Norfolk 81 Exceptional
Norfolk Livability #50 ranked city in Virginia#1,291 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Norfolk

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

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What's it like Living in Norfolk?

Norfolk, Virginia is a big city with a population of 244,300 residents. In Norfolk, there are 4,586 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Norfolk is known to be an ethnically diverse city. The two most common races are White (46%) and Black or African American (41%). The median age of all Norfolk residents is 31, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Norfolk is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 41%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Norfolk will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Living in Norfolk can be a good experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Virginia, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Norfolk, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, health & safety and more.

With a livability score of 81 out of 100, Norfolk is ranked #984 in the United States and #43 in Virginia. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Norfolk could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Norfolk ranks better than 90% of all US cities! For each of the livability categories, we see that Norfolk ranks very well for cost of living (B+), education (A-) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Norfolk. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (F).

Norfolk has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Norfolk has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Norfolk are: Virginia Zoo, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and Chrysler Museum of Art.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Norfolk schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 68%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Norfolk an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Norfolk can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Norfolk. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Norfolk are affordable. Median real estate prices in Norfolk come in at $215,800, which is 13.1% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Norfolk, the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 7.9% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Norfolk

See all the best places to live around Norfolk

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Compare Norfolk, VA Livability

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      Norfolk transportation information

      Statistic Norfolk Virginia National
      Average one way commute21min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.8%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.1%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.3%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk9.9%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home4.6%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Norfolk, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).