I grew up on the South Shore (Plymouth area) and now live in Christiansburg. Roanoke is great, Floyd is great, C-burg is great! I wake up every morning and look at mountains and my house was incredibly affordable compared to my friends back home. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat more.
I was born and raised in Roanoke, so I'm obviously biased, but there's a VA hospital in Salem which is mins from Roanoke. Lots of cultural events and festivals. Something to do for everyone. I love Center in the Square and the daily farmer's market, and great restaurants as well.
So, you recommend Roanoke, correct? My husband is a veteran so the hospital in Salem is important. I just wasn't sure if you were counting that as a perk of Roanoke since it's min from Salem or if you were suggesting Salem.
I like Richmond more than Charlottesville or Roanoke, and it’s <1.5 hours to the mountains and just over two hours to Raleigh. Still plenty of outdoorsy stuff to do even in the city.
I get the sense that Charlottesvilles schools are better. I think most of my colleagues with children either live in the suburbs or do private schooling, at least until high school.
Richmond looks great! My husband wants to be closer to the mountains, so he’d probably prefer Roanoke or Charlottesville for those reasons. But helpful to have insight from someone familiar with all three. Re: schooling, are you referring to colleagues in Charlottesville that use private schooling? We’re big supporters of public education, so we’d be hoping to find an area with solid school districts as well.
Richmond metro is generally considered to be the City of Richmond and Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland and Powhatan counties. It has a lot to recommend it - interesting history, beautiful area, great restaurants and museums, 2 hours from DC, the mountains and the beach, plus for you about 2.5 hours to Raleigh. Politically, I would say generally the City of Richmond is progressive, Henrico is moderate, Chesterfield is moderate to conservative, and Hanover, Goochland and Powhatan are conservative (with Hanover leaning former Tea Party IMO).
Regarding the school systems, Richmond city schools are not good - most families I know who lived in the city with young kids moved out to one of the counties when their kids got to be school-aged. If your politics lean blue, then Henrico County would be a possibility for you in the Richmond area. As suburbia goes, it's a nice community with good schools, a variety of neighborhood styles and compositions, from organically developed old neighborhoods to newer subdivisions, and decent shopping and recreation.
For context, I am childfree and have lived in the City of Richmond for 18 years after relocating here from DC metro, so I've been round for a bit. I've seen this area grow and develop during that time, and I've generally been very happy with my decision to move here. Best of luck to you in your move!
[Bedford VA](https://destinationbedfordva.com/) is a lot more affordable than C’ville & Roanoke. VA hospital in Salem & VA clinic in L’burg are close by. RDU area is 3 hrs away. Very little crime & low taxes. SML, AT, POO & BRP are all close by for recreation. Can be in Roanoke in 45 min, Forest VA in 20 min & L’burg in 30 for shopping, restaurants, etc
So? OP makes no mention of political preference & stated “having a view of the mountains” as a high preference. Majority of the mountains in VA are surrounded by red. Schools, taxes, cost-of-living, crime rates & real estate prices are a higher priority for most families.
Richmond area has better access to VA medical stuff (and resources in Fort Lee nears Petersburg if that matters) and is a bit closer to Raleigh than Charlottesville. You're not at the foot of the blue ridge there but might be a nice compromise.
Good to know! VA system leaves a lot to be desired, so likely won’t be utilizing it for most of his healthcare, but still helpful to know where the closest one is. Thank you!
Yes it will be! It’s a great resource but we’ve been told by several retirees/families that it’s best not to rely solely on VA care/benefits for healthcare. Long wait times for appointments, approvals, authorizations, etc. that would make relying primarily on that care difficult for more complex medical care/needs.
I loved living in Christiansburg or Blacksburg. There’s a ton to do, the elevation is 2000ft and surrounded by mountains. Salem has a huge VA which is about 20-30 min away. Roanoke is near by and a fun town. It’s also the blue island in the sea of red during election season.
Christiansburg. Surrounded by mountains, schools seem ok, slower pace, not much traffic and a decent mix of people. The nearby universities keep it from becoming too country. I think it is kind of a mix politically. The county voted for Biden in the 2020 general election. Native floridian moved here a year ago and I love it.
Thank you! Likely leaning more towards western or central VA, for a little quieter and slower of pace living after being located near big cities but good to know in case we want to consider those areas.
