Firstly why Norfolk, Virginia?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Norfolk
• State: Virginia
• Population: 244,703 people
• Norfolk’s quick summary would be Known for its major naval base, the Norfolk Naval Station, and the vibrant waterfront at Waterside District.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 18,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 20,000 annually
• Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 800

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a rich naval history and vibrant waterfront attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Norfolk Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 50%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $52,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Norfolk is $64,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $12000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Norfolk’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,575
• Property Tax %: 1.15%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Ghent
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Norfolk, Ocean-View, Ghent, West-Norfolk, and probably could include East-Norfolk
• Avg. Age of Homes in Norfolk: 67 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Norfolk’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Norfolk are  Government, Military, and Education
• Norfolk Job Scene: strong job market in military and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech landscape with strong emphasis on defense contracting and local services , ,
• Norfolk Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Norfolk: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Norfolk

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-64 runs through Norfolk connecting it to the coastal area
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on I-64
• Transportation Score: 51 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Norfolk: 81,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 6 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Norfolk: dmv.virginia.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Norfolk International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Norfolk’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Norfolk is best described as hot humid summers mild winters with frequent precipitation
• Winter Weather in Norfolk i’d describe as cold with occasional rain
• Spring Weather in Norfolk can be described as mild and rainy
• Summer’s in Norfolk are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Norfolk is usually cool with bright skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 18 days in summer
• Days in a row in Norfolk below Freezing: 1
• Average Annual Rainfall: 43 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality largely affected by coastal activities
• Norfolk Winter Air average air quality often affected by industrial emissions

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Norfolk Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Norfolk 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Norfolks’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Norfolk Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Norfolk Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Norfolk only Doctors is about 100
• Local Hospitals here is  8
• Full-time Norfolk only Police Officers is about 500
• Crime Rate Index: 60/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Norfolk’s Monthly utility bill average is $110
• Norfolk’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• Norfolk’s Water Quality Score: 76

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Norfolk

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: naval base with a mix of cultural offerings and waterfront activities
• You might enjoy concerts at the Constant Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Norfolk  features a dynamic nightlife with vibrant bars clubs and cultural events reflecting the city’s maritime heritage

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Norfolk

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local seafood and a range of dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Norfolk
• The Popular Sports Team is Norfolk Tides
• Top Level Political Climate in Norfolk can be described as politically diverse city with a focus on economic development
• Norfolk’s Longer standing religious establishment is Norfolk United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Norfolk Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Norfolk has 40 Parks?
• Norfolk Botanical Garden is Norfolk’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Norfolk Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, parks, and water activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Norfolk Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Norfolk can be described as active urban lifestyle with a focus on culture and military influence
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Norfolk visiting local attractions exploring parks picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Norfolk are Norfolk 10 miles away Portsmouth 9 miles away Virginia-Beach 17 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Norfolk or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on I-64. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Norfolk’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Ghent is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Norfolk are Norfolk 10 miles away Portsmouth 9 miles away Virginia-Beach 17 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 60 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Norfolk has 1 days in a row below freezing and 18 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Norfolk people have an average (positive or negative) $12000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   800 homeless people living in Norfolk. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically diverse city with a focus on economic development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Norfolk.

Retiree & Senior Life in Norfolk

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive tax breaks tailored to help them manage expenses
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Waterford at Virginia
• Norfolk Senior Center provides health resources meal programs and various activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Norfolk, Virginia?

If Norfolk, Virginia ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Norfolk, Virginia, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!