South Norfolk - Chesapeake, VA

South Norfolk began as an historic 1900s town turned independent city. Located a few miles south of the larger city of Norfolk along the Southern Branch Elizabeth River, it now exists as part of the city of Chesapeake in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area that surrounds the harbor of Hampton Roads and links to the Hampton Roads Beltway.

In the early 1920s, streetcars ran from Ocean View in Norfolk to South Norfolk. A ferry docked at the end of Indian River Road and crossed the Southern Branch Elizabeth River to Portsmouth. Today, you can still ferry across the Elizabeth River to enjoy the charm of the Children’s Museum of Virginia, or explore the Portsmouth Navel Shipyard Museum — America's oldest and largest.

Annual events like Historic South Norfolk’s 4th of July Parade & Picnic in the Park and the Christmas Tree Gala in December make for ultra fun community celebrations.

With many offerings from which to choose, eating local in South Norfolk remains ever delightful.

Enjoy down-home goodness at Johnson’s BBQ with a lemony sweet tea and a delicious pulled pork sandwich topped with its famous smoky BBQ sauce. It's cash only here, but an ATM stands outside just in case you forget your bucks.

D’cracked Egg delivers fantastic breakfast food and excellent service in a diner-type setting. Try the sweet potato pancakes (add pecans for extra goodness), a fluffy omelet in the morning or the dinner buffet filled with classic southern fare at night.

The Cutting Edge Cafe, opened in 2009 by husband and wife team Matt and Melanie Hayes, offers casual lunch and dinner options using the best locally sourced ingredients. Just about everything is made from scratch, including the baked-fresh-daily artisanal bread, gooey grilled apple and cheese panini, homemade tarts and deconstructed tuna salad. Colorful wall art adds to the laid-back interior. If you are looking for a fun night out, be sure to stop by Eagles Nest Rockin' Country Bar. Be sure to check the schedule beforehand to know who is playing live each night. If you're looking for a place to kick back and watch the big game, head to Roger Brown's. With 24 beers on tap and almost as many televisions, you're sure to have a great time.

As in many Southern cities, driving continues to be the preferred method for getting around. Easily accessible, Interstates 464 and 64 and Route13 provide convenience for residents and visitors passing through.

Several cab companies and car services, such as Uber, operate in the area, but taking your own vehicle or utilizing public transportation remains a favored option.

Hampton Road Transit (HRT), the area's public transportation group, provides bus service up and down Bainbridge Boulevard — which traverses the heart of South Norfolk — as well as light rail service to neighboring cities.

Elizabeth River Ferry operates three 150-passenger ferries on the Elizabeth River between Norfolk and the town of Portsmouth. Ferries run every 30 minutes with 15-minute service during the summer and at peak times on weekends.

Surrounded by much natural green space, as well as city-maintained parks, South Norfolk provides numerous outdoor options for residents. Located on the southeast portion of the neighborhood, enjoy a game of tennis at one of Crestwood Park's four tennis courts.

Visit newly opened Paradise Creek Nature Park to the west across the Elizabeth River. Quiet and serene, the park stands as a favorite place among locals to hike or simply observe nature. It remains accessible dawn to dusk year round, and dogs and bikes are welcome.

Dog parks available in the area include Chesapeake City Park, Western Branch Dog Park and Deep Creek Park. All puppy-friendly parks are off-leash and fenced-in; contain benches and water fountains for both dogs and owners, and provide poop-scoop bags and covered trash cans for convenience. The parks are open daily from sunrise to sunset and free registration is required.

Town Point Park, a 10-minute drive into downtown Norfolk, claims The People's Park title, providing 8 acres of peaceful outdoor spaces, nestled on the riverbanks of the Elizabeth River and located in the heart of the business district. Fountains, public art and lush river views make for an inviting space as do the numerous annual events including Harborfest and The Great American Picnic, both of which are free and open to the public.

Despite its proximity to popular destinations like Virginia Beach and Newport News, gas in South Norfolk costs 10 percent less than the national average and 25 percent less than in the most expensive cities.

When traveling by public transportation, fare runs a mere $1.75 each way for a bus or ferry ride, with half-fare and bundle pricing available.

A comfortable one-bedroom apartment costs $910, and a glass of wine at dinner starts at around $7.

When shopping for groceries in South Norfolk, large grocers Food Lion and Harris Teeter remain your best bet. Popular throughout the southeast, both offer a growing number of natural and organic food items.

Farm Fresh in Orchard Square Farm, founded in 1957 as a neighborhood grocery store providing world-class customer service, provides you with further big-name grocery convenience. In addition to the Orchard Square Farm location, Farm Fresh operates 41 stores in Hampton Roads, Franklin and Richmond, Virginia, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Greenbrier Mall supplies many of your favorite national stores in one spot, including Macy's and Bath & Body Works, as well as a movie theater and local nail salon.

The White Rabbit, a locally owned boutique and consignment shop, offers an enticing array of quality children's clothing, gear and furniture. The varied selection appeals to high-end and budget tastes alike.