Possibly Moving to Augusta County (Charlottesville, Staunton: real estate, apartment, crime rates)

[Karpar81]

Hi there. My fiance' and I are going to be relocating to Virginia from Maryland towards the end of July for his job. He will be working in the Charlottesville area so we are trying to research nearby towns. We are looking for something middle sized, not too big of a town, more of a small town feel. We would like to spend $250,000 or less on our first home. I've been looking at the Augusta County area, especially around Stuarts Draft. Can anyone tell me what the town is like? I'm especially concerned about crime rates and things of that nature. Also, what type of grocery stores and retail stores are nearby? Thanks so much

[jmarkd]

Hi- I am starting a job in C-ville in mid-July- I'm escaping corporate servitude in Northern Virginia. Just got the offer today so I know probably know less than you, unfortunately.
I have looked online at a place called Lake Monticello in Fluvanna County and it looks very nice. It's gated, centered on a lake and golf course, and good-sized homes (3+BR, 2000 sf) are in the 200s. Charlottesville itself seems a little expensive. I have heard good things about Waynesboro and even Staunton, on and off this forum, as places to live for Charlottesville folks.
From what I gather, the only traffic to speak of is on Rt. 29 on the north side of the city. That's all I know- if I learn more I will post again. Good luck!

[pazzo83]

I grew up in the Staunton/C'ville area, so I can give you some pointers.

Real estate is MUCH, MUCH cheaper on the west side of the Blue Ridge (Wboro, Augusta County, Staunton) than it is in Albemarle, or even Fluvanna Counties. Inside the city of Charlottesville, forget it, they are getting close to NOVA prices.

You can find decent-sized houses in Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro for around $200K.

There are some nice subdivisions popping up around Exit 94 (on I-64) in Waynesboro, where there is already a Martins grocery store (a really nice grocery store) and a Walmart, and going in are a Target and a Kohls. However prices here are going up fairly quickly and the area by and large is becoming more suburban in nature, losing the small yet still somewhat urban feel that characterize the smaller cities of VA.

Other nice subdivisions can be found off of Route 250 between Staunton and Waynesboro in Fishersville, I would look there as that is a fast-growing area.

Finally, the city of Staunton is actually having somewhat of a housing boom, there are about 15 subdivisions being built right now in the city, and you can probably get some pretty cheap pre-build prices if you look around.

Stuarts Draft is a smaller town that is really dominated by its industrial sector along Route 340. It has some growing neighborhoods but it is really just an unincorporated part of Augusta County and it really lacks a defined center. As such you are a bit further from amenities like groceries and dining than if you lived in Staunton or Waynesboro.

Grocery stores are pretty well placed in the area, there are Krogers, Food Lions, Martins, and the grocery stores inside Wal-Mart, as well as a pretty sizable number of smaller, neighborhood corner type stores in some of the denser neighborhoods in Staunton and Waynesboro.

Crime isn't astronomical or anything, but it is good to know that there are certain areas, primarly in Staunton, Waynesboro, and along route 340 north of Waynesboro where it is a bit high. The county is significanly safer than either city, but the cities are pretty safe areas themselves. Albermarle and Charlottesville see more crime on average.

Just as a note, Staunton probably has more of the smaller city feel than any other city or town in the Aug County area. Waynesboro is much more just a bedroom community of C'ville, it's downtown/CBD area is pretty lacking. In contrast, Staunton has a growing arts and cultural scene, more in the way of theatre, many more dining options, a growing downtown, and more intelligent neighborhood planning. It is a bit further from C'ville than Waynesboro, but really you'll be adding only about 10 minutes, and I think that its worth it. Many times Staunton is compared to being a smaller version of C'ville, and much less expensive as well.

[pazzo83]

Oh yea, and speaking of traffic, if you're coming from DC or any other major city, traffic is basically non existent except on Route 29 (where it is pretty congested even for DC standards) and inside C'ville when UVA classes are in session.

[411hk]

Hi there,

I have an interview in Augusta Co. for a professional position (govt) at the end of the month. I am wondering how "open" they are to northerners (I live in Delaware but have spent a good deal of time in the south)? Would a red dress be overdoing it in the south?

I visited Staunton briefly last month and fell in love with the place. Is there a goodly amount of stuff to do for an education 49 year old single female? Presently I live in the land of touistas with overpriced houses and 80 year olds (widows)--no thanks and nothing to do! Get me out of Sussex County!!!!!
Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks in advance.
411hk

[411hk]

To add onto my previous post, which I am guessing is baffling people, but I want to blend in not stand out and if a red dress is too much, then I have other colors to wear....in an interview situation, especially for a professional situation you want to clique with others right? Not stand out too much!

I will be in town a couple of days at the end of July for the interview and to look around. Can you recommend any good realtors in the area worth checking out while I am there? Also, what cities are best for within a half hour drive to Staunton/Fishersville? I have a cat and have a washer/dryer so I would need a hookup. I prefer not to live in an apartment and would love a backyard so that I can have birds to visit (nice for me and the kitty!) Please advise as soon as you can. Thanks. 411hk