Virginia Beach in a nutshell
-
4/17/2006
Here is my take on Virginia Beach (many categories covered). Naturally, I've written from my point of view (a divorced female (30+) with a 13-year old daughter). Enjoy!
=== Climate. It's a bit humid here, but not much snow. If you're from New England (which I am), you'll find yourself chuckling a bit when school is closed (and work delayed) due to a little more than a dusting. The most interesting about the weather in Virginia Beach is the diversity. You can be under a raincloud and your friend 5 miles away is tanning outside. One motto around here is "if you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes". It's true.
=== Cost of Living. I am rather pleased with the prices here. Virginia Beach is a resort area - but the prices aren't outrageous. House prices soared in 2005, but beyond that ... I think the cost of living is reasonable.
=== Crime. Okay, no matter where you go, there's crime. I'd suggest checking this site's Neighborhood profile for crime. I've always found Virginia Beach to be a safe place - although I wouldn't leave my car doors unlocked (but, I wouldn't leave my car doors unlocked *anywhere*).
=== Culture/Recreation. Virginia Beach has many family-oriented places. Mount Trashmore and the Ocean, Aquarium, Shopping, Ocean Breeze Fun Park. If you're a big sports fan, you may be hurting a bit (I'm not so it's not a problem for me). Virginia Beach does *not* close at 10pm, and many shopping areas are open at 8am.
=== Education. I didn't grow up here and my child is in a "gifted" school - a positive for VA Beach. The coolest part about education is that students can choose a particular school based upon their interests (of course, they have to be accepted). Public schools focus on students interested in Science, Computers, Law ...
=== Housing. Yes, there was a *huge* increase in home prices in 2005. I have a home, so it's not a problem. It's slowed down a bit (homes don't sell in 15 minutes anymore). Homes continue to be built here - and they continue to sell.
=== Religion. Well, Virginia Beach is part of the 'Bible Belt'. Regent University is here. If you don't mind looking at businesses with "fish" on them, you're okay.
=== Transportation. There are buses and Norfolk International Airport is nearby. I haven't taken a bus here so I can't really comment. I do find it easy to get around here - there are many "main roads" - the only difficulty is that some roads change names and then change names back. I'd suggest gettin
Laura | Shippensburg, PA