Moving to Norfolk: Everything You Need to Know About Norfolk, Virginia
Are you considering relocating to Norfolk, Virginia? Then, you are in the right place. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Norfolk before moving there. Let’s begin with the basics.
Location
Norfolk is located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Norfolk is deemed the focal point of the area’s history, culture, and economy. In addition, it is home to critical military establishments such as NATO Strategic Command headquarters and Naval Station Norfolk.
Norfolk neighbors Chesapeake, Newport News, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Poquoson, Hampton, Suffolk, and Williamsburg. This area forms Hampton Roads, with Norfolk being its hub.
Norfolk is encircled by water on almost three sides, making it an excellent water sports destination. With Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay, and Elizabeth River marking Norfolk’s boundaries, residents have a wide range of water-related activity options. The options include swimming, paddle boarding, fishing, cruising, sailing, and kayaking.
The People
Norfolk’s is home to about 246,000 people. This is part of the 1,719,000 residents living in the Hampton Roads metropolitan and using Norfolk as their financial, cultural, historical, and urban center.
As a military or harbor town, most of the residents are affiliated with the port and navy. Expect a lot of military and government presence. There are also a sizable number of expatriates and a growing population of hipsters. This is majorly a blue-collar town with laid-back communities.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Norfolk may be considered average. The national index used by the best places is 100. In Norfolk, groceries score 93.4/100, while transport is at 95.9/100.
The Healthcare score is 113.8/100, with miscellaneous expenses running at 104.2/100. This means healthcare and miscellaneous expenses are the most costly for Norfolk residents.
The average annual household income is about $44,150. If you are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, you may need $84,400 for a modest lifestyle.
Weather
Norfolk has four subtropical climate seasons. In January, the temperatures range between 330 and 480 Fahrenheit. July is humid, with temperatures ranging from 720 to 870.
During winter, temperatures may drop below zero and rise above 1000 Fahrenheit in summer. The bay and ocean regulate the climate, with cool, humid breezes in summer and warm breezes in the cold months.
The average annual rainfall is 46.5 inches, with the wettest months being July to September. During these months, the area records tropical storms, hurricanes, and occasional floods. Expect snow between December and February, with December recording as much as 5 inches of snow.
Due to the significant military presence, Norfolk’s disaster preparedness and response are well-planned and coordinated. All the same, your flood insurance shouldn’t fall behind in premium payments or renewal.
Transportation and Traffic
Highways 1-664, 1-62, and 1-264 serve Norfolk, connecting the town to Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Newport. In addition, these highways connect to other roads that lead to other areas adjacent to Norfolk, making Norfolk very accessible by road.
Some roads run from the town center to connect Norfolk to neighborhoods like Virginia Beach, Northampton, and Newport News. Light rails, Paratransit, buses, and the ferry serve Norfolk and Hampton Roads, while the downtown area relies on Norfolk Electric Trolleys.
If you wish to take a flight, you can use Norfolk International Airport (ORF) or Newport News/ Williamsburg International Airport (PHF). They both provide direct international flights as well as interstate flights.
For passenger cruise ship services, find your way to the Half Moone Cruise Terminal. You can also find rail services at downtown Norfolk Station operated by Amtrak.
Housing Market
Norfolk is known for its affordable homes, enabling most residents to own their homes. Statistics show the median home value in Norfolk is $189,000, and the median list price is $200,000.
Most homes have a waterfront or easy access to water. You can get property in varied styles, from 2-story Gregorian-styled homes with lavish front porches to small-sized vintage cottages that may have 1 or 2 bedrooms.
You can also get sophisticated Condos and apartments. In most compounds, you will find lush green surroundings with mature trees. Rent ranges from $1,339 to $1,566 per month. Houses near Norfolk State University and Ocean View are the cheapest.
Best Places to Live in Norfolk, VA
Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Norfolk:
Larchmont-Edgewater
This is an ideal neighborhood if you prefer classic-looking homes. The homes are built in the
Gregorian style, with a few vintage cottages and apartments.
It is a quiet neighborhood, with 70% of residents owning their homes. The median sales price is about $385,000, and the monthly rent is approximately $2,390.
Ghent
This is a thriving urban neighborhood popular with young professionals. It is a walking distance from the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
Most of the buildings are commercial properties and apartments. Most residents rent their homes at about $1,950 per month. The median sales price is about 323,750.
Colonial Place
This is the best place to get homes with waterfront or water views. It is a quiet neighborhood, with only 19% of residents having children.
The neighborhood is pet-friendly, with ample spaces to walk your dogs. The homes are valued at an average of $271,000, with rent being about 1,240 per month.
What Can You Do in Norfolk, VA?
Sports
If you are a sports enthusiast, you will not lack a league to join as a player. Backyard Sports Club, Hampton Roads Sports Commission, and Club WAKA are a few places to check out. You can also meet an active community of athletes at Running ETC.
If you are a fan, check out the Harbor Park and Scope Arena. Popular teams include the Norfolk University and Old Dominion basketball teams, The Norfolk Tides, and Baltimore Orioles baseball teams.
Entertainment
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs at the Chrysler Hall, with smaller musical performances staged at the NorVa. The Virginia Opera and Harrison Opera
House are ideal for opera lovers.
At the Scope Arena, you will get a variety, from circuses, trade shows to concerts. You can also check out Norfolk’s cultural exhibitions, galleries, zoos, and museums.
Are you wondering where you can buy a home in Norfolk, Virginia? Get in Touch with Bethany
White, the most innovative, reliable, and resourceful real estate company.
At Bethany White, we take you through your home buying process to ensure you get your dream home at the best terms. So call us today for an instant offer on your home.