The Unofficial Hampton Roads Homebuyer Starter Pack

“Let me tell you why my grandma called this pneumonia weather.”

If you grew up in Hampton Roads, somebody probably told you not to go outside without something covering your nape.

Mine did.

Every time the weather couldn’t make up its mind.

I thought she was just being Grandma.

Until one day I drove to Virginia Beach.

The tunnel was clear on the way there.

I handled my business.

On the way back…

Traffic was backed up.

The weather had completely changed.

It started raining.

Then it hailed.

Before I made it home…

It was snowing.

All I could hear was my grandma saying,

“Pneumonia weather.”

That’s Hampton Roads.

If you’re buying a home in Hampton Roads, there are a few things nobody puts in the relocation guide.

So… consider this your unofficial Hampton Roads Homebuyer Starter Pack.

Welcome to Hampton Roads

Let Me Tell You Why My Grandma Called This “Pneumonia Weather” | Hampton Roads Weather

Moving to Hampton Roads: What Nobody Tells You

Summer Isn’t Measured by the Temperature

It’s measured by the heat index.

Around here, 94 degrees doesn’t sound nearly as impressive as,

“Feels like 110.”

That’s the number everybody checks.

And there’s always somebody outside saying,

“It ain’t that hot.”

Think I’m exaggerating? Check the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service Wakefield Office. Around here, the weather has a mind of its own.

Pick Your Tunnel

“How far is Virginia Beach?”

About 20 minutes…

Unless you get stopped by the Tunnel Monster.

“What tunnel should I take?”

Ask five locals.

You’ll get six different answers.

Construction & Driving

Construction isn’t a season.

It’s a lifestyle.

At this point…

The orange barrels are part of the scenery.

Then there’s the driving.

Everybody knows which city has the worst drivers.

According to everyone…

It’s always the next city over.

The Soundtrack of Hampton Roads

You’re in the middle of a conversation.

A fighter jet flies overhead.

You stop talking.

Everybody else keeps talking.

Wait until it breaks the sound barrier.

Now everybody stops talking.

Local Food Rules

You leave Virginia.

You sit down at a Mexican restaurant.

The chips hit the table.

“Can I get some white sauce?”

The waiter looks at you.

“…Some what?”

That’s when you realize white sauce is a Hampton Roads thing.

Then somebody asks,

“Who’s got the best yock?”

Congratulations.

You just started the Yock Wars.

Steamed.

Fried.

Everybody’s got a crab spot.

And nobody’s changing their mind.

Sky Gangsters

You’re already running late.

The light finally turns green.

Then the Sky Gangsters decide they’re crossing.

They don’t run. Don’t acknowledge you.
They just keep walking.
No hurry.
Looking you dead in the eye like they wish you would.

The disrespect is part of the experience.

The mosquitoes don’t bite.

They attack.

Buckroe Beach jellyfish somehow know the exact weekend you planned your beach trip.

And every few months…

Somebody spots a coyote.

Within minutes it’s on Facebook.

Then Nextdoor.

By the end of the day somebody swears they saw a bear wandering over from the Great Dismal Swamp.

If you’re new to the area, Visit Hampton is a great place to explore local beaches, events, restaurants, and attractions.

Hometown Legends

Around here…

You don’t have to say their full names.

Bubba Chuck.

Ookie.

Missy.

Timbaland.

Magoo.

Pharrell.

If you know…

You’re probably from Hampton Roads.

Local Directions

GPS will get you there.

Locals will confuse you first.

“Meet me by Coliseum Mall.”

“No…

PTC.”

Same place.

Different generation.

Everybody Has an Opinion

“What’s the best city?”

Depends who you ask.

“The best beach?”

Depends who you ask.

“The best seafood?”

Depends who you ask.

The quickest way through the tunnel?

Now you’ve started an argument.

Around here…

Everybody’s got an opinion.

And they’re all convinced they’re right.

Whether you’re moving to Hampton Roads across town or across the water, there’s always something new to discover throughout Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth. Virginia Tourism is a great place to start planning your next local adventure.

Local News

Whether you agree with her…

Or not…

You don’t even have to follow her.

Somehow…

She still finds you.

And before you know it…

You’re watching another live that starts “It’s a sad day here in Hampton Roads…”

Congratulations

If you laughed at more than half of these…

You’re either already a Hampton Roads local…

…or you’re about to become one.

Just remember…

When the weather changes three times before you make it home…

You’ll know exactly what my grandma meant by…

“Pneumonia weather.”

Now it’s your turn.

What belongs in the Moving to Hampton Roads Starter Pack?

Why?