How bad are the "bad" areas of Hampton compared to Detroit (Newport News: section 8)

[Bonanzara]

I will soon be moving to the Hampton area with my husband's new job at Langley AFB. He wants to stay within a 10-15min drive of the base and we are looking for a one bedroom for less than $700. No kids, so schools do not matter.

I have read some bad things about Hampton south of Mercury Blvd and around Pembroke Ave., but I just want to know how dangerous is this area? I grew up next to Detroit, so I am wondering if this "bad" neighborhood is just bad relative to the surrounding areas, and not actually that dangerous unless you go looking for trouble.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by Bonanzara

I will soon be moving to the Hampton area with my husband's new job at Langley AFB. He wants to stay within a 10-15min drive of the base and we are looking for a one bedroom for less than $700. No kids, so schools do not matter.

I have read some bad things about Hampton south of Mercury Blvd and around Pembroke Ave., but I just want to know how dangerous is this area? I grew up next to Detroit, so I am wondering if this "bad" neighborhood is just bad relative to the surrounding areas, and not actually that dangerous unless you go looking for trouble.

To be honest, Hampton, to me, is child's play compared to most major cities, especially Detroit.

I was raised in Hampton for 14 years and I just moved after 5 years in the DC area and I felt much safer even in Hampton's "bad" parts than I did in the DC area and I lived in "supposedly" one of DC's safe surburbs in Alexandria.

Honestly, I don't think you are in serious trouble unless you go looking for it. But I would be prepared to deal with more nusiance crime like other people having domestic situations, car-break ins (which are very preventable), fights between teenagers.

[swimming.with.dolphins]

The b/w race issue is fairly prevalent (and lame) in the entire Hampton Roads region, but it's mostly in the civilian sector. The area around Langley is pretty decent. Like PP mentioned, lock your car doors anywhere in the area. Mostly crack heads like to try and "steal" cars, lol....and not any specific car. Just anything they can get inside of. Other car theft goes on too, but you hear a lot about the crackhead attempts because they don't have enough brain power left to be successful half the time and you hear about it on the news. Lots of theft in general going on. Don't leave bicycles outside, and especially if you don't have a lock for them. Even if you just ride them to the park. Carry a thick cable lock. Bikes are stolen a lot. Certain restaurants on Mercury are race-specific, and while they won't actually chase you out, you can cut the tension with a butterknife. Foxhill area in Hampton is pretty decent, if you don't find something right around Langley. Most of the quickie marts, laundrymats (if you don't have a washing machine), gas stations, grocery stores, have nice people that work in them, so no issues there. Don't know about the schools because I don't have kids, but maybe someone else can tell you about that if you have kids.

[rtandc]

Originally Posted by Bonanzara

I will soon be moving to the Hampton area with my husband's new job at Langley AFB. He wants to stay within a 10-15min drive of the base and we are looking for a one bedroom for less than $700. No kids, so schools do not matter.

I have read some bad things about Hampton south of Mercury Blvd and around Pembroke Ave., but I just want to know how dangerous is this area? I grew up next to Detroit, so I am wondering if this "bad" neighborhood is just bad relative to the surrounding areas, and not actually that dangerous unless you go looking for trouble.

compared to Detroit, Hampton Roads will feel almost like Utopia to you

[mikeas]

For the most part the bad parts of Hampton Roads consist of public housing complexes and areas that accept section 8 rentals. Stay away from those and you will be happy.

[sleeptodream138]

Originally Posted by rtandc

compared to Detroit, Hampton Roads will feel almost like Utopia to you

I second that.

[teach26]

I'm originally from South Jersey so I compare everything to Camden - I believe it's been named most dangerous city again... Anyway, I don't think this area comes close to places like Detroit or Camden. My husband is a cop in Hampton and I seldom worry about him. We would like to move back to Jersey but I refuse to go if it means he will be a cop in Camden. That said, there is a gang problem in Hampton and most, if not all, apartments allow Section 8. We live in Newport News and it only takes my husband 15-20 minutes to get to work - assuming there isn't traffic or construction - yeah right...

Personally, if I were going to live in Hampton I would choose downtown. There are a lot more things to do within walking distance (bars, restaurants, shops etc). It has a totally different feel to it and in the summer they have a block party every weekend. I get what some have said about race but I haven't experienced any issues.

[youngwun804]

hampton is definitely no detroit, or camden, not even norfolk or portsmouth. but pembroke avenue is one of the worst streets in hampton, it runs through numerous bad hoods, from east to west.