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Hello, I have 2 different teaching job offers and trying to decide between them. One is Martinsburg WV; the other Nelson County VA (an hour north of Lynchburg). Salary is almost identical in both, but I have several years experience already elsewhere in VA toward retirement.
Housing is and has been challenging to find in either location (especially Nelson; nearest would be most likely Lynchburg) which means about an hour commute each way. No commute for Martinsburg more than likely. There are more housing options (for sale) in my price range in Lynchburg compared to Martinsburg; not finding anything currently available for rent in Lynchburg though I've been looking. There are a few places in Martinsburg but they disappear very fast and are limited to begin with for rentals; sales in my price range also go very quickly.
Based on the above, plus being single and in 50s, which place would you choose and why? Thanks for all replies.
Looking at a couple rental townhouses there tomorrow afternoon. Between 1000 - 1200 rent with 2 BR. As of now no pets but looking for a new cocker spaniel.
As I posed on the Virginia forum, it really depends on what you are looking for although on this one (I should've put two and two together) you further elaborate that Nelson County is an hour away- that commute doesn't seem fun and it's rather rural outside of Lynchburg so probably not a lot of options. I imagine apartments in Lynchburg proper are tough to find now as Liberty University and several other colleges in town are probably leasing up with students.
Martinsburg if you have little commute could yield an advantage- it's very fast becoming an outer exurb of Northern Va/DC and a lot of new housing going in thus more options. It's far enough away to not have to deal with the much busier life pace closer to the Beltway but close enough to head in for a visit, etc.
For Nelson Co., have you considered Charlottesville, or is the job location in the southern part of the county?? Waynesboro could also be an option, it’s about the same size as Martinsburg.
Given your age and years in the VA retirement system, I’d stay in VA if I could.
Have been looking for housing in both areas for over a month and limited options in both - even in surrounding areas. Anything in my price range in Mburg disappears really quickly (rental or otherwise) - limited rentals I've come across there.
Places for sale are cheaper in Lynchburg but again not much available for rent. Clearly there are pros/cons to both and this decision isn't/hasn't been easy to make for several reasons, housing being the immediate one.
Washington Mews Apt & the Cottages in Martinsburg Also Cranes in Ranson/Charles Town 2 bedroom apts around $850 Also allows 2 pets non-refundable pet deposit $300 + $35 per month rent.
Is it true that gun crime and homicides are spiking in Lynchburg? The local news seems to be covering a lot of it, but is anyone who actually lives there feeling impacted by this? For example, are there areas you used to feel safe waking through, but no longer feel the same way?
Personally, I would choose Lynchburg any day, 100%. I live near Martinsburg and avoid it when I can. Martinsburg has the most crime in the Eastern Panhandle and has a lot of drugs and violence. The schools are some of the worst because most of the good teachers go to Virginia or Maryland. Cost of living is still relatively high and it's a very dirty, depressing town. Most young people leave as soon as they can and people who can't afford VA or MD move in.
I also spent time at VMI and Liberty University. I can tell you that area is WAY cleaner, less crime/drugs, and being in Virginia has its perks. Your retirement will be better for sure. I had VRS when I worked for Loudoun County and it's better than PERS WV offers. They are piling in very cheap, plastic houses and factories in the Eastern Panhandle. I think they just about ruined the panhandle but there's still a lot of progress being made in Southern VA.
I could go on and on, choose Virginia. It's the best decision by far.
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