Abingdon and Jobs? (Roanoke, Bristol, Marion: homes, income, hospital)

[familymom]

I have just discovered Abingdon. Sound like a really charming town. We were looking around Roanoke, but got turned off by the fact that jobs are so hard to come by for outsiders? Is it the same situation in this area? My husband is in HVAC, pretty good at it too. Would an outside be welcomed and wanted?

[pammybear]

Hi! I just wanted to say hi too since we are moving to Abingdon too. Dh already has a job in health care (in Marion actually) I have contacted, a realtor, Churches, schools, etc and they are all very welcoming (sending me info, answering my questions, very friendly) The Church I contacted about a preschool said I was like the 4th-5th family from out of state contacting them and they didn't mind a bit. I'm sorry I don't know what HVAC is? But just wanted you to know how welcome I feel and I haven't even been there yet! Best wishes,

Pam

[familymom]

HVAC is heating, ventilation and air conditioning tech. Why are you picking this area? Did you get relocated or just may no of it from living there prior?

[pammybear]

We lived in Roanoke last year actually and dh tried to change jobs and stay in Virginia last year but nothing he liked was available so we moved to TX since dh got a good offer then lo and behold his friend from Marion wrote him about an opening there so dh wants to move back to the area (mostly for the beauty and for the retirement benefits that the State offers) Since we just moved, I am reluctant to move again mostly because of the hassle and getting the kids situated again but I am finding everything we need in Abingdon and the surrounding area so I am starting to get excited again. I have family within a 3 hour drive too and we are pretty isolated out here in TX. It seems like the area is really growing--our realtor also told us a new Cancer hospital is being built and attracting alot of people to the area. Where would you be moving from?

Pam

[vamtncat]

familymom,

If you are looking for a nice little town, Abingdon would be the place to be. The do not have a Wal-Mart if that tells you anything. I believe that is by choice. Bristol is about 15-20 minutes down the interstate and would have all your necessary shopping. It is one of the few little towns in SW VA that has made a true effort to preserve and renovate as many historic homes as possible.

[familymom]

I am from NJ. Have been looking around NC threads for a while. I love the idea of being in the mountains, but I don't want to be isolated. Charlotte seems to have a lot of great things going for it, including the economy being good. There is no point in leaving NJ if our income would just cover our living expenses, thats what I have been living with for the last few years and I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck.

[pammybear]

I don't know if I am allowed to post this but if you check outModerator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed
. We compared the cost of living between where we are now in Texas and actually Bristol (just because it's larger and we thought it would be a fairer comparison) and the overall cost of living is much lower in Bristol (we would be making about the same salary but paying State income tax and personal property tax on vehicles (which we don't have in TX) but the property tax is high in TX and after much much calculating it turns out that the Bristol area comes out ahead of where we are now and this really surprised me. THe pollution is also lower overall in the Bristol area. Now we have to factor the actual cost of moving our belongings AGAIN (and it won't be tax deductible this year) plus other factors that just affect us personally (schools, recreation etc) So we'll see. Bristol/Abingdon area definately wins in the beauty contest though with the mountains and outdoor recreation. Good Luck making a decision--it isn't easy that's for sure!

Pam

[Haysi Resident]

Originally Posted by familymom

I have just discovered Abingdon. Sound like a really charming town. We were looking around Roanoke, but got turned off by the fact that jobs are so hard to come by for outsiders? Is it the same situation in this area? My husband is in HVAC, pretty good at it too. Would an outside be welcomed and wanted?

I live very close to Abingdon. One of the neatest and cleanest towns around. They take pride in how their town looks. I have never heard anything about outsiders not being wanted. Don't know how the HVAC market is, but he should find a job, if not in Abingdon, then somewhere in the Tri-Cities (Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City). All less than a 45 minute drive.

[4getmeNot]

Marion is a quiet, small town. There isn't much entertainment around at all. There aren't any movie theaters, malls, or hardly any shopping centers. They have a Wal-Mart, Cato's, & a Shoe Show! They have a few restaurants. Your family would be a lot happier living in the Abingdon/Bristol/Tri-Cities region. If anything, perhaps you could work the Marion job for awhile but just live in Abingdon if you'd be willing to drive. As far as the school systems, I don't really know. I'd take the job but try to find something in the Tri-Cities if possible. But who knows you might like it, if you've never lived there. The best thing that Marion has to offer is the Hungry Mother State Park. It truly is beautiful & wonderful in the summertime. But definately nothing like Roanoke! Hope this helps.