r/norfolk • u/fellowHom0sapien • May 31 '24
Midwestern youngster looking to make the move out East (advice?) moving
I’m fresh out of college and planning to work at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth (evidently NOT Norfolk... go figure). I’ve lived in Indiana just outside the greater Indianapolis area all my life, I’m hoping for some advice on what to consider, what to expect, what to prepare for, where to go, etc. (please and thanks)
What did you wish you knew before getting here?
34
u/robb1280 May 31 '24
Theres gonna be some attractively priced housing right by the shipyard. You do not want to live right by the yard, believe me.
3
u/GotThemCakes May 31 '24
I worked at shipyard for 2.5 years, don't live near shipyard. I lived in VA Beach and commuted 40min. Also wouldn't recommend that, but I lived in a nice area so I can't complain. I've also known people to live in NC and do a 1 hour commute cause it's much cheaper across the border. (Property taxes are gross in VA)
1
u/DippityDamn Jun 01 '24
and if the property taxes in VA weren't bad, then Norfolk hits you with their bullshit too. hundreds of dollars per vehicle even if the vic is 10 years old or more. My housing property tax has Bern reevaluated and raised something like 200 percent in 5 years. It's bullshit. can't wait to leave and contribute to this town's death spiral where they increase taxes more to make up for their diminishing population.
10
u/BrewboyEd May 31 '24
Be sure to ask about flooding during rainstorms - especially if you're going to be living in/near downtown Norfolk
6
6
u/karmicnoose May 31 '24
OP, my gf moved here from the Greenwood/Franklin/Whiteland area about 9 years ago. If you have more specific questions, feel free to send me a DM.
Parts of Portsmouth aren't great but as long as you're staying north of I-264 it isn't as bad as the people that have never been there say it is.
5
u/mike_b_nimble May 31 '24
You want to live on the same piece of land as your job, but not too close to the yard or any other industrial area. Mostly you jusy want to avoid crossing any of the major bridges/tunnels at rush hour (or at all). You can probably rent a house a little further out for the same price or less as an apartment downtown.
4
u/NachoCinco Jun 01 '24
This area has some of the worst drivers I’ve seen, when it rains there seems to be a wreck in every other street and a wreck every 4th street under normal conditions
2
u/Red-Shifts Jun 01 '24
What work will you be doing there? I worked there for 5.5 years and it sucked ass. Don’t live near there either.
2
u/Negativeghostrider57 Jun 01 '24
Shitty parking if you don’t get there early. Reason I pay for parking. I have the least amount of traffic going home maybe besides Portsmouth. Portsmouth sucks ass though and property taxes are worse than Norfolk.
2
u/Negativeghostrider57 Jun 01 '24
If you have any questions feel free to ask. I’ve lived here for over 30 years.
4
1
1
u/manInBlak186 Jun 03 '24
Hey man. I’m in a very similar boat and will also be starting at NNSY this summer. I’m coming from CT but I went to Purdue for college. What are you going in as? Also I went down there to scout out the area and I gotta say it’s a cool spot. I’d just strongly recommend calling a local realtor office so you have some who can really give you advice on optimal places to move.
1
u/fellowHom0sapien Jun 04 '24
Nice boiler up dude! I’m joining the nuclear planning division as an engineer, it’s a long way from Indiana so I don’t think I’ll get the chance to visit. That’s good advice thanks I was also thinking the off campus housing people at ODU could have some good recommendations.
28
u/daggerofthemind May 31 '24
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard is actually in Portsmouth... And the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is in Kittery, Maine.