Linda's Guide To The Tidewater Communities

Chesapeake, a 253-square-mile slice of the Tidewater region, is a perfect place for pastoral family life. A good life made even better by dozens of parks, six community centers, the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife refuge and fresh water streams plunging towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Better still is Chesapeake's viable economy juxtaposed by a rich mix of city convenience and country comforts. Add to this brew of better living; scores of tennis courts, two golf courses and water trails for canoeing and boating and the stage is set for settling down. The "settling", of course, is best left to Linda Fox-Jarvis and Team who take a hi-tech/personalized service approach on residential real estate sales, purchases and relocations throughout Tidewater. So check out Chesapeake -- then check with Linda for a personal "look-see" of the many properties available in today's prospering marketplace. Meanwhile, load your shopping cart of Chesapeake dreams with the following factoids:

 

- Population: 199,184 and growing
- Median family income: $50,743
- Median Age: 34.7 years
- Climate: annual average 59.2 degrees
- Location: South of Norfolk and Portsmouth, between Virginia Beach and Suffolk, near the North Carolina border. Commonwealth of Virginia's top five fastest growing cities since 1991
- Housing opportunities: Two largest communities -- Great Bridge and Deep Creek boast a wide spectrum of home styles and lot sizes. River Walk and Las Gaviotas feature upscale homes juxtaposed by 100-year-old estates.
- Education: 28 Elementary, 10 middle schools and 6 High Schools. The Hampton Roads area features 10 universities/colleges, plus a variety of business and technical schools.
- Industry: Many high-tech cities call Chesapeake home, including Canon, Panasonic, Technics, Quasar and many more. Plus "the Americas" headquarters for nearly 50 foreign firms representing 14 nations.
- Healthcare: Chesapeake General, staffed by 400 physicians, with 260 private rooms, a 14-bed ICU facility, a 12-bed women's unit and a 24-bed mental health center.
- Environment: The FBI rates Chesapeake one of America's five safest cities in its class size.
 

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Linda Fox-Jarvis's Portsmouth stands out as romantically individual as Charleston, Savannah or New Orleans.
With its Southern elegance, Portsmouth reaches out to the visitor or prospective relocating family with a friendly warmth and open arms.
Whether you approach the city via the Interstate or Elizabeth River, the ambiance of Portsmouth's inner city, known as Olde Towne, immediately captures the imagination.
The warm colors -- mellow brick sidewalks, pink wood-structure homes, oak-lined trees and a shimmering blue harbor forming a crescent around the entire area -- are certain to tell you that you're home at last.
Since the Civil War spared most of Portsmouth, Olde Towne's diversity of architectural styles still stand as sentinels of an era long since past, preserved for the local residents, visitors and families about to join the community, to see, experience and enjoy. Most everything is still just as it was -- and always will be.
High Street, Portsmouth's "main drag," is an absolute browser's delight, with antique stores on every block, and restaurants everywhere.
From quiet cafes, to quaint coffee houses, to upscale restaurants dishing up seafood to die for, all at remarkably modest prices, to museums almost everywhere you walk.
Take a couple of minutes to cozy up to a few lifestyle facts and figures provided by Prudential Decker Realty's Linda Fox-Jarvis. Then call or Email Linda and her Team for a hi-tech tour of the city!

Population: 100,565
Median Family Income: $33,742
Median Age: 34.5 years
Climate: Year-round average 59.9 F
Location: Since the opening of Route 664, the Western freeway, one can quickly whisk to and from Portsmouth's collection of quaint communities (Churchland, Cypress Cover, Parkview, and Olde Towne) from other Hampton Roads towns and villages.
Housing Opportunities:
Vision 2005 is a revitalization plan that includes a major renovation of mid-town Portsmouth, bringing exciting new commercial developments. Today, you'll find an interesting selection of mixed-income residences around and near a waterfront district overlooking the Elizabeth River. For suburban charm, look to Churchland, a city unto itself with great shopping, entertainment, grocery stores, etc.
A stone's toss away upscale homes and luxury condominiums abound in both the Hatton Point and River Shores Communities -- where water views and private boat slips are part and parcel of the lifestyle. Quiet and quaint neighborhoods like Parkview beckon to many families looking for medium to upscale housing accommodations, plus quick access to the nearby Portsmouth Naval Hospital.
But perhaps the most notable feature of Portsmouth continues to be its Olde Towne area, where historic Civil War homes and other eclectic features attract folks who have a hankering for cobblestone streets and houses dating back a hundred years.
In Fact, the American Institute of Architects has recognized Portsmouth's Olde Towne as having the greatest concentration of historic 18th and 19th century dwellings on the Atlantic Coast.

