Working in Madison/Living In Charlottesville? (Forest: budget, vacation, job)

[malkitty23]

First of all, thanks to all of you!!!

I'm considering taking a job in the area (Madison) and moving to C'ville from Florida. Reading all of your experienced insights has been a tremendous help.

How hideous a commute would C'ville to Madison be on a daily basis? It looks about 35 min. each way? Which would be fine! I'm just trying to avoid anything over an hour each way.

And here's the really embarrassing question: I have a fear of heights (was on vacation in CA 3 wks ago & got lost, ended up on twisting mountain road and had anxiety attack in car. So pathetic. ).

Will this be a problem commuting Madison to C'ville every day or is it mostly valley along the main interstate linking the 2 towns?

I'm really sorry if this is a stupid question. Floridiot here. Used to speed bumps as my only "elevation."

Also, when you guys say "great shopping," what kinds of dept. stores/etc/ are we talking?

I'm on a pretty meager budget so no Fendi or Chanel for me, but I do like Target, Home Depot, Barnes & Noble/Borders, The Gap, Old Navy, and maybe a Chili's or Applebee's for quick bites would be nice. Oh–and PetSmart.

Any of those or equivalent in Charlottesville?

Don't get me wrong, I love exploring the locally-owned places but sometimes it's nice to have familiar stores in a new place.

Hopefully, I'll fly out soon to check Madison & Charlottesville out.

Thanks for all of your help!!!!

[alice_61]

The commute from Madison on Rt. 29 is gently rolling and has fairy wide views so I think you will feel ok in terms of heights. Charlottesville has a good sized indoor mall with Belks, Penneys, Sears, etc. There is a Barnes and Noble in Barracks Rd shopping center along with many nice local stores. There are many chain and local restaurants.

[Pavel]

If you live in Charlottesville and work in Madison, you will travel against the traffic which is another plus Besides, if you choose to live somewhere on the North side of town (Hollymead, Forest Lakes, North Pines, Briarwood areas), your commute time would be drastically reduced. Madison County cops REALLY patrol their portion of US-29, just a heads up!

[malkitty23]

Originally Posted by Pavel

If you live in Charlottesville and work in Madison, you will travel against the traffic which is another plus Besides, if you choose to live somewhere on the North side of town (Hollymead, Forest Lakes, North Pines, Briarwood areas), your commute time would be drastically reduced. Madison County cops REALLY patrol their portion of US-29, just a heads up!

Thanks very much to both of you. The area sounds absolutely wonderful!