Living In Virginia VS North Carolina...Input PLEASE??? (Arlington, Roanoke: houses, income)

[norby22]

Have you checked out Asheville?

[alice_61]

I have lived 7 years in State College, PA, 7 years in Chapel Hill and Cary, NC, 13 years in and around Charlottesville, VA and one year in Blacksburg, VA. So I can comment on those college towns. My family and I really liked State College but it was too cold and grey in the winter for my husband. We liked Charlottesville quite a bit, too, but in some ways I like Blacksburg even more (smaller town, less crime). I don't like central NC that much because of the heat, greater concern about crime, (and flatter terrain). I do like the mountains of NC and we considered moving there but I didn't want to be so far from a major University (apologies to UNC-Asheville). I most wanted a relatively safe college town in the mountains and Blacksburg suits us well. If we were quite a bit wealthier, Charlottesville would be fine, too. I have met some really great neighbors and friends in all the places.

What is most important to you in a place to live?

[itsajourney]

Thanks for keeping the input coming. I have been to Asheville numerous times. I kept trying to convince myself that I was missing something when I just never fell in love with the place. The setting is beautiful and it is a fabulous place to people watch, but Asheville just never sends me a message to stay a while.

I do like Waynesville. Been a while since I visited Hendersonville--so it's not fresh in my mind like the towns I have visited in the past 3 years.

Alice61--thanks for you insight also....I lived in Mechanicsburg PA for 11 years. Really liked it--history, rolling hills at the foot of mountains, everything one needs as far as shopping and dining, craft shows, gift shops, Hersheypark nearby, etc. Like you, the ONLY reason we left was that the grey skies of winter hung around just a little too long.

I also lived in Cary, NC for a short period of time in 2004. Really enjoyed it while there. I have traveled back to Raleigh on every trip up there--and Raleigh just isn't clicking any more either. It's grown tremendously. I like having easy access to a city, but either don't one one quite so large or need one that's ready for the challenges of its population. In other words--way too much traffic for me now.

Visited Charlottsville on every trip also. Again, thinking I am missing something--as it gets such rave reviews from so many people. Love the history and the hills around there, but didn't fall in love with it.

I keep saying I want mountains, but I realize that I actually sometimes feel claustrophobic in them if I can't see very far. I suppose it would be more accurate to say I love the rolling hills--with mountains as a backdrop perhaps. The rolling hills will have to be a must when I relocate. I also love Early American history--so any town/city that is historical and appreciates its historical homes & buildings would be really nice to have. Low crime is also a must. Mild 4 season climate. Friendly, welcoming people--as I am very outgoing & friendly. I don't have trouble talking to anyone. That's a reason that I felt I never fit in in PA. I am a small-town midwestern girl who could welcome anyone (almost). Need to have choices in shopping and eating out. I don't need 100's of choices, but several would be nice. Also, need reasonable cost of living and housing--in comparison to Orlando, FL or Harrisburg, PA area. Nothing more expensive than those 2 areas. Looking forward to retirement years coming up and don't want to struggle with high costs of necessities.

[alice_61]

Cost of living and crime are concerns of mine, too. I like to have my nose in a book (or computer) so college towns work for me. I agree; Charlottesville is on the big side and has some crime. But I was pretty happy in the Fry Springs neighborhood there and living in the countryside around it. I don't care too much about eating out or shopping so I'm pretty happy with a smaller town if it's safe and open-minded. We went on 2+ week odyssey about 6 years ago and checked out Asheville, Brevard, Morganton, Hillsboro, Mt. Airy, Chapel Hill, Southport, and Beufort, NC, and Blacksburg, VA. (We were already familiar with Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro, VA, which were also on our list.) They each had nice features but Blacksburg is has turned out well for us. I have a wealthy friend who has also lived in Blacksburg and the Charlottesville area. She prefers the greater cultural opportunities in Charlottesville. But she can afford a home in Ivy (expensive) and private school for her kids and she doesn't have to be as concerned with the crime in Charlottesville and cost of living. I prefer Blacksburg because it is safer and smaller so it is easier to get around on foot. "To each his/her own!"

Best wishes on your town quest!
Alice

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by itsajourney

Thanks for keeping the input coming. I have been to Asheville numerous times. I kept trying to convince myself that I was missing something when I just never fell in love with the place. The setting is beautiful and it is a fabulous place to people watch, but Asheville just never sends me a message to stay a while.

I do like Waynesville. Been a while since I visited Hendersonville--so it's not fresh in my mind like the towns I have visited in the past 3 years.

Alice61--thanks for you insight also....I lived in Mechanicsburg PA for 11 years. Really liked it--history, rolling hills at the foot of mountains, everything one needs as far as shopping and dining, craft shows, gift shops, Hersheypark nearby, etc. Like you, the ONLY reason we left was that the grey skies of winter hung around just a little too long.

I also lived in Cary, NC for a short period of time in 2004. Really enjoyed it while there. I have traveled back to Raleigh on every trip up there--and Raleigh just isn't clicking any more either. It's grown tremendously. I like having easy access to a city, but either don't one one quite so large or need one that's ready for the challenges of its population. In other words--way too much traffic for me now.

