READ if you are asking about where to live in VA (Richmond: home, neighborhood)

[teega]

Originally Posted by teega

why would you suggest Charlottesville? Are you saying because it's majority black? If you are conservative pro, then are you recognizing that you all have a problem with other ethnics groups?

really would like to know

[touretteboy65]

We currently own property in Howardsville, but it's up for sale because we feel it's too remote for our children. We're looking for something in Virginia that has more of a suburban feel and conveniences, but at the same time, not too congested and crime ridden. Schools are a huge concern for obvious reasons. Any suggestions?

[540_804]

Originally Posted by teega

why would you suggest Charlottesville? Are you saying because it's majority black? If you are conservative pro, then are you recognizing that you all have a problem with other ethnics groups?

Charlottesville is only 22% black though.
Its about 70% white.

[540_804]

Originally Posted by touretteboy65

We currently own property in Howardsville, but it's up for sale because we feel it's too remote for our children. We're looking for something in Virginia that has more of a suburban feel and conveniences, but at the same time, not too congested and crime ridden. Schools are a huge concern for obvious reasons. Any suggestions?

I would maybe suggest looking into a suburb of Richmond, Lynchburg or Roanoke or their respective surrounding counties.

The congestion problem may rule out many of the Richmond-area localities, but even in some of the farther-out communities near Richmond, congestion isn't a problem. Crime statistics are discouraging for Richmond but I would point out that crime in Richmond is very localized to only a few bad neighborhoods. The schools in the counties surrounding Richmond (Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico) are pretty good from what I hear.

The Roanoke region is another option. Pretty low crime rate, virtually no congestion and decent schools. I would look into Roanoke County, Salem, possibly Botetourt County. Those areas have all the amenities you would want and you could go into Roanoke City for anything else.

I would even recommend Roanoke City as well but I'm sure I'll have people coming in here to disagree (based on 'statistics' about crime and schools in the city) and I don't feel like fighting that battle. I would definitely not discount Roanoke City as an option unless you are SURE its not what you are looking for.

[cstlo001]

I'm a professional writer whose currently living in FL.

I'm willing to pay maximum $900 for an apartment that's located near the Metro station. (My job will be based in Capitol Hill).

Prior, I've lived in Arlington, VA and it was spectacular. Obviously, the neighborhood was beautiful; however, the cost of living was astronomical based on my trade.

I'm searching for a neighborhood that's similar to Arlington, VA that is, cultured, safe settings, and filled with professionals. Preferably, I'm interested in a collegiate neighborhood or at least a locale where the cost of living is $1200 or less per month (including rent, utilities, and food).

My biggest concern is a reasonably priced apartment (maximum $900) and a community that's open to professional minorities (I'm Black). I welcome information on predominantly Black cities in VA comprised of professionals!

Based on my criteria, what are my options in terms of county and/or city?

[cstlo001]

I'm a professional writer whose currently living in FL.

I'm willing to pay maximum $900 for an apartment that's located near the Metro station. (My job will be based in Capitol Hill).

Prior, I've lived in Arlington, VA and it was spectacular. Obviously, the neighborhood was beautiful; however, the cost of living was astronomical based on my trade.

I'm searching for a neighborhood that's similar to Arlington, VA that is, cultured, safe settings, and filled with professionals. Preferably, I'm interested in a collegiate neighborhood or at least a locale where the cost of living is $1200 or less per month (including rent, utilities, and food).

My biggest concern is a reasonably priced apartment (maximum $900) and a community that's open to professional minorities (I'm Black). I welcome information on predominantly Black cities in VA comprised of professionals!

Based on my criteria, what are my options in terms of county and/or city?

[touretteboy65]

Originally Posted by 540_804

I would maybe suggest looking into a suburb of Richmond, Lynchburg or Roanoke or their respective surrounding counties.

The congestion problem may rule out many of the Richmond-area localities, but even in some of the farther-out communities near Richmond, congestion isn't a problem. Crime statistics are discouraging for Richmond but I would point out that crime in Richmond is very localized to only a few bad neighborhoods. The schools in the counties surrounding Richmond (Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico) are pretty good from what I hear.

The Roanoke region is another option. Pretty low crime rate, virtually no congestion and decent schools. I would look into Roanoke County, Salem, possibly Botetourt County. Those areas have all the amenities you would want and you could go into Roanoke City for anything else.

I would even recommend Roanoke City as well but I'm sure I'll have people coming in here to disagree (based on 'statistics' about crime and schools in the city) and I don't feel like fighting that battle. I would definitely not discount Roanoke City as an option unless you are SURE its not what you are looking for.

Thank you for the information. I have done some research regarding Bedford County/Bedford City; it seems to be a nice area and the homes I've seen advertised are reasonable. Again, schools are a top priority. Can I pick your brain some more regarding your take on Bedford? Thanks.

[mikedonna23]

My husband and I presently live in Tennessee. We are interested in moving to Winchester, Va. We want to live closer to our hometown of New York. My husband is retired and I am currently not working but am interested in finding a part time job. We are looking for small town with a touch of city life. Would love to live near stores, coffee shops and a nice place to live. We don't have any children living at home. So schools are not an issue. Oh, by the way we are in our late 40's. I would really appreciate any input or suggestions.

[clintsullivan]

Winchester is nice, or anyplace along the I-81 corridor if you like the Shenandoah Valley. Winchester itself no longer has a 'small town feel', at least to me. It's actually the larger city with everything where the folks from around the region head for shopping, medical, etc. We're just outside of Shepherdstown, WV and when we want more shopping variety than Walmart, Home Depot or Kohls, here close in, or need to go to a doctor or hospital we head to Winchester.
If you want more of a small town feel look at Middletown, Strasburg, Stephen City, Berryville, or Boyce in Va or Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown in WV. All of these are from 10 to 40 minutes of Winchester. You could also consider the I-81 area through Berkeley County WV; Inwood & Martinsburg, but like Winchester is much more populated and really doesn't have a small town feel.
It really depends more on your budget, type of housing, type of work and how much closer you want to be to NY. Let me know and I can give you more info.

[fatzdee2007]

Well I am looking to relocate to Virginia I have family in NewPort News VA but I was thinking about Alexandria or Fairfax I have 2 children and they would start off in Public Schools once I find a job I would transfer them and I do have a section 8 voucher could anyone help me with the areas are they okay Im looking for a quiet rural areal I have been in baltimore for 7years and its just to fast I loved when I lived in Jacksonville NC