What can you tell me about Norfolk neighborhoods?

H-e-a-t-h-e-r

Just from driving around I'm getting a sense of where we want to be, but what can you tell me about the Winona/Lafayette area?  Is it considered a safe/nice neighborhood or should I scratch it off the list?

Thanks!

R&B3-26-05

Norfolk is in the process of re-inventing itself.  I think that is one neighborhood in the middle of a transition.  Some parts are better than others.  Same goes for parts of Ocean View.  Have you looked at Talbot Park? Ghent (although pricey) might have some places you'd be interested in.

H-e-a-t-h-e-r

R&B3-26-05:

Norfolk is in the process of re-inventing itself.  I think that is one neighborhood in the middle of a transition.  Some parts are better than others.  Same goes for parts of Ocean View.  Have you looked at Talbot Park? Ghent (although pricey) might have some places you'd be interested in.

I love Talbot Park, Belvedere, Lakewood, and Larchmont - but holy house prices Batman!  Winona looks like it has the same feel, just a bit rougher around the edges (and with more house for the money).  I'm not opposed to buying in a neighborhood on the upswing - just trying to make sure it's not on a downswing. 

What can you tell me about Chesapeake?  Is it all older families and empty nesters, or are there late 20s/early 30s couples located there as well?  We're looking closely at the community this time around - we bought our first house in a community where we were closer in age to the kids than the adults.  We had great neighbors, but we're trying to make it easier on ourselves to meet new people and make friends.  We've ruled Virginia Beach out - the housing prices/traffic/commute to work would make it a nightmare for us.

R&B3-26-05

Chesapeake is more family-oriented, but there are younger people around too.  It depends on what you're looking for and where you're looking.  Greenbrier--close to the mall, interstate, and other shopping has a mix of homes and condos.  Great Bridge and Hickory have lots of homes.  Indian River and Oscar Smith areas have a good mix as well, but some areas are better than others.  Western Branch is close to Portsmouth and seems to be in a transition period.  We chose a neighborhood with single family homes because we want to start a family and we were tired of living in condos and apartments with no privacy or space. 

Oriam

I like the Lafayette area of Norfolk. There are some beautiful homes there. But with Norfolk...you can be in a good area one second and then drive down the road and be in the Ghetto.