No clue about Charlottesville - any info would be appreciated (Richmond: home, contractors)

[lydialuna]

Today I saw a job opening from the University of Virginia and really want to try it since it might fit me better than my current position. But I have no clue about what Charlottesville is like. Right now we're in south Florida, spoiled by the weather and the convenience in an urban environment. So I have a few questions:

1. Is Charlottesville pretty "rural" (the small college town feel - I don't mean to offend anybody), compared to large metropolitan areas like Miami-Ft. Lauderdale? Is it in a larger metropolitan area? Google earth simply shows that it's a city away from other urban clusters.
2. My husband has an IT+MBA background and works as an independent consultant. How easy is it for him to get a decent job there? How easy is it for him to get any consulting work? I know it's close to the DC area but it's still two hours away.

I would appreciate any input!

[TN Lily]

Having lived in a town with a population of 150 for a while, Charlottesville does not seem like a small town to me. It is not rural. It may not be a big metropolitan area, but you will find plenty to do and plenty of places to shop. If you don't like Charlottesville's offerings, Richmond is an hour away.

Check out the website of the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce:

Home

I don't know about jobs for your husband. Richmond would be a far easier commute than D.C.

[lydialuna]

@TN Lily, thank you very much for the response. While thinking about whether I should apply for the position I'll check the Chamber of Commerce website. I've been to Richmond briefly (mostly the Virginia Commonwealth University campus area) but not very fond of it in terms of the first impression.

[gregir]

1. Is Charlottesville pretty "rural" (the small college town feel - I don't mean to offend anybody), compared to large metropolitan areas like Miami-Ft. Lauderdale? Is it in a larger metropolitan area? Google earth simply shows that it's a city away from other urban clusters.

Charlottesville is a medium sized city in a generally rural area with major metro areas within 3 hour drive.
There are places there that offer what you likely consider urban conveniences but not many compared to most major metro areas or other medium sized cities. Using transportation as an indicator, in my opinion you have to have a car if you live in Charlottesville. (As a resident and not as a student.)

2. My husband has an IT+MBA background and works as an independent consultant. How easy is it for him to get a decent job there? How easy is it for him to get any consulting work? I know it's close to the DC area but it's still two hours away.

The answer depends entirely on the type of work he regularly consults. There is a large defense intelligence center and some businesses but not a lot of opportunity for traditional IT consulting. I am in the field myself and usually board a plane on Sundays and return home Thursday.

I would appreciate any input![/quote]

[TN Lily]

CapitalOne in Richmond uses lots of independent contractors for IT work.
They also have employees. You may want to check out that company's website.