Any information on this are is appreciated. I have a job opportunity in this area. I have done some initial investigation but would like some local feedback if possible. I have just recently returned from the Williamsburg area and found it very nice. Given the work location of Harbour View Blvd in Suffolk, feedback on any of the following would be appreciated:
- Suggested family friendly communities within a 20 minute commute.
- Good/Bad area schools
- Low/High crime areas
- Small town character
- House lots greater than 1/4 acre

Thanks for any and all feedback.

ttt

ttt. Help

I think you're looking for information about Suffolk but the comment about Williamsburg throws me a bit.



Have you done a search here on Norfolk and Chesapeake? I think there have been some recent ones regarding relocation. A number of the communities nearby (Windsor, Franklin, Smithfield, Isle of Wight) are small and/or rural becoming less so. Can't comment on the schools there but I do know a number of families who've headed for those places to get away from more urban areas like Norfolk.

Wish I could help more. Except for the 20 minute commute, Williamsburg meets your criteria. For that matter, the 20 minute commute might be your show stopper. While it's nothing like the DC area, traffic and commutes are a growing issue here. Ditto increases in home prices.

Good luck fielding some more replies!

Thanks! I only mentioned Williamsburg because I really liked the area and would love to find a similar area closer to Suffolk. I will check into the other area's you have mentioned.

Are Smithfield or Chesapeake within a 20 minute commute of Harbour View Blvd in Suffolk? How about the schools in these areas? Thanks

Have you looked in southern Virginia Beach, west of the Pungo area?

I will check that area out. I am in the midst of planning a weekend visit to the area. My plan is to have a couple of area's of focus so I don't waste my time checking out area's that don't fit my criterea.

VA Beach is a huge city in area. I tend to think of it as being quite urban, and within 4 miles of the bay and ocean. But it probably extends 25 miles south of the bay. Its municipal complex is, from my perspective, out in the country south of the bay maybe 20 miles. There is development around there within the last ten years, and you might find a development or rural area there which has schools, and which is a back-road commute to Suffolk

What about the Chesapeake area. In particular South Chesapeake around the Hickory High School district. My wife and I have done some research and seem to think this would be a possibility. I'm a little worried about the average commute time. Any idea?

Oddly enough, Hickory High School was in the regional news recently as a candidate for redistricting in Chesapeake (growing population, new high school being built). Here's a Virginian Pilot article about the redistricting. There's a contact point for the article. He might be able to give you more insight:

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories...835&ran=130000

The most obvious route to Suffolk from that part of of Chesapeake should take about 30 minutes but is almost certainly going to involve travelling on three very busy highways (664, 464 and 264), all major commuter routes. Don't know how that will impact driving times or if there are any back road commutes.

A 20 minute commute in the Hampton Roads area just isn't a gimme anymore unless you work and live in the same neighborhood. The advice we were given when relocating here was to visit during the week and do the drive. Having done so (and easily eliminating one of two jobs because of the congested commute), I strongly recommend you do the same. Good luck!

Great advice. Thanks so much!

The good news is that I've returned from the area with a job offer in hand. The bad news is that I'm not sure the area is right for me. The housing prices were higher than I expected and the schools seem to leave a lot to be desired. I looked into private schools but couldn't afford it for all 3.
In any case, I'm looking into the York county area and am considering a quick trip. I've heard that the commute could be made in 30/35 minutes. True?

Thanks

cctraveler, I think a 30-35 minute commute in NON rush hour from York County to Suffolk sounds reasonable. Sounds really dubious in rush hour but I don't drive that part of the peninsula everyday, so I'm not the expert. The major arteries are I-64 and then 664 over the Monitor Merrimac Bridge/Tunnel. Both (esp. the former) are potential choke points.

Congrat's on the job offer. Wish I could be more encouraging about the commute.

York County school's are good.

Just an update. I've moved to Poquoson and found the commute to be great. 25 minutes in and around 30-35 minutes out. I really like Poquoson so far. It has a small town feel which is exactly what I was looking for.

CC:
welcome to Virginia!!!

Welcome to Hampton Roads, cctraveler! Thanks for updating...I thought for sure you were headed for Charlotte.

Poquoson is a great place. Also glad to hear the commute is within your tolerance level.

Dear CC Traveler,

I would be interested in talking with you or anyone living in the Poquoson Virginia area. We are considering a relocation to there from Pittsburgh PA and I have a ten year old special needs child and desperately seeking advice on schools and the area. Please contact me at [email protected] Many Thanks Mary