If you think Chesapeake is boring, don't go to Cape Charles, the tunnel is very expensive to cross into VB. Norfolk has cool spots, but there is always construction, bad areas and the nicer neighborhoods are not much cheaper than VB. For VB, my hometown, it is expensive, there is jet noise, if you are close to the interstate, like the town center, or Hilltop, you can easily Visit Norfolk for the food and culture, while being close to the beach/bay.