Plan To Move From Vegas To Richmond (Virginia Beach, Fort Lee: rent, home)

[SMD123]

Im originally from Virginia and lived in Richmond for a year back in 98. I moved to Vegas in 99. As many may know Vegas is in economic turmoil. I was laid off a few months ago. I am not having any luck. The job market is non-existant and extremely competitive. For every job available there can be at least 100 or more applying for the same position. I need to be somewhere familiar and safer and most of all... I need to be back somewhere that has culture. Vegas has none.
I also have a child on the way and Vegas is not an option to start a family. I do have friends in the Va area so that is a plus. Ive been narrowing my search down to either Richmond or Virginia Beach. How is the job market in Richmond? I am in the Public Relations and Marketing sector. Ive looked at the housing market and it seems pretty good. We would rent first then purchase a home within a year. What are some of the pros and cons you see? What is a nice affordable area to live? Thanks for the replies.

Also, what are some of the large companies that call Richmond HQ? Im looking for somewhere to start a job search.

[onevthoki]

Unfortunately a lot of those larger companies have also fallen on hard times this year and are no longer. I would say check with Capital One (but they lay off quite a bit), and VCU (both the university and medical center).

I would also recommend you check the government site for Fort Lee (USAJOBS - The Federal Government's Official Jobs Site). You can check some of my previous posts, but in a nutshell, Fort Lee is expanding because of the Base Realignment Commission (BRAC) decisions. The Government postings section of Craig's List may also be a good resource for you; many of the government contractors will post positions there.

Good luck in your search!

[Mtaylo24]

LOL...there are not that many jobs here, dont be fooled by our wikipedia...everybody is cutting back, going bankrupt or laying off...You may have an easier time finding PR/Marketing work in NY, Houston, or DC

[richmondpics]

Some large companies based in Richmond:

Meadwestvaco
Dominion Resources
Performance Food Group
Ukrop's Super Markets
CarMax
Hamilton Beach / Proctor Silex
Owens and Minor
New Market Corp
Massey Energy
Media General
HilbRogalHobbs
Suntrust Mortgage
BB&T Capital Markets (Scott and Stringfellow)
Large Capital One presence (but not HQ)
Altria / Philip Morris USA
Infilco Degremont
Law firms like Williams Mullen, McGuire Woods, Hunton Williams, Troutman Sanders
Harris Williams & Co
PR/Marketing/Advertising firms like CRT/Tanaka, Martin Agency, Big River
Markel
Universal Corp
Genworth Financial
Brink's
AMF
First Market Bank
Federal Reserve HQ for the 5th District


Innsbrook Corporate Center has several million square feet of office space, and hundreds of companies. The park directory might be a good idea to look at:
Innsbrook

Also, this list might be helpful as well
Greater Richmond Working Capital - Tracking innovation in Richmond, Virginia’s financial sector

Good luck. It's a tough time to get a job but they are out there.

[Mtaylo24]

Originally Posted by richmondpics

Some large companies based in Richmond:

Meadwestvaco
Dominion Resources
Performance Food Group
Ukrop's Super Markets
CarMax
Hamilton Beach / Proctor Silex
Owens and Minor
New Market Corp
Massey Energy
Media General
HilbRogalHobbs
Suntrust Mortgage
BB&T Capital Markets (Scott and Stringfellow)
Large Capital One presence (but not HQ)
Altria / Philip Morris USA
Infilco Degremont
Law firms like Williams Mullen, McGuire Woods, Hunton Williams, Troutman Sanders
Harris Williams & Co
PR/Marketing/Advertising firms like CRT/Tanaka, Martin Agency, Big River
Markel
Universal Corp
Genworth Financial
Brink's
AMF
First Market Bank
Federal Reserve HQ for the 5th District


Innsbrook Corporate Center has several million square feet of office space, and hundreds of companies. The park directory might be a good idea to look at:
Innsbrook

Also, this list might be helpful as well
Greater Richmond Working Capital - Tracking innovation in Richmond, Virginia’s financial sector

Good luck. It's a tough time to get a job but they are out there.

That was actually helpful...wish I had this list months ago...thanks brother

[SMD123]

Thanks for all that info richmondpics! I understand the state of the economy effects everyone but trust me, its nothing compared to what is going on out here in Vegas. Im interested in working within the government sector. Those jobs are much more present than they are in Vegas and seem to be a lot more reliable these days.
I looked into DC, however the cost of living is too high. I also grew up in the area and will never forget the traffic nightmares.

[richmondpics]

Welcome guys... and good luck with the searches.