Please inform about Southern VA (Roanoke, Lynchburg: real estate, rent to own, crime rates)

[PerditaFairy]

Hi, I'm in a large inner city in PA and I DO NOT like it here, never really did.

I would like to live in more of a country-like setting, where the homes are spaced apart, there must be significant trees, grass, etc. I would like to live just outside of a major city or in a small city considering it not to be exactly like what I'm trying to leave.

Right now I"m a secretary (haven't been able to find a job in a year and a half), but I'm going to college and would like to go into Accounting or Real Estate. Moreso accounting.

A 20-30 minute drive to and from work is comfortable.

I don't have kids yet but when I do I want them in Private school.

I might like to rent a home initially until I know I am comfortable with the area as I do not know VA at all, I've never even visited. I would like to know the cheapest areas to rent or buy in southern VA not more than 2 hours from the ocean. I suppose anything from $700-$950 rent, or a rent to own anything from $150,000 - $250,000.
Again, I hope not to be laughed at, I know these figures are low, but I do not know what VA has to offer and I'm not working right now so I'm starting low. If my career as an accountant takes off then I'll definately be able to afford a real home.

I appreciate your feedback. Thank you. ~Pansy

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by PerditaFairy

Hi, I'm in a large inner city in PA and I DO NOT like it here, never really did.

I would like to live in more of a country-like setting, where the homes are spaced apart, there must be significant trees, grass, etc. I would like to live just outside of a major city or in a small city considering it not to be exactly like what I'm trying to leave.

Right now I"m a secretary (haven't been able to find a job in a year and a half), but I'm going to college and would like to go into Accounting or Real Estate. Moreso accounting.

A 20-30 minute drive to and from work is comfortable.

I don't have kids yet but when I do I want them in Private school.

I might like to rent a home initially until I know I am comfortable with the area as I do not know VA at all, I've never even visited. I would like to know the cheapest areas to rent or buy in southern VA not more than 2 hours from the ocean. I suppose anything from $700-$950 rent, or a rent to own anything from $150,000 - $250,000.
Again, I hope not to be laughed at, I know these figures are low, but I do not know what VA has to offer and I'm not working right now so I'm starting low. If my career as an accountant takes off then I'll definately be able to afford a real home.

I appreciate your feedback. Thank you. ~Pansy

A good place to start would be in Roanoke. Affordable housing and nice scenery. And country enough.

[j1n]

Or one of the counties outside Roanoke. The whole area fits your requirements...$$, industry, landscape, and commute time.

[PA girl in VA]

Roanoke is definitely more than 2 hours away from the beach, but it is a nice area from what I've heard. I currently live in Danville and would not recommend your moving here. I'm originally from a small city/rural area in PA and it was quite the culture shock for me to move down here. Things are very slow paced down here because there isn't much going on and people (or at least the people with authority) don't seem to like change. The housing costs are very low, but the crime rates are rising and the job market is poor. There are some private schools, but they're all Christian schools, to my knowledge (which might be the type that you are looking for). I have found little appreciation for the arts. On the plus side, it is rural (which is what you're looking for) in Pittsylvania County (the county that surrounds Danville) and people are typically very friendly (Southern hospitality) . Also, it is only an hour from Greensboro, NC, which, while it is a metropolitan area, it is a Southern city where the pace is a bit slower and people are warm and friendly. I haven't heard much good about Henry or Halifax counties either (same type of scenario). I have heard both good and bad (mostly good) about the Lynchburg area.

[j1n]

Originally Posted by PA girl in VA

I have heard both good and bad (mostly good) about the Lynchburg area.

Lynchburg is basically as far from the beach as Roanoke. Yeah, it's a little closer, but for the short amount of travel tradeoff, I'd go with the amenities that Roanoke offers.

[seanpecor]

I'm a 5 1/2 hour drive from Boones Mill (south of Roanoke) to the OBX on mostly rural and pastoral 2-4 lane state roads (Route 220, Route 58, etc). I'm surprised more people don't take this route; it's much less stressful.

Since we don't do the mid-atlantic beach thing more than once a year, doing the 5 1/2 hour drive isn't a big deal. For us, it's the other 360 days of the year that matter We're very happy with the Roanoke area. We've got lake beaches and lots of hiking, camping, and exploring opportunities, plus the convenience and culture of a city center.

Sean