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Norfolk & Virginia Beach Area PCS Guide

Hampton Roads consists of seven cities including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News.

This area can be challenging to move to because there are numerous military bases with limited base housing which causes many military families of all ranks to live off base. Military members will find many choices about where to live and need to understand the tunnel system, HRBT (Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel), that can cause long commutes. 

Military Bases in the Hampton Roads Area

Hampton Roads is home to the world's largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk, and has 15 U.S. military bases in the area. This region has over 80,000 U.S. active-duty military members, one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the U.S. Below is a list of the major Hampton Roads military bases along with a map.

If you're making a PCS move (Permanent Change of Station) to the area, it’s important to research the area ahead of time and figure out the best place to live. Factors to take into consideration are commute time, the tunnel system, type of home or neighborhood, school system, and proximity to the beach or bay.

Hampton Roads Navy Bases

Hampton Roads Army Posts

Hampton Roads Air Force Base 

Langley Air Force Base (part of Joint Base Langley- Eustis)

Hampton Roads Coast Guard Bases

DOD in Hampton Roads

What is Hampton Roads, VA?

Hampton Roads is broken into tw0 sections called North Hampton Roads and South Hampton Roads.

North Hampton Roads consists of:

South Hampton Roads (also known as The Peninsula) consists of:

Additional cities located in North Hampton Roads (on the Peninsula) are Yorktown and Williamsburg.

 map of military bases in the Hampton roads area

Image courtesy of MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc. 

Things to Know Before a PCS Move to Norfolk / Virginia Beach Area

1. No matter where you chose to live in Hampton Roads, make sure you understand how the tunnel systems will affect your commute. 

2. Housing prices can be expensive in this area. The further you live from urban areas, the more square footage you will have for a better price; however, the military member will have a longer commute. 

3. Remember a lot of the areas close to the water are expensive and price per square footage is typical for a resort town.

4. Don’t judge a book by its cover! Some of the older, less updated homes are expensive for a reason. They may be located in a great area or a highly rated school district. 

5. Military housing is limited in the Hampton Roads area. 

6. Military health care/TRICARE: There are a lot of military treatment facilities in the area, however there's a large population of active-duty, military retirees, reservists, and their dependents in the area so wait times for appointments may be long. 

7. Whether you're looking to buy or rent a home, you may want to use a realtor to help you navigate the area. Be prepared to make sacrifices when choosing a home. Check out our directory of military friendly REALTORs. 

  1. Norfolk, VA

Norfolk blends pockets of charming historic neighborhoods with areas that require more caution, like any city. Its distinctive colonial-style homes set it apart from neighboring Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. The city features a vibrant downtown, anchored by skyscrapers, shopping, and an array of dining options. Granby Street serves as the bustling heart of downtown Norfolk, offering eclectic shops, eateries, and nightlife, transforming from a daytime shopping hub to a lively evening destination with martini bars and cozy lounges. Further north, Colley Avenue and 21st Street attract a mix of college students from nearby Old Dominion University and local families.

See things to do in Norfolk along with reviews from other military families. 

Popular neighborhoods in Norfolk: Larchmont, Ghent, East Beach, Colonial Place, Lafayette Shores, Riverpoint, Talbot Park, and a lot of new condo and apartments near Granby and 21st Street. Read reviews about neighborhoods in Norfolk.

Estimated commutes from Norfolk VA to:

Norfolk Naval Station: 10-20 minutes

Little Creek Base: 10-20 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 30 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 15-20 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 30-40 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis: Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

Norfolk Public Schools: The Norfolk Public School system is generally well-regarded. Many military kids thrive in this environment, as the key is finding the right fit for your child’s needs and learning style. Be sure to explore the schools and determine which one aligns best with your child’s needs.

Private schools such as Ghent Montessori, St. Gregory, Christ the King, Norfolk Christian, Norfolk Academy, and Norfolk Collegiate, are great options.

Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach is the most populous city in the state of Virginia. It is very spread out with a different feel to each area. The different areas in this guide are: Oceanfront Area, Chesapeake Bay Area near Little Creek, Town Center Area, NAS Oceana Area, Courthouse/Amphitheater, Indian River, South Holland Road, and Kempsville Area. (See map below)

where to live in Virginia Beach

1. Oceanfront Area 

Virginia Beach is bordered by water on two sides, offering a quintessential beach experience. The Atlantic Ocean features a lively boardwalk lined with restaurants and bars. In past years, the Oceanfront boardwalk has undergone changes, with spots near 32nd Street revitalized with charming boutique shops and restaurants. The area is heavily tourist-driven, often crowded and pricey. For a more relaxed vibe, head to Rudee Inlet, a great spot to enjoy a meal by the water while avoiding the tourist crowds.

