Considering Relocating from Philadelphia (Richmond, Arlington: neighborhood, public school, casinos)

[zaz102]

My fiancée and I currently reside in the Philadelphia area and we are interested in Virginia as an eventual relocation destination. The main reasons for our interest to move are a more moderate climate and lower housing prices. However, we do not know enough about the state to determine a specific area to focus on. Please help narrow down my search while taking the following items into a consideration:

· Moderate weather and climate is important, although I feel most of Virginia is an upgrade over Philadelphia’s weather.

· Lower housing prices would be nice in a nice suburban area. We are looking to start a family soon, so at least three bedrooms, basement, two floors for $300,000 or less would be ideal.

· We have family in Reston, VA we would like for commute to be about an hour, but a drive under three hours would be acceptable.

· We are comfortable with the northeastern culture than the stereotypical southern culture.

· I am an automation engineer for the pharmaceutical industry. It is important for me to continue my career in the industry with a shorter commute (< 30 minutes).

· We like to take our dog for walks in the park and try different restaurants and bars. Also, a 1-2 hour drive to the beach would be nice.

I know these are a lot of items, which is why I need some guidance. I appreciate any input. FYI We can afford much more, but I’m trying to be fiscally conservative. If there is an area that fulfills most of our requirements, but is more expensive, please let me know. Thank you.

[roanoker 4]

I would suggest looking at the Richmond area with your interest in the beach less than 2 hours away, DC is
about the same distance, lower housing prices than Philly or Northern Va and the area has a healthy economy.
Good Luck in your move!

[lammius]

I agree that Richmond is a good suggestion. It'll be about 2 hrs from Reston, 2 hrs from the beach, and the cost of living is pretty reasonable. And it's a pretty cool city too. The climate is slightly warmer, but really not all that different from Philly. But it's not going to feel "northeastern." If you're not comfortable with the south, then don't move to the south.

Elsewhere, the Va Beach area would have a more noticeably warmer winter (but that's 3 or more hours from Reston), and if you look toward western VA winters are colder and snowier than Philly.

I'm not sure where there are any high concentrations of pharmaceutical companies in VA, though. I'd assume northern VA, which gets you close to Reston (and the most northeastern-like feeling in the state), but farther from the beach, and potentially higher cost of living than the Philly area.

[AJNEOA]

Agree on Richmond, but I'm not sure the weather is all that more moderate than Philly. We get about half the snow (22" vs. 10"). The highs in Richmond are a little higher (making it more extreme during the summers).

Philadelphia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Richmond, Virginia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I only bring this up because my wife and I are looking to relocate to Philly in the next couple of years, and getting a little less extreme heat in exchange for a little more snow is desireable, but mostly a wash.

[Charlesaf3]

Richmond, I do think the weather is MUCH better than Philly. Along with most other things. But I'd go with where you get a job, first, then go from there

[ersatz]

zaz102

Here's an idea out of left field. Don't rule out Delaware. Climate is much more moderate directly on the coast and there are a lot of pharmaceutical spinoffs around Wilmington and other DE locations on the shore.

[slowlane3]

Lots of Maryland residents are retiring to southern Delaware now. The taxes are MUCH lower, partly due to revenue from Delaware's gambling casinos spent by out-of-staters, which is spread out over Delaware's small population.

[AvidGamer]

Hello,

Rather than clog up the forums with another topic, I'm also considering a relo from Philly. I've been offered a position in Arlington, and I was wondering what's down there. Was kinda looking for a racially diverse neighborhood near there, kinda suburban, kinda not. I'm ok with commuting (and since I'm in Philly, I don't have a problem with traffic - comes with the territory). Also looking for a neighborhood with a good school system (public or private), with 2 kids and one on the way.

Also, how is the cost of living compared to somewhere like Philadelphia?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[citydweller]

^You might try posting in the Northern Va forum since Arlington is located there. Good luck.

[NJ2MDdude]

Originally Posted by AvidGamer

Hello,

Rather than clog up the forums with another topic, I'm also considering a relo from Philly. I've been offered a position in Arlington, and I was wondering what's down there. Was kinda looking for a racially diverse neighborhood near there, kinda suburban, kinda not. I'm ok with commuting (and since I'm in Philly, I don't have a problem with traffic - comes with the territory). Also looking for a neighborhood with a good school system (public or private), with 2 kids and one on the way.

Also, how is the cost of living compared to somewhere like Philadelphia?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

The Arlington County public school system is very good - on par with Fairfax County, Va and Montgomery County, MD. It's also a very wealthy, urban-suburban and diverse community.