I have lived in Norfolk, VA for 39 years (1982-2021) and it is home. Yes, there are sections of Norfolk especially in the downtown area that are kind of what you have described but, every city in the US has areas like that...yes, the weather is a challenge especially in the summertime, welcome to the south and to the east coast. The food, the local flavor, the neighborhoods and the atmosphere in most parts of the city is awesome. I love the Bayview/Chesapeake Blvd area as it is clean, quiet and our street is one that you can leave your car doors unlocked at night..great neighbors and neighborhoods. Nothing like the beaches in Oceanview or the eclectic vibe down on the waterside area in downtown. Perhaps, you should open your eyes and your mind, Norfolk is magical afterall we have Mermaids everywhere!
Jo | Norfolk, VA | Report Abuse

Most of the neighborhoods in Norfolk are high-crime, especially property crimes and violence, and the houses look run down and dirty. Because there are so many rivers and creeks, there are rats absolutely everywhere, as well as mice, and some of the biggest spiders I have ever seen are everywhere. Most of the people are not especially nice, the neighborhoods are not well segregated, and there is soooooo much property crime almost everywhere, it's ridiculous.
Marnie | Lawton, OK | Report Abuse