Expert: Helen Date: 7/7/2006 Subject: daily life through the seasons in Virginia Beach
Question Hi Helen,
I've been perusing your thoughtful answers to the questions posted. I like the idea of having an insider to provide firsthand information! I grew up in CT and have lived 24 years in VT. I'm growing tired of the cold, and it doesn't appear busy enough, although it was a nice reprieve from hustle and bustle of CT. Sight unseen, I've zeroed in on wanting to live in VA Beach area for some reason. My questions have to do with winters mostly -- like what's the average cold temperature, how much and how often does it snow, what does the city clear the snow with (salt, sand, mix), and how long would you say winter lasts? Also, when is peak tourist season, and does it appear the city rolls up its sidewalks when it's off-peak? Aside from the vastness of the ocean, are there areas of farmland and meadow in the area to break up the cityscape? Is the terrain mostly flat? And finally, why did you relocate from NYC? I know these are lots of questions for you to answer, so thanks in advance for your time. Christa
Answer Hi Christa,
Hope I can answer all your great your questions. Freezing cold down here is when it's in the forties.Weather in winter is quite inconsistent, 70 one day, 45 the next. Snow doesn't happen just a threat of flurries [ which excites the locals]. They did get a freak snow storm several years ago when the entire South got hit. What I enjoy is no ice, no snow, but you do have winter, just milder. Snow cleanup- the sun. The ground is much warmer so if flakes fall they generally melt. Since they don't really get snow, there is no cleanup. They never use snow tires down here. Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia. It is very cosmopolitan - theater, concerts [same ones as in NY], great restaurants, and better shopping than I had up north. There is always something to do. When do the sidewalks roll up - never. Tourist season is generally Memorial Day to Labor Day with big bashes at the ocean front. Heavier traffic during the summer. The city is vast. It is surrounded by the ocean [great beach], the Chesapeake Bay [great beach - this is where I live], and to the South of Virginia Beach- the country Pungo beautiful farmlands - strawberries, peaches, blueberries, etc. The center is the town center with alot going on, always. Why did I relocate? Well, 15 years ago, I was visiting a family member in college down here and loved the area. I purchased a condo that was being built on the Chesapeake. We came down during the winter months whenever we could get away from work as an escape and tried to spend most of the summer. I've been down here permanently since 2003. I never thought of going anywhere else. I'm an independent consultant and still work occasionally in NY but set my schedule so I drive up several times a year, and never in the winter. Since relocating here, many of my family members have also come down. What's not to love. Hope I answered your questions. Need to take a long walk on the beach now, let me know if you need any additional information.
Helen
