Looking for info on Fredericksburg (Richmond: living in, prices, to move)

[lovely40]

Fredericksburg is a sleepy, historic town that I would not recommend for ANY single, let alone a 20-something. It's growing but it's several years away from being a "hot-spot". Based on what you've described, Richmond would be a much better fit.

[katfzl]

We just moved to Fredericksburg. I've lived in Portland, Seattle, Boise, etc., and this area seems very "Tea Party" to me, and not young, liberal, or vibrant. Downtown Fredericksburg is cute and cool, but I'm not a big fan of Spotsy so far... It
s mostly strip malls and suburbs.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by JayJayCB

If I found a place and job in the Fredericksburg area, I don't think the traffic would necessarily bother me. I would just be happy residing in VA. At the same time, of course I know the traffic is bad up there (especially I-95) although I know it's worse closer to D.C. Still, hearing how Fredericksburg isn't a good area for young professionals is a bit more concerning. I thought the downtown district would've been more vibrant considering how the area has been growing.

I haven't ruled out looking more into the Richmond area, although I know it'll be (at most) two years or so before I relocate to VA. Still, would Fredericksburg be better (in general) due to being located closer to NOVA? Or would Richmond be much better in my case? Again, I want an area that is more liberal and not religious, vibrant, decent amount of young professionals, etc.

Sounds to me like you shouldn't rule out NoVA.

[JayJayCB]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

Sounds to me like you shouldn't rule out NoVA.

Perhaps you're right. I'm just worried the area will be too expensive for a young high school teacher, although it helps that I won't be looking into buying a house or anything. At least not for a few more years.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

Sounds to me like you shouldn't rule out NoVA.

Why? I have plenty of friends in the Fredericksburg area who are not religious. I always have to laugh at comments about not wanting to be around religious people. My wife and I attend church on a regular basis and I'll wager not a single neighbor I talk to or colleagues at work would know this. Why? Because very few "religious" folks preach or try and convert anyone they see daily. Fredericksburg may be more conservative, which does not necessarily mean religious, compared to areas in NOVA but to rule out an area because of this is just plain idiotic.


OP. I'd suggest you look at Traffic on WTOP or Googlemaps daily and see what everyone is talking about when it comes to traffic. 66 can be and is bad but it certainly has many more times where it's not socked in all Red for heavy traffic compared to 95. Weekends can be miserable 7 days a week on 95. My daughters best friend wanted to move with her family to Fredericksburg and her husband works in Woodbridge. They were in Manassas for years. I suggested he go to Fredericksburg one weekday and drive to Woodbridge in rush hour. That night they started looking elsewhere as the one day was enough for him. They now live in Amisville on 5 acres and can get to Woodbridge in about the same amount of time as if he were in Fredericksburg. The time now comes from the distance but he knows that at least he's moving.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Why? I have plenty of friends in the Fredericksburg area who are not religious. I always have to laugh at comments about not wanting to be around religious people. My wife and I attend church on a regular basis and I'll wager not a single neighbor I talk to or colleagues at work would know this. Why? Because very few "religious" folks preach or try and convert anyone they see daily. Fredericksburg may be more conservative, which does not necessarily mean religious, compared to areas in NOVA but to rule out an area because of this is just plain idiotic.


OP. I'd suggest you look at Traffic on WTOP or Googlemaps daily and see what everyone is talking about when it comes to traffic. 66 can be and is bad but it certainly has many more times where it's not socked in all Red for heavy traffic compared to 95. Weekends can be miserable 7 days a week on 95. My daughters best friend wanted to move with her family to Fredericksburg and her husband works in Woodbridge. They were in Manassas for years. I suggested he go to Fredericksburg one weekday and drive to Woodbridge in rush hour. That night they started looking elsewhere as the one day was enough for him. They now live in Amisville on 5 acres and can get to Woodbridge in about the same amount of time as if he were in Fredericksburg. The time now comes from the distance but he knows that at least he's moving.

I was just going on what the OP stated and said perhaps he shouldn't rule out NoVA (i.e. Fairfax).

I didn't say rule out Fredericksburg.

As I stated earlier I would definitely not recommend commuting north in 95 and one can work in Fairfax and not have to deal with traffic.

[JayJayCB]

If y'all had a choice between Fredericksburg and Richmond, which city would you pick? I guess I want to know if Fredericksburg has some sort of edge over Richmond due to being located closer to D.C.

[NOVA_guy]

I'd live in neither. If you can, I'd go further north.

That will also help if you decide to work in another district. All of the districts in NoVa compete to attract the best talent, that doesn't include Fredericksburg because their salaries are significantly lower. You mentioned Fairfax County, I'd look there, it'll put you in a much more flexible position.

[robbobobbo]

Originally Posted by JayJayCB

If y'all had a choice between Fredericksburg and Richmond, which city would you pick? I guess I want to know if Fredericksburg has some sort of edge over Richmond due to being located closer to D.C.

I'd choose Richmond. I don't think Fredericksburg gets some kind of "effect" from its (marginal) proximity to DC. Fredericksburg is its own place. Richmond is a larger city with more in the way of arts, entertainment, dining, etc. Fredericksburg has the not-nice nickname of "Frednecksburg" (I know of Mary Washington students who use this term) that comes from it being more rural and conservative than NoVA.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by JayJayCB

If y'all had a choice between Fredericksburg and Richmond, which city would you pick? I guess I want to know if Fredericksburg has some sort of edge over Richmond due to being located closer to D.C.

At one time I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for Richmond but this city has gone through many changes over the last 20-25 years. Some very nice areas in and around the city and traffic, for being a city, is nowhere near as bad as NOVA.