[sfmob]

I haven't gotten the official word yet but I will probably be moving/working in Portsmouth soon. I've never been to the area and know absolutely nothing about it. I was hoping you guys could help me out. I'm trying to find an urban/hip/safe neighborhood where it's possible to buy a house around 145000.00 or rent for around 1100. I was also hoping for some general info on the area: nightlife, bars, downtown, music, outdoors etc... Any help would be really appreciated.

[ajfroggie]

Ghent (in Norfolk) kinda fits the "urban/hip/safe" bill, but I have no idea what housing costs are like there, as I lived in Virginia Beach up by Little Creek.

I WILL make this strong suggestion, however: live on the same side of the water as where you work. If your future commute involves a tunnel or a long bridge, plan on a long commute...

[sfmob]

Thanks for the info ajfroggie!

[MattSal]

Yes, I've had the displeasure of driving over a bridge in the Hampton Roads area once before during rush hour.

I can tell you first hand, there is no rush. You can pretty much leave your car parked for the duration of the trip.

[ajfroggie]

You can pretty much leave your car parked for the duration of the trip.

Please do explain this...

[JVB]

If you will be working in Portsmouth, you could live in the Ghent area of Norfolk. You will have to cross through the Midtown Tunnel to get from Ghent to Portsmouth and the traffic is bad in ALL tunnels/bridges in the Tidewater area. In case you haven't noticed, Tidewater is completely covered by water and you have to go over/through bridges/tunnels to get anywhere and it is a pain, unless you know how and when to do it.

The northern Suffolk area would be an easy commute into Portsmouth down Hwy 164, but it's not exactly a hip/urban cool place to live. It's typical suburban.

I don't know that you'll be able to get anything in any part of Tidewater for 145,000 as it has become pretty pricey.

[ajfroggie]

There's some areas of Portsmouth that are rebounding quite nicely (old town in particular)...not sure what the housing/apartment prospects are in those areas, though...