Hey everyone, I relocated for work and With a population of 25,962, Norfolk is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Norfolk sits at 129.6 per 100K. Median household income is $62,175, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
9 upvotes
6 Replies
Jaxon
it depends on the neighborhood
40 upvotes
Nova Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 2 years. Moved from Raleigh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are underrated. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Leah Ward
haha yep pretty much
21 upvotes
Mason
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Oak Park area are underrated. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Sadie Nelson
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
16 upvotes
Isabelle Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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