Neighborhoods near the Oceanfront: Click to read reviews for neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius of the Oceanfront. (download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 30 minutes

Little Creek Base: 20 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 5-10 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 20-25 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 45+ minutes, tunnel and a toll

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

 

2. The Chesapeake Bay Area near Little Creek Base 

The North side of Virginia Beach is the Chesapeake Bay. This area is where more locals live and the bay water is perfect for small kids. There aren’t waves or an undertow to worry about. If you are a big surfer, this area is not for you. There isn’t a boardwalk up this way, but instead residential areas with pathways to the beach. Chick’s Beach and the Shore Drive area are very popular with locals. When looking on a map, ‘shore drive area’ is typically Shore Drive between the Lessner Bridge and First Landing State Park, while Chick’s Beach is west of Lessner Bridge off Pleasure House Road.  This area is very desirable because it’s close to the water and has lots of restaurants and nightlife. Schools are great here and there is quick access to water, which makes home prices a little bit more pricey around the Chesapeake Bay. A good mix of singles, couples without kids, and families with kids live in this area.

 

Neighborhoods near the Bay: Click to read reviews for neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius the Chesapeake Bay Area and Little Creek Base. (download the full guide for maps)

 Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 20-25 minutes

Little Creek Base: 10 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base:15-20 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 25-30 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 40 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

 

 

3. Town Center Area 

Virginia Beach doesn’t have a typical downtown area, however they have cleaned up and remodeled the Pembroke area off Virginia Beach Blvd, called Town Center. Some people refer to this as the downtown of Virginia Beach. Town Center has it all, from big chain restaurants to little boutique shops. This was built about 5 years ago with the intent to clean up the Pembroke Mall area. Since this revitalization, they are remodeling the mall and just added a Target and Old Navy.   I really like Town Center because it’s centrally located and architecturally pleasing. It’s not a big area but it’s packed with lots of great shops and restaurants.

Neighborhood near Town Center: Click to read reviews for neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius from Town Center. (download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 20-30 minutes

Little Creek Base: 10-15 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 15-20 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 35 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 40 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns. 

4. Areas near Oceana Base

Another popular area of Virginia Beach is South of NAS Oceana. This area has a mix between old homes built in the 50s and newer construction. Red Wing Park is a great place to throw the football and run around. The areas south of Oceana look like typical suburbia, however there are some nice planned communities, as well. This area is constantly growing. Pungo, a more rural town, touches this area of Virginia Beach.

Neighborhoods Southeast of NAS Oceana: Click to read reviews for neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius of NAS Oceana. (download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 40 minutes

Little Creek Base: 25 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 5-10 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 35 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 45+ minutes, tunnel and a toll

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

 

5. Courthouse Amphitheater Area 

Another area is called the Courthouse Area or Amphitheater Area. This area is off Princess Anne Road and there are a lot of new developments going up in this area. Landstown Commons Shopping Center is close by. Since building this shopping center, this area has built up a lot in the past 3 years. For convenience there is a new Princess Anne Hospital and ER just across the street. If there is a chance your spouse could change bases within Hampton Roads then this is a great area to live.  You will be centrally located to everything within a 20 minute radius.

Neighborhoods near the Courthouse and Amphitheater: Click to read reviews for neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius of the Courthouse and Amphitheater Area. (download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 25-30 minutes

Little Creek Base: 30 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 20-25 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 20-25 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 40 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

 

6. South Indian River Road 

The Indian River area of Virginia Beach is a large area with new planned communities and new construction homes. This area has had huge growth over the past couple of years. Some areas don’t have easy access to the highways, however you can get a bigger home for a reasonable price. You may pass some farms in between the growing areas as the newer construction is taking over.

Neighborhoods Near Indian River: Click to read reviews for neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius from South Indian River Road Area. (download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 30 minutes

Little Creek Base: 25 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 25 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 20-25 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 45+ minutes, tunnel and a toll

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

 

7. South Holland Road Area 

The South Holland Road area is centrally located with many amenities nearby such as Landstown Commons Shopping Center and Lynnhaven Mall shopping area.  There are many different neighborhoods located off South Holland Road (see map). While this area is centrally located between many different bases, it’s far from highway access, which can cause longer commutes when dealing with stop lights.

Neighborhoods Off Holland Road: Click to read reviews for neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius of South Holland Road Area. (download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 35 minutes

Little Creek Base: 30 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 30 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 30-35 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 45+ minutes, tunnel and a toll

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

 

8. Kempsville Area 

Kempsville is a more central area, which encompasses a lot of neighborhoods and newer constructed planned communities. It is a great location if your spouse will be going to different bases in the area. It also seems to have more reasonable home prices. Providence Road and Indian River Roads have a lot of strip malls with restaurants and shopping. This area doesn’t have as much character as some of the other areas, but it’s still a nice place to live.