Education: 16 Elementary Schools, 4 Middle Schools and 3 High Schools. 

For more details on Portsmouth, its health, education, recreational and just plain lifestyle facilities, call or Email Linda and her Team of Buyer Specialists.

 

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Norfolk, Virginia's sophisticated lady, is a city by the sea that appeals not only to cigar connoisseurs and brandy sippers, but relocating Oldsmobile and Buick families as well.
So hop on and take a 3-minute internet spin around this snazzy city whose royal spirit is reflected by its ritualistic symbol: a sterling silver mace which was presented in 1794 to the then Borough of Norfolk by Virginia's Lt. Gov. Robert Dinwiddle.
Since then, Norfolk has exploded into the 20th century and is racing for the new millennium with a royal air -- with Prudential Decker Realty superstar Linda Fox-Jarvis leading the way.
Today, Norfolk's tastes span the spectrum from the avant-garde to the classical. From downtown's beautiful neighborhoods of the past, to the spirit of modern living reflected by glossy high-rise condos and Victorian-style townhomes, to spacious custom homes on hefty lots with a gull's eye view of the water. Justice can hardly be done here to a city with as many facets to its personality. Only a guided tour by the Tidewater area's premiere RELOCATION connection -- Linda Fox Jarvis -- is up to that task.
A quick E-mail or phone call will put you at the top of the Real Estate market, with Linda Fox-Jarvis and Team helping you find the home of your dreams!
In the meantime, enjoy this "cram course" on Norfolk -- once you've taken in enough facts, call or email Linda to find that perfect Norfolk home today!

Population: 234,403
Median Family Income: $31,815
Median Age: 29.6 years
Climate: 59.3 F Year round average
Location: Norfolk is bordered by Willoughby Bay and Chesapeake Bay to the North, and Virginia Beach to the Southeast. Suburban Norfolk includes Bayview, with its seaside location, to Freemason, complete with cobblestone streets and towering elms, to Colonial Place- a front porch community bedecked most of the year with flowering gardens, and blessed with views of the Elizabeth River.
Housing Opportunities: Select from...
Modern High-rise condos
Victorian-style townhomes.
Moderate to upscale priced traditional homes in and around Belvedere Older resales with established trees and shrubs on quiet streets in the peaceful Lafayette Park Community where quaint turn-of-the-century brownstones perch on the Hague river.
Ocean View affords many Chesapeake Bay views from apartments, condos and a potpourri of family homes.
Near the Norfolk Naval Base, families, singles, partners and retired couples may find a peaceful respite in a variety of ranch, Cape Cod, traditional and modern home styles.
Education:35 8 5
Like most communities in the Tidewater region, elementary, middle and high school opportunities rank high on the priority totem. Norfolk has 35 elementary schools, 8 middle schools and 5 high schools.  Trade, tech and community college life is also within reach in and around Norfolk.
Industry:
Norfolk is one of Virginia's most popular areas for business and industry. Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of America's largest transportation companies, for example, is proud to call Norfolk home. Some 200 other companies also headquarter in Norfolk.
Healthcare:
A healthy spectrum of medical facilities are to be found in the Norfolk area, including the large Sentara Norfolk general, Kings Daughters Children's Hospital, Jones Institute, and eastern Virginia Medical School.
Environment:
Norfolk and environs is a peaceful area, with highly progressive law enforcement units to protect the citizens.

 

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At night, Virginia Beach reclines like a Cartier necklace of diamonds and emeralds; a priceless gem of a city awaiting morning and its gold-plated sunshine.
Sunshine that will greet the almost limitless historic, entertainment, educational and lifestyle opportunities offered by Virginia Beach -- an attractive place in which to put down family roots.
A place that Linda Fox-Jarvis and her team of Specialists want to help you become a part of.
"Myself and my Team of Buyer Specialists take particular pride in Virginia Beach and all it has to offer," says Linda.
"We also take pride in being able to bring a hi-tech approach to helping families relocate here. The housing opportunities are almost as limitless as the entertainment choices. Our ability to guide and counsel newcomers as well as natives to the area in their search for prime residential real estate is equally limitless."
Located at the Southeastern corner of the state, Virginia Beach itself is bordered by the blue Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic ocean.
Not merely a tourist destination, many families from other parts of Virginia, the U.S. and abroad are relocating here because of the even-tempered climate, white sand beaches, natural woodlands, and unique housing opportunities.

