Eventual Move to SW Virginia or Within VA Near Mountain Area with Good Lyft/Uber Transpo (Roanoke: transplants)

[sprklcl]

Just initial research, eventual plans to really retire, could be anywhere from two to say 10 years, and leave the traffic and craziness of Northern Virginia, and move to a somewhat less built up, though near a *large* town, in the near mountain areas of SW Virginia or the like (actually was born in a mountain area but family moved away when I was a child). I am thinking near any college town Blacksburg or Lynchburg, 1st choice very far away from No. VA, or 2nd choices like Harrisonburg, Staunton, Lexington, or even Charlottesville, which recent thinking has better Lyft or Uber transportation for getting around. Do not want to end up in a real remote small town say like Big Stone Gap visited a friend there twice over the years, though would love to live in a place like that due to scenery and friendliness, when with age not able to drive anymore and no Lyft or Uber near nearby. Though Uber and Lyft advertise service in all areas of Virginia, am thinking reality is if there is not enough demand in an area, could be waiting 30 minutes or more for a car if can get one at all, but believe near large or college towns could get Uber or Lyft say within 15 minutes.

Any Virginia town suggestions for above or below needs?

* Lyft or Uber readily available, which use if not cannot drive on own. Limited bus service ok, which use little today even in built up Northern Virginia, but not want part of town where bus extensive service at all hours and days and can bring an unwanted city element.
* Decent medical care, which expect better in larger towns than small. Have post-employment 'retiree' health insurance that 95% of doctors accept.
* Cost of housing, rental or for sale?
* Good cell phone service, which carrier(s)?, in and around the town you suggest, realizing all have dead zones.
* For any particular town suggestions, area of town to avoid due to crime. I am too good living a few miles out of town as long as can get Uber or Lyft when need.
* Very nice to have though not a must have, safe sidewalk or trail walk to a grocery store within 15-20 minutes, up to a mile away.

[Rickcin]

Well we’re transplants who are now very happy to be living in Roanoke.

We selected this area due to the size of the City, not huge but large enough to provide all of the amenities that we find desirable.
The cost of living in this area was also a factor along with its proximity to other areas of interest and the availablity of Amtrak if needed.
A good medical system was of utmost importance to us and the Carilion Health Care system along with the Virginia Tech association was big for us.
And living in a beautiful mountain area with lots of outdoor activities nearby was also a huge influencing factor for us. We consider Roanoke to be an Ashville in the making without the snow and other negatives that are part of Asheville.

Obviously I’m partial, however the wife and I are loving life in Roanoke.