Safe, Walkable Communities in Hampton Roads? (Virginia Beach, Norfolk: apartments, rental, crime)

[Christinahh]

My family (husband, two daughters, 2 and 4) and I are planning to relocate from Baltimore to Hampton Roads for my husband's job. We are looking for a safe, walkable community and have been coming up short.

Admittedly, coming from Baltimore, our attitude toward crime may be a bit skewed. We lived downtown for six years, loved it, and never had any crime problems. We knew the areas to avoid and were street smart. And fortunate, I guess. For the last year, though, we've lived in a historically lovely but unwalkable, rougher section on the outskirts of town and have been victims of crimes and seen a major wave in our neighborhood. My husband travels about 50% of the time, so our safety and peace of mind are paramount. Still, we do not prefer sprawling suburbs.

We are hoping to find a historical community with a playground, library, independent shops and restaurants that is walkable. So far in our search, we have found safety or walkability-- not both. Any suggestions? We have visited Ghent (in Norfolk) and loved it but are concerned about the crime. Any thoughts on that?

The town is not terribly important as my husband will cover a territory extending from Richmond to Virginia Beach and just needs to live somewhere in between. Proximity to an airport would be nice but is not a necessity. Thanks in advance!

[Mr Williamsburg]

Ghent is nice. For something newer you might try the New Town area in Williamsburg/ James City County. Sort of a brand new version of Ghent with shops, restaurants, movie theater, grocery stores, small parks, and more. Its smack dab in the middle between Richmond and VA Beach. You can rent an apartment or buy a townhome or detached home. Prices start in the lower $200's for townhomes, Apartments start around $1000 a month.

[Caladium]

Safety and walkability sounds like Williamsburg to me. Live in New Town or near William & Mary for the most walkable area.

[LisaHall75]

Do you know what city your husband will be working out of? I've lived in Hampton, Williamsburg and now Virginia Beach over the past 18 years. As far as Williamsburg (which is absolutely beautiful) anywheres from Wmbg-Toano (more country) is nice, but I personally would steer clear of James City County (closer to the Newport News side) that is still part of Williamsburg. We looked at a home there that was beautiful went back at night and was afraid to get out of the car. Surprisingly, it was a total different crowd from day to night . I currently live in Virginia Beach and the Red Mill/Ocean Lakes area near Oceana base is really nice. Depending on how much your looking at paying for buying/renting. Also Va Beach Kempsville is nice near Kempsville Middle school which is located behind the police dept and library. Personally I'd also steer clear of Hampton, Newport News areas, years ago I lived in Hampton and saw a car jacking and had my vehicle broken into and that area has gotten worse. I also own rental property there and can't wait to SELL it! Although this can happen anywhere, but this is my personally experience and my opinion. Best bet is to drive by places during the day then again at night of places you'd like to live. And I'd imagine you'd like to be relatively close to hubbys new job. Good luck to you and hope you find a great home (p.s. I'm SUPER picky about where I live and where my kids go to school)