Norfolk, VA

Overall Score

The city of Norfolk is located in the southeast corner of the state near where the Elisabeth River and the Gulf of Mexico meet. Its history began in 1682. During the War of Independence, one of the citys buildings housed the office of the British governor. Only one small church is a reminder of the colonial period. The other buildings were destroyed by the soldiers. Until the second half of the 19th century, the city developed at a slow pace. This was due to trade restrictions with England, frequent fire and competition with other ports. The first buildings in the city were made of wood in a medieval English style. Almost all of them were burned during the War of Independence. The new buildings differed from their predecessors by their architectural features. They were built in a federal style, based on the Roman tradition. The first tall houses appeared in the late 19th century. Today, Norfolk is known for its many museums, festivals, and parades.

Overall Score

• Air quality: 25 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
• Religious government: Non-religious
• Population: 250,000 people
• GDP: $57,808 / year
• Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
• Power outlets: 115V60Hz
• Internet: 35 Mbps
• Best wireless: AT&ampT
• Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
• Tipping: How much should I tip at a restaurant? A gratuity of 15 to 20 per cent on top of the bill (before sales tax) is standard, with 25 per cent given for topnotch service. Servers in America work hard for the money – they’re generally friendly, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for customers.
• Apartment listings: Craigslist
• Apartments: Airbnb
• Hotels: Booking.com
• More hotels: Hotels.com
• Best coffee 24/7: Ricks Cafe
• Best coffee: Fair Grounds
• Best taxi: Uber
• Best coworking space: 757 Creative Space
• Online electronics shop: Amazon
• Best hospital: Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
• Best short-haul air carrier: Jet Blue
• Best intl air carrier: United Airlines
• Monthly costs for expat: $2000
• Monthly costs for family: $4900
• Monthly costs for local: $1400
• Meal: $10
• Small Cola: $2
• Beer 1 Pint: $5
• Coffee: $3

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