I need help finding the right place!!! (Virginia Beach, Richmond: for sale, real estate)

[fperkins]

We are thinking about moving. We are not set as to where, actually this is becoming overwhelming!!!
We are currently in New Hampshire, you know us Yankees!
We are looking for a town that would be welcoming of new people coming from the north.
With good schools, not a big drug/crime problem.
We would like an actual neighborhood where kids can go outside and play, but not houses that are on top of each other with no yards.
Places to go and play as a family, without an hour drive.

Is there such a place in Virginia??????

[touretteboy65]

Hello. Actually, we're set on doing exactly opposite of you. We currently live in the Orlando, FL area (hate it) and plan on leaving in less than 2 years. We bought property in Virginia and have it up for sale. Cost of living will be too high. That being said, we're setting out on moving to New Hampshire. I've been to Portsmouth twice and really liked it. I have good resources here in Orlando who are able to give me their personal experiences of New Hampshire (they lived there and would go back in a second if it weren't for their job committments) and their opinion of the state is that it's one of the best places to live. I want to go back to the snow and get away from this incredibly congested, crime ridden state. I've spoken at length with a co worker of mine who lived in Virginia; his statement was, "get ready to be taxed on EVERYTHING." We're planning a trip early next year to have a look around and see what we like; can't wait!!!! What is it about NH that making you leave? Thanks and good luck.

Originally Posted by fperkins

We are thinking about moving. We are not set as to where, actually this is becoming overwhelming!!!
We are currently in New Hampshire, you know us Yankees!
We are looking for a town that would be welcoming of new people coming from the north.
With good schools, not a big drug/crime problem.
We would like an actual neighborhood where kids can go outside and play, but not houses that are on top of each other with no yards.
Places to go and play as a family, without an hour drive.

Is there such a place in Virginia??????

[fperkins]

Well, I thought Virginia because I have family there.
I thought Florida because I love Disney.
We decided on a small town in Georgia!
It seems like a good fit, but like you I need to go visit.

I can help you on the New Hampshire side though.
I have lived here for 20 years and I am a real estate appraiser.
So I pretty much could answer anything you ask, or I know where to get the info.
Portsmouth is wonderful. Charming, historic, congestive and expensive.
The further south you go in the state the more you pay.....as a general rule.
If the price isnt a problem, there are great areas of Portsmouth you could enjoy. Right on the water, it is so nice.

I am pretty much only going south because I am so tired of the snow.
Last year was one of the worst winters in 100 Years, I dont expect this year to be much better.
I have the driveway from hell and expect it to be a nightmare all over again!
I hate that things around me are pretty spread out, and it is a drive to everything. Stinks with the kiddos.
The school in my town is not great.
My job is VERY slow right now, which I expect everywhere....but it kind of makes it a better time to make the move.

We have been talking about moving south for years, just now is the time.
My grandfather is very ill, I will stay until he is no longer with us.

Let me know how I can help.

[seanpecor]

Virginia is square in the middle when it comes to tax burdens. I absolutely have no doubt that the overall cost of living would be higher in NH than in VA. NH has infamously high property taxes. Property values are elevated also. The costs of heating fuel/electricity during the winter is much higher in NH. If you're building a home, labor costs are lower in VA and the build will cost up to 15-20% less. Groceries cost more in NH too.

I'm sure there are many reasons to move to NH over VA. To be closer to family, or be closer to friends, or you miss those 36-48" frost depths, or you crave five months of winter, and hate mowing lawns from April through December, and you'd rather skip Spring altogether and go from Winter to Summer. But it's simply not true that the cost of living in NH is lower than in VA. Unless you're making a ridiculous comparison like the D.C. area to Concord or something.

I just played around with Sperling's Best Places. According to that site, the COL in Concord, NH is 29% higher than it is in Roanoke, VA. In Nashua, it is 33% higher than it is in Roanoke. If an individual made $50K in Roanoke they'd need to make $65K in New Hampshire just to maintain their current quality of life.

Another example. I visited GasBuddy.com. In Nashua, unleaded costs an average of $2.28/gallon. In Roanoke, it is $2.05/gallon.

Sean

[matthews1965]

Roanoke valley is very diverse - yankees welcome!
There are many neighborhoods with your criteria and we have many kid friendly parks and family oriented activities. Basically if you needed to drive "across" town it is about 15 - 20 min max. No traffic congestion to speak of. I can't think of a better place to raise children than this city. I grew up here and raised my children here (after living in Atlanta). And we have Smith Mountain Lake approx. 55 minutes away with a beautiful state park with a huge beach for a day of swimming (with lifeguards) and watercraft rentals. For family day trips we have Mill Mountain, Peaks of Otter, Monticello,Natural Bridge, Mabrys Mill, and much much more. Yes, I'm very bullish on my hometown, and it warms my heart to watch children walking and playing all around Grandin Village just like my children used to do. You should see our farmers market during our Dickens of a Christmas celebration! Carriages(horse drawn) chestnuts roasting, huge christmas tree display at Hotel Roanoke etc. etc. Come see us!!

[pswanson]

Richmond VA was one of the “10 Best Places to Live” for a reason….charm. It’s very diverse and growing yet still quaint. Great schools in most of the suburbs and several great collages too! 2 hours from DC, two hours from the beach, 1 hour from the mountains, and rivers all around the city! Great shopping, great jobs, great people, events, festivals, many master plan communities. There is something for everyone here…really! Let me know if I can help you any further!

[ToughLuv]

Oh no Richmond VA is horrible, it was definetly ranked #3 most dangerous city in US in 2005, and it hasnt changed much. Check out the Hampton Roads area, with 7 cites all so close you cant lose!

[shellytc]

I currently live (and sell Real Estate) in Virginia Beach, so I am a great advocate of Hampton Roads. and I am ready and willing to answer any questions about our area. We have very little (almost none) snow because of the warm jet stream close to the ocean.

BUT, I also lived in Richmond and the surrounding area for over 20 years and I have to disagree with toughluv, or maybe just clarify a little. The statistic that is stated may be true, but that is for the city of Richmond. And mostly some pretty specific, crime ridden areas. Most of the surrounding counties are awesome!! I loved living in chesterfield county and would go back in a NY second.

Virginia is a great state. Has a lot to offer. and welcomes outsiders very easily. Come on down. We'd love to have ya!!

Shelly

P.S. my mom is from NH. Grew up in a little town called Milton right on the Maine / NH border. I have an Aunt in Chester (right outside Manchester) and one in Rochester. My favorite cousing (almost sister) lives in Pelham. I love it up there, and they love it here.

[prttenders]

I love Richmond too. I live an hour away and hope to move when I sell my farm, we also like Colonial Heights, just south of Richmond