Relo Research for Second Trip to VA

[ersatz]

Originally Posted by lookingforhomeagain

Thanks ersatz! I definitely need to plan a few trips!

When you plan more trips, be sure to carve some time out to look at all the cool stuff around the VA/NC/WV area. One great site to check is https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/. Even though I have lived in MD, VA, NC, WV and visit DC, DE and KT often, I always find really cool places to visit that I never knew about no matter how long I lived in the area. You will find stuff in Vermont too!

[kyle19125]

OP, check out Culpeper. It might be a good option for you!

[HRVT]

Originally Posted by lookingforhomeagain

Hello!

I live in a rural area of the northeast, and visited VA for potential places to relocate to (weather, cost of living, property taxes, are biggest reasons) I'm also considering Western NC and North East TN - too many areas really.

Could you help me scout out a few more spots to visit for my second trip, based on my comments from my first trip?

I'm looking to live within about 5 miles of a pretty little town (population anywhere around 3k - 10k) that has live music/good music scene, farmer's market, non-chain restaurants, natural food stores, lively vibe. I'm hoping to find places with fairly good elevation to avoid serious humidity, if possible. Failing that, next to water to jump into and cool off. I haven't looked at any coastal areas but am really open to anything that fits the bill. If politics matter, I would say I'm A-political and quickly losing faith in anything related to the government but I can get along with anyone who is open minded - I love an eclectic environment of mixed views/opinions. I'm not a church-goer (not at all opposed to it either) so need another way to meet folks (single, late 40's, well-read, love philosophical/spiritual/current event discussions but also down-to-earth stuff about gardening etc.). Trying to stay away from strip malls. Do NOT need to be near a Walmart or anything like that.

I work from home so I do need decent internet. Hoping to find a property with 2-10 acres for homesteading.

During my last time in VA, I visited:

Floyd - beautiful area, perfect weather because of elevation (I'm not great with humidity) but the town felt just a little too small (otherwise perfect). I didn't get to Roanoke - it seemed too far from Floyd to consider commuting to for larger town things to do.

Blacksburg/Christiansburg - did not appeal to me - too sprawling, downtown not much going on besides lots of students

Lexington - I only stopped for an afternoon but loved what I did see. Very pretty, charming small walkable downtown

Staunton - Same reasons as Lexington - I loved this little town. I stayed in Stuarts Draft (bit too suburbia) so I think I'd need to focus on being west of 81.

I've also been to:

Asheville, NC - great fun but too big and expensive property - like many others, I'm looking for a small version of this!

Black Mountain, NC - very pretty and well located but (I'm so picky) felt a bit too small and touristy or more catering towards retirees

Waynesville, NC - I can't put my finger on why I didn't like this little town

Thank you for any recommendations for other places to check out on my next trip.

Have you looked at Boone, NC? It's only a few miles from the border of TN. Population is a little shy of 20k so maybe a little bigger than you're looking for.

Also, you could look at Pulaski, VA. It's a little west of Christiansburg and about an hour from Roanoke (similar to Floyd but there's a little more going on in Pulaski).

[Canine*Castle]

Following ...

I'm kind of looking for the same thing and someplace where the wicked tornadic weather isn't as bad as it is here in Texas. Oh, and the heat. Ugh!

I'm just looking in eastern TN and southwestern VA, so following this thread is what I'll do.

[drinkthekoolaid]

Originally Posted by Canine*Castle

Following ...

I'm kind of looking for the same thing and someplace where the wicked tornadic weather isn't as bad as it is here in Texas. Oh, and the heat. Ugh!

I'm just looking in eastern TN and southwestern VA, so following this thread is what I'll do.

Same. Also subbing

What are the thoughts on wytheville, hillsville or galax?

[getatag]

Don't leave out Elizabethton, TN. 14K population with a variety of shopping areas, while having quick access to Johnson City, Tn, 72K population.
They are so close, there is the Tweetsie Trail (rails to trails no cars allowed) route of 10 miles for those that prefer to walk or bike between the cities.

Elizabethton is tucked into a valley (1600" elevation), but in close proximity to Roan Mt. (6200' elevation) and the Cherokee National Forest.

[Serious Conversation]

There really isn't anything similar to Asheville in western VA. It's just way bigger than anything but Roanoke. Roanoke sort of feels like a "poor man's Asheville," but is at a much lower elevation.

Abingdon is very nice - artsy, a little more upscale, beautiful areas, about 2000' in elevation, so the heat and humidity is a little less.

I also like the Fort Chiswell/Max Meadows area. Higher elevation so a bit cooler. There's not much in the immediate area though.

[drinkthekoolaid]

Never heard of Abingdon before but it seems to have a lot of things in looking for. Thanks for the suggestion.

[getatag]

Originally Posted by drinkthekoolaid

Never heard of Abingdon before but it seems to have a lot of things in looking for. Thanks for the suggestion.

Sure you have, ersatz mentioned it in Post #5.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

OP, check out Culpeper. It might be a good option for you!

Until I reread and saw your desire for elevation.

Staunton and Lexington/Buena Vista are pretty hard to beat in this instance.

Good luck!