Best place to live in VA? (Richmond, Roanoke: neighborhoods, college, moving to)

[LtDan95]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

I currently live in Jacksonville, FL and I plan on moving to a state that’s a bit cooler and has mountains. I’m a 25 y/o male and will be starting EMT training to become a firefighter. I’m looking for specific things when moving:

1) state with all 4 seasons close to the mountains
2) somewhere within driving distance to my family in Jacksonville, FL
3) somewhere full with young, single people
4) close to a city with all 4 sport teams (VA has Washington teams)
5) prefer a place more conservative but not rural

Any recommendations?

Virginia has the mountains and the beach and is close to major sport events. The state just seems a little too rural to me

[sregorat3]

Tidewater... Checks all the boxes except the whole mountain thing. Other places that would partially fit your profile... Roanoke, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg.

Actually, Charlotte North Carolina would probably be ideal for you. It has everything you're looking for, and maybe even more conservative than places in Virginia.

[kyle19125]

For a younger vibe in a more populated area closer to the mountains I would suggest Charlottesville. It has a reputation as being very liberal but the fact is it's more centrist overall, so if you're more a "live and let live" type you'll find many folks who share similar values. If that's not a possibility the next best option would be up the road in Harrisonburg which while also a college town is slightly less liberal (or more centrist if you will). I use the term centrist because the core of the GOP is so far to the right now, that it really doesn't favor the average conservative any longer. Both cities are a bit over two hours from DC so getting to Nationals, Capitals, or Wizards games is a fairly easy task, especially if you park/ride at an outer Metro station. The NFL team (RedHawks rename?) is for now in a suburban location in MD but may soon wind up back at the old JFK Stadium in DC. If either seems too small for you I think Richmond might be your best middle ground literally. Plenty of urban feel, fun downtown neighborhoods, a young vibe that's not all college oriented and about the same 2 hour access to DC. It too while a "blue city" feels well-balanced politically.

[Bigfoot424]

Contrary to what has been said you have no perfect location here in VA. Charlotte, NC may fit the bill for you. I am no fan of Charlottesville as it has gone downhill in many aspects over the years but it is near mountains. Move closer into NOVA to some place like Warrenton and you are still be close to mountains and much closer to the DC teams. Warrenton is not a hot bed of activity but it does put you close to what you are looking for. But I still think a place like Charlotte, NC might be a better choice.

[supfromthesite]

Why not Richmond? That would be my pick, I love the old buildings and overall feel of the city. It does not feel like your typical American city which I am personally not a fan of at all. I would live in DC too but you said you want conservative and Richmond is probably a lot more moderate compared to DC. Rural areas would also be fun but you are against that.

Charlotte would be a good pick for many reasons but it just feels like a typical American city. Nothing unique. Not my thing. Might suit you, and if that thing doesn't bother you, it probably is the best option.

[Ebck120]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Contrary to what has been said you have no perfect location here in VA. Charlotte, NC may fit the bill for you. I am no fan of Charlottesville as it has gone downhill in many aspects over the years but it is near mountains. Move closer into NOVA to some place like Warrenton and you are still be close to mountains and much closer to the DC teams. Warrenton is not a hot bed of activity but it does put you close to what you are looking for. But I still think a place like Charlotte, NC might be a better choice.

Ignore this guy, Charlottesville has only gotten better and bigger and always included in top small city lists. He's just bitter.... It might not be a great choice for you though bc Charlottesville is quite liberal.

Almost sounds like Chestfield County outside of Richmond would be a better option for you. It's conservative but not rural and still close enough to Richmond to take advantage of the city's offerings and not far from DC.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by Ebck120

Ignore this guy, Charlottesville has only gotten better and bigger and always included in top small city lists. He's just bitter.... It might not be a great choice for you though bc Charlottesville is quite liberal.

Almost sounds like Chestfield County outside of Richmond would be a better option for you. It's conservative but not rural and still close enough to Richmond to take advantage of the city's offerings and not far from DC.

Some of you seem to be missing this from the OP: 1) state with all 4 seasons close to the mountains Richmond does not come close to what he is looking for.


So Ebck. Why am I bitter? I've lived here in VA since 73. I used to love C'ville and considered it as one of my retirement places in VA. I still go there often for Dr's visits and the wife, who went with me for a good tour of the area for the first time, asked what the draw was for the area. Besides UVA of course. The beggars on the street and homeless folks will always detract from the place no matter who feels otherwise. It's gotten so built up that is is not the small "big" town that it once was. Bitter? Not hardly. Just do not like C'ville like I used to. Yes, the political scene is not my cup of tea but I can live with that.

[mpier015]

I think that the op just meant that the entire state, in general, would be close to mountains. Similarly to how the only parts of Virginia with any real proximity to major league sports are clearly not conservative. I believe that the op was most likely looking for any city within a day/weekends trip distance. When considering that, I think that Richmond, specifically Chesterfield county would more than meet many of the op's requirements. Being a few hours from Sports, Mountains and beaches, a conservative leaning area, apart of an area with a good amount of young people and not rural.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by mpier015

I think that the op just meant that the entire state, in general, would be close to mountains. Similarly to how the only parts of Virginia with any real proximity to major league sports are clearly not conservative. I believe that the op was most likely looking for any city within a day/weekends trip distance. When considering that, I think that Richmond, specifically Chesterfield county would more than meet many of the op's requirements. Being a few hours from Sports, Mountains and beaches, a conservative leaning area, apart of an area with a good amount of young people and not rural.

You may be right on the mountains aspect. But to me close means like within 10-30 minutes maybe. As far as the sports teams to me Richmond area is just too far from the DC area teams but Richmond does have teams of its own. Just not pro leagues. I think the OP needs to provide more info to allow for more accurate info.

[Serious Conversation]

The big appeal of Charlottesville is that it’s small, convenient to mountains, well-off, and hip.

I spent last weekend there - like the area, but hard to afford.