Lexington Virginia-Retirement Questions (Newport News, Roanoke, Lynchburg: crime, homes, elementary schools)

[Cattknap]

Hi - hoping someone from Lexington will see this post. We are considering retiring to Lexington, VA soon. We've stayed at the Col Alto a number of times and really enjoy the history and beauty of the area, as well as the nice people.

We notice that there is only one hospital, and there are around 50 doctors in the Lexington area. Since we will be on Medicare in a few years (9 years for me and 4 years for my husband), we are wondering if there are plentiful numbers of doctors in Lexington who accept Medicare.

We read a recent article in an online Williamsburg Newspaper that stated that Virginia has a very low-rate of Medicare reimbursements to doctors which has caused many doctors in Williamsburg to either move out of VA, stop accepting new Medicare patients or limit the number of Medicare patients that they will accept. We wonder if the same thing is happening in Lexington.

Any other tips about relocating to Lexington would be much appreciated. We are interested and educated in the arts and history and are avid hikers and bicyclists.

Thank you!

[javegirl]

I have recently relocated to lexington. I am not near retirement but I do have a chronic illness that means I often see doctors. I had a hard time when I moved here because no doctors were excepting new patients, no matter what type of coverage they had. I was eventually able to find a new doctor in town, I am unsure what coverage he accepts. I do have to drive to Roanoke to see specialists as there are none in this area (pretty much any dr other then a general practioner you are going to have to go somewhere else)
Other then that it's a great place to live. There are always fun things going on and it's always beautiful here.

Hope that helps some?!?

[Cattknap]

Thanks so much for the info!

[Lookingforasafehome]

Williamsburg has a very high number of older folks, actually some say way too many and maybe that is why. There are alot of old people here actually when I think bout it. It is so bad that Kingsmill, which is a haven for old people actually keep a medic life saving device on hand, cause there are high rates of cardiac arrests here. Glad that is a "long way off" for myself personally!

We also love to hike and bike ourselves, we also love historic places and such places too, wow we have alot in common Catt, well except I am not old.

[williamsburgfan]

to find out if the situation with Dr's accepting new medicare patients is the same in Lexington you should call them directly - this is defintely a "hot" topic in much of the country now. williamsburg, due to its geography is not rated as high an economic area as big cities - although the cost of living here is as high or higher - and it is a factor for Dr. and medicare reimbursements. we have many specialists, and the hospital system is ensuraing that X number of new patients are accepted by subsidizing the medicare. anywhere someone is considering retirement medicare & docs should be researched.

The AED looking..... is refering to has nothing to do with age. anyone can and does have cardiac issues. AED"S are in all the large communities, all schools (certainly you can't say elementary schools have a lot of "old" people!!), libraries, golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants - any place the public frequents. These are a great lifesaving device and our community has made a concerted effort to have as many of them available as possible. any time you go through an airport or to a public place look for the symbol - a red heart with an electric bolt through it. you can get basic training on them through the ARC.

[Cattknap]

I called the visitor's center and a couple of other places - no one could tell me anything except that many residents go to Roanoke or Lynchburg for medical care. As far as researching Medicare & docs - that is exactly what I am doing and why I posted here - to see if any one knew anything about Lexington Doctors. For us, it is a toss up as to retirement destinations - right now we are considering Williamsburg, Lexington and Louisville, KY - so far Louisville looks the best all the way around. We have about a year to decide.

[williamsburgfan]

the visitors centers specialize on tourist info - to get the info you need I would call all the Dr offices you are considering using and the hospital.

the only way to know if a Doc is taking new mdicare patients is to call them diretly - this is where i hope you have unlimited minutes on your cell!! Time consuming, maybe - but the ONLY way to know the current situation.

That situation will change in a year - many more Docs here taking new mediccare patients since sentara is statrting a program to help with the situation.
health care for retirees is a big issue and all growing areas, especially those attractive to retireees is facing a similar situation. I would also contact the AARP and see if they have and current info. nothing will compare with talking to the Doc directly.

On your next visit also go to the senior centers/rec centers/golf courses/country clubs - anyplace seniors frequent and ask them - talking directly to people who live where you want to will help. at my club we have many people considering to move here and are often approached by them with questions.


weren't you also considering Queen's Lake?

[Cattknap]

Hi - thanks for your reply - I thought someone at the visitor's center in Lexington might be able to help since it is manned entirely by senior citizens (most I was told go to doctors outside of Lexington but don't know if this is true).....Lexington is one of three places we are interested in for retirement. I am 56 and am in good health as is my husband, but we know that good health sometimes doesn't last as we age....so we want to make sure that we have the medical care issue all worked out before we need it. We are very prepared people and moving across the country is a big step for us - we will definitely be prepared with all the info we need before the big move next year.

We love Queen's Lake and always felt that would be where we would retire. We are concerned about the growth and traffic in Williamsburg...the crime has gone up over the last few years and we would like to know how the police are addressing that issue....although we feel Williamsburg is safe, especially in the area we would be living and the areas we would frequent, crime usually increases proportionately with growth. We love Colonial Williamsburg and the other historic sites in the area (history is a passion for both my husband and me), and the trees, water and lovely areas - we are a little concerned that Williamsburg is going to be over-developed.

But as I stated before, Louisville seems to have lots of positive attributes too. We have always lived at the beach in So. California so the idea of being landlocked is a little disturbing.

[seanpecor]

Cattknap, what would you desire to pay for a home in an area that suits you? Would you like to live in a lakeside property? No, I'm not a realtor, but I do know of several lakes in the region and I could add to your list of possible retirement locations knowing what your budget is.

Sean

[Stonecoldharbours]

Yes, Williamsburg has grown too much and it is continuing to do so at an alarming rate but the crime here is nothing even compared to Newport News, not even close. I would not let the crime in Williamsburg stop me from moving here, there are nice areas, but all areas do require you to go through some sketchy areas, its the way of the south maybe, never seen this up north, never in my lifetime, its something most get used too, I rather not, better to move we think...we are looking into Clifton Forge.. its only 45 west of Lexington, is very nice and only 45 mins or a hour to Roanaoke and homes are very affordable and there is virtually no growth or crime, you can drive down to Roanoke for all the cultural and then go home and live in a quiet paraside, the best of two worlds we believe! Good luck to you Cattknapp!