va vs ga (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond: real estate, homes, employment)

[tyme2006]

Can anyone give me input on this? I am originally from NYC and have just graduated from dental school in Wisconsin. I enjoy the slower pace in Wisconsin and wanted to relocate someplace on the southeast as NYC is too busy with too many people. I don't want to move to a small town but I do want someplace smaller than NYC. I also feel the cost of living is too high as well. I am considering moving to either Georgia (the Atlanta area) or Virginia (not sure where I would like to move, however some people have suggested the VA beach or Charlottesville area). I am in my 20s with no kids but I am engaged. Can anyone provide any insight on the pros and cons of these states? I truly appreciate it.

[jetgraphics]

If you don't mind a high cost of living, Virginia Beach is fine. So is Atlanta - in town. Outside of Atlanta, the cost of living drops as the mileage goes up.

Example: 35 - 40 miles west of Atlanta, new "starter" homes are about $110k (3 bd, 2 ba, 2 car garage). Property taxes run about $400 - $600.

Here's a typical "starter" home (used) -- $80k
115 Whitney Ln, Villa Rica GA 30180 | Homes.com

Guide to local scene:
Creative Loafing Atlanta | Home

From an outsider's perspective, metro Atlanta has biggest local telephone dialing area (huge), most trees, fastest kudzu, and fire ants (bummer). Despite being a railroad hub, very little rail mass transit. A car is a necessity. Did I forget to mention that it's hot / humid? Air conditioning is another necessity. But the living's good, and folks aren't in so much of a rush.

Oh - and buy a map book of the area. The road names change, are confusing (Peachtree everywhere!), and sometimes will drive you crazy. And so are some of the landmarks. "Go right at the Big Chicken, and you'll see it..."

[ToughLuv]

Are you choosing VA or GA because they both have an 'a' at the end? I mean these are two very different places. Its funny to me how people come from up north and just group all states down south together. You might as well just go to Atlanta.

[roanoker 4]

Atlanta has a "NYC-esque" energy with tall buildings mixed with southern traditions. Charlotte is very similar. Both provide good employment options and
much lower costs than NYC. Coming from NYC you may experience culture shock with both cities.
Virginia Beach is a large city made of up military families. It has a crowded beach with little available parking facilites. Nearby Norfolk has improved its downtown but nowhere near as energetic as Atlanta or Charlotte. If you like to stay in your car the Tidewater area is perfect.
Charlottesville is an upscale university town with more expensive real estate.
It is 2 hrs from DC by train, 1 hr from Richmond and the mountains and 3 hrs from Va Beach. Some say it is snooty.
Check out Wilmington on the NC coast. The beaches are much nicer and the city is charming with a lively downtown and a riverboat. There are many ex-
New Yorkers down there and they have a fantastic Italian market. The only thing I don't like are potential hurricanes!
Good Luck!

[tyme2006]

Thanks for the helpful responses.