I
liveaboard in Norfolk's Little Creek inlet, which
Rib Man and
Panama Red commented on. This inlet connects to the
Chesapeake Bay, roughly 2.6 miles west of the
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. There are a number of marinas on each side of the creek. I think Cobbs (part boatyard and part marina) has the newest docks, but the restrooms/showers are sub-standard. They are within easy walking distance of a strip mall with a good grocery store and
marine supply store. Unfortunately, they are located in an undesirable neighborhood. The marina does have
security gates which are closed at night (you can still get your car in or out with a key pad
security code). When I need a haul-out, I go to Cobbs. They have always treated me well. On the other side of the creek are more marinas. It's a better neighborhood on this side of the creek, but a longer walk to the grocery store. There are 6 restaurants within easy walking distance and 1 boatyard called Cutty Sark. I
liveaboard in Bay Point Marina. I think at one time it was a pretty nice place, but it gets less nice every year with a lack of upkeep. The same corporation owns a few other marinas here on the creek. I do light
maintenance on my boat here at the marina (orbital sander and the occasional router or table saw) and no one has complained yet, but for more major
maintenance you should use one of the 2 boat yards here on the creek. I like the general location of Little Creek. It is well protected and has quick and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay. But, this is the most noisy area I have ever lived in. Jets using Norfolk International fly right overhead and make it hard to carry on a conversation. There is additional air traffic from aircraft using the air field at the main
Navy Base 5 miles away. There are also
Navy ships here in Little Creek, and the loudspeakers from the base can be annoying. The good news is that nights are relatively quiet until around 5:30 am when the jets out of Norfolk International start flying. As you probably know, Norfolk is part of the whole
hurricane season thing. We don't participate in
winter as much as you do in the
Great Lakes, but it does go below freezing here at times. The creek may get a little ice overnight, but it is generally gone by noon. There are other marina options in the Norfolk area besides the Little Creek area. Some
research with the Active
Captain web site will help you find them. But, not all are going to accept liveaboards. Good luck to you in your search.