A Disappointing, mediocre military town
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10/2/2012
I have lived here in Norfolk for over 16.5 years and I would highly recommend that(if you are not a military service member,dependent, retiree, civil servant or DOD contractor) you think twice about moving here for the following reasons below:
1.) Increasing cost of living especially in the real estate market. You pay more for what the home is "worth"(coming from a former homeowner).
2.) High state and local property taxes(i.e.your vehicle(s), business, housing)
3.) Low wages in the private sector outside the military, civil servant or defense contractor markets.
4.) Mediocre school system (some schools are better than others depending on where you live)
5.)The local roads are horrible, not to mention damaging to your vehicles and it seems like construction can never be completed on the interstate (64 and 264) in a timely manner. Traffic has become extremely congested throughout the seven cities almost daily.
4.)The local and city municipalities nickel and dime their citizens heavily to make up for the shortfall in tax revenue.
5.) Their is mass gentrification happening in local communities in Norfolk ( which is not necessarily a bad thing) BUT I believe that they are sending a "message" to working class, low-income families to move out.
6.) Job growth is stagnant(particularly in the private sector). You are either going to be underemployed, unemployed(if you are non-military) for a long time or working for barely above minimum wage.
Overall,I would not move here if you are a newcomer, a college grad(not from here) or a young family(non-military) seeking opportunities for gainful employment or career advancement.
On a positive note, you will love...
1.) The great weather
2.) The Ocean View beach ( great place to bring the kids especially during the summer).
3.) The Norfolk Zoo and Botanical Gardens ( Great attractions)
4.) That Norfolk is relatively close to its neighboring cities (VA Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News). You can drive to each town within 10-15 minutes of other with the exception of Williamsburg (45 minutes).
That's my take. I have been the newcomer, military spouse, veteran, taxpayer and displaced as well. I think Norfolk can do better if the state allows new markets besides the military or the government to revitalize the economy here thus bringing much needed tax revenue and new, sustainable jobs here. When that happens I think Norfolk will be a great place to live. For starters, the "Waterside" can certainly use fresh ideas and business talent.
Chamaine | Norfolk, VA