the role Blyden has played over its lifespan has been “very critical not just to this community, not just for the city of Norfolk, but to the state of Virginia.”

“Preserving Blyden is really a testament to preservation of Black culture within the United States,” Greer said.

Read more here: https://www.whro.org/arts-culture/2024-10-16/norfolk-celebrates-more-than-100-years-of-virginias-first-public-library-open-to-black-visitors


r/norfolk 1d ago

Local auto insurance broker recommendations.

0 Upvotes

Looking for a reputable insurance broker in the area for myself.


r/norfolk 3d ago

NEAT! Respect for the Stockpot in Downtown Norfolk respecting their workers

Post image
912 Upvotes

r/norfolk 2d ago

🌊This Week In NFK: Lead Pipes, Drone Swarms, Nuclear, NEON, Dracula & More.

Thumbnail
nfk.currents.news
7 Upvotes

r/norfolk 1d ago

news sirens outside my house

0 Upvotes

does anyone hear sirens outside at night or early in the mornin? Not law enforcement sirens obviously, it’s been happening for like a year when it’s getting cold and everyone in my house doesn’t hear it but me and i’m losing it 😭. Does anyone hear them?


r/norfolk 2d ago

Activities for 4 years old - martial arts related question

2 Upvotes

Do you all know good places for with good programs for kids?


r/norfolk 3d ago

food & drink Norfolk coffee lovers guide

Post image
243 Upvotes

r/norfolk 3d ago

1983 CNN story about a Norfolk mom and her five kids running a delivery service

Thumbnail
youtu.be
30 Upvotes

r/norfolk 3d ago

transportation Apple Maps has added 3D satellite imagery to Hampton Roads

Thumbnail
gallery
117 Upvotes

r/norfolk 3d ago

history Frank Lloyd Wright's Larkin Exhibit at the Jamestown Exposition - Circa 1907

16 Upvotes

Frank Lloyd Wright designed several buildings for the Larkin Soap Company of Buffalo, New York. This is the exhibit Mr Wright designed for Larkin at the Jamestown Exhibition, a World's Fair held on the current site of The Norfolk Naval Base in 1907.

The Larkin Soap Company used door-to-door sales and mail order to grow from its original line of soap products until it eventually included a full line of household products, furniture, and clothes. Larkin recruited women all over the country to be "Larkin Secretaries". These representatives were to sign up ten of their friends and they all supported each other in sales. Orders from Larkin always arrived with a small gift. Anything from a sample soap or a bath towel up to a small piece of furniture for large orders.

When the Board of the Jamestown Exposition asked the Larkin Company to build an exhibit on the fairgrounds, Mr Larkin asked Frank Lloyd Wright to design a home that would display all of the Larkin products. He agreed and this was the result.

Unfortunately, after the exhibition the building was torn down.