Considering Virginia Beach from NE Ohio (Hampton, Greenville: fit in, for sale, to rent)

[LeavinO-H]

Hi All! I have enjoyed this site for months now, as my husband and I have been considering relocating down south. Mostly for weather, and to leave the hometown "nest". We are in NE Ohio, small town called Youngstown, about an hour either way from Cleveland or Pittsburgh, PA. Very ethnic, tight knit community, lots of family ties (hence lots of drama), and lots of crime. Looking to finally get out of here. We almost got a divorce last year, and desperately want to move away from all of those repercussions and start fresh. I lived in Greenville, SC back in 2000 while single and really enjoyed it. Have thought of going back there, but kinda want to start a little closer from home.

Anyway....we are both close to 40, have an 8 year old daughter and 5 year old son. So schools/neighborhood would be an issue. Husband is a drywall finisher/journeyman of 20 years, so would be looking for employment in that field and considering areas with such. I found a contracting company... Service Management Inc (SMI) based in Virginia Beach, who seems to be looking for tradesman that hubby will be contacting. I myself am a stay at home mom of 8 years and hope to remain as such.

In general, how is the construction business in VA? Any certain areas better in that field than others? He does both residential and commercial work. We prefer the coast as we have been landlocked all our lives and would really love the beach experience, without the extreme heat of the deep south. With his experience, I can't imagine DH not being able to make a good living at what he does. I have found several options in the Carolinas, but for some reason after finding this company and looking into Va Beach...we are now considering here as well.

We currently have our home for sale and have had several showings, but no bites yet. So that's in process. We have $30k to start, and then another $20k once our home sells. We would be looking rent upon moving, mostly for the obvious reasons of making sure we like it, getting to know the areas, etc.

Any help or input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[Lindsey1151]

We have alot of Ohioans in the area so you will definitely fit in here!

[fmac]

I would defer to those builders out there, but from my perspective, housing starts are not what they once were, but are happening. There are a number of folks involved in rehabilitating older homes in the area as well.
Having lived here off and on since the late 70s, I think the area has a lot to offer. Museums, theaters, restaurants, beaches/water activities, diversity, and I could go on. I hope you will give us a good look. You are wise to rent first. Besides Virginia Beach, I have clients who have also found that each of the communities that make up "Tidewater" or "Hampton Roads" have their own unique attributes. Good luck with your decision.
As for schools, you may find the following links of use:
www.doe.virginia.gov
and
www.vbschools.com

[LeavinO-H]

Thanks for the responses

I am compiling a list of drywall contractors in the area for DH to call and inquire about hiring. I have job searched for hours and the potential is definitely there. The only thing I am running into is a lot of companies only hire locals or those with a valid license in that state. Hoping we can find someone who will consider a transplant with his experience and expertise.

If anyone else can offer any input it would be much appreciated!