Moving to VA from FL

[whynot?]

Originally Posted by Jason0711

Richmond has a very low crime rate. I don't recommend living in the hopewell area to be honest. If I were you I would look for a job in the richmond area and live in the west end or midlothian

I'm sorry, but Richmond has a fairly high crime rate -- about the same as Washington, D.C.'s. While the rate has declined over the past few years, it is still about twice the national average according to most ranking services including City-Data's own profile. (Link: http://www.city-data.com/city/Richmond-Virginia.html)

This is one negative statistic that cannot be blamed on the city itself. The large populations in the surrounding suburban counties help lower the crime ranking for the metropolitan area at-large, but both Henrico and Chesterfield have pockets with significant crime.

There are certainly safer and less-safe areas, but crime is definitely a problem.

[FLBoy123]

Heck I agree with that! They have that Crime 360 show now and Richmond is pretty much the only one other then Ohio. Richmond isn't worth it. Nothing to offer. I grew up in Short Pump it was ok but nothing to jump over.

[Jason0711]

Originally Posted by whynot?

I'm sorry, but Richmond has a fairly high crime rate -- about the same as Washington, D.C.'s. While the rate has declined over the past few years, it is still about twice the national average according to most ranking services including City-Data's own profile. (Link: http://www.city-data.com/city/Richmond-Virginia.html)

This is one negative statistic that cannot be blamed on the city itself. The large populations in the surrounding suburban counties help lower the crime ranking for the metropolitan area at-large, but both Henrico and Chesterfield have pockets with significant crime.

There are certainly safer and less-safe areas, but crime is definitely a problem.

i meant to say high crime rate, sorry :P

[blueva]

Originally Posted by MelanieR

After 14 years basking in the sun in Florida, we've decided it's about time we move back North. We formally came from PA & IA, but decided to possibly give VA a try. I'm intrigued by the Colonial Heights, Hopewell areas and wonder if anyone can give some insight as to the housing market (sales & rentals) and the employment opportunities in these areas. Not opposed to Richmond, either. At this time, we depending on the internet and maps for a good location. I have worked in the construction industry in Florida for the past 14 years (office) and would be interested in employment in this field.
Also, knowing that Fort Lee is close by, can anyone tell what type of civilian jobs may be available there.
Many thanks for any and all information provided.

Excuse me , but Virginia is NOT the North. We are more Southern than Florida, thats for sure!

[stockdale.35]

Originally Posted by MelanieR

After 14 years basking in the sun in Florida, we've decided it's about time we move back North. We formally came from PA & IA, but decided to possibly give VA a try. I'm intrigued by the Colonial Heights, Hopewell areas and wonder if anyone can give some insight as to the housing market (sales & rentals) and the employment opportunities in these areas. Not opposed to Richmond, either. At this time, we depending on the internet and maps for a good location. I have worked in the construction industry in Florida for the past 14 years (office) and would be interested in employment in this field.
Also, knowing that Fort Lee is close by, can anyone tell what type of civilian jobs may be available there.
Many thanks for any and all information provided.

Back North?? Uh..you better keep truckin about another 200 miles to get north they still don the Dixie Outfitters stuff in Richmond.

Why are you leaving the sunshine state? Are you out of your mind? I lived in Miami, my wife had to drug and drag me back to VA.

[blueva]

Originally Posted by stockdale.35

Back North?? Uh..you better keep truckin about another 200 miles to get north they still don the Dixie Outfitters stuff in Richmond.

Why are you leaving the sunshine state? Are you out of your mind? I lived in Miami, my wife had to drug and drag me back to VA.

I think maybe she just meant "North" - as in North of FL. Im hoping thats what she meant

[TiredGypsy]

Originally Posted by Jason0711

Richmond has a very low crime rate. I don't recommend living in the hopewell area to be honest. If I were you I would look for a job in the richmond area and live in the west end or midlothian

We were strongly considering the Hopewell area for relocation and wondered why you don't recommend it.

[FL Beaches]

We visited Hopewell once. That was enough for me. There seemed to be one decent section we came across. Other than that, it was pretty run down. Not where I would want to raise my son.

Midlo is on the top of my list for the Richmond area! We've been there a number of times.

[Richmondx804]

This is SUPER late, but I just joined this site to respond to this in case someone comes across this asking the same question. Unless you want your child to drop out of high school I wouldn't advise Hopewell. I grew up there and the schools are awful. The teenage pregnancy rate is through the roof and there is nothing for children to do in that area but do drugs and have sex. Lots of run down buildings also. My mother talked very highly of Hopwell as a child but will agree that its gone way downhill. There is only ONE middle school and ONE high school but FOUR elementary schools. The one middle school is placed inbetween two project housing neighborhoods and behind one very run down shopping center, and the worst times of your childs life shouldn't be spent in the ghetto. The housing is VERY cheap, but what GOOD area has CHEAP housing? The Lakeside area of Richmond is a nice, reasonably priced, close in location area that I suggest you look into. Hope this helps someone! DON'T MOVE TO HOPEWELL!!!!!