Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• City Websites
  The Hampton Roads region is home to a collection of vibrant cities, each offering its own unique charm. No matter where you are, getting acquainted with your surroundings is essential. The local government websites for each city provide valuable information on daily essentials, including utilities, waste pickup, emergency alerts, schools, and a variety of community resources. Exploring these sites will help you navigate your new environment with ease.

  • City of Norfolk
  • City of Virginia Beach
  • City of Chesapeake 
  • City of Suffolk
• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Virginia as a state is often described as having a "Goldilocks Climate" – not too hot and not too cold. Hampton Roads enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are mild with occasional frost, while summers are warm and humid. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures with beautiful bursts of color. Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year. 
  
  Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th with the most active part of the season being from August to September. Please be responsible and ensure you are informed, and prepared. This includes closely monitoring weather reports when storms are forecasted for the area. Having emergency supplies and having plans in place. 
  
  Virginia Department of Emergency Management 
  
  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov is a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters. 

• Wildlife

  Hampton Roads is home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife, adding to the natural beauty of the area. While some animals may occasionally be a nuisance, they are an integral part of the region's ecosystem. Staying aware of your surroundings, particularly near water or wooded areas, will help ensure your safety when encountering local wildlife.

  Water Animals:
  Hampton Roads is surrounded by rivers, bays, and marshes, making it a haven for aquatic life. You might come across crabs, oysters, and a variety of fish species such as flounder and striped bass. The region's waters also host saltwater animals, including playful dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay.

  Sharks and Rays:
  Though rare, sharks such as sandbar and bull sharks can be found in the coastal waters. Stingrays are also present, and while generally harmless, they should be approached with caution.

  Jellyfish:
  During the summer months, jellyfish are more common in local waters. Always stay alert when swimming to avoid encountering these creatures.

  Snakes:
  While venomous snakes like copperheads and timber rattlesnakes do exist in the area, they are rarely encountered. The majority of snakes are harmless and play a beneficial role in the ecosystem. When hiking or exploring wooded areas, it's best to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings.

  For more information on local wildlife, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

• Getting Around & Neighbourhoods

  The most convenient way to travel throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia, is by car. The region boasts an extensive network of highways and roads, making navigation relatively easy. For those who prefer not to drive, public transportation options, including buses and light rail, are available in certain cities as practical alternatives.

  Sidewalks are not widely available across many parts of Hampton Roads, although some areas, like the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Town Center, and Norfolk’s downtown, offer better pedestrian and bike facilities. However, these amenities are limited, and you shouldn't rely on walking or biking as a consistent mode of transportation.

  In urbanized areas such as Norfolk and Virginia Beach, traffic congestion can be problematic, particularly during tourist season. Always stay alert when driving, keeping an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Commuting in Hampton Roads can be challenging, so planning ahead is essential.
   

  • Commuter Resources: Virginia Department of Transportation
  • Transit Resources: Hampton Roads Transit
  • Scenic Drives & Byways in Virginia: Explore Virginia's Scenic Routes

  
  Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator: Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more.
• Drivers License & Registration

  There are important steps to follow for vehicle registration, obtaining a driver’s license, and meeting other vehicle-related requirements in Virginia. Below are the essential resources and information you need.

  Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Resources:

  • Virginia DMV Website: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/
  • Title and Registration Information: Title and Register Your Vehicle in Virginia (DMV-140)
  • Military Guide with Virginia DMV: Military Guide (DMV-206)

  Driver’s Licenses, Learner’s Permits, and ID Cards:

  For active-duty military personnel, their spouses, and dependant children, a valid driver’s license from their home state or country is typically acceptable. You are not required to get a Virginia driver’s license unless you choose to. However, if you decide to obtain a Virginia driver’s license, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of Virginia residency
  • Legal presence (U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to be in the U.S.)
  • Social Security number

  Visit the Virginia DMV website for a full list of documents that DMV accepts, or use their online interactive guide. You can also view the brochure "Obtaining a Virginia Driver’s License or ID Card" (DMV 141) for detailed information.

  Vehicle Safety Inspection:

  Before driving your vehicle in Virginia, it must pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker. This includes trailers with separate braking systems. Driving without a valid inspection sticker can result in fines and violations added to your driving record.

  To find safety inspection stations, or for more details, visit the Virginia State Police website or contact them at (804) 674-6774.

  Insurance Requirements:

  All vehicles driven on Virginia roads must be insured. Even if you are not required to get a Virginia driver’s license, your vehicle must meet Virginia’s insurance requirements before it can be registered. Your insurance provider must be authorized to conduct business in Virginia. The state requires minimum coverage for:

  • Liability coverage for personal injury or property damage

  Sun-Shading Requirements:

  Virginia has strict sun-shading laws that limit the amount of light allowed through your vehicle windows. The requirements are:

  • Front side windows – must allow at least 50% light transmission
  • Rear side and rear windows – must allow at least 35% light transmission
  • Windshield – no sun-shading allowed

  If you have any questions about whether your vehicle’s sun-shading meets these requirements, contact the Virginia State Police. Medical exemptions are available for individuals with certain medical conditions that require restrictions from sunlight or bright artificial light.

