We just left there after 2 1/2 years. (Granted we were on the peninsula, not in Norfolk itself...)
Ok, keep in mind that we moved there from Alaska.....
-It wasn't THAT expensive...ie. things cost about as much as they did in AK
-There were a bazillion people (again, the entire state of AK has 700,000...Hampton Roads is around 1.7 million).
Pros:
-Lots to do. Good access to national history. LOTS of festivals/concerts, etc in the area.
-Good restaurants.
-Great beach options (we visited 7 or 8 in the local area during our time there).
Cons:
-Traffic SUCKS!!! The roads are poorly maintained. You have to go through a tunnel to leave the area, which are prone to backups.
-Too many people!!! (Again, coming from AK.)
So...since you're already an East Coaster, my people/traffic issue probably won't phase you. If you do look into Norfolk itself make sure you check flood zones when finding housing. There are several parts of town (Ghent in particular) that flood in even the lightest rain. Also, watch the schools. The school district there has been through a couple of superintendents recently and some schools are struggling.
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Amy
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