Christiansburg / New River Valley - Hoping to Call it Home.

[cumbriabeval]

Hi Mgallimore32 ~ We have decided to move to the Roanoke area in 2017. I'd love to be there now but there's a lot of work to do in our current home in Houston as we prepare to sell it next spring. I've never moved interstate so there's also a lot of planning involved which I haven't a clue about as yet.

I don't recall everything mentioned previously in this thread but the major determining factors for choosing Roanoke were:

1. It's beautiful, hilly and surrounded by mountains.
2. Four seasons with gorgeous spring and fall color. Summers less brutal than Houston.
3. Several good hospitals.
4. Good size population (not too big / not too small).
5. Mild weather and low tornado risk.
6. Favorable cost of living / low cost housing.
7. Good amenities / restaurants.
8. Low property taxes.
9. Near a lot of other cool places that I'd like to explore (NC, Kentucky / Tennessee).
10. The bluegrass / music culture.
11. Seems fairly easy to get around without major traffic congestion.
12. The folks we came across when we visited last October were very friendly.

I haven't read up on the crime stats but I doubt they can compare to those in Houston.

So Roanoke has a lot going for it, in my opinion. Granted, I've only visited once but it was pretty easy to fall in love with the natural beauty. I imagine I would feel as though I'm on vacation every day by living there.

Where are you from, Mgallimore32? Best of luck in your decision-making.

[headnsouth]

Originally Posted by CapsChick

There just isn't anything here. I can't even find group fitness classes that I like (I have tried the only options there are).

CapsChick I'm sorry you aren't loving Cburg. I can totally understand why - suburbs are the worst IMO! FWIW Carilion Wellness has just opened a new location at the CRC in Bburg that might have at least a gym that works for you.

[CapsChick]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

CapsChick I'm sorry you aren't loving Cburg. I can totally understand why - suburbs are the worst IMO! FWIW Carilion Wellness has just opened a new location at the CRC in Bburg that might have at least a gym that works for you.

Thanks! Yep, I'm aware of the new CW but I'm pretty sure they have no classes. Actually, there is a very nice Christiansburg Rec Center free to Town residents, just no good group fitness classes I can find. I did a boot camp for a while but they aren't offering it at a convenient (for me) time anymore. I at least enjoyed having someplace to be where there were other people a few days a week.

Anyway, I'm just biding my time for the next 15 or so years until my husband retires and we can move elsewhere. Living here in no-man's land is a tradeoff for a lot of positives that have come my way. And who knows, maybe C'burg will actually make some strides in the next 10-15 years. There seem to be at least some changes afoot: there is currently a search underway for a new Town Manager and plans for the new Truman Wilson Park, a planned recreation hub with amphitheatre.

Here's a Roanoke Times opinion piece from January: How the Next Town Manager Could Make or Break Progress in Christiansburg.