Living In Virginia VS North Carolina...Input PLEASE???

[itsajourney]

Jeb--I think you have pretty much figured out what I am looking for. I love the rolling hills with smaller "mountains". I don't want to be isolated-that's part of what I am having trouble with. I would definitely like to "downsize" my metro area. Orlando is just way too huge and congested. I liked that when I was in Mechanicsburg, PA (edge of Harrisburg metro) I was 3 minutes from being in the country, driving by historical stone farmhouses; small, sleepy hamlets; creeks with some of the best trout fishing in the world, historical sites galore; etc. Yet I was only 10-20 minutes from any/all shopping I needed. To have places like Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, Washington DC, etc. all within 1-3 hours was very nice. This is part of what is drawing me to this area of Virginia, NC, TN, etc. I am only a hop, skip, and a jump from at least 7 states and many, many meto areas--tho they are smaller than places listed above, I find them all intriguing! We didn't make trips to the city often, but it did make for a nice day trip or weekend getaway.

I grew up in a town of only 5000 in a very rural area. I could go back to a small town if I had city conveniences relatively close--say within 30 miles. I have heard so many nice things about Lexington & Roanoke and Blacksburg--none of which I have spent any quality time in. The time that I did spend driving in the western part of Virginia though--I was in heaven....it was absolutely beautiful!!!! I got on back roads--and I mean real back roads--that went on for miles, got narrower and narrower, eventually turned to gravel, dirt, or just plain ended--but I had a blast--even with no cell service for a good part of the time--which meant I had no navigator or GPS--as my GPS is on my phone....It was quite fun....I am the kind of person that can find pleasure in looking at an old barn, old homestead, herd of goats, fenceline of sunflowers, antique stores or junk stores with hidden treasures!

And, as I said, I have visited Asheville several times--it just isn't my cup of tea. It is an interesting place--but not especially where I want to move and call home....

[triciajeanne]

No one commented on the issue of state taxes, property tax, car tax, etc. Any thoughts on comparisons there, both for the gainfully employed and those on pensions/social security/retirement etc.

[RVA-Jsn20]

the money to manage a state is going to come from somewhere. and if it doesnt then you're losing what would be more funding toward nicer sidewalks, programs for the less fortunate, and other things. i'd personally rather live in a state with an income tax.

[LynchburgLover]

Remember you're really comparing three "states". North Carolina, Virginia and, really 'Northern Virginia' because they may as well be two different states. Northern Virginia is very urban and developed and more (God I hate this term) "progressive". Virginia, south of Fredericksburg is more rural and conservative. Then you have to dissect NC into different areas. So, pick an area of Virginia and a comparable area of NC and it will be easier to decide.

Best of luck!

[znelson32]

We're in the same situation - grew up in PA, moved to Orlando, moved back after 3 years - now looking to set roots in NC/SC/VA - just not sure where.

[itsajourney]

znelson--where in PA are you? I was in Mechanicsburg--western edge of Harrisburg metro area. I had the rolling hills, historical homes/buildings, all the shopping & dining I could want for, close proximity to Baltimore, DC, Philadelphia and New York City, quaint & charming towns all around me, and foothills of the mountains within a few minutes drive. I would really like to replicate this in a somewhat warmer and more friendly location.

As I said earlier, the more trips I take, the more places of interest I find. I have come to the conclusion that there are many smaller to mid-size metro areas I could live in or near and be totally happy. That's why I am now trying to find out more about the personality & costs of living in each state.

At least you survived 3 years down here. So many people barely make it a year and then go back home--realizing they didn't want that either.

[treebw]

I lived in Raleigh, NC for just over one year and did not like it. It is really pretty and the beach is easier to get to than from here in NoVA, but I did not like the people. Most of the people that I got along well with were also from different areas; one day at my volunteer job I asked a couple of women if they had any friends that are actually from the Raleigh area and they realized that all their friends were from elsewhere. The people are polite, but that can only get you so far. Polite when you walk into a store is a good thing, but when someone says 'hi, how are you?' I usually respond with ' great!, how are you?' not realizing that they only asked me that to be 'polite' with no actual interest in my answer was very disheartening.

I have found that here in Arlington I meet people that are actually friendly and nice. My daughter has also met people here that are much more pleasant.

I think that if you are really into soccer or being a 'soccer parent' Raleigh may be a good place for you. If you want to have a variety of friends and things to do, VA is where you want to be.

[e2ksj3]

Although both states are pretty much similar, there are a few differences I notice. Both are pro-business and center-right states politically. Both have a mixture of urban and rural, with a lot of scenery. VA I think does a better job of preserving historic areas. Charlotte, pretty much bulldozed most of historic buildings for newer buildings downtown. NC also seems to let developers pretty much run the state, while some areas in VA do a better job of restricting growth, although sprawl is still an issue there.