Neighborhoods near Kempsville: Click to read reviews for neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius from Kempsville area. (download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 30 minutes

Little Creek Base: 25 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 25 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 20-25 minutes, tunnel and a toll

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 45+ minutes, tunnel and a toll

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

 

Virginia Beach Public Schools: Virginia Beach Public Schools are very good. They have an academy system where students can test into different academies located within the walls of the other public High Schools. Read more about Virginia Beach Academies, Virginia Beach Public School Ratings.

Chesapeake

Chesapeake, Virginia has a suburban feel and many military families live in this area. In Chesapeake, you can get more home for your money with a lower price per square foot and good schools. The only downside to Chesapeake is the commute to many local bases. Chesapeake is broken up into four distinct areas (Greenbrier Area, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Western Branch) (See map below)

where to live in Chesapeake

1. Greenbrier Area 

The Greenbrier Area of Chesapeake is located just south of the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach and adjacent the Indian River area of Virginia Beach. It is called the Greenbrier area because there is a shopping mall called Greenbrier and many big box stores near the mall. This is a large shopping area with all the amenities you could need. This area is popular for its central location to all bases. This is a nice area, however some of the schools in this area have average ratings compared to other schools in Chesapeake Public Schools. Research each school for a better idea of the quality of schools.         

Neighborhoods near Greenbrier: Read reviews within a 5 mile radius from Greenbrier.

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 25-30 minutes

Little Creek Base: 25 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 35 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 20-25 minutes (quickest route may have toll)

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 25-30 minutes (quickest route may have toll)

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

 

2. Deep Creek 

Deep Creek is an area of South Chesapeake located West of 64. This area has larger homes for less expensive prices. Deep Creek prides themselves as having more of a small town feel in the suburbs.  Schools here are known to be very good. This is a very desirable area to live, however it’s further from the bases so you trade more square footage for a longer commute.

Neighborhoods Near Deep Creek: Bryant Farms, Cedar Creek, Cedar Point Meadows, Creekwood, Deercrossing, Kings Gate, Deercrossing, Kings Gate, Mariners Pointe, Marsh Creek, Mill Creek Harbor, Mill Creek Harbor, Miller’s Run, New Mill Lanindg, Olde Mill Run. Sawyer’s Mill, Ships Crossing, The Landings, The Meadows. Read reviews about neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius of Deep Creek.

Chesapeake Map of zip 23323 - (Click here for photos of the neighborhoods and download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 30-40 minutes

Little Creek Base: 35-40 minutes

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 40-45 minutes

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 25 minutes, (quickest route may have toll)

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 25 minutes tunnel (quickest route may have toll)

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

3. Great Bridge 

Great Bridge is another area of South Chesapeake located East of 64. This area has larger homes for less expensive prices. This area has a suburban feel with a tight knit community. Many families don’t leave Great Bridge area, except for the commute to base. This area has many amenities so you don’t need to drive far to find a grocery store etc. This area is known for excellent state of the art schools within the Chesapeake Public School System.

Neighborhoods Near Great Bridge: Berkshire Estates, Cahoon Plantation/Las Gaviotas, Cheshire Forest, Etheridge Pines/Woods, Ravenna, Stonegate. Read reviews about neighborhoods within 5 mile radius of Great Bridge.

Map of zip 23322 - (Click here for photos of the neighborhoods and download the full guide for maps)

Map of zip 23320 neighborhoods off Dominion Blvd / Hwy 17:

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 25-30 minute commute

Little Creek Base: 25 minutes commute

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 35 minute commute

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 20-25 minutes (quickest route may have toll)

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 25-30 minutes (quickest route may have toll)

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – Must use a tunnel. Read about the tunnel systems and traffic patterns.

 

4. Western Branch 

The location of Western Branch is very west from the other locations in Chesapeake. (See map of Chesapeake) This area is a great area to live if you need access to Portsmouth, Newport News, or other areas surrounding the westside of Norfolk. Western Branch has a suburban feel with nice planned neighborhoods. Chesapeake Square mall is located near Western Branch and has many stores located in the mall and a lot of big box stores surrounding the area. This area has good schools within the Chesapeake Public School System. (The Churchland area of Portsmouth and the northern part of Suffolk are located near Western Branch)

Neighborhoods Near Western Branch zip 23321: Braddock Landing, Davds Mill, Dock Landing, Dock Landing Pointe, Goose Creek Estates, Jolliff Woods, Miars Plantation, Olde Woodeland estates, Tyre Neck, The Crossing. Read reviews of neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius of Western Branch.

