Unless you're working in D.C., I'd think twice abo
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8/15/2006
Norfolk is an old city, and the apartments are from the 40's-60's. This means bad plumbing, very few dishwashers available, outdated eletrcial not capable of handling much (and badly-placed outlets as well), bad cellphone reception indoors, and the cost of everything is rising, rising, rising...then there's the general pet policy: none allowed. Some apartment complexes have no amenities whatsoever except off-street parking.
On-site laundry facilities will leave you wanting as well, because of the pipe issue and the cost of water--you will be strongly encouraged to do your loads elsewhere.
If you want convienience and modernity, you'd be better off looking at Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. Pets are allowed, but it'll cost you plenty on top of already exhorbitant rents for the area.
City councils here are extracting ungodly sums of money in the form of property taxes (both personal and real property) to make up for budget shortfalls and the Oceana Naval Air Base debacle--this whole region is WAY too dependent on the navy for an economic base. I wonder what they're going to do when the Ford plant shuts down for good.
Be prepared to drive, drive, drive--the bus system has absolutely no logic to it unless you live downtown, decent shopping places are far-flung, and so are services. Norfolk has become the bedroom community to Virginia Beach and other cities north up I-95, which means large and convenient facilities are not located here--jhere is where you come home to escape (supposedly). Prepare yourself for ignorant drivers, equally ignorant police who don't even use blinkers, and lots of traffic problems in the morning and evening commute--"stupid driver tricks." And forget trying to evacuate during a hurricane warning--too many of us and too few ways out of here. That is the time to batten down and break out the Boy Scout skills.
Gas is cheapest at the warehouse store pumps--Sam's, BJ's, and Costco. It can be as much as .10/gallon cheaper than regular stations. The navy base charges the same as out in town (a Citgo franchise), so don't think a bargain automatically exists.
Unless Uncle Sam and the Navy sends you here, I'd avoid it if I were you--there are cheaper, more fulfilling places to live in this country. I myself am on the hunt for a new place to call home.
heidi | Norfolk, VA