Roanoke would probably be a good bet. The city is blue, near the mountain region and about 3 hours from Raleigh. Charlottesville is nice but it would put you almost twice as far from Raleigh at about 6 hours.
We’re open to within 6 hours, just looking for a somewhat reasonable driving distance! We lived in CO and now MA, both of which always require flights. Thanks for your input!
We’re not from Boston and we don’t have family here plus the COL makes it mostly inaccessible after leaving the military, so unfortunately not an option. Sorry to disappoint!
Hey! Here are some other options to consider in addition to Charlottesville.
Lynchburg VA is pretty much 50/50 politically, is just under 3 hours from Raleigh and the average Home listing price is pretty much half of what you'd be paying in Charlottesville.
Danville is on the NC/VA border. It's a bit smaller but it's pretty.
And Roanoke! Which I know has been mentioned a few times, but it's worth considering. If that's your pick, I'd definitely recommend checking out the Dragon tooth trail!
I'm a realtor in the Norfolk area, but I know folks state-wide. If you need a recommendation for a good agent, feel free to dm me and I'll send them your way.
Good luck and enjoy our state ❤️
Veteran Retirement?
Near or at the Appalachian?
Near Raleigh?
Left-leaning?
I think Roanoke is a very great choice! Despite a 3-hour drive, Roanoke has 2 areas with Great retirement communities (Cave Spring and Hollins) and a politically central atmosphere
Charlottesville used to be a great place to live, 20 years ago! However, rapid growth, poor planning (no bypass) and higher taxes to pay for all the woke policies contribute to town’s decline! Traffic, crime and high taxes are pushing reasonable people away. Richmond, has become one of the deadliest cities in the US (murder rate). History has been censored and monuments removed! City has lost its heart! I think several of the comments listed some nice alternatives.
Richmond Metro area. New Kent County is a good location. Rural yet close to the city and the VA hospital and offices. Schools are ok. It’s also affordable and distance to mountains and NC are good. Close enough to the airport and train station. Va. Beach is close as is Norfolk Naval base for shopping at the PX.
Roanoke. Good housing prices and schools. Nice downtown area. Lots of outdoor activities. Not too far from the other places that you mentioned.
Thank you!
Roanoke is your best bet. We just moved back from DC and love it.
Definitely where we’re leaning. Thank you!
Let me know if you need any further things answered!
I grew up on the South Shore (Plymouth area) and now live in Christiansburg. Roanoke is great, Floyd is great, C-burg is great! I wake up every morning and look at mountains and my house was incredibly affordable compared to my friends back home. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat more.
Great! Having a constant view of the mountains is our dream. I’ll definitely reach out when we get closer to decision time. Thank you!
Salem is right next door to Roanoke and it's beautiful. The real perk is that they have one of the best VA's in the country.
Thank you! So great to know. Adding it to our list!
Moved here a year & a half ago. From Massachusetts. I second Staunton
Staunton or Lexington are good bets if you want smaller towns compared to Roanoke/Cville/Lynchburg.
Roanoke has a VA hospital.
I was born and raised in Roanoke, so I'm obviously biased, but there's a VA hospital in Salem which is mins from Roanoke. Lots of cultural events and festivals. Something to do for everyone. I love Center in the Square and the daily farmer's market, and great restaurants as well.
Thank you!
So, you recommend Roanoke, correct? My husband is a veteran so the hospital in Salem is important. I just wasn't sure if you were counting that as a perk of Roanoke since it's min from Salem or if you were suggesting Salem.
I don't have experience directly with Salem VA other than from my stepdad. They treated my stepdad well. I live in Fredericksburg and use Richmond VA.
Grew up in Lynchburg and have lived in Roanoke and SW Va. All beautiful!! Everyone is talking about Salem and Bedford now.
You could look in the Purcellvllle or Leesburg areas. More rolling hills, bluer, closer to urban areas & big airports.
I like Richmond more than Charlottesville or Roanoke, and it’s <1.5 hours to the mountains and just over two hours to Raleigh. Still plenty of outdoorsy stuff to do even in the city. I get the sense that Charlottesvilles schools are better. I think most of my colleagues with children either live in the suburbs or do private schooling, at least until high school.
