Augusta, Verona, Staunton, Waynesboro, Highland County VA (Charlottesville, Stuarts Draft: apartments, rent)

[tlarjrswife]

Hi everyone, I am looking into accepting a job in small town Virginia. I have mixed kids and I am white. The possible jobs are in the title. I would be relocating from CA. I want to know how it would be for my kids in small towns. I grew up in small town NY so I have a feeling. I know times have changed so if anyone can give me hints of good places and places to stay away from that would be awesome.

There is so much crap in the world we can't protect our kids from, I just don't want to walk into a situation. I have been reading about Charlottesville on this forum. How far is that from the cities in the title of my thread?

Any info would be appreciated.

[sregorat3]

Originally Posted by tlarjrswife

I have been reading about Charlottesville on this forum. How far is that from the cities in the title of my thread?

Any info would be appreciated.

Waynesboro- >30 min
Staunton- ~ 40 min
Verona- ~ 45 min
All are in Augusta County, and to get to Cville from anywhere in the county, you must go through Waynesboro.
Highland County- Beautiful, but a mountainous drive and more than 1 hr. from the EASTERN border of the county to Cville. Highland County is pretty remote.

I seriously doubt that you would find it detrimental to the kids to live in the Staunton-Waynesboro area, and it is a rare job in the Augusta County that affords a decent lifestyle in Charlottesville proper. Currently, the county has an influx of Charlottesvillians fleeing the high cost of Cville and it's surrounding area.

[tlarjrswife]

Thanks for the info, do you know of any specific apartments in the area that are nice and cheap and safe. Also in Highland County, Monterey is located there right? Do you know anything about that?

[alice_61]

I would be a little careful of Highland County. It was beautiful there but when I owned property there (1985-1988), there was only one black family (a couple) in the whole county! There is a much better mix in Staunton and Waynesboro.

[tlarjrswife]

Thanks for the heads up. Very good information to know.

[TN Lily]

I would agree with Alice_61 regarding Highland County. I lived in Highland Co. for 6 years. It is remote. There are few minorities in Highland County - like under 5 people when I lived there.

Mountain folks are not the same as Southerners. That is my opinion.

I met some lovely people in Highland Co. I also met folks at the other end of the spectrum.

The school system is very small. If you or your child do not like a teacher, there may be only one class for your child's grade. You may not have the option of having your child placed in a different class.

It is a small county. The one thing that is faster than e-mail is gossip in a small community.

Go with one of the other communities in the title of your post.

[coffeehousegrl]

I live in Staunton and absolutely love it. It is a small town( I'm originally from Houston) but It isn't boring with kids. My husband and I lived in Charlottesville for close to ten years, and even though he has a good job in charlottesville- we just got priced out of the market, and could no longer afford to buy or rent anyplace we'd actually want to live whereas we had no limit to our choices of houses to buy in the valley. Waynesboro is a little bit more convenient, and closer to c-ville( and therefore slightly more expensive), but not as charming as Staunton. Monterey is beautiful but doesn't have much to do.

[drbcru]

Originally Posted by tlarjrswife

Hi everyone, I am looking into accepting a job in small town Virginia. I have mixed kids and I am white. The possible jobs are in the title. I would be relocating from CA. I want to know how it would be for my kids in small towns. I grew up in small town NY so I have a feeling. I know times have changed so if anyone can give me hints of good places and places to stay away from that would be awesome.

There is so much crap in the world we can't protect our kids from, I just don't want to walk into a situation. I have been reading about Charlottesville on this forum. How far is that from the cities in the title of my thread?

Any info would be appreciated.

I am looking to move from San Bernardion, CA to Agusta Co around April. My job will be in Stuarts Draft. I'm trying to figure the best area to live in.

[Jazzy22]

Are the people accepting of outsiders and friendly? How far from interesting shopping, restaurants and things like art or language classes? I have looked up info, but haven't found anywhere to find very recent info, like with in last 18 months, or so. Areas seem to change quite quickly, at least in Va. - "progress"... Is high speed internet available around Stuarts Draft? Strange question perhaps, but are there slaughterhouses or big beef or other livestock farms in the area? I am quite tender hearted and need to steer clear of these areas. No offense to anyone...We like Rockbridge County as a possible area to move to, but Lexington, where most info available, is too expensive. Also, like the sound of climate in Augusta and Nelson Counties - not tooo humid? Everywhere around here, seems too cold this winter!

[bigdrawers77]

I have lived in Waynesboro Va for 6 years. I find the people here to be less than tolerant of outsiders. People are pleasant and friendly but beware, they are very aware of who is from here and who isnt. The choice jobs and oppurtunities go to the locals first. Matter of fact I dont know anyone who owns a successfull business here except locals. I havent really forged any strong friendships in the six years ive been here and never felt at home. Im originally from upstate NY and miss is deeply. I will be relocating back to NY as soon as I can sell my house. Good luck to you but I would not move here. It stinks!!
bigdrawers77@yahoo.com