Alright, I've been here for 14 years and With a population of 235K, Norfolk is a mid-size city. Median household income is $64,017, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider — Norfolk sits at 545.7 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Worth the trade-offs? TIA! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
44 upvotes
2 Replies
Serenity
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Sunset and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. excellent 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
32 upvotes
Ann R.
Bought a house here in 2020 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
All Countries
