Norfolk
Bordering the Chesapeake Bay and the Elizabeth River in southeastern Virginia, Norfolk is the second most populous city in the state. This coastal oasis is home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American Headquarters for NATO, keeping with the city’s long history of strategic military and trade operations. But it’s not all business in Norfolk. There’s no shortage of things to do in the city. Being a renter in Norfolk affords you the opportunity to stroll through the lush Norfolk Botanical Garden, explore the latest exhibits at the Chrysler Museum of Art, and enjoy riverfront views at Town Pointe Park. Sports is a prevalent appeal to the area, with the Norfolk Admirals hockey team playing at Scope Arena. Families appreciate the kid-friendly fun in the city, like visiting the Virginia Zoo. After you find your affordable apartment in the city, you can tour the USS Wisconsin Battleship, browse the shops at MacArthur Center and the Norfolk Premium Outlets, and enjoy outdoor recreation and waterfront relaxation at Ocean View Beach Park. Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University give the city a youthful presence, offering a scenic campus and prestigious courses. Traveling and commuting from Norfolk is as easy as ever with access to the Norfolk International Airport, Interstates 64, 264, 464, and 564, and the various train stations throughout the city.
Portsmouth
Situated directly across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk, Portsmouth is a vibrant city steeped in its deep historical roots. The heart of the city is Olde Towne, which stretches along tree-lined High Street with a slew of delectable restaurants, charming cafes, and specialty boutiques in historic brick buildings. The expansive Children’s Museum of Virginia, the largest children’s museum in the state, is also located in Olde Towne. History buffs delight in Portsmouth’s numerous specialty museums, including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, Lightship Portsmouth Museum, and the Railroad Museum of Virginia. Portsmouth is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, a United States Navy facility that is both historic and active. A host of scenic parks keep Portsmouth residents active, such as Paradise Creek Nature Park, Portsmouth City Park, and Churchland Park. The many shopping opportunities in Portsmouth also keeps residents active, with retail destinations like Victory Crossing Shopping Center and Chesapeake Square Mall in close proximity. Access to multiple interstates and the Elizabeth River Ferry makes getting around from Portsmouth simple.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a large city of nearly half a million people, perched on the Atlantic coast between Chesapeake Bay and the North Carolina state line. Supporting a thriving local economy of its own, Virginia Beach is also a popular home base for folks who work in neighboring Norfolk and beyond, largely thanks to the incredible array of things to do in your down time. The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts attracts major national performers and Broadway musicals, as well as popular local and regional acts. Throughout the year, you can always catch live shows at Farm Bureau Live, the city's 20,000-seat outdoor concert amphitheater. During the summer, Atlantic Boulevard comes alive at night; family-friendly street performers line the street, and bands play at a number of stages set up on the beach, in parks, and on the boardwalk. Virginia Beach also has a wide array of exciting entertainment options for adults, including bars, nightclubs, and live music venues, especially in the Town Center neighborhood and along Atlantic Boulevard. Of course, the undisputed favorite attraction for most locals is still the beach itself, a gorgeous stretch of sand perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean.