Here are some quick facts about the area:

Population: 425,257
Median Family Income: $48,705
Median Age: 32.7 years

Education: Virginia Beach features 55 elementary schools, 15 middle schools and 13 high schools.  Additionally, there are many higher education opportunities in and around the Virginia Beach area.
One cannot discuss the virtues of Virginia Beach without emphasizing the many facets of the Virginia waterfront region within an hour's drive of the city itself. Check it out!

ADAM THOROUGHGOOD HOUSE
This historic brick home was built circa 1680, and is one of the oldest in America. Furnished in authentic 17th and 18th-century style, it adjoins a quaint English-style garden. The home is located at 1636 Parish Road. Call 664-6283 for details.

THE A.R.E. LIBRARY & CONFERENCE CENTER.
Here, the amazing life work of psychic Edgar Cayce is on display for all to see. You'll view incredible exhibits, take tantalizing tours, hear lectures on Cayce's dreams, life after death philosophy, holistic health concepts, and even ESP testing is available to you. Located at 67th street and Atlantic Avenue. Call 428-3588

ATLANTIC WILDFOWL HERITAGE MUSEUM.
A landmark in Virginia Beach since 1895, the museum is located in the de Witt Cottage and is dedicated to the fabulous waterfowl that migrate through the region annually. Atlantic Avenue and 12th Street.

CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE-TUNNEL
A tunnel, you say? Yes, except this is one of seven tunnel engineering wonders of the modern world and its 20-mile span links East Coast travel, tying the Virginia Beach/Norfolk areas together and pointing South with Virginia's Eastern Shore then pointing North of Wilmington, Delaware. Thus, this "bridge-tunnel" has become a popular travel route and a tourist attraction.

CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER
The center was opened in 1952 to promote the visual arts in Hampton Roads and now occupies a 32,000-square-foot building at the foot of the Westbound entrance to the Virginia Beach/Norfolk Expressway. 22nd Street and Park Ave. Call 425-0000.

THE FIRST LANDING CROSS
On April 26, 1607, the Jamestown Colonists first touched the shores of the New world -- here at Fort Story, a heartbeat away from Virginia Beach. Thus, the first English settlers established a permanent American Beachhead. For information or overnight reservations call: 1-800-933-PARK.

OCEAN BREEZE FUN PARK
The fun begins about 1.5 miles from the Oceanfront, where you can gyrate on Wild Water Rapid flumes; scream a four-story speed slide; bask in the sun or brave a huge 1 million-gallon wave pool. Motorworld offers sports on wheels of all kinds including Grand Prix Racing. And you can add to your nautical adventures with a little Shipwreck Golf. 849 General Booth Blvd - just look for Hugh Mongous, the giant metal gorilla. Call 425-1241.

OLD CAPE HENRY LIGHTHOUSE
America's first Congress took care of business in 1791 by funding this lighthouse to warn mariners entering Virginia's capes. You enter through Fort Story for a small fee.

INDUSTRY:
The Virginia Beach economy is large and diversified. It has more office buildings than any other Hampton Roads area -- testament to its rapidly expanding economic base which is home to such international firms as:

Avis
Lillian Vernon
UNISYS
Herms Abrasives

Agriculture also plays a major role in the Virginia Beach economy. There are some 156 farms in the area producing a total economic impact of more than $56-million annually.

Thanks to its being a key marine hub, Virginia Beach also has the nation's largest concentration of U.S. Naval facilities, including:

Oceana Naval Air Station
Atlantic Fleet Combat Training Center
Fort Story and Little Creek Naval Amphibious base.

These and other military installations are an important source of civilian as well as military employment, and contribute many millions of dollars annually to the Virginia Beach economy.

For more detailed information on Virginia Beach, or any of the other Tidewater communities covered here, call or Email Linda Fox-Jarvis and her team of Specialists NOW!

