Abingdon and surrounding area. (Bristol, Lebanon: lawyer, relocation, real estate)

[pioneer8]

Would someone be able to tell me about this area? We were there to visit a couple years ago. I was wondering about... well.. anything you would deem "important" to know before moving there. I know it's a broad question. Thanks so much!

[tarainpenna]

My husband and I are looking to relocate and found Abingdon on the web and went down to take a look.
BEAUTIFUL!! Loved it! People were lovely. It was sooo clean. The town had great shopping and a lovely historical district.
Demographics look good too.
Real estate prices were fantastic. Search Highlands reality in Abingdon/.
For us it was perfect just too far south from our family. Pa took about 10 hours. I am trying to find a town in Va simular.
Good luck

[roanoker 4]

From what I recall, Abingdon has a huge number of lawyers(for some reason) and has a big theatre community. Noel Coward would've loved it there!

[abdnva]

Originally Posted by roanoker 4

From what I recall, Abingdon has a huge number of lawyers(for some reason) and has a big theatre community. Noel Coward would've loved it there!

Abingdon is the base for the Federal regional office, as well as the state legal office for the southwest part of Va. Not to mention, most of the attorneys that historically dealt with the coal companies in SWVa were always based in Abingdon.

As a result, Abingdon probably has as many attorneys per capita as Washington D.C. (only a slight exagerration). It does provide a higher income base for the town, as well as providing a foundation for more items of interest to people with lots of disposable income. In other words, one of the few positives from attorneys (again, only a slight exagerration... ;-) ...)

[lifesigns64]

We just happened to drive through there and stayed a few days, we really loved the area.

I get concerned. I hate to make a mistake by relocating my family again and it not working out . . . some on this board have said that Abingdon is a great place, and the Tri-Cities (Johnson, Bristol, Kingsport) where we'd probably have to either work, or do major shopping is a growing place, with a good economy.

Other's have said that it is a dying area since the coal mines are done, with drug problems, etc., etc., and a bad investment. I've read that people are unfriendly to outsiders there, and that there are no good paying jobs. I've read the area has high utilities, but the realtors do not confirm this.

On the other hand I heard Bristol is opening up an industrial park, that a computer company just moved to Lebanon, etc., etc.

We loved it and are planning on going back for another visit.

It was clean, scenic, we love that in Washington County there is a curfew on weeknights and weekends for the kids, we like to boat, fish camp and the area is perfect, the schools (though we now homeschool because we live in a poor school district) are good, there is an parks/rec sports in the community . . . we love the Barter Theatre, and it just wowed us. There is a large and active homeschool community there as well for us.

My husband is pretty set on moving there . . . but I still want to check it out. Of course real estate people tell you how wonderful any place is . . . I have had a heard time learning about this area on line . . . but, we do love it there.

[Liz-Bri]

Hello.

We just visited the Abingdon area a few weeks ago. We were quite impressed.
We are hoping someone can help with a few honest / unbiased answers to questions about a possible relocation to the area???

Any assistance will be apprecited....

How are the local schools rated? We have a 2 and 4 year old.
Would it be best to live in the town of Abingdon or the out skirts? Why?
What areas are desirable for families with young children?
How is the area's economy?
What is the area's political landscape?
How would one classify the culture? "Southern?" "Country?" "Progressive?" "Traditional?" etc.
Are there any special family events hosted by the area yearly?
What are the area's recreational opportunities (outdoors)?
Does it rain much?
How much sunshine?

Thanks so much to anyone who cares to share!