Relocating From Grand Rapids, MI to Richmond, VA (find a job, universities)

[Firefall]

I'm looking to relocate to Richmond, VA from the Grand Rapids, MI area.

I feel Michigan is going downhill fast... some areas are being forecast to reach 20% unemployment by the end of the year. (Muskegon, MI... less than 45 minute commute from me is already at 14%.) As of April 2009, Michigan has a 12.7% unemployment rate according to BLS.gov. So... I want out.

I'm in my late 20s, unmarried, and have no children unless you count my 2 cats and 1 dog. I'm a computer science major. I live with and would be making the move with my mother, a semi-retired historian. I enjoy yoga, photography, and flying stunt kites.

I've been unable to find a job for going on 8 months and can't even find an internship in my field. My mom was laid off a month ago and her prospects aren't any better.

I'm looking for a diverse community and also safe and affordable. I also have several chronic health problems which has resulted in me not liking to drive; so I like areas with a good public transportation infrastructure. This also means I need good doctors.

Also because of my health problems, I'm looking at Richmond for the less severe winters compared to Michigan.

I have family in the Richmond area, but I get the feeling they're more excited that we're strongly considering the move and I'm concerned that I'm not getting a clear view.

I'm already speaking with admissions for the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. I've also found several potential internship sites in the Richmond area and will begin applying to jobs this week.

From what I've read, Richmond looks like a nice place to live and has these things. What else should I know? Does anyone have any relocation tips?

I fully realize and acknowledge that there is no place in the country that is the promised land full of sunshine and daisies, buttercups and rainbows.

[540_804]

Im sure you've seen this thread, but just in case you haven't: //www.city-data.com/forum/richm...chmond-va.html


Just a question: Are you considering attending VCU or U or R? I got that from you mentioning that you spoke with their two respective offices of admissions.

Richmond is full of history so your mother should love it here. She may even find potential employment up here with one of the historical societies, museums, libraries or even one of the universities if she were interested.

Richmond does have a pretty good transit system that I'm sure you will like. If you live close in (downtown, The Fan, Carytown, Museum District) you will find that the area is pretty walkable (in fact I much prefer walking than the hassle of driving).

I think you will find there is a sizable selection of good doctors and medical facilities in the area, including VCU Health Systems (or MCV whatever you prefer to call it).

Richmond is very Photogenic, so Im sure you'll have plenty of material to shoot. You may find Brown's Island in downtown Richmond a suitable place for both yoga and kite flying (and photography for that matter: I actually saw some pictures of Brown's Island photographed from a camera attached to a kite - go figure).

A lot of people like to talk down about Richmond but I relocated here and I like it. As long as you come with a reasonably open-minded and realistic attitude you should be fine. As you mentioned Richmond is not the "promised land full of sunshine and daisies, buttercups and rainbows." LOL

[Firefall]

Thank you

[PickPatrick]

Great response 540 -- you summed it up well!!