Moving from IL to VA! (Norfolk, Newport News: apartment, rent, find a job)

[MovingfromILtoVA]

Hi everyone,
I am so exciting to have found this forum!! I have two main questions for you all:
1) Where are the best places in VA to live considering what I’m looking for? (See below)
2) What’s the best order/method to do a move out of state considering I have to find a job as well?


I’m a single mom with two kids (ages 17 & 19). We want to leave IL - our area is very depressed & the things we are interested in pursuing just aren’t here.
We want to move to VA! The main reasons being the HISTORY, (we are reenactors), and all the job prospects the many living history sites/museums etc. would bring. The ocean & mountains are a plus as well – Virginia is beautiful.

We would love to work at Colonial Williamsburg, but don’t know how hard it is to get in. So we are going to visit the Williamsburg area this summer, and do some research. I’m thinking renting first is a good idea. I have one very good friend who lives out there.

This brings us to our 2 main questions!
Areas: If Williamsburg is too expensive to live in, we are thinking of Toano, Charles City, Providence Forge, Lanexa or Barhamsville, because they are fairly close to Williamsburg for driving. I should make it clear we do not want to live in the heart of a big busy city – but rather a smaller town just outside of it, for quieter (and more affordable) living. What is your opinion of these areas?

Jobs: I will need to have a job right away, and this is what I am a bit worried about, along with the higher cost of living. How do I get a job in another state when I can’t just hop on a plane for every interview? Do I just move out there with everything I’ve got and work to find something quickly? Or do I find a way to have something lined up before I get there?


Thank you for reading! If you have done a move like this before, or are familiar with South Eastern VA, please give me your advice!

[LynchburgLover]

Sorry I can't answer any of your questions but here's some general suggestions for your thread.

First, you'll get more answers if you re-post in the Norfolk/Newport News sub-forum rather than the general Virginia forum. Virginia is a large state and people in that forum will know the Williamsburg area.

Second, you'll need to be a bit more specific. What kind of job will you be seeking? Different parts of Virginia are better for certain types of jobs.

Third, regarding what area is "best" depends a lot on your budget. If you could give a general idea of house/apartment size? Renting or buying? And most, important a maximum amount for the rent/mortgage.

Lastly, are either of your sons looking for work? If so, tell what they are seeking. If they're still in school/college/vocational training, tell that, too, so people can make suggestions about specific programs etc.

Without divulging any personal information, it gives people a lot more to work with to point you in a certain direction.

Best of luck!

[MovingfromILtoVA]

LynchburgLover - thank you for your helpful reply! I appreciate it. This is a huge forum, wasn't sure if I was in the right place or not. I will post this in the Norfolk/Newport News sub-forum.

Second, you'll need to be a bit more specific. What kind of job will you be seeking? Different parts of Virginia are better for certain types of jobs.

I would love to work around the history; Colonial Williamsburg, other living history sites, battlefields, muesums, etc. There are so many history related opportunities in VA - we are are still learning about them!

Third, regarding what area is "best" depends a lot on your budget. If you could give a general idea of house/apartment size? Renting or buying? And most, important a maximum amount for the rent/mortgage.

We would have to start by renting, it wouldn't need to be anything fancy. Not sure if it's possible to find, but close $1,000 rent per month or less would better for our budget.

Lastly, are either of your sons looking for work? If so, tell what they are seeking. If they're still in school/college/vocational training, tell that, too, so people can make suggestions about specific programs etc.

Both my son & daughter are finished with school, they are not in colledge currently - that is a possibility in the future. At this time, they are self-employed entrepreneurs, with successful online business's! My oldest is interested in finding an additional job as well. Again, related to history.