Things you might need to know moving to Virginia? (Roanoke: rental, lawyer)

[Ticklemonster]

What are some important tips out of towners might need to know before moving to Virginia?

What I mean by that is, I recently found out that there is a limit to how many dogs one is allowed to have, whereas, where I am from, it doesn't seem to matter, as long as they have their shots, are taken care of, and are in a humane setting. Rental properties are the only places that seem to mind.

Another thing I have learned is the "Reckless Driver" laws seem very specific compared to Florida, but a little more lenient as far as speeding goes (I could be misunderstanding though).

Oh, and Northern Virginia seems to be on the more expensive side.

What else might need to be common sense when moving to Virginia? I think this could be a useful topic for many others moving to Virginia as well.

Maybe some links to useful websites as somewhat of a "Starters Kit" or "So you want to move to Virginia" kind of deal.

[Flamingo13]

Um... read the threads?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Ticklemonster

What else might need to be common sense when moving to Virginia? I think this could be a useful topic for many others moving to Virginia as well.

The major elections like the gubernatorial one are in odd years; 2017 is the next one. The legislative session is very short, and they never seem to get much done because they argue about the conservative hot buttons. Republicans now control both the state Senate and House, although the Governor is a Democrat.

Until recently they did not recognize same-sex marriage. I'd advise checking with a lawyer if your family has a second-parent adoption or wills or power-of-attorney.

There is an annual personal property tax on vehicles. For example, in Roanoke County it is $3.50 per hundred of assesed value: http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/index.aspx?NID=453

[Golden_Eagle]

What's the limit on the dogs? That's interesting.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Golden_Eagle

What's the limit on the dogs? That's interesting.

The OP had read that some Virginia cities have a limit on the number of dogs. I suspect it is an attempt to control things like the dog-fighting ring that Michael Vick was involved with in Surry County. Or to control animal-hoarders who have become a problem. Anyone with a business, like a boarding kennel or dog breeding, can normally purchase a license.

That brings up something that is unique to Virginia. Some cities are not part of counties, but most cities are part of counties. For example, Roanoke is an independant city that is not part of Roanoke County. That distinction affects voting jurisdictions, property taxes, school systems, and maybe payroll taxes.

[TN Lily]

This is trivia, but Virginia is one of four states that refers to itself as a Commonwealth. The other three are Kentucky, Massachusetts & Pennsylvania.

[16 Acres]

Originally Posted by Ticklemonster

What are some important tips out of towners might need to know before moving to Virginia?

It all depends on what part.

Some places are almost like NYC, some very remote with very little rules and regulations, and others somewhere in-between.