My husband has just entered his negotiating window. Currently in Jax - our choices are Norfolk or Bremerton, WA. Would love suggestions and advice on either place. Thanks.

I've never been to either but I prefer the east coast. JMPO :)

Personally
I grew up on the east coast but after living in Charleston and Norfolk we tried our damndest to get out of there. never been to Washington Dh has and he loved it. I personally think it is much more beautiful up there.
Norfolk had lots to offer but it was not for me. didn't like the weather, traffic or my house and the waiting lists for housing were outrageous

I would pick Bremerton in a heartbeat! Its so beautiful there and there is so much to offer there in the area...Plus Seattle is only an hour away! If my dh could go back there I would love it!

I have live in the norfolk hampton roads area my whole life, and i wouldn't change it for the world!, The is so much to do, and its so pretty i love it, plus you have so many options of where to live if you guys move here ( chesapeake, va beach, or if he's willing to have a 45 minute drive you could even chillin in the country right across the state line, in Moyock(thats where i'm from) if you have any questions about the area, jsut let me know

We were stationed in Bremerton, WA when I was growing up and do not remember too much but my mother LOVED it and we have some very nice pictures. I live in Hampton, VA now and I am not really impressed by it except for the bridges/tunnels and the water! I love the water but the area itself is not my cup of tea!!

Out of the two, I would say it depends on some of your personal preferences.
As far as the weather, what you like to do, if you need to think about schools, etc.

:D

I am in Norfolk area now and if I were you I would go some where else. Housing is outrageous we pay over 900 dollars a month for a one bedroom apt. and no utilities and the traffic is awful no one can drive here and the weather sucks but best of luck !!

I am in Norfolk area now and if I were you I would go some where else. Housing is outrageous we pay over 900 dollars a month for a one bedroom apt. and no utilities and the traffic is awful no one can drive here and the weather sucks but best of luck !!
Jeepers!, where at in the area are you, b/c db and i just bought a townhouse in va beach and our mortage isn't even that much


Some of the other girls are right it also depends on what your looking for, weather ( which i personally love, warm enough for the beach, cold enough for snow (sometimes)) schools, which the ones in the area have their good and bad points, etc. To be honest if ya'll decided for here(norfolk) I'd tell you to look across the state line in moyock, its a 35 minute drive to norfolk, but its alot cheaper, your in the country and they have great schools, i know thats where i graduated from , lol

Im in chesapeake but its really our fault about the high rent he wanted me to be in a safe area cause you know some of the surrounding areas arent so nice and we rushed into everything ! We didn't have time to really think about what we were doing because he was leaving... hmm i sure miss him !! It's ok here its just im from a tiny town and i don't like the big city living lifestyle.

I am in Norfolk area now and if I were you I would go some where else. Housing is outrageous we pay over 900 dollars a month for a one bedroom apt. and no utilities and the traffic is awful no one can drive here and the weather sucks but best of luck !!

HOLY COW...My husband when he was in va had a HUGE one bedroom apartment and he didnt even pay close to that, and the area was AWESOME!! the apartment we had in SD was like 75 bucks more than that...

I'd do Bremerton. But thats because both dh and I prefer the west coast. ANd have sworn to never go back to VA or DC :hehe I am also from Washignton state. So I am familair with it. Each has its pros and cons.

Can only really speak for Bremerton. Have lived here a total of 7 years. We love it here but of course, my husband is from Seattle area, I am from Oregon. Feels like home to us. Smaller city/town with Seattle close by. Water, mountains, green everywhere. Rains but not as much as people think. Can be gloomy though. Nice summers. My husband spent a short period of time in Norfolk & didn't care for it too much.

Now I've never been to WA state but if you like outdoorsie type stuff (ya know trees, cold weather, mountains, hiking)go there if you like more of a big city life (ya know interstate, traffic, shopping, warm beach water, convience) go to Norfolk. We lived in Norfolk for 4 years from 2001-2005 and I really enjoyed our time there. I'm sure you will hear (and see when your finally there) bad and good from both places so just make the best of where ever he gets stationed.

Thank you all so much for your input! This is my first go around as a Navy wife and am a nervous wreck! I'm so glad to hear from others that can relate. We've put in for Bremerton, but not 100% we'll get it (of course). Now, we just have to figure out housing and look for a job for me! Thanks again!

I was born and grew up in Hampton,VA near norfolk..It isn't that bad of a place...just a lot of traffic...but most military area's are. The rent and house rate's are pretty expensive and during the summer you have to deal with even more people due to vacation's to the beach. Other than that i loved it there.

My husband is stationed in VA beach at Little Creek Amphbious Base. The only thing that I really like here is the beach. Of course there is a shitload of traffic, stop and think about how many freaking military bases there are in the area!! But you'll get traffic in any state that you are in.

ive never been to wa but i live in norfolk. i like it here theres sooo much stuff to do and i love how big the area is my friend lives in wa she says its really pretty there but is always raining so i dunno i want to syat on the east coast but that because my family is in florida