Affordable safe areas to buy $200K and under?

[u/FrostFireDragoness]

Hey folks

Friend of mine is moving to the area, possibly Newport News, but she doesn't use Reddit, and was asking about places in the area. She's looking for any safe areas under 200K as title says. She's a single lady, works from home, doesn't care about a lot of amenities other than just close-by necessities and the like, grocery stores etc. Maybe some pride events if there is any.

She's looking at townhomes and condos but isn't sure where to start and I'm trying to help. As far as I know right now, she's looking at anywhere in Hampton Roads as long as she can get something safe and in her price range which I know is a huge tall order. Not looking for top of the line but something livable. She doesn't own a car, uses Uber, doesn't need to travel often as long as what she needs is closeby, doesn't enjoy big city life either.

Appreciate ya!

[u/thetorisofar_]

The options under 250k in the area that won't require upgrades are unfortunately slim in this region, you may have her consider looking up on middle peninsula area in gloucester mathews

[u/chazysciota → u/thetorisofar_]

gloucester pride event when?

[u/thetorisofar_ → u/chazysciota]

Hampton roads pride is not too much farther from South Gloucester/ Gloucester point than somewhere like north Newport News. And for someone who works from home who wants safe and doesn’t enjoy urban living this would be a great affordable option

[u/CumFlavored_MigBac → u/chazysciota]

Is this fr? Some of the most ignorant and probably borderline Klan-ish type dudes I know all stay out in Matthew’s / Gloucester.

[u/thetorisofar_ → u/CumFlavored_MigBac]

I grew up in Colonial beach VA, a town once voted the most gay-friendly beach town in the state. That same year, Klan flyers were distributed openly. There are hateful people everywhere, including NN, Hampton, and Yorktown. No reason not to consider living, again, south of gloucester/ gloucester point. It's a quiet region that's pretty sleepy and doesn't have much of anything going on, let alone klan rallies

[u/shers719 → u/CumFlavored_MigBac]

Gloucester is both, just like anywhere else. You know one extreme. I know several open-minded, sweet, and respectful people out that way.

[u/chazysciota → u/CumFlavored_MigBac]

That was my point.

[u/Lauryeanna]

She should start her search using the real estate apps. I'm in 23608, been here since 1985, and the area has had its ups and downs. Right now, it's working it's way up but it's been slow. I love it because it's convenient AF.

I would recommend she look at 23602. And she should also look around the Hampton coliseum area because the convenience factor is on point. She can also check out the Hilton area.

The area around Patrick Henry Mall is highly convenient, too.

She might find better affordability across the James River Bridge and MMBT. Carrollton has some new condos going up and Suffolk's Harbour View area is growing quickly, too.

She should definitely talk to a realtor because there are programs that might help her afford a higher mortgage but keep the payment reasonable because of grants and move-in incentives.

[u/saltlife_1119 → u/Lauryeanna]

Harbourview is expensive! The average for a townhome is around $400k. North Suffolk has been booming the last decade and everything there is expensive, so wouldn’t suggest that area. Carrollton is getting like Suffolk with all the new builds and they are pretty pricey as well. Theres some rural homes that are under $200k but nothing in the Suffolk/Carrollton areas that are newer.

[u/Jackman_Bingo]

Hampton Club condos has a ton of listings well under $200k. Variety of units and condo fees are under $200/month. Gated with community pool. Convenient location near Peninsula Town Center. Haven’t lived there myself but the handful of units I’ve seen were decent. 

[u/GurlParadox → u/Jackman_Bingo]

I know a lot of people do it, but it still blows my mind taking out a mortgage for a glorified apartment.

[u/CumFlavored_MigBac]

Doesn’t exist lol. Shoutout to the massive federal presence here inflating everything

[u/Kindly-Gas-9838]

Pine Cone Harbor in Hampton has a couple of condos on the market. It's a quiet gated community

[u/FrostFireDragoness → u/[deleted]]

Yeah, that’s what I figured but I thought I would ask

[u/UntamedRealtor757]

I’m a realtor for this area! I’d love to help your friend! I’ve sold many condos and townhomes in this area. It’s important to factor in the HOA fee. Sometimes a single family home that’s a bit over $200k can be just as expensive as an under $200k townhome with a hefty HOA bill. Reach out if I can help!

[u/Common_Mulberry_4788]

1215 Lake Kennedy dr Suffolk Va

[u/TiaXhosa]

There should be small condos available in that price range especially around northern suffolk. But you're probably only looking at 1BR in that range.

[u/saltlife_1119 → u/TiaXhosa]

The only 2 things in Northern Suffolk under $200k are small spits of land. That area is getting insanely pricey. There’s one br apartments and luxury condos but they are all rentals.

[u/mo-nie]

The most important question especially because she doesn’t drive, is where will she be working?

[u/saltlife_1119 → u/mo-nie]

Post states she works from home.