Move to VA ? (Norfolk, Roanoke, Washington: contractor, taxes, living)

[SteveLou]

Looking for a nice place to work/ retire. Mid 50's, wife's a nurse, I'm a self employed contractor (kitchens and baths). I know I'll be workin' til the day I die, just less. Any recommendations for a nice quiet suburban place in VA.
Jersey is some what hectic. We are 15 mi from NYC. Any suggestions would be appreciated, planning a trip this summer for this purpose.
Thanks in advance.

[roanoker 4]

You sound like a nice fit for the Roanoke area. Your wife in nursing and a self employed contractor. Housing is less, taxes are lower, weather is nicer, people are friendlier(and not as hostile to "Northerners" as North Carolina!! Ha Ha). I'm in the same age range and recently moved back to this area from hectic Washington DC(no place to live if you have retirement on the horizon!)
Forget Northern VA(suburban but definately not quiet). I would also suggest the Tidewater area of VA(Va Beach, Norfolk)if you like the ocean occasionally and don't mind living way out of the city. Good Luck!!

[happygal0000]

I agree with Roanoker4, you sound like you'd fit well here. There should be enough work here to keep you busy, and plenty of other activities when you're not working. Tell your wife to join The Newcomers Club when she gets here --a great group and they're all transplanted to the valley, so they know what it's like to be new.