Single, mid 20's, desperately needing a change & adventure.

[Hal Roach]

NoVa, but parts of Tidewater, might be worth checking out. Richmond is slow economically. I may be wrong, but I think you are looking at less than 15 per hour...absolute tops, and that ain't gonna pay rent in NoVa.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by LittleRhody

My biggest fear is not fitting in or feeling at "home" or that I belong wherever I end up.... Big country fan.

You haven't yet mentioned your religion, politics or ethnicity, which I think is unusual. Is it important to you to be among people with similar values?

Most people will feel more at home with people of similar values, as I certainly do. You mention country music, so what about the related values? Are you a conservative, Christian, pro-gun rights person? Or, if you are the outdoorsy type, do you think protecting the environment is the most important thing? If you love animals, are you a vegan who refuses to wear leather?

I don't have answers for you, but I think you need to be more explicit about your values if you want suggestions.

[LittleRhody]

I'm white; Irish & Portuguese to be exact. I was raised Catholic, but I wouldn't necessarily consider myself religious in the sense that I read the bible or go to church. I definitely have my faith & beliefs & pray when I need someone to talk to, but I guess I don't openly discuss it because I don't know how to categorize myself. I don't follow or care for politics, either. However, I'm definitely liberal when it comes down to it. I love animals, but I'm far from vegan & don't get offended by people who wear fur or leather. I'm not materialistic in terms of designer this, designer that, but I'm also not a hipster. I've always considered myself a little bit of everything. I'm pretty versatile & have many different personalities wrapped in one.

[Poquoson7]

Originally Posted by Hal Roach

NoVa, but parts of Tidewater, might be worth checking out. Richmond is slow economically. I may be wrong, but I think you are looking at less than 15 per hour...absolute tops, and that ain't gonna pay rent in NoVa.

you're wrong.....

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by LittleRhody

I'm white; Irish & Portuguese to be exact. I was raised Catholic, but I wouldn't necessarily consider myself religious...

Thanks. It sounds like you would fit in because you can be flexible and don't push your opinions.

Folks in the south tend to be more evangelical and more outspoken about religion. They also vote conservative. In my part of NC, the incumbent Republicans win so often, my vote doesn't count.

I am a white liberal from Massachusetts, non-religious, and I definitely do not feel "at home" in the south because the culture is so different. I tolerate living here because the cost of living is so much lower than in my home state.

You experience may be different.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by LittleRhody

Where would you recommend in VA for economic activity? Being a vet tech, of course!

The most jobs are going to be in the cities, especially Northern Virginia. But that is not really scenic in the sense that you are looking for. You have to drive a couple of hours out into the country to get to the Blue Ridge, for example.

I think your expectations are a bit unrealistic in expecting everything to be found in one place.

BTW, do you every watch the TV show about Dr. Jeff, the Fort Collins, Colorado vet? I really think that Fort Collins (or Colorado) is the kind of place where you would fit in well.

In fact, if I were young and single, I would be heading out west: Idaho or Western Washington. I like the cold climate and the "live and let live" attitude of the West.