 

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Suffolk is a "peanut" of a city -- its 63,677 residents enjoy this diverse area comprised of 430 acres of forests, fields, crystal clear lakes, and flower-drenched landscapes.
Perhaps not surprising to you, Suffolk is more than merely a peanut in size. It is also home to famous Planters Peanuts, a $40-million processing facility originally founded in 1912 by Italian immigrant Amedeo Obici.
In fact, peanuts are the area's largest cash crop and favorite food. In local restaurants, don't be surprised to find peanut soup, peanut sauces, peanut ice cream, or brown bags of peanuts native Suffolkians call "Goober Peas."
But enough about peanuts. Suffolk of the 90s -- Linda Fox-Jarvis's Suffolk -- abounds with lifestyle surprises that'll have you chomping at the bit to MOVE HERE. Relocate your family to one of the many new homes available today. Homes which Linda and her Team of Buyer Specialists are anxious to show you.
For now, look at the housing surprises Suffolk, and Linda, have in store for you.
Neighborhoods like Riverview, with its wooded acres and view of the Nansemond River, include upscale Colonial style homes in Point Harbor. Exciting Burbage Grant at Harborview where some 1700 dwelling units within nine quaint villages are under development by builder Robert T. Williams of the Jorman Group.
Additionally, Suffolk continues to surprise with cool condominiums, swell townhomes, custom villas and single family homes.
Here, the real estate adage, "location, location, location" is a gross understatement, as Linda Fox-Jarvis and her team of experts will happily show you.
So grab a bag of Planters peanuts and munch while you browse a few intimate details about Tidewater's fascinating Suffolk area.
Then make your move: Call or Email Linda Fox-Jarvis immediately so she and her hi-tech team of Specialists can link you up with a great property in Suffolk Virginia.

Population: 63,677
Median Family Income: $41,115
Median Age: 36 years
Climate: 52.9 degrees year-round average
Attractive living locations include:
Riverview, with its breath-taking views of the Nansemond River.
Point Harbor, home to exciting colonial style waterview villas and more
Harbourview, a Golf Course Community with its 1,000 plus acres of home sites featuring stunning lake views and waterfront locations near the Nansemond River.
Email Linda to schedule a personalized jaunt through this exciting area. She and her Team know all the ins and outs of opportunities here and are anxious to show and tell all, NOW
Education:
Suffolk has made a truly significant commitment to the area's children and the quality of their education.
Programs for the gifted and talented are part of every public school and are offered to everyone.
Programs for those children with special learning needs are also an integral part of Suffolk's public education philosophy.
Suffolk today is proud of its two new high schools and elementary schools -- with plans to add even more facilities during coming years.  Currently Suffolk has 12 Elementary Schools, 6 Middle schools and 2 High Schools with a third on the way -- Click here to view its progress!
Environment:
Relaxed, serene, safe. Culturally, Suffolk is hard to beat. What with its 90 or more properties listed on the city's historical registry, plus many art galleries, eclectic shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
 

 

Useful Links

Get free buyer or seller reports from FoxHomeLink.com

Thinking about selling your home?  Get a free, accurate CMA from www.sellercma.org

Looking to buy a home?  Access Hampton Roads MLS listings from www.gothomes.org

Sick of filtering out properties that aren't right for you?  Specify your criteria and have them sent directly to your inbox courtesy of www.buyersinfo.org

View live traffic cams in the S. Hampton Roads area - http://home.hamptonroads.com/traffic/index.cfm

Search local classified ads - http://classified.hamptonroads.com/

Find information about all schools in the S. Hampton Roads area - http://hamptonroads.com/schoolzone/

Get current weather information - http://www.hamptonroads.com/weather/

 

Kids Links

Children's Museum of Portsmouth

Nauticus

Norfolk Recreation Centers

Norfolk Zoo

Virginia Air and Space Center

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Virginia Beach Recreation Centers

Virginia Beach Skate Park

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts

Virginia Marine Science Museum

 

Neighborhood Web Pages

Linda hosts the following Community Websites in the Hampton Roads Area:

Broad Bay Island

Baylake Beach & Baylake Pines

Church Point

Courthouse Estates

Croatan

Cypress Point

Glenwood

Heron Ridge

Highgate Greens

Hillcrest Farms

Homestead

Indian River Plantation

Salem Woods

The Reserve at Great Neck

Thoroughgood

West Neck

Wimbledon on The Bay

Windsor Woods/Windsor Oaks

Click on each to see information on schools, homes on

the market, homes that have sold, traffic, weather and neighborhood happenings.  Feel free to bookmark any of the pages.

If you would like Linda to create a website for your neighborhood please call the office at 757-490-1254, 800-433-8550 or email us at Lfoxjarvis@mindspring.com