Moving to Va from FL (Alexandria, Roanoke: credit, apartment, condo)

[marsharie]

Hiya,

My husband is currently seeking employment in Alexandria. We currently live in the Tampa, FL area. We plan to make the move this summer. I actually grew up in Roanoke, Va but moved as soon as I became an adult so I am not familiar with all the taxing issues. In order for you to address my following questions appropriately, let me give you some more personal information.

We are not looking to buy a home, we have 0 credit, and have been turned away in FL many times.

My husband is an electrician and will be completing the IEC Apprenticeship program here in FL in April. This accomplishment will bring "under-estimated" income at $65,000. I under estimate this because I want to be reallistic and find something afforadable.

We are not interested in an apartment or condo, so will be planning to rent a single-family home.

We have 3 small children, the oldest will be entering 1st grade next school year.

So with that being noted here are my obvious questions:

- Where should we begin looking for housing in the income range noted above, with considerations given to the issue of schools? Also note that given the fact that my husband is an electrician his work will not keep him stationary, so commute doesn't factor with us too much.

- What are the taxes I should be aware of in Va and in the specific counties you will be recommending? In FL we have very high property tax, but we do not own so this is not relevent to us. That's about it. I know there is a Va car tax and personal property tax.

- Anything else I should be aware of when researching an area?

M