Thinking about Richmond???? (Charlottesville, Petersburg, Forest: best towns, transplants, rental)

[AugustRN]

Hello,
I have been reviewing some of the Richmond posts and have found alot of good info, thanks!

We are looking at Richmond as a relocation late this spring. (We are also looking at Clarksburg WV, DC..but I think it will be way too $$$$$, and a few places in Florida).

My husband is a moderate Republican Veteran, now retired who loves mountains, nature, and playing guitar. I'm a liberal Democrat with a good 20 more years to work looking for a dog friendly place that has a sense of community...local fairs/farmers markets, artsy outings, museums, fun places to walk..and being close enough (2-3 hrs) to do an oceanside lunch is a +!. stuff like that. We love to try mom and pop resturants and check out local music too. ...How can I forget..casinos?? we like to feed the slots now and then.

We are from Western New York and have been living in both the San Francisco and Sacramento areas for the last three years. We are looking to move back East very late spring this year to be closer to family in WNY, Pittsburgh PA, and Charlottesville VA, but avoid the Lake effect winters...i put in 40 of them. (Cold and some snow is OK...months of snow dumped 18 inches at a time...like to avoid)

We dont have to worry about school districts as the kids are all grown and out. We would be renting to start, anything from a pet friendly (2 small dogs) larger studio to a 1-2 bedroom works. We are use to paying 1200-1500 in Cali and I will take a cost of living pay cut to move so we are hoping for lower rents.

We are very laid back, comfortable in a diverse multi-cultural community just as well as a more country-fied neighborhood. Mostly just looking for nice people who are forward thinking.

Any info is appreciated...weather, traffic, (my job would be right in the city), relo-tips are welcomed!

thanks so much





Thank you so much for your time regarding my post!!

[richmondpics]

Richmond sounds like a great fit. 1 hour to the mountains, 1 1/2 hours to the beach. Lots of farmers markets and tons of outdoor festivals throughout the year. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is nationally recognized.

Richmond's food scene is very exciting and really just on the cusp.
Are We Ready For Our Close-Up?

The James River Park System, Richmond Virginia
The James River Park System is a great asset.
Waterfront Property: Outside's Best Places to Live 2012 | Best Towns | OutsideOnline.com

No casinos in Virginia though. Would need to head to WV for that.

[AugustRN]

Thank you for the great info We are hoping to get to visit before we make a decision on one place but if not, we always make the best of where we land. I have heard from some other Western New Yorkers who have checked out Richmond and said it was very similiar, vibrant, and comfortable.

[govmoneynvegas]

Yep, the Richmond area does sound like a good fit.

There are a lot of guitar stores in Richmond, guitar teachers, as well as a lot of music venues to see some great shows. Dogs and cats are everywhere.

[MST13]

Richmond is a great city, lots of beautiful architecture, plenty to do, and the James River is just awesome! For neighborhoods, I would check out the Fan (anywhere west of Lombardy is really pretty), near West End, Bellevue, and the Forest Hill Area. Plenty of rental places in all of those neighborhoods. I also work downtown, and I will say that parking is expensive. The bus system is not very comprehensive as to the areas it services, but is worth it to not worry about parking downtown. There are a ton of farmers markets, and the one in Forest Hill is great. And you will never run out of new restaurants to try in Richmond! There is some amazing food here, from cheap good greasy spoon dives to white tablecloth candlelit places.

Hope this helps! Richmond is a great place, lots to do and see and lots of history. Good luck on your move!

[ClarkStreetKid]

Take a look at Cumberland MD. Real mountains there.

[TheLonelyGoatherd]

Originally Posted by ClarkStreetKid

Take a look at Cumberland MD. Real mountains there.

Real hicks too.

[TheLonelyGoatherd]

Originally Posted by AugustRN

Thank you for the great info We are hoping to get to visit before we make a decision on one place but if not, we always make the best of where we land. I have heard from some other Western New Yorkers who have checked out Richmond and said it was very similar, vibrant, and comfortable.

I work with a lot of northeast transplants and never met one that doesn't love it here. Similar vibe, much milder winter, way cheaper taxes, fantastic shopping, close to major cities like Baltimore, DC even Philly. But still a small enough city that it's easy to navigate. I've lived pretty much up and down the east coast, (though I'm a VA native) and I absolutely love it here.

Now I must admit that I live in the country and spent most of my time between the country and the suburbs of Short Pump or Midlothian. I rarely go into the city of Richmond. However, I love the city and what it has to offer if you are a city person. I think it's one of the most underrated cities/metro areas in the US which is probably good. Look what happened to Raleigh NC when word got out how good it was. Notice I said was, lol.

You'll be happy here.

[onevthoki]

August, I noticed your husband is a military retiree. You may want to take into consideration proximity to Fort Lee. Especially if you are utilizing Tricare Prime. I was just reading an article on military.com yesterday that said if people are more than 40 miles from a military MTF, they will be dropped from Prime and moved to Standard. Plus this way you could shop at the commissary! And there are some great communities in the Fort Lee area that may fit the bill. Since schools are to a consideration, you may even want to look into Petersburg - Old Towne is undergoing a revitalization that has been featured in some major print publications. Good luck!

[AugustRN]

Thanks everyone for all the great input!! I will hopefully start to hear about some of my transfer apps in late Feb so...maybe we will be Richmond bound!