Young couple and daughter looking for right place in VA (Roanoke: 2009, low crime)

[wishywashy]

We are currently living in Western PA. We are sick of all the snow, cold air, and lack of sunshine. I am a certified Elementary Teacher and since graduating in December of 2005, can not find a teaching job. My husband does custom automotive and motorcycle paint, airbrushing, and is very good at construction trades. He would like to find work in the custom auto field. In PA this is a seasonal demand. We are young and would like to move into an area that has good housing for 100K, have a decent night life, and low crime, and friendly neighbors. Aswell, as having the work we are seeking. I am really pulled to the Roanoke area, but I dont know anything about the whole state of VA. Can anyone fill me in on differneces between PA and VA...all aspects? I have never lived in any other state before. I have been looking at the forum and postings. I look forward to your replies and comments! BTW..we are looking to relocate in the summer of 2009.

[wishywashy]

BTW..I also need a tutor on how to use this forum. I have been trying to learn but it is not as user freindly as some of the chat sites i have used in the past. Am I making it harder than it is???? How do I check for responses? How do I make my own thread to replies to other people's responses? I understand that this is an easier way to get info. Sorry I am so general in my quest for info on VA. Yes I realize it is a huge state and lots of places to tell about. Just need a general feel. I keep thinking maybe the grass isnt greener on the Virginia side. My busband is convinced to move...I am worried. Yet up for the excitement and challenge. Looking forward to what you all have to say!!!

[Rhett_Butler]

As far as teaching is concerned, I know it's very typical for teachers to come down from Pennsylvania into the Northern Shenandoah Valley to teach because Pennsylvania doesn't tend to hire new teachers fresh out of school. A LOT of Pittsburgh area natives around here.... (Winchester/Front Royal area).

As for the forum, yes, you're making it harder than it is. Just have patience and people will respond...

[WillV]

Roanoke would be an easy move, and it is an extremely affordable place, plus you will have an easy time finding a job...not to mention, you could be back in Pittsburg in 6 hours...

[wishywashy]

I have been checking out the treads on Virginia and I have noticed that a lot of people talk about paying 300-500K for thier houses. Is this the mid range for houses in the Roanoke area? Is it common to find a decent starter home around 100K? Also what is the likely hood that my husband will find a job doing custom airbrush work on cars/motorcycles? Are there any in or around the Roanoke area?
Btw..thanks to all who have replied to my posts!

[j1n]

Originally Posted by wishywashy

I have been checking out the treads on Virginia and I have noticed that a lot of people talk about paying 300-500K for thier houses. Is this the mid range for houses in the Roanoke area? Is it common to find a decent starter home around 100K?

Whether you consider 300-500k a decent price for a home would depend on your standard of living. I know that I don't need anywhere near that. And yes...there are tons of starter homes in the 100k range.