Norfolk, Virginia

[Catherine Vincent]

My niece will be moving there in a couple of months to be with her husband who is in the navy. She is barely 20 with a baby and have never lived outside of Houston before. Can anyone tell me how the atmosphere is there? We are from Texas so it may be the same although metro Houston is different than the rest of Texas.

I am sure it's very red there. Any tips or warnings I can inform her about? Thanks!

[BonnieJW]

1. It's very nice

We lived in Tidewater for 21 years before moving to Northern Virginia ten years ago. I would recommend living in Virginia Beach rather than Norfolk because the schools are better. Chesapeake is nice as well.

[Catherine Vincent]

2. Thanks for responding.

My niece had never been to Virginia so we don't know the state. I will let her know about Virginia Beach. Do you know how far it is from Norfolk? As far as I know they will only be living there for about four to six years. Thanks for the info on VB and Chesapeake. :hi:

[Catchawave]

3. Find the Ombudsman for her husbands attachment.....

She needs to contact him/her before she makes a permanent move! Nothing better than getting advice directly from the Navy families!

One so young with a baby and a husband who may or may not be around most of the time, she definitely needs a support group in place, or stay put with family in Houston.

This is a fabulous area to live in....but like every great area, you must have the income to live safely and comfortably.

Here's a link you might want to check out too:

http://www.navyadvancement.com/navy-relocation/navy-relocation-norfolk.php

Feel free to PM me if you need more help :hi:

[Calliope]

4. I live and work in Norfolk and love it

Depends on what she is looking for as far as Va Beach vs. Norfolk. She definitely needs to follow Catch's advice and contact the ombudsman.

[marions ghost]

5. Norfolk went for Kerry

Va. Beach went for Bush. It's about 50-50 there as far as lib-conservative. However I doubt there's much regard for Rummy and the Commander-in-Thief at this point in the Navy circles around Norfolk. Regardless of who voted for whom, the deafness of the current administration to military concerns is something everybody can agree on. Norfolk is very receptive to Navy families and I think your niece will have no problem finding friends and a good support system. It's an interesting area, especially for those who like the coast.

[Moloch]

6. Norfolk is a blue city with a rich and colorful history....

Lots of beautiful places and stuff to do.

and if I'm not mistaken, Houston is a red city...

[Daylin Byak]

7. Actually the city is pretty Democratic

I think Houston is is in four congressional districts and 3/4 are repersented by Democrats.

The city is made up of moderate Democrats it's just the suburbs are completely repuke, that's why you thought Houston is conservative.

[LetsThink]

8. Election is Choice Betw People Who Stand Up to Power and....

"This election is a choice between people who have been instruments of power and people who will stand up to power," Webb said. "For the first time in history, the success of the stock market is not reaching our working people at all. We've seen a tremendous migration of wealth in this country."

Hampton Roads
Webb to members of the NAACP 10-20-06
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/20/AR2006102001406_2.html?nav=rss_metro

[Captain Hilts]

9. Choose Norfolk. Va. Beach is miles upon miles of souless suburban sprawl

that she will be lonely in and far away from other folks.

And he won't want to make that commute to the base, if he's stationed at NOB, that is.

My brother in law taught English at Maury and at Cox and he said that the kids at Cox weren't all that smarter, just better dressed.

[marions ghost]

11. It is a shame

what happened to Va. Beach. One of the worst examples in the country for unregulated development. A tragic loss of the best features of a unique environment. Nothing was spared.

[Blue_Tires]

12. yeah

i've been here most of my life, and many of the changes have been painful to watch

[carolinayellowdog]

10. Norfolk and Portsmouth have a lot to offer

Chesapeake is my home town but I would never go back there-- miles of soulless suburban sprawl, just like Virginia Beach. Norfolk and Portsmouth have historic architecture and low cost housing. If they like a beach area, Ocean View in Norfolk is close to the base.