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Maya best-worst

Things that make Norfolk unique

Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
8 upvotes

10 Replies

Declan Chavez
I've lived in Greenfield for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The weather scene is decent

The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices

Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
William Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Cedar Grove for 9 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Joshua Baker
Saving this thread
31 upvotes
Camila Long
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
raised_delilah25
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Brielle Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a chef, 43, moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Fairview and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.

**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
22 upvotes
Michael Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Pine Hills for 3 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
charlotte_julia
not my experience at all
10 upvotes
Ruby Wood
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
2 upvotes
Maverick K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a lawyer, 53, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Houston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
0 upvotes
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