Norfolk/Portsmouth/Chesapeake area (crime, transfer to, safe area)

[renrenbri]

Hello,

Can anyone tell me if any of these or nearby areas are good for families? The time is getting closer when my daughter will graduate, and my husband will be looking to transfer to a new federal job. I see there are jobs in the Portsmouth and Norfolk areas. However, I have heard that certain areas in VA have unfortunately gone downhill as far as crime goes. Are these areas part of that? Safe area, job opportunites for me (either med office, pharmacy tech, or ophthalmic tech), preferably within an hour or two of a good college, near a bay or ocean would be ideal. I realize we would not be able to afford right on the water, but walking distance would be my dream! I absolutely love the feel of the quaint New England towns of Ogonquit, ME, Portsmouth NH, Mystic CT, Newport RI, Stone Harbor Nj, etc...

[goofy328]

Originally Posted by renrenbri

Hello,

Can anyone tell me if any of these or nearby areas are good for families? The time is getting closer when my daughter will graduate, and my husband will be looking to transfer to a new federal job. I see there are jobs in the Portsmouth and Norfolk areas. However, I have heard that certain areas in VA have unfortunately gone downhill as far as crime goes. Are these areas part of that? Safe area, job opportunites for me (either med office, pharmacy tech, or ophthalmic tech), preferably within an hour or two of a good college, near a bay or ocean would be ideal. I realize we would not be able to afford right on the water, but walking distance would be my dream! I absolutely love the feel of the quaint New England towns of Ogonquit, ME, Portsmouth NH, Mystic CT, Newport RI, Stone Harbor Nj, etc...

Chesapeake is the safest bet. Norfolk and Portsmouth are okay if you have the money to afford a nicer area.

There are sketchy areas in Chesapeake, such as South Norfolk. These are very large cities, with a lot of neighborhoods to consider. I highly recommend living in the same city in which you work, unless you like an hour commute during rush hour.

If you really have to be on the water (or near it) and are considering one of these cities OceanView still has cheaper, relatively affordable properties. As far as those neighborhoods being safe, results will be mixed.