Working in Madison/Living In Charlottesville? (Forest: Home Depot, restaurants, shopping center)

[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!

[pgisles]

I live in punta gorda and have a home in Charlottesville, North Pines area, that we use about 2 weeks a year. I used to live here and all the reasons we left are still relevant. The main thing is the people here, you won't find anyone who is happy with their lives here. The drivers are spiteful and mean in general, it is cutthroat on the road. There is a tremendous number of these homeopathic freaks, that "body, mind and spirit crowd". It is a horrible, horrible place to live, and if you have children, prepare for them being sick virtually year-round. I have no reason to dislike Charlottesville, but it just simply is what it is. The people make it very undesirable and I haven't figured out yet, why they are so unhappy and small minded. I have a handicap placard, ( I am 40 years ), and am stopped repeatedly by residents who actually question my right to use this type of parking. I find that ignorant, intrusive, and frankly, private business. Its what you get here. As for the shopping, there is not really any to speak of. You cannot make this up, see for yourself and I think you might agree. Sure, it is pretty here, but that is understood if you like the country. I truly wish it were different. There are some very very nice people here, just have to really look hard to find where they are. Being used to our amazing town in Florida, its hard to understand the differences here. I hope you make your decisions wisely and good luck in whatever you choose.

[parasol]

Originally Posted by pgisles

It is a horrible, horrible place to live, and if you have children, prepare for them being sick virtually year-round.

Can you please elaborate on this?