Hampton Roads = Armpit of Virginia
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3/21/2011
I've lived all over the world and the U.S., and Hampton Roads is by far the worst place I've been thus far. I've been here for 10 years and can't wait to escape. Cost of housing is outrageous when compared to the salary levels. An average 3-bedroom apartment will run you close to $1500. Traffic is awful. Car accidents every single day, and always at the same intersections.
Buying a home in a decent school zone isn't going to happen for a single-income family, unless the breadwinner is an executive. Townhomes in York County are going for $200K.
There's not much to do here either. The beach is garbage. Cold, murky water with sand trucked in and masses of tourists from the northeastern states. We have a few parks right next to the Interstate, which is great if you don't mind enjoying nature with highway noise in the background.
Commuting to Norfolk/VA Beach for a decent salary means contending with tunnel traffic. Plan on a 35-45 minute commute each way- and that's if no one breaks down in the tunnel or on the bridge.
David | Yorktown, VA