Southwestern VA Relocation (Roanoke, Bristol, Abingdon: crime, homes, employment)

[LoriCx3]

Hi all. We are interested in relocating to the southwestern area of VA. We were in Abingdon in October 2010 and absolutely loved it! However due to my husband getting sick, our 7-10 day vacation turned into 2 before we had to head back to Florida. Question: What is the employment situation like there? Hubby has been in the construction industry for 30 years and would be giving up a government job here that he has had for the past 20 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator. I have two degrees - one as a Paralegal, and the other as a Certified Medical Assistant (would prefer to stay in the medical field - the pay is less but it is more fulfilling for me). :0) Also, we have heard so many differing insights from people who have relocated to other places, particularly smaller towns, and we are getting remarks that we would be considered 'outcasts' and would not be welcome there because we were not born and raised there. Just want to know what we are looking at before we leave everything to come and root ourselves in this area. Considering Abingdon, but will also consider the Bristol, VA area. Any info is greatly appreciated.

[Imhere now]

I've lived in the Abingdon area for 12 years now and in this region for 30 years. If you and your husband are close to retirement then moving here could be a good choice. Your husband will not likely find a similar job here, highly unlikely as an heavy equipment operator. Your options as a para-legal are uncertain also, unless you have a experience in disability law, which is a large sector of law practices. I'm not familiar with Certified Medical Assistant as to how that would tranlate in VA? is that like a Certified Nursing Assistant? You could contact the VA Board of Nursing to explore what licenses you may qualify for. There is growth in health services here, a new hospital is under construction on I-81 and a new cancer center has opened on the same site. This is a conservative area and many people make associations through churches. Families are extended and new people do go through a "being placed" process to see if you have some connection to someone they know. There are few minorities. Housing is affordable. Crime is low. There are 4 seasons and it does snow in the winter, much less so in Bristol. People are friendly, but it does take awhile to make friends, which is true every where, more so in a more small town/rural area. Abingdon is a small town, but does have the Barter Theater, Creeper Trail and small acreage homes, if you want to have a more rural experience. If you both require work to move here, then take time to come back and explore job options before making a move. How did you pick Abingdon?

[j1n]

check out the Roanoke valley... you'll likely find more options available