Things to know before moving from North Carolina to Norfolk, VA

Cost of living: North Carolina vs Norfolk, VA

North Carolina Norfolk
Average rent cost $1,093 $1,500
Average home value $328,715 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $66,186 $63,484
Unemployment rate 4% 7%
State income tax 5% 6%
  • Rent is about 37% more expensive in Norfolk than in North Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 14% lower in Norfolk than in North Carolina.
  • The average income is about 4% lower in Norfolk than in North Carolina.
  • Norfolk has a higher unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 97%.
  • Income taxes are 28% higher in Norfolk than in North Carolina.

How life is different in Norfolk from North Carolina

Norfolk North Carolina
Population 238,005 10,835,491
Political leaning Democratic 72-26 Republican 51-49
Summer high 88ºF 88ºF
Winter low 33ºF 29ºF
Annual rain 47" 48"
Annual snow 5" 4"
Crime index 58.1 24.69
  • The population of Norfolk is approximately 98% lower than the population of North Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, Norfolk voted Democratic and North Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Norfolk is 88ºF and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Norfolk reaches the temperature of 33ºF and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
  • You can expect about 47 inches of annual rainfall in Norfolk vs 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
  • In Norfolk, it snows about 5 inches annually vs 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
  • Norfolk has a higher crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index of 58.1 vs 24.69.

Things to do in Norfolk

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Norfolk.

Museums in Norfolktoggle

  • Hampton Roads Naval Museum
  • Chrysler Museum of Art
  • Nauticus
  • MacArthur Memorial
  • Hermitage Museum and Gardens
  • The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
  • Hunter House Victorian Museum
  • Norfolk Southern Museum
  • Norfolk Police and Fire Museum
  • Glass Wheel Studio

Parks in Norfolktoggle

  • Norfolk Botanical Garden
  • Pagoda & Oriental Garden
  • Town Point Park
  • Lake Drummond
  • Ocean View Beach Park
  • Sarah Constant Beach Park
  • Elizabeth River Trail

Sports Teams in Norfolktoggle

  • Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))
  • Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)
  • Old Dominion University (Football)
  • Old Dominion University (Basketball)
  • Norfolk State University (Football)
  • Norfolk State University (Basketball)

Universities in Norfolktoggle

  • Old Dominion University
  • Norfolk State University
  • Tidewater Community College
  • ECPI University
  • Thomas Nelson Community College
  • Bryant & Stratton College

Other considerations when moving to Norfolk, VA

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 Virginia. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from North Carolina to Norfolk take?

The time frame for a move from North Carolina to Norfolk, VA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in North Carolina, the longer the drive time to Norfolk will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Norfolk from North Carolina can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from North Carolina to Norfolk?

Because of the 207-mile move, it’s best to book your move from North Carolina to Norfolk as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Norfolk, VA?

With the summer highs of 88ºF and the winter lows of 33ºF, most people move to Norfolk from North Carolina during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Norfolk during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources