($1,210) Movers From Hartford, CT to Norfolk, VA

What to know before moving from Hartford to Norfolk

Moving from Hartford to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Hartford, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Norfolk are 13% higher than in Hartford, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Hartford.
  Home prices in Norfolk are 72.5% higher than in Hartford.
• Income in Norfolk is 10.7% lower than in Hartford, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Norfolk include CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 32.8% higher than in Hartford. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Norfolk, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 7.1% higher than in Hartford.
• The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 47.86% lower than in Hartford.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the city’s sales taxes in Norfolk are 5.51% lower than in Hartford.
• State income taxes in Norfolk are 91.67% higher than in Hartford.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,984.17 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Hartford.

How life is different in Hartford vs. Norfolk

• The population of Norfolk is about 97% greater than Hartford, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Getting around Norfolk without a car might be more difficult than in Hartford. Norfolk has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Hartford is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Norfolk neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Hartford. Based on its score of 46 out of 100, Norfolk isn’t as walkable as Hartford, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Norfolk, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Hartford. While Hartford has a bike-friendliness score of 54 out of 100, Norfolk earned a 47. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• Norfolk has a lower crime rate than Hartford based on scores of 58.1 and Hartford's 63.75, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Norfolk than in Hartford, based on Norfolk’s safety index of 41.9 versus 36.25 for Hartford. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• You can breathe easy knowing that Norfolk has better air quality than in Hartford. Norfolk has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Hartford. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Hartford vs. Norfolk move

• Weather: If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Norfolk. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Norfolk

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Norfolk", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Norfolk.

Helpful moving resources