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Mackenzie Harris
qa
Is public transit usable in Newport News?
Anyone else feel this way? Average temperature is around 62°F, so the weathe
55 upvotes
19 Replies
Abigail R.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Emily Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 37, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 37, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
Ava Collins
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
minneapolisnative2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Emilia Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 33, moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Downtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a nurse, 33, moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Downtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
27 upvotes
milwaukee_josiah
hmm interesting perspective
25 upvotes
Carson Turner
I work in legal here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is underrated. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Hannah Carter
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Sophie Castillo
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much stable but now it's improving.
17 upvotes
emmett_girl
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
Brian A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Raleigh about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Raleigh about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Jackson Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 36, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 36, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
14 upvotes
Gianna Wright
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great BBQ places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
11 upvotes
Avery M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 32, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Eastside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a electrician, 32, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Eastside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
9 upvotes
Katherine Lopez
bump
8 upvotes
Angel W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Joseph Long
same here
6 upvotes
bostongirl2026
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Benjamin C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 26, moved here 2 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Highland and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a nurse, 26, moved here 2 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Highland and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
4 upvotes