Need some thoughts/advice
I’m 22, work in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake, and currently live with my mom in Virginia Beach near Holland Rd. I’m looking to move out soon and have been considering Hampton because it seems to have more houses in my price range. VA beach and Chesapeake are all crazy expensive.
I have a very active dog, so I’d really prefer a house with a yard over an apartment. Between pet fees, noise concerns, and probably needing a first-floor unit, apartments just don’t seem ideal for us.
My biggest concern is the commute. I keep hearing horror stories about the HRBT during rush hour, especially getting home in the evenings. I’ve heard people say it can randomly take over an hour just to get through the tunnel. I’m wondering if the MMBT is realistically any better, or if it just depends where in Hampton you live.
I’ve looked at Norfolk too, but a lot of the areas in my budget felt sketchier than the Hampton areas I’ve seen. I’d also prefer to avoid Portsmouth.
So I’m stuck because Hampton seems to check every box except the commute.
For anyone who commutes from Hampton/Newport News to Chesapeake:
- Is it really that bad?
- Does the MMBT help at all?
- Are there certain areas that make the commute more manageable?
Would love honest opinions/experiences.