Quote:
Originally Posted by halfback2009
I am interested in living in West Jefferson or Jefferson. I was wondering if anyone could give me any information on it. I have 2 teenage boys and was wondering about schools and things to do for the kids? How much snow does it get and how are house rentals? Are the ppl welcoming of newcomers? Really need some info and anything would help? Thank you in advance to all who will give information.  |
West Jeff is great! It's "backwater," but less so than it was 10 years ago. The County Commission is doing a great job balancing the old ways with newcomers and their "citified" ways! Their planning for the future is going well, the schools are doing better (2 new schools in 10 yrs), Jobs are tough to find but that should improve next year. Snow depends . . . 10 years ago we had a VERY cold and heavy winter coming off an el Nino. It should be interesting to see what happens this year and next. In the last 10 years I've seen as little at 10" of snow and then there was '99/2000! I don't know what the exact numbers are, but we were stuck at home for 2 weeks! Most roads were clear, but I couldn't GET to the road! I would guess we got at least 60" total that year. Temps that year didn't come above freezing for all of January and some of February. My monitor heat froze and we had to use electric wall heaters . . . 6 weeks, $600!! Nighttime temps were below zero for two weeks straight AND the New River flooded in the spring when the ice dammed up the river! We haven't seen anything
near that since.
There's lots for teens to do if they are "outdoorsy." Most of the local teens are hard playin, hard drinking, and get into trouble easily. Oh they LOVE their fast cars and trucks! My daughter is 27 now, but when she was 17 the "in" thing was parking/cruising on Main St! Gotta love small town America! If you can get them into football or another sport, or put them to work they should do fine. Wear 'em out and they'll be too tired to get into trouble.
House rentals are reasonable, both in town and out in the county. Christmas Trees are the major industry, but good luck getting on . . . the legal, skilled, Mexicanos have the market cornered. More and more are settling here year round. They are honest, hard working and know their stuff! That said, there are a few bad apples that show up every year. Most major employment is over in Boone, about a 30 to 40 minute drive.
Look into Fleetwood, Pine Swamp, and eastern areas of the county (Ashe). Creston, Clifton, and western sections are difficult to access (windy/twisty roads!) and its a LONG way to get to work. Check out Google Maps and explore with the "terrain" and "satellite" features.
All in all, its a great place if you like "country!" If you're looking for night life or a mall . . . fageddaboudit!
And yes, if you respect the locals and their way of life, they will respect you, in most cases (just like everywhere else).
Oh, and stay far, far away from Phoenix Mountain!
And pick a house in a valley or cove (even better) on a south facing slope, with a running creek or stream on the property! Unless you're in town limits, you'll need the water for pets and toilets if your power goes out. No power, no well!
Let me know if I can be of further help!
Blessings,
Tracey
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West Jeff
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