Ideas for scouting itinerary (Richmond, Mechanicsville: houses, neighborhoods, best schools)

[sealion78]

We are thinking about moving to North Carolina or Virginia this summer. My husband and I will go there on February break to check out some towns. Hopefully by summer we are ready to close on a house.

We need to make an itinerary because our goal is to decide whether we want to live in a particular town.

What should be on our itinerary?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by sealion78

We need to make an itinerary because our goal is to decide whether we want to live in a particular town.

What should be on our itinerary?

Decide on a budget, and scout the housing within your budget. If you like the suburbs, Henrico County and Chesterfield County are good prospects for housing.

Otherwise, you request is waay too vague to answer. What are your job skills, and where do you think you would find work. What does your family like to do for recreation? Do you need excellent public schools, or are you into home-schooling or private schools? Do you have any specialized needs: eg, near an airport?

[sealion78]

Thanks! Here are some more details:

1) My husband is in software and business finance, I am a teacher with an admin license and will be looking for a job as an assistant principal or teacher.

2) We have 3 kids: pre-teen, toddler, and an infant.

3) He is a competitive pool player and I like horses, dance and music. Our oldest son is into Lacrosse and our younger son likes animals.

4) We're not religious, but we are accepting and open-minded.

5) My husband and I like going to rock concerts together sometimes.

6) We're looking for great schools, a warm community and decent priced housing.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by sealion78

6) We're looking for great schools, a warm community and decent priced housing.

I'll suggest that the best schools are in Midlothian (Chesterfield County) and the Short Pump area of Henrico.

Housing prices are still moderate compared to national levels. You can find 4-bedroom houses in decent neighborhoods for $200K to $400K.

The husband might find work with several corporations. As Richmond is a state capitol, and also has federal and military installations, there are many comsulting opportunities.

[sls76]

Great schools = Midlothian or Short Pump. I'd throw Mechanicsville in there too. They have great schools but far fewer options in middle and high school if you have an academically driven child.

Bang for your buck is higher in Mechanicsville and Midlothian.