5 Things to Consider When Buying a Home in Hampton Roads

You are thinking about making Hampton Roads your next home, but which community is right for you? This tapestry of 7 cities (and then some) offers so much diversity and opportunity you'll need to do a little research to make the best decision. We've put together a list of criteria that might help you narrow down your search and find the community that is a perfect fit for you!

1. Over the river and through the woods...

   When deciding where to buy, one of the first considerations should be your commute. While it may not be necessary to live where you work, you will want to consider how long it takes you to get to and from work. Everyone has their own idea of what makes a good commute and how long is too long. All things being relative, if you are moving from a larger city with massive traffic, Hampton Roads traffic may not seem that bad. If you once had an hour or longer commute, 30-45 min may seem like a cake walk. You need to figure out what is too much for your peace of mind. If possible, it would be a good idea to test the drive from your prospective neighborhood to your job during the hours you would be commuting. The interstate system in Hampton Roads is laid out in a circle meant to provide easy access to each area of Hampton Roads. The tunnel and bridge systems connect the cities divided by the many waterways that surround Hampton Roads. Know your commute before you buy.

2. The Power of Education

   Parents of school-age children rarely consider a move without considering the impact on their kids. Fortunately, Hampton Roads is home to some of the best schools in the state. This is another highly personal issue and every parent has to choose a school system based on their own criteria. Are you interested in public schools with college-bound curriculum? Maybe private schools or faith-based schools are your priority. With so many cities to choose from, the possibilities for great education abound here in Hampton Roads. The internet is a great resource for researching schools. Sites like https://www.greatschools.org rate both public and private schools, though not all are rated. If you are relocating with the military or your company, you may want to ask others who are already living here where they have their children enrolled. Word of mouth is often a good way to get information. Whatever your form of research, make sure you consider the issue of schools when choosing the area to buy your next home.

3. What's Your Vibe?

   Every corner of Hampton Roads has its own vibe. When you are trying to decide the best location for you and your family, you need to consider what your vibe is. Are you the Olde Towne downtown kind of people who like to wake up and walk to your favorite coffee shop? Look for locations with high walkability scores. Downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth are two potential areas to check out if that describes you. Maybe you're more of a countryside dweller. There are many areas in Hampton Roads that offer that vibe, even in Virginia Beach, (think Pungo). And you can surely find acreage that gives you a country feel in Suffolk and parts of Chesapeake or over on the Peninsula. Are you moving to Hampton Roads because you want to live in a seaside village? There are so many neighborhoods that offer that vibe. Obviously, Virginia Beach has many oceanfront neighborhoods. But don't be fooled into thinking that's your only choice. Norfolk's Oceanview and East Beach have been gaining popularity with new developments and improvements.

4. What's Your Rhythm of Life?

   Along with your vibe, you need to consider how you and your family live life. Are you outdoor enthusiasts who love to have kayaking, hiking, and biking nearby? Maybe you are in the young family stage of life where playgrounds, pools, and strong community involvement are important to you. If you are the amusement-park-season-pass-holder or history buff, the Peninsula cities place you closer to the kinds of things you enjoy doing. If you are a person who loves to be surrounded by the arts, consider the neighborhoods in Norfolk or Virginia Beach that celebrate the arts. Though its true you can live anywhere and still get to whatever you enjoy doing, if you consider some of the ways you and your family live, you may end up choosing a location that flows more naturally in your rhythm of life.

5. What is Your Dwelling Style?

   Now that you've considered some of the issues that narrow down the area of Hampton Roads you want to live in, you need to be thinking of what kind of house you are looking to buy. If you are into restored vintage architecture, Hampton Roads has so many historical areas to choose from. Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth...the cool old houses are mostly found in town. Though there are surely some farmhouses out there too. Maybe you are thinking condo or townhouse. Or if you are handy, you could be looking for that hidden jewel to fix up into the home of your dreams. You need to figure out if you want to check out existing homes or new construction. The type of home you are interested in will narrow down your list even further.

Below is a quick view of the 7 major cities that make up Hampton Roads:

Virginia Beach - The area's largest city with miles of beaches, golf course greens and an exciting Oceanfront boardwalk. Oceana Naval Air Station is located here.

Suffolk - divided into north and south, the city has both new developments and a charming old town section where residents maintain their local, southern hospitality.

Portsmouth - The smallest, yet most centrally located city houses Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and affords nice Olde Towne and waterside vistas.

Norfolk - A regular utopia for today's u

banites, this city is a melting pot of industries, architecture styles, and cultures. It is also home to the largest naval station in the world, Station Norfolk.

Newport News - Visit the Virginia Living Museum and explore the diversity in this multi-faceted city.

Hampton - Home of the Virginia Air & Space Center, this unassuming bayside city is chock-full of character. Joint Base Langley-Eustis is located in Hampton.

Chesapeake - A sassy suburbanite's dream complete with country clubs, shops, fine restaurants, and entertainment.

Hampton Roads is a diverse area with so many desirable locations to consider. We have experienced agents who are experts on the many different cities who would love to show you around and help you narrow down your list. Call us today and see what we can do for you!