Welcome to Naval Station Norfolk: Your Family's Next Adventure!
Moving can be tough. Especially when the Navy tells you it’s time to go. Naval Station Norfolk is a big base. It’s in a busy area called Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads is made up of several cities. Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth are some of them.
This area is special. It's close to the ocean. There are lots of things to do outside. You can go to the beach. You can visit historical places. You can enjoy seafood. It’s a very military-friendly place. Many people here understand what it's like to move a lot.
Naval Station Norfolk is huge. It has a lot of ships and people. This means there are many services for military families. You will find support here. You will also find a community.
Finding a Place to Live: On or Off Base?
Finding a home is a big part of moving. You have two main choices: living on base or living off base.
On-Base Housing:
Living on base can be easy. You are close to work. Kids can easily play with friends. Balfour Beatty Communities manages the housing on base. They have different neighborhoods for families.
But there can be a wait. Sometimes it takes a few months to get a house. Call Balfour Beatty early. Ask about the wait times. See what kind of houses they have.
Off-Base Housing:
Many families choose to live off base. This gives you more choices. You can pick a neighborhood that fits your family's needs. Here are some neighborhoods within a 15-minute drive of the base:
- Ghent (Norfolk): This is a trendy area. It has older homes and apartments. You will find shops and restaurants. It’s about 10 minutes from the base.
- West Ghent (Norfolk): It’s close to Ghent. It has nice houses. It is a little quieter. It is about 12 minutes from the base.
- Larchmont (Norfolk): This is a popular area for families. It has good schools. It’s close to the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. It's about 15 minutes from the base.
- Colonial Place (Norfolk): This is a charming neighborhood. It has tree-lined streets. You will find many families here. It is about 10 minutes from the base.
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing):
BAH helps you pay for housing. The amount you get depends on your pay grade. It also depends on how many dependents you have. Check the BAH rates for Norfolk. This will help you decide how much you can spend on rent or a mortgage.
Schools: Where Will Your Kids Learn?
Choosing a school is important. You want your kids to get a good education. Here are some good school districts near Naval Station Norfolk:
- Norfolk Public Schools: This is the main school district in Norfolk. Some schools are better than others. Check test scores and reviews. Look at schools like Larchmont Elementary School and Maury High School.
- Virginia Beach City Public Schools: This district is known for good schools. It’s a bit further from the base. But it might be worth the drive. Check out schools like Linkhorn Park Elementary and First Colonial High School.
- Chesapeake Public Schools: This is another good option. It’s a growing area. It has many new schools. Look at schools like Butts Road Intermediate and Grassfield High School.
There are no DoDEA schools on Naval Station Norfolk. DoDEA schools are for military families. They are usually on bigger bases overseas.
Cost of Living: How Much Will It Cost?
Norfolk's cost of living is close to the national average. Some things might cost more. Housing can be expensive, especially near the water. Groceries and gas are similar to other places.
BAH helps with housing costs. But you should still make a budget. Think about all your expenses. Include things like daycare, car insurance, and entertainment. This will help you see if you can afford to live in Norfolk.
Spouse Employment: Finding a Job
Finding a job is important for many smover spouses. Norfolk has many opportunities.
Major Employers:
- Sentara Healthcare: This is a large hospital system. They hire many people in healthcare.
- Newport News Shipbuilding: This company builds ships. They hire engineers and skilled workers.
- Old Dominion University: This is a large university. They hire teachers and staff.
- The City of Norfolk: The city government hires many people. They need people for different jobs.
Remote Work:
Remote work is becoming more popular. See if your current job lets you work remotely. You can also look for new remote jobs online. Many companies are now hiring remote workers.
Military Spouse Hiring Programs:
There are programs to help military spouses find jobs. The Military Spouse Preference program helps spouses get federal jobs. The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program gives money for education. This can help you get a new job.
Getting Settled: Making Norfolk Home
Naval Station Norfolk has many things to help you get settled.
- Commissary: This is a grocery store for military families. It has lower prices than regular stores.
- PX (Post Exchange): This is a department store on base. It sells clothes, electronics, and household goods.
- MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation): MWR has many programs. They offer activities like sports, trips, and classes.
Local Community Groups:
Joining a community group can help you meet people. Look for groups based on your interests. There are groups for moms, book clubs, and sports teams. Check out the local YMCA or community center.
Finding Your Agent: Buying Sight-Unseen
Buying a house from far away can be scary. You need a good real estate agent.
Verified Sales Data:
Make sure your agent uses verified sales data. This means they use information about homes that have already sold. This will help you understand how much houses cost. It will also help you make a good offer.
Why It Matters:
An agent with verified sales data can help you find the right house. They can also help you negotiate a fair price. They can be your eyes and ears on the ground. They can help you make a smart decision.
Moving to Naval Station Norfolk can be a great experience. It has a lot to offer military families. Take your time to plan. Do your research. And don't be afraid to ask for help.
What are you most excited about experiencing in the Hampton Roads area?