Your First 30 Days in Hampton Roads: The PCS Checklist I Wish Someone Had Given Me
There's something exciting about finally arriving at a new duty station. After weeks of planning, packing, traveling, and unpacking, you're finally here.
Then reality sets in.
You still need to figure out where to grocery shop, how to get through the tunnels without getting stuck in traffic, where to update your driver's license, and which TRICARE clinic accepts new patients.
I remember thinking, "Where do I even start?"
If you're new to Hampton Roads, here's the checklist I wish someone had handed me during my first week.
Week One: Get Settled
✔ Unpack the Essentials First
Don't worry about decorating every room.
Focus on:
Beds
Kitchen basics
Bathrooms
Coffee maker (trust me!)
Getting your daily routines back makes a new place feel like home much faster.
✔ Learn the Geography
One of the biggest surprises about Hampton Roads is that it isn't one city.
It's made up of several connected communities, including:
Virginia Beach
Norfolk
Chesapeake
Suffolk
Portsmouth
Hampton
Newport News
York County
Spend a little time driving around before deciding where you'll spend most of your weekends.
Week Two: Take Care of the Important Stuff
✔ Update Your Vehicle Registration
Virginia has specific requirements for vehicle registration, inspections, and driver's licenses. Start here:
Virginia DMVhttps://www.dmv.virginia.gov
Military families may qualify for certain exemptions depending on residency, so it's worth reviewing the military-specific information before visiting a DMV office.
✔ Get Your Toll Pass
If you'll be commuting through Hampton Roads, you'll likely encounter tunnels, bridges, and toll roads. Having an E-ZPass can save both time and money.
E-ZPass Virginiahttps://www.ezpassva.com
✔ Learn the Tunnel Routes
Locals don't ask, "How many miles away is it?"
They ask, "Do you have to cross the tunnel?"
Before choosing your daily commute, become familiar with:
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT)
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
Downtown Tunnel
Midtown Tunnel
Checking traffic before you leave can make a huge difference during rush hour.
Current traffic information:
Virginia 511 https://www.511virginia.org
Week Three: Take Care of Your Family
✔ Transfer Your TRICARE Care
One of the first things I recommend is updating your primary care provider and locating nearby urgent care and specialty clinics.
Visit:
TRICARE East https://tricare.mil/east
You can also search for military treatment facilities and civilian network providers through the TRICARE website.
✔ Find Your New Favorites
One of the best ways to feel at home is by creating new routines.
Explore:
Local coffee shops
Parks
Farmers markets
Walking trails
Beaches
Restaurants
It's amazing how quickly a new city begins to feel familiar once you've found your favorite places.
Week Four: Build Your Community
Moving is easier when you start making connections.
Join:
Military spouse Facebook groups
Base community pages
Local neighborhood Facebook groups
Recreation sports leagues
Community events
Military families understand what it's like to start over and they're often some of the most welcoming people you'll meet.
My Favorite Piece of Advice
Don't try to do everything in one weekend. Give yourself permission to settle in slowly. Every PCS comes with a learning curve, and that's okay. Before long, you'll have your favorite grocery store, your favorite coffee shop, and your own shortcuts around town.
One day you'll realize Hampton Roads doesn't feel new anymore, it feels like home.
From Madison
As a military spouse and Real Estate Agent, I've experienced firsthand what it's feels like to start over in a brand-new place. My goal is to help military families feel confident long before moving day.
\Whether you're looking for the right neighborhood, wondering how tunnel traffic might affect your commute, or simply need someone to answer the questions that don't show up in a Google search, I'm always happy to help.
Madison Sherwood
Real Estate Agent
(406) 529-3288
Facebook: Madison Sherwood Real Estate
Google Reviews: Leave a Google Review
Coast2Coast Connect
Every PCS is unique, and no two military families are looking for exactly the same thing. That's why we've created Coast2Coast Connect, to help you feel informed, confident, and at home before you even arrive.
Whether you're comparing neighborhoods, researching military installations, looking for family-friendly communities, or searching for trusted local recommendations, our Hampton Roads guide brings everything together in one place.
Explore neighborhood spotlights, relocation resources, local favorites, military installation information, and insider tips from military spouses and local experts who know the area best.
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