1. Norfolkians’ Accents Are The Best Of The South—And The North
The Norfolkian accent isn’t exactly Southern, but it isn’t exactly Northern either. Some people call it a Tidewater accent, but Norfolkians are generally not convinced this accurately describes their slang.
Basically, because many of the people here are military transplants that come from all over the U.S., and because Norfolk is smack in the middle of the North/South divide, Norfolkians never really know what accent they have. But that’s OK, they hold their own in a wonderfully, weird kind of way.
2. Folks In Norfolk Live For Stuffing Their Faces With Buttery Crabs
If you don’t know what crab pickin’ is, you are seriously missing out. This Norfolkian tradition is much loved by all.
Here’s how it works: Basically, they’ll put a giant plate of delicious crabs right in front of you and voila! Pick away, my friend! Blue crabs are for the takin’. Delicious!
3. Norfolkians Love To Hate On NoVa
The only thing Norfolkians dislike more than West Virginia is North Virginia (NoVA). Most of them wholeheartedly believe North Virginia (NoVA) should be its own state—or at least break off from Virginia already and become part of Maryland! Different culture, different politics, different ideologies...They’re practically all from D.C. anyway.
4. Norfolkains Are Proud To Be Beach Bums
Because of our close proximity to the ocean, many Norfolkians call Virginia Beach their second home. They’re constantly hitting the waves or laying out in the sun.
So, don’t be surprised if you rarely see them wearing anything other than a bathing suit. To many of them, clothes are a waste of time, man.
5. People In Norfolk Worship All Things Beach Volleyball
Since Norfolkians are such proud beach bums, it shouldn’t surprise you that beach volleyball is pretty much a sacred ritual here. Going to the beach without a volleyball is tantamount to sacrilege.
6. Norfolkians Are A Bunch Of Reggie Lovers
Norfolkians have a dangerous addiction to Reggies at Doumar’s.
This delicious, thick, creamy milkshake combined with bits of homemade waffle cone = heaven. Even if it is 1,000 calories, it’s so worth it. No Norfolkian cares about cholesterol when it comes to Reggies either.
In fact, many Norfolkians argue that a Reggie at Doumar’s alone is enough to earn Norfolk the title of best city in Hampton Roads. (Sorry, Chesapeake! It’s not you…)
7. Norfolkians Party Like It’s Their J.O.B.
Another benefit of the beach bum lifestyle is that it tends to breed some pretty wonderful party-goers in Norfolk. Between the bars, beaches, and amazing local music scene, it’s not that hard to see why they all like to party.
Also, every Norfolkian has undoubtedly been to a concert at NoVa and doesn’t remember the concert...
8. All Norfolkians Are/Know/Are Married To…The Military
Norfolk is home to a U.S. Naval Station so the city is filled with military transplants, Navy spouses, and, of course, sailors.
Think of the show “Army Wives” and multiply that by 1,000 and that’s pretty much what they’ve got going on in Norfolk.
Norfolkians feel honored to be home to some of the brave men and women who serve their country and as a result are very patriotic.
9. People In Norfolk Aren’t 100 Percent Sure What Year It Is
Really who can blame them? Norfolkians have been to so many American Revolution and Civil War Reenactments that keep track of what era they are in can get tricky.
That’s because this region of the United States is jam-packed with history for the locals to absorb—and absorb, they do! Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown are only an hour away (and everyone has been to either one, or both, for a school trip). Plus, who needs to travel and hour when there are civil war reenactments in Norfolk all of the time?
With the past so “present” in Norfolk, it certainly makes for an interesting crowd of people who seem to fluctuate between eras!
10. Norfolkians Friggin' Love Norfolk
All Norfolkians have a rehearsed speech defending Norfolk ready to go should any of the other six cities in the Hampton Roads attempt to put them down. That’s because Norfolkians take great pride in their city—and they won’t put up with any disrespect of their hometown.
So if you catch yourself in a heated battle about the cities of the Hampton Road, be prepared for Norfolk to win the fight.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think of Norfolk in the comments below! 
