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.
Charlotte
Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is North Carolina’s busiest city with over 800,000 residents. Tagged as “Charlotte’s got a lot” by the community, this bustling urban oasis offers diversity, cultural experiences, and endless adventures. Enjoy live performances, family-friendly events, local cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Charlotte offers easy access to major interstates, a public transit line, and proximity to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The city of Charlotte has earned its spot on countless “Best Places to Live” lists for its seemingly endless entertainment options. Catch a live concert at the Fillmore Charlotte, explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame, catch a game at NBA’s Spectrum Theater, explore Discovery Place Science, or ride the rollercoasters at Carowinds. Locals frequent Uptown Charlotte for its local attractions, nightlife spots, and abundant shopping. Uptown is surrounded by a top-notch selection of local breweries, from Sugar Creek Brewing Company to the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Charlotte is a major economic hub that houses numerous corporate headquarters, including nine Fortune 500 companies. Beyond the high-rises of the central business district and lively entertainment venues, Charlotte’s landscape features a mix of picturesque homes, historic buildings, luxury apartments, and lush greenery.
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.
