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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Hampton, VA

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Founded in 1610, this 400-year old city with a significant military presence played a vital role in America's past. Hampton is laden with preserved architecture, historic landmarks, and museums that chronicle the city's integral part in history.

Year-round temperate weather, access to relaxing beaches and waterfronts, and affordable living costs make this city a great place to relocate. If you are considering a move to Hampton, please read on for more information so that you can decide if it is the right place for you.

Hampton Climate

Hampton has a mild climate, with four varied but temperate seasons. While the region receives considerably ample rainfall--an annual average of 47-inches--its location fortunately keeps it out of the path of most hurricanes and tropical storms.

Spring and summer are the wettest seasons, but rain is constant throughout the year. Summers are fairly hot and sticky with cool evenings, and winters are mild with very scarce snowfall--only about six inches each year.

Hampton Neighborhoods

The 400-year old city has a number of historic neighborhoods, such as Aberdeen Gardens and Wythe, which feature charming architecture and a number of landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The very old neighborhood of Buckroe Beach features a large pavilion with live performances, food vendors and ice cream parlors. You can relax in the sand, fish, or rent paddleboats and kayaks in this charming community that attracts many visitors.

Registering Your Car

You are required to register your vehicle in the state of Virginia within 30 days of moving to the state to avoid paying a penalty. To register your car, visit any DMV customer service center with your car's title, previous out-of-state registration, and certification that you passed the emissions inspection. However, if you have had an emissions inspection in any of the following states no more than twelve months prior to your move, you are exempt from further testing: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia , Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin.

To transfer your driver's license to the state, you will need two proofs of identification, Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of legal presence.

Hampton Schools

If you are relocating with children, it is important to research the school system in any city you choose. Public education in Hampton is served by Hampton City Public Schools. It is comprised of over 30 facilities educating 20,700 students from grades pre-K to 12. The city is also home to a variety of private and parochial schools, such as Hampton Christian School, Calvary Classical School, and Gloria Dei Lutheran School.

For higher learning, you can attend the private historically black college Hampton University, or the nearby institutions Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Christopher Newport University in Newport News, or Old Dominion University in Norfolk. Associate's degree programs are available at the Thomas Nelson Community College, with campuses located in north Hampton and Williamsburg.

Hampton Employment

If you are planning a relocation to Hampton, you will want to find out more about the city's main sources of employment. About 80 percent of the economy in the Hampton Roads region is derived from the federal sector. The area has a significant military presence, as well as facilities for NASA and the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Commerce and Veterans Affairs. The Hampton Roads area has the largest number of military bases and related facilities than any other metropolitan area in the world.

If you are interested in starting your own business, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance is an organization that can help you find the resources to get started. You can also search and apply for jobs in the city on the HIRE website--the official employment system in Hampton.

Living Costs in the City

The cost of living in the city is about three percent below the national average, with housing being the most affordable amenity. Rent and real estate rates in the city are about 16 less than the average American city, and ten percent lower than the state of Virginia as a whole. The typical one-bedroom apartment in the city goes for about $755 a month, and a two-bedroom rents for around $840. The median home price in Hampton is $149,900. Groceries are three percent lower than average, and transportation is six percent lower. Healthcare is just one percent less than the national average.

On the other side, goods and services are about six percent higher than average, and utilities are nine percent above the mean.

Hampton Moving Resources

There are numerous moving and storage companies located in Hampton that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:

Hampton Transportation

Public transportation within in the city is supplied by Hampton Roads Transit, which supplies service to Hampton as well as nearby communities. For outer-city travel, Greyhound and Amtrak serve the city with regional bus and train transportation. Greyhound buses leave from the Hampton Transit Center, and the Amtrak can be caught at the Newport News station via connecting buses.

Culture and Contemporary Life

Hampton was founded in 1610, and has a rich heritage preserved by its abundance of historic architecture and landmarks. The Hampton History Museum features photographs and exhibits chronicling the city's past and significance in America's evolution. You can also learn more about the city's role in the Civil War at the Fort Monroe Casemate Museum, and enjoy art, historical items, and artifacts from African-American and Native cultures at the Hampton University Museum.

If you're looking for leisure, Buckroe Beach is a beautiful, clean stretch of sand with fishing piers, a playground, and peace and quiet! Unlike the tourist-filled shores of nearby Virginia Beach, this Hampton waterside neighborhood is perfect for those looking to spend a relaxing day on a small, private beach. You can also board the Miss Hampton Cruise ship to take a guided a tour of the Hampton Harbor and Chesapeake Bay--view the sites of the Battle of the Monitor and Merrimac, the historic Civil War island of Fort Wool and the warships at the Norfolk Naval Base.

Hampton Relocation Tips

  • Make sure to plan your move several months in advance, by researching movers, packing, and making travel plans. You can get started comparing quotes from movers in Hampton right now at Movers.com!

     

  • Be sure to conduct a thorough background check on any moving company you are considering for hire: read reviews on the Better Business Bureau, verify their US DOT number on the FMCSA website, and ask for references to ensure that you are hiring quality movers. Don't forget these important questions to ask your mover so you don't make a costly mistake.

     

  • Research the neighborhoods before choosing one to live--some parts of the city have higher rates of crime than others. Housing costs, crime rates and commute distance are all important factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood to relocate.

Nicole La Capria  Posted by Nicole La Capria on June 19, 2013

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