Virginia Beach folks

Anywhere that avoids I264 or bridge/tunnel traffic.  People spend more time yapping on their cell phones or sending text messages than paying attention to driving.  They also insist on doing 15mph under the speed limit while going through a tunnel or over a bridge. 

Depending on where in VA Beach the job is, I would recommend just living in NC.  Gas will be a bit of a killer, and the drive will be long, but it'll be worth it in the end.  I work 9in Portsmouth, VA, and I live in NC and wouldn't have it any other way... except to not work in VA at all.

you are in luck, that is my favorite area of va beach!  i can't recommend realtors but shore drive is my favorite area of va beach.  rentals should be fairly easy to track down, but townhomes will be pricey in the area.  anything on shore drive should give you a decent commute, but if you live closer to the fishing pier area you will have lots of really great restaurants and fun bars in walking distance (if that matters to you).  you will have to drive out of the area for decent biking - shore drive has made an effort to promote cycling but people are still oblivious and i would NOT dare ride on shore, except for maybe in the very early morning. 

hope you like seafood

If you'll be a JEB-LC, then I suggest the following...

Decide whether you prefer places to run/ride over a short commute or vice versa.  If you want a short commute to work... go with the above.  If you don't mind about 1 hour of driving, I highly suggest you live in NC or southern Chesapeake. 

If you don't mind the commute from NC, have a look at All NC Real Estate to see if they have any rentals that will suit you. 

In any case, let me know when you get to the area.  We'll have to get together!

Thanks guys. I ended up going with an apartment. Couldn't find a decent rental that was worth the money. Location isn't bad and only maybe a 20min drive to work, or perhaps a short bike ride, 10miles, if I can find a safe path.

I should be moving down in mid February. Now I need recommendations on running/triathlon clubs.

fat frogs for riding!

Final Kick is superb.  Good fitter, group rides- long and short, runs- track and distance, and swims.  Good deals to be had all year long and they have their hands in most of the events in the area.  Not snobby to newbs and they have some extremely fast ones out there that'll destroy you if that's what you're looking for.

I live closer to Fat frogs but only time I was in there I was treated very poorly.  Was looking for tires, and asked about mountain bikes.  After the guy in the back finished eating his sandwich he asked why I would bother with a mountain bike in this area while pointing me towards the overpriced 4000s tires.  The other guy, at the counter, didn't even acknowledge my presence.  I was the only customer in the store.  Maybe I caught them on a bad day but first impressions.....

Final Kick set me up with my Asics Gel-Nimbus 14 running shoes, and I love 'em.  Plus, they hooked me up with a 10% military discount.  The lady I was working with to get fitted for some shoes also worked with my 10yo daughter without getting bent out of shape.  I'd be in there far more often if they weren't an hour+ away from me (I live in Shawboro, NC).

Fat Frog in Chesapeake is alright.  Haven't made any purchases there, but they seem decent enough.  I've never had a bad experiance there.