From AZ to VA (Roanoke: living in, to work, good)

[richmondpics]

The Richmond region is predominately white and African American, with small albeit growing Asian and Latino populations adding more diversity to the region. Looking at Census data shows the breakdown of races by percentages.

Regarding housing, it depends on what type of neighborhood (urban/suburban/rural), amenties, and price range you are looking for...

[skilletnice]

we are looking for suburban, a nice family, community feel. the price range would be no more then 325K. we would like a nice subdivision with lots of activities for young couples and children.....

Ladysmith was one area....are there any others??

[richmondpics]

There's many option for what you desire... Much of it will depend on where you end up working, but I'd probably take a look at areas to the North, Northwest, and Southwest of the city.

[seanpecor]

Roanoke has plenty of jobs in certain markets like construction, finance, information technology, biotech, healthcare and engineering. My kids go to a private school (North Cross) and every month there are new families with new kids joining the school. I know very few people who have had difficulty keeping a job here once they settle in. Roanoke is a totally different "product" than Richmond. Totally different. Roanoke is smaller, which makes it better than Richmond for some people, while making it worse than Ricmond for others. If bigger is always better, than ignore Virginia altogether and move to Atlanta

Yes, for every new job created in the Roanoke metro, there are 20 people from out of state who want that job. But that's not a failing of the Roanoke economy. That's indicative of any desirable small city metro. In fact, the four metro areas in Virginia with the lowest unemployment rate are Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Winchester and Roanoke. They're all small metros. That should tell you something. Yes, the largest metro areas have more jobs, but they also have a greater percentage of their population standing in the unemployment line. Real estate is more expensive in a large metro. Everything is more expensive.

In the Roanoke metro, I live in a 7,000 square foot colonial williamsburg style cape cod. Custom designed and built with good solid moulded brick and wood. Half paneling on many walls, straight to the ceiling. Hardwood and tile everywhere. Built-ins abound. A 2,400 square foot basement with a 10' ceiling. With this view:

http://www.oakhillstablesva.com/images/photo_cahas.jpg (broken link)

I paid $685,000 for the house and 15 acres in 2005. The same house in a large metro like Richmond would have cost me $2,000,000 minimum. So, were I a professional working for someone other than myself, any salary increase imparted by living in a much larger metro would be eaten up by a drastic increase in the cost of living.

That's not to say it's not often better to choose the larger metro. I just believe that when someone operates on the assumption that a larger metro is always better, they limit their options and in turn their potential for personal and financial growth.

Sean

[richmondpics]

Originally Posted by seanpecor

In fact, the four metro areas in Virginia with the lowest unemployment rate are Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Winchester and Roanoke. They're all small metros. That should tell you something. Yes, the largest metro areas have more jobs, but they also have a greater percentage of their population standing in the unemployment line.

To be fair, Richmond in particular consistently has one of the lowest unemployment rates of large metros in the country. The rate is currently around 3.0-3.2% which is outstanding no matter where you are.

Virginia also has its fair share of small metros with considerably higher unemployment rates (Danville, Martinsville).

I think what should be pointed out is that in general, Virginia's economy is strong, with most areas having relatively low unemployment rates.

[skilletnice]

good point sean, thank you for that. can we live in your basement? lol. it seems like you have a nice home there. we have an additional question as well. does it snow there in these areas. we like both the roanoke and richmond areas. we are looking for subdivisions online, any good ones to look at?

thanks

[seanpecor]

I agree with Richmondpics entirely. I didn't mean to imply that in all cases the economy is better in a smaller metro rather than a larger metro. I think Richmond is a great area. It's hard to find a region within Virginia that is doing poorly from an economic standpoint, save for a few counties in south central Virginia (Danville, Martinsville) that are being hit _hard_ by offshoring. Overall, according to the BLS, in September '07, Virginia had the 4th lowest unemployment rate in the country.

Insofar as annual snowfall goes, the 30 year average for Roanoke is 22". However, the 10 year average is only +/- 13". Unless you're in deep SWVA, it isn't the sort of snow that hangs around for long. Most often it seems whatever snow falls is almost totally melted off after about six hours of sunshine.

As far as subdivisions go, here are some links:

Boone Homes, Inc. – Roanoke, Virginia and Richmond, Virginia’s Luxury Homebuilder - The Groves
Boone Homes, Inc. – Roanoke, Virginia and Richmond, Virginia’s Luxury Homebuilder - Stone Manor

Information about the Old Southwest City neighborhood, including some home examples:
Old Southwest, Inc - Home of the Month (http://www.oldsouthwestinc.com/home.htm - broken link)
Roanoke Valley
Roanoke Valley
Roanoke Valley
Roanoke Valley

And on some of Roanoke's most prestigious streets:

Roanoke Real Estate Listings and Homes for Sale in Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke Real Estate Listings and Homes for Sale in Roanoke, Virginia

Cheers,

Sean

[EricD]

One area closer to Richmond that my wife and I looked at was Woodlake and Brandermill. They are two planned established communities south west of Richmond. There you should be able to find homes in your price range, and have a nice communities. Lots are a good size, and the two communities surround a large lake. (electric only, no gas powered boats) You might need to do some fixing up on some of the homes, since they are not new... and also, most homes in Richmond do not have basements. I found this strange when we first started looking, but I guess it's a regional thing.

If you're looking for a new home near Richmond (closer than where I am) for that price range, it's going to need to be a town home, or in a bad area of town. (They are building new homes in sketchy areas, so be carefull)

[richmondpics]

I think there is new home construction in nicer areas that is within their range though.

[EricD]

Originally Posted by richmondpics

I think there is new home construction in nicer areas that is within their range though.

Where? I'd like to know

Well, I'd have to say that we were mostly looking in the far west end (shortpump/glen allen area), and couldn't find anything around $300k except town homes or condo's. (New construction anyways)