So, Household incomes average around $64,017 in Norfolk. Average temperature is around 62°F, so the weather is moderate. Crime rate is something to consider — Norfolk sits at 545.7 per 100K. Rent is about $1,246/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
32 upvotes
31 Replies
Roger P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 3 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are challenging. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited shopping options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Adam Nguyen
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is average in most areas.
38 upvotes
Adam S.
+1
38 upvotes
Jeremiah P.
as a local I can confirm
36 upvotes
Aaron Young
hmm interesting perspective
35 upvotes
miamipapa2026
Moved here last year, no regrets.
34 upvotes
Piper
same here
32 upvotes
Daniel
as a local I can confirm
29 upvotes
Maya Price
Moved here from Baltimore about 8 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to dating scene but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Ava Collins
exactly what I was thinking
28 upvotes
Brooks Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Riverside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
28 upvotes
Daniel Sanders
Came here for retirement and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The safety is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Nova Collins
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Greenfield. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
sdwalker2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 34, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. hit or miss 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
24 upvotes
Arianna P.
bump
24 upvotes
Evan Stewart
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
23 upvotes
Samuel Gonzalez
Moved here from Raleigh about 3 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to food scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
William
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
20 upvotes
Everly Miller
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Mia Flores
spot on
16 upvotes
Thomas
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Aiden
bump
12 upvotes
Jonathan Lewis
been saying this for years
12 upvotes
Eli Cruz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Allison Williams
I've lived in Midtown 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 New York, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- The traffic scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Greyson Morgan
Came here for family and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The dating scene is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Zoe M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Serenity Jackson
I work in manufacturing here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Everly Murphy
haha yep pretty much
2 upvotes
Delilah M.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
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