(Click here for photos of the neighborhoods and download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 30 minute commute through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

Little Creek Base: 35 minutes through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 40-45 minute commute through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 20-25 minutes

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 15 minutes

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – 20-30 via Monitor Merrimack Bridge Tunnel

    1. Portsmouth

1. Downtown Area 

Portsmouth is a very diverse city with many different parts. The Downtown/Old Town area is cute and historic. It features many museums, such as the Children’s Museum and Sports Museum. Portsmouth Naval Hospital is located near downtown and there are some streets with cute homes and upcoming neighborhoods. Usually families who live near downtown Portsmouth don’t have kids due to the poor schools in the area. Other parts of Portsmouth are run down or have an industrial feel. Read reviews about neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius of Downtown Portsmouth.

2. Churchland Area 

A nicer part of Portsmouth is the Churchland area, which touches the Western Branch part of Chesapeake. This area has the better schools in the Portsmouth Public Schools System.

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 30 minute commute through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

Little Creek Base: 35 minutes through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 40-45 minute commute through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 20 minutes (5-10 minutes from Downtown area)

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 15 minutes

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – 20-30 via Monitor Merrimack Bridge Tunnel

    1. Suffolk

North Suffolk is located near Western Branch area of Chesapeake. This area is a very nice part of Suffolk. Harbour View is a very nice planned community with newer construction homes. Homes in Harbour View are expensive and large. In addition to some planned neighborhoods, you also have older unplanned neighborhoods with homes sitting on large lots. Schools are good in this area for the Suffolk Public School System.

Suffolk is in transition with some nicer upcoming parts of town and some not so nice parts of town. Check out Suffolk to get a better feel 

Neighborhoods Near North Suffolk: Harbour View Riverview, Kempton Park, Steeplechase, Burbage Grant, Bayberry Cove, Bennetts Creek, Cedar Point, City of Driver, Governors Point, Suffolk Meadows. Read reviews about neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius of North Suffolk.

(Click here for photos of the neighborhoods and download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 30 minute commute through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

Little Creek Base: 35 minutes through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 40-45 minute commute through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 15-20 minutes

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 5-10 minutes

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – 20-30 minutes via Monitor Merrimack Bridge Tunnel

  3. Carrollton

Carrolton is located North of Northern Suffolk and West of Newport News/Hampton with easy access across the James River Bridge. This area is very suburban, but growing due to its convenient location to Hampton and Newport News without having to take a tunnel.

Neighborhoods Near Carrolton: Read reviews about neighborhoods within a 5 mile radius of Carrollton.

(Click here for photos of the neighborhoods and download the full guide for maps)

Commute:

Norfolk Naval Station: 30 minute commute through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

Little Creek Base: 35 minutes through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Base: 40-45 minute commute through the Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel and a toll (tolls on the City of Portsmouth side)

Portsmouth Naval Hospital: 25 minutes

Joint Forces in Suffolk: 15-20 minutes

Langley AFB/Ft Eustis – 20 minutes across James River Bridge

  1. Local School Information

The schools in the Hampton Roads area are pretty easy to understand because typically the county and the city name are the same. For example:

Norfolk = Norfolk Public Schools System

Virginia Beach = Virginia Beach Public School System

Portsmouth = Portsmouth Public School System

Suffolk = Suffolk Public School System

Chesapeake = Chesapeake Public School System

 

Tips to Finding a School in South Hampton Roads 

Every school has its pros and cons and students, especially military kids, thrive in different environments. The key is to find an environment that fits your child’s needs, but how do you do this when you are stationed miles away and you have to research online?

1. Read National Rankings from 2014 High School Challenge to have a broad perspective.

If you are stationed at NAS Oceana, I think you should consider sending your child to a Virginia Beach school rather than living further away in Chesapeake or Norfolk.

If you are stationed at Norfolk Naval Base, you have much more options due to its more central location. Many military kids whose parents are stationed at Norfolk Naval Station go to Chesapeake, Norfolk, North Suffolk, or Virginia Beach Schools. 

5. School Ratings may not accurately reflect this area.

Many schools have ‘academies’ within their HS walls, which affects test scores. Be mindful when looking at school ratings in the area. I strongly feel the ratings are not accurate for the area, especially for the Virginia Beach Schools. For example, Chesapeake has higher ratings on GreatSchools.org, but Virginia Beach Schools are ranked higher on national school lists. Read my opinions on schools in the area and how academies may affect ratings.