  Titling an Imported Vehicle:

  If you're importing a vehicle into Virginia, you must complete the necessary steps to title and register it. Be sure to follow the guidelines provided on the Virginia DMV's Importing a Vehicle page (Note the military personnel exemptions section).

• Military Presence

  Hampton Roads boasts a massive military presence, earning it the nickname "America's Fortress." It's home to 15 military installations, including the world’s largest naval station, Naval Station Norfolk, and houses all five branches of the U.S. military. With over 80,000 active-duty personnel and numerous veterans, the military is a cornerstone of the region's economy and culture. Norfolk is also home to NATO Atlantic command headquarters and home to 32 countries. 

  Visit the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fleet & Family Readiness
  or select and explore your Mid-Atlantic Installations by visiting the CNRMA webpage 
   

  Key Military Installations in Virginia’s Hampton Roads Area (North to South):

  • Joint Base Langley-Eustis
  • Naval Station Norfolk
  • Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads
  • Naval Medical Center Portsmouth
  • Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
  • Naval Air Station Oceana
  • Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex

  
  

• Healthcare in Hampton Roads

  Military Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF)

  Dependents are encouraged to utilize MTF for medical care whenever possible as services will be covered under TRICARE, streamlining the process and eliminating the need to file a claim.

  Locations include Naval Medical Centre Portsmouth (NMCP) and the following 7 Branch Health Clinics, and 3 TRICARE Prime Clinics distributed throughout the Hampton Roads area:

  • Northwest Branch Health Clinic
  • Norfolk Naval Shipyard Branch Clinic
  • Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Branch Health Clinic
  • Boone Branch Clinic
  • Oceana Branch Health Clinic
  • NAVSTA Norfolk Branch Health Clinic
  • Dam Neck Annex
  • Chesapeake TRICARE Prime Clinic
  • Virginia Beach TRICARE Prime Clinic
  • Suffolk TRICARE Prime Clinic
  • NMCP is the only MTF equipped to handle EMERGENCIES

  All MTF appointments can be made by calling 866-645-4584

  Note: ALWAYS have your CAC for proof of TRICARE coverage. It's also important to confirm base access for members and dependants prior to making an appointment. Non-NATO members may also need to request access to NMCP. Active-duty members have MTF priority, followed by their family members.

  After Hours Care (civilian walk-in clinics)

  Dependents are covered under TRICARE Select, and the Hampton Roads area offers a variety of private hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, medical practices, and specialty clinics to meet your needs. For more information about your options, visit the Humana Military website for TRICARE East or call 1-800-444-5445.

  Dependants can also reliably access Patient First: Urgent Care for walk-in clinic care. Click this link for your closest location Urgent Care Locations - Patient First.

  Dental

  Use the Canada Life Portal for Dependants' OUTCAN dental claims. Here you'll be able to access the Canadian Forces Dependants Dental Care Plan form labelled "Standard Dental Claim Form" that is used for coverage. This form needs to be printed, completed and brought with you to the dentist to obtain compensation for your dental appointments.

  Many Canadian OUTCAN families have successfully accessed care and direct billing at Dental Designs by Drs. Newman, Tam, & Associates in Virginia Beach.
  
  For general healthcare guidance while OUTCAN, please visit www.cfmws.ca/us-healthcare.

• Children's Education & Care

  For families in Hampton Roads, there are a variety of resources available to help navigate educational and childcare needs.

  Virginia Department of Education Directory
  For information on schools and education services in Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Education Directory.

  Navy Child & Youth Programs
  The Navy offers programs for children and youth to support military families. Find more details at Navy Child & Youth Programs.

  Childcare Search Engines

  • Care.com offers a childcare search engine to help families find local providers.
  • City of Virginia Beach Childcare Resources provide options for families in the area.

  School Liaisons: Your Key to Educational Support

  School Liaisons are here to assist families with children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. They help with everything from school transfers and homeschooling support to understanding graduation requirements. Connecting with your local School Liaison (SL) early can eliminate much of the guesswork for parents.

  School Liaisons can assist with:

  • Inbound/outbound school transfers
  • Local school options and boundaries
  • Finding the right school for your child
  • Understanding special education services
  • Meeting graduation requirements
  • Accessing military and local support services
  • Homeschooling support
  • College preparation and scholarship information

  School Liaison Locations and Contact Information

  • Naval Station Norfolk (covers Norfolk, VA & Hampton, VA)
  • Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads (covers Chesapeake, VA & Currituck County, NC)
  • Little Creek (covers Virginia Beach)
  • Oceana (covers Virginia Beach, VA)
  • Yorktown (covers Gloucester County, VA, Newport News, VA, Williamsburg/James City, VA & York County, VA)
  • Norfolk Naval Shipyard (covers Portsmouth, VA, Suffolk, VA & Isle of Wight County, VA)