Newport News, Virginia

Since the early 2000s, schools in Newport News have managed to solidify themselves as staples in the Newsweek’s annual list of the best in the nation. In addition to the amenities of a typical public school system, Newport News has several alternative schools including an international education school, an aviation and engineering school, and a business school for troubled youths. After the last bell rings, families will be thrilled to know that a variety of nice parks and museums are right in town to help occupy the kids, and mild weather by southern standards allow you to enjoy everything the town has to offer more comfortably.

Note from a local teacher on school districts in the area:
I think that as a math teacher that you can pretty much pick your district. Like everyone else, live on the Hampton side. You can live anywhere from Hampton to Newport News to York. I think Williamsburg would be a bit much. As far as the school districts, I do not know. I am more familiar with the districts on the Southside. Also, as you probably know from Cville, it is the school and the administration that you really need to consider. So, I would just check in with Hampton, NN, and York County to see what is available and interview at all

For more reviews of Newport News from locals check out: The Buzz

Newport News has, unfortunately, acquired the nickname “Bad News” in recent years due to crime issues. Some neighborhoods have reputations of being far safer than others, but the city as a whole has been trending in an undesirable direction this century in terms of crime statistics. Those used to smaller southern towns may be surprised to hear that locking cars and houses is a necessity in much of Newport News.

Here's the pov of a recent transplant with a different experience:
I am not from Virginia and originally lived and worked in Virginia Beach. I decided to move to Newport News with my boyfriend and every single one of my coworkers told me I was insane. They said they hope I liked gun shots and being robbed. I honestly have no idea what the hell they were on about. It's been two years and I love the area! I live in Kiln Creek and there are so many shops and restaurants nearby. Sure there are some sketchier areas but I've never had a moment of regret and my god it's much cheaper!

Residents in Newport News are regarded as friendly and supportive of each other. Locals take advantage of the local parks, museums and trails to keep themselves entertained. Newport News Park isn’t just large by local standards, but is one of the largest parks in the U.S. The Mariners Museum and the Virginia Living Museum are the two big museums in Newport News. The former hosts a wide range of maritime artifacts and distinguishes itself as one of the largest maritime museums in the world while the latter is home to an aquarium, science museum, planetarium, and botanical preserve.

Restaurants and shopping centers are highly rated in the area but Newport News isn’t ripe with nightlife, particularly for those in their twenties. Residents of all ages often lament that you have to drive at least thirty minutes out of town for some excitement.

If you want to check out all that's happening in Newport News here is the calendar of events: https://www.newport-news.org/visitors/events-and-festivals/