Expert: Helen Date: 6/30/2007 Subject: Wanting to relocate from Puerto Rico
Question Hi Helen,
I am originally fron NYC and relocated with my husband 4 yrs ago to P.R. I love it here, it's beautiful, but the crime rate is steadily rising and it's becoming uncomfortable. I visited Virginia Beach about 6 yrs ago and absolutely fell in love. The people are great, as is the beach. I'm considering relocating to V.A. in about 1 yr with my husband and 2 yr old boy (whom are both HUGE baseball fans) I am also expecting our 2nd child in March. Helen, I was wondering if you could help me with my decision. I want to be close to the beach (maybe 20 min away) but close to the city as well (remember I'm from the big apple), you know...shopping, restaurants, movies, shows etc.... What cities/towns can you recommend? It's very important that the crime rate is LOW and that the schools are great. Also, I'm concerned about jobs, I am an experienced sales executive and waitress/bartender, are there any jobs for me in V.A.? My husband speaks enough english to carry on a conversation and he is a professional drycleaner as well as a baker (though he can do just about anything). Also, since I will have a newborn baby, what is childcare like there (cost etc,...)? But one of my biggest questions is housing....In NYC a 2 bdrm apt can easliy run you $1,000-$1,500, whereas in P.R I rent a 2bdrm for $400-$600. What is rent like in V.A.? Oh, and, how far is the drive up to NYC? I should mention that we are both in our late 20's and would love to live in a community with neighbors in our age group (though not crucial).
Please help and thank you in advance for you time.
Denise
Answer Hi Denise,
I hope I can answer some of your concerns. To begin with, Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia. There is unbelievable shopping, places to visit,Zoo, Museums, Parks etc. We have the same concerts that NY has, only ours are cheaper to attend. The oceanfront offers free entertainment for the entire family. The recreational facilities for you and your family far surpass anything you can get, and afford in NYC. I say that because I am from New York City, and have lived down here since 2000. I drive back frequently, and it takes 7 hours, The ride is easy, and no problem, [ 2 hours of the ride is on the NJ turnpike, the worst part].
As for where to look, I would say Virginia Beach, second choice would be Chesapeake. Avoid Norfolk. As for which areas, it's a city, so please feel free after investigating the area to ask for advice. We are surrounded by water. The closer you are to the water the more expensive the housing. Everyone here has easy access to the beach and water no matter where your home is- it's free. As far as rentals, I'm not that familiar with costs, but I'm going to guess for 2br, in a nice area [they all have pools], figure $800-900. There are many places that rent homes also. Do check with realtors or on-line [www.move.com/virginiabeach]is one website when you are exploring the area. If you belong to a church, ask what branch is here, and I'm sure they could provide guidance on what's available locally. Great things for your child to be involved in are available, and also it's a young area, so although I am personally not familiar with child care options, I know that every Church and the city Recreation centers offers them. I don't see that as a problem. I also feel that you will not have too much difficulty with getting employment in the area. It is a city with many restaurants. Your husband should also encounter little difficulty in his field of work. Try to visit and check out the location prior to making a decision. I would be glad to help with an opinion once you decided on which areas you're considering.
You will love it here. I'm saying that as a New Yorker.We do have a triple AAA ball team here, and up to this year it was the NY Mets, but they left, and now it's the Baltimore Orioles.
Hope this information helped, and feel free to ask for any additional information.
Helen