Visited Charlottsville on every trip also. Again, thinking I am missing something--as it gets such rave reviews from so many people. Love the history and the hills around there, but didn't fall in love with it.

I keep saying I want mountains, but I realize that I actually sometimes feel claustrophobic in them if I can't see very far. I suppose it would be more accurate to say I love the rolling hills--with mountains as a backdrop perhaps. The rolling hills will have to be a must when I relocate. I also love Early American history--so any town/city that is historical and appreciates its historical homes & buildings would be really nice to have. Low crime is also a must. Mild 4 season climate. Friendly, welcoming people--as I am very outgoing & friendly. I don't have trouble talking to anyone. That's a reason that I felt I never fit in in PA. I am a small-town midwestern girl who could welcome anyone (almost). Need to have choices in shopping and eating out. I don't need 100's of choices, but several would be nice. Also, need reasonable cost of living and housing--in comparison to Orlando, FL or Harrisburg, PA area. Nothing more expensive than those 2 areas. Looking forward to retirement years coming up and don't want to struggle with high costs of necessities.

Have you spent any time exploring Roanoke? The mountains are all around, but in the distance. Personally, I think NC has gotten too crowded in and around all the cities. Good luck in your search

[itsajourney]

Thanks...loves mountains....No, I haven't spent much time there at all. On my trip to VA in June/July I briefly drove thru the downtown area. Spent about 2 hours in Roanoke--so it wasn't nearly enough time to make any kind of judgement. By the time I got to Roanoke I had already spent several days in Fredericksburg (which I do like), Williamsburg, Lynchburg, Culpepper, and a few other towns more central and eastern in the state. I found each of these towns to be very nice in their own way. I am afraid Fredericksburg will be too congested--tho, I do like that it is close to everything DC offers. Love the historical aspects of both Fredericksburg & Williamsburg. Neither the Hampton Roads area or Richmond knock my socks off when I visit them for what I would want in a city.

By the time I got to the western part of the state, I believe I was tired and just ready to stop looking for a while. Now I regret that as I need to explore more of the cities town located alson I-81. When we lived in Harrisburg I traveled I-81 many times--so I guess I just kind of took it for granted and never paid much attention to it. I really would love to go check out places like Lexington, Blacksburg, Roanoke & Abington. Abington was another town that I just took a quick drive thru and didn't stop to spend any real time there. I believe it was late afternoon and not much was open as far as the downtown area.

[JD984]

For what you're describing, I'd think VA would have the edge over NC, and that Staunton, Lexington and perhaps Roanoke would be good places to consider. They're a bit further west, and not as congested as points further north and east, but they're still relatively close to other towns as well.

This isn't an effort to promote VA over NC; indeed, if you were either a beach or die-hard mountain fan, I'd suggest NC over VA.

[slowlane]

Roanoke is over 3 hour drive to DC, 5 hours to Myrtle Beach(palm trees!), NC is only an hour away.

Correction: Roanoke is at least 5 hours from DC, in light traffic.

[itsajourney]

No, I am not a die-hard beach fan.....I live in Orlando and can go to the beach most anytime--just don't do it very often. I am not one to lay in the sun--couldn't do that for 10 minutes before I would be going stark raving mad. I walk the beach when I go. I like to look for the usual shells, critters, and other interesting things that wash ashore--but going to the beach is a take it or leave it thing for me. I would much prefer to be out driving winding country roads that lead to anywhere around the bend or over the hill. I am a naturally inquisitive explorer. If I could, I would explore every old abandoned house or farmstead along the way--that is hog heaven for me!!! I love the hills and mountains and checking out every little town along the way. Oh if only I could have another 100 years or so to do just that :-)

Jeb....I assume you would suggest North Carolina if I were a die-hard mountain person over Virginia as the mountains are really much bigger in NC? and probably cover a lot more territory? If not, why would you suggest NC? Also, to make things even more complicated, where would you rate eastern Tennessee in all of this. I keep overlooking Tennessee, but all 3 of these states come together right there. I wonder if I should spend more time in Tennessee since there are no state income taxes. That would make for a lower cost of living I would think--but perhaps at what other cost?

Thanks for any more insight. I deeply appreciate it all.

[JD984]

I should say I think both VA and NC are great states. Based on your posts, it seemed that you were looking for a place that had rolling hills and mountain views, but wasn't too isolated or a long drive away from the occasional trip to the bigger city. That's why I proposed Staunton, Lexington and Roanoke. Great mountain views, but also colleges in each town and accessible to larger cities like Richmond and DC.

If you really liked beaches, I'd think Wilmington (in NC) or places in South Carolina would be nicer than any place in VA. Hard-core mountain lovers would also have more options and more stunning views in the NC towns near the Blue Ridge/Pisgah National Forest than in VA, but this comes at the price of being a bit isolated and living in an area that is increasingly dependent on tourists and retirees. I do like Asheville a lot, but it definitely has pros and cons.