Help please in finding the right dog friendly part of Virginia for me (Richmond: real estate)

[crescentmoonknl1]

I am not terribly familiar with the state, except for the urban sprawl around DC which I passionately want to avoid. I am looking for land/real estate that is reasonable in cost (I am relocating from South Carolina) I have been operating a traditional dog boarding kennel for the last eight years. I want to find a community that would appreciate and support my ambition to run a smaller niche boarding establishment that has a more homey cagefree atmosphere (this type of boarding is more expensive and high end so the demographics of the area would have to support this kind of enterprise). I would prefer a country location with easy access to a small city that has some culture, fine dining, interesting things to do. And I need an area that is dog friendly.

I would particularly appreciate input from dog people who feel their area is underserved as far as quality pet lodging goes. My specialties are the toy/small breeds, geriatric and special needs dogs, and sighthounds. But I digress. I am an eclectic person and South Carolina and I have just not mixed. I also miss the occasional snow, and true fall foliage and crisp autumn air. I will look forward to input. Thanks so much.

[Bigfoot424]

Winchester might be what you are looking for. Growing city with plenty of country around it. Not the wealthiest city in VA but it certainly seeing a increase in wealth. I believe there is a shortage of reputable kennels in the area as well.

[Dan_in_DC]

Originally Posted by crescentmoonknl1

I am not terribly familiar with the state, except for the urban sprawl around DC which I passionately want to avoid.

Before you make a trip from SC to NOVA and discover firsthand the true reality of serious "urban sprawl", it might be wise to research areas that you think may interest you by contacting Chambers of Commerce in your potential target communities, and also by checking statistics in City-Data and other resources.

Each of us who use this Forum have our own opinions, but you need to clearly define what you seek, in your own mind, and then express it clearly so others who want to help can understand what you mean.

I will try to suggest several areas in Virginia that may be suitable for your needs. However, I can't help but notice that some of your requests seem to be mutually exclusive, or highly unlikely.

You tell us you want to establish a business in some new location, the nature of which will be:

Originally Posted by crescentmoonknl1

... more expensive and high end so the demographics of the area would have to support this kind of enterprise ...

However, you have also told us:

Originally Posted by crescentmoonknl1

I am looking for land/real estate that is reasonable in cost ...

So are you really expecting to find affluent demographics in "bargain basement" real estate?

The more affluent neighborhoods generally tend to be in (or near) heavily populated areas. DC's "urban sprawl" (or that of any other medium-to-large city) tend to be caused by a neighborhood's affluence.

That having been said, let's consider what areas in Virginia might be suitable for you, to wit:

Originally Posted by crescentmoonknl1

... I would prefer a country location with easy access to a small city that has some culture, fine dining, interesting things to do. [and] I also miss the occasional snow, and true fall foliage and crisp autumn air. ...

You probably don't find very much snow or crisp autumn air in South Carolina. However, most of Virginia has plenty of both. Many of the best areas for fall foliage are along the Blue Ridge Parkway (or nearby).

Possible locations that may appeal to you in VA might include the following:

Fauquier County, near Warrenton (the County Seat).

Culpeper County, near the Town of Culpeper.

Loudoun County, near Leesburg.

In and around the City of Roanoke.

Charlottesville suburbs.

Harrisonburg area.

Luray.

Sperryville.

Richmond suburbs are nice too.

Most Virginians like dogs ... or cats ... or both. Most jurisdictions do require vaccinations and dog tags these days. Some jurisdictions have leash laws. We don't have nearly as many alligators here as you find in South Carolina.

You can get demographic details about any of these places in Wikipedia, and/or at the US Census Bureau website. For those areas that look appealing to you, contact local Chambers of Commerce for additional details, and begin checking real estate prices.

Good luck, and happy hunting.

[jazzjelly]

Originally Posted by crescentmoonknl1

I am not terribly familiar with the state, except for the urban sprawl around DC which I passionately want to avoid. I am looking for land/real estate that is reasonable in cost (I am relocating from South Carolina) I have been operating a traditional dog boarding kennel for the last eight years. I want to find a community that would appreciate and support my ambition to run a smaller niche boarding establishment that has a more homey cagefree atmosphere (this type of boarding is more expensive and high end so the demographics of the area would have to support this kind of enterprise). I would prefer a country location with easy access to a small city that has some culture, fine dining, interesting things to do. And I need an area that is dog friendly.

I would particularly appreciate input from dog people who feel their area is underserved as far as quality pet lodging goes. My specialties are the toy/small breeds, geriatric and special needs dogs, and sighthounds. But I digress. I am an eclectic person and South Carolina and I have just not mixed. I also miss the occasional snow, and true fall foliage and crisp autumn air. I will look forward to input. Thanks so much.

Hi,
I adore dogs and have my own and also do voluntary dog boarding for deployed military and also do some dog training...Am planning to move to South Carolina. Was your discomfort there to do with your profession? I can't go anywhere where there is a hostility to dogs...

[Scorpio1969]

Ive found VA to be a very dog friendly state.

Try areas around Wincehster, Harrisonburg, Cville, and Roanoke.

[Bigfoot424]

The OP posted in April and never came back. Likely won't at this point.