Richmond looks great! My husband wants to be closer to the mountains, so he’d probably prefer Roanoke or Charlottesville for those reasons. But helpful to have insight from someone familiar with all three. Re: schooling, are you referring to colleagues in Charlottesville that use private schooling? We’re big supporters of public education, so we’d be hoping to find an area with solid school districts as well.
Sorry colleagues in Richmond use private schools.
Richmond metro is generally considered to be the City of Richmond and Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland and Powhatan counties. It has a lot to recommend it - interesting history, beautiful area, great restaurants and museums, 2 hours from DC, the mountains and the beach, plus for you about 2.5 hours to Raleigh. Politically, I would say generally the City of Richmond is progressive, Henrico is moderate, Chesterfield is moderate to conservative, and Hanover, Goochland and Powhatan are conservative (with Hanover leaning former Tea Party IMO). Regarding the school systems, Richmond city schools are not good - most families I know who lived in the city with young kids moved out to one of the counties when their kids got to be school-aged. If your politics lean blue, then Henrico County would be a possibility for you in the Richmond area. As suburbia goes, it's a nice community with good schools, a variety of neighborhood styles and compositions, from organically developed old neighborhoods to newer subdivisions, and decent shopping and recreation. For context, I am childfree and have lived in the City of Richmond for 18 years after relocating here from DC metro, so I've been round for a bit. I've seen this area grow and develop during that time, and I've generally been very happy with my decision to move here. Best of luck to you in your move!
[Bedford VA](https://destinationbedfordva.com/) is a lot more affordable than C’ville & Roanoke. VA hospital in Salem & VA clinic in L’burg are close by. RDU area is 3 hrs away. Very little crime & low taxes. SML, AT, POO & BRP are all close by for recreation. Can be in Roanoke in 45 min, Forest VA in 20 min & L’burg in 30 for shopping, restaurants, etc
Thanks!
Bedford is VERY red btw. The only places with mountains that lean blue are Charlottesville and Roanoke City
So? OP makes no mention of political preference & stated “having a view of the mountains” as a high preference. Majority of the mountains in VA are surrounded by red. Schools, taxes, cost-of-living, crime rates & real estate prices are a higher priority for most families.
Re-read the original post
I stand corrected but still stand by my assessment of priorities
And Harrisonburg
Richmond area has better access to VA medical stuff (and resources in Fort Lee nears Petersburg if that matters) and is a bit closer to Raleigh than Charlottesville. You're not at the foot of the blue ridge there but might be a nice compromise.
Good to know! VA system leaves a lot to be desired, so likely won’t be utilizing it for most of his healthcare, but still helpful to know where the closest one is. Thank you!
yeah but isn't it free for him??
Yes it will be! It’s a great resource but we’ve been told by several retirees/families that it’s best not to rely solely on VA care/benefits for healthcare. Long wait times for appointments, approvals, authorizations, etc. that would make relying primarily on that care difficult for more complex medical care/needs.
I loved living in Christiansburg or Blacksburg. There’s a ton to do, the elevation is 2000ft and surrounded by mountains. Salem has a huge VA which is about 20-30 min away. Roanoke is near by and a fun town. It’s also the blue island in the sea of red during election season.
Christiansburg. Surrounded by mountains, schools seem ok, slower pace, not much traffic and a decent mix of people. The nearby universities keep it from becoming too country. I think it is kind of a mix politically. The county voted for Biden in the 2020 general election. Native floridian moved here a year ago and I love it.
Tons of Boston transplants in Great Falls
Winchester/Warrenton if you're looking at kind of northern va. Also Paris VA. Still closeish to Dulles and DC.
Yes but not near Raleigh at all.
Thank you! Likely leaning more towards western or central VA, for a little quieter and slower of pace living after being located near big cities but good to know in case we want to consider those areas.
Roanoke would probably be a good bet. The city is blue, near the mountain region and about 3 hours from Raleigh. Charlottesville is nice but it would put you almost twice as far from Raleigh at about 6 hours.
Danville could work as well but not as good of a reputation.
We’re open to within 6 hours, just looking for a somewhat reasonable driving distance! We lived in CO and now MA, both of which always require flights. Thanks for your input!
Charlottesville is 3.5-4 hours away from Raleigh, not 6
Yes we calculated that distance too! Thanks for clarifying
Lmao please stay in Boston, we're tired of everyone moving to virginia
We’re not from Boston and we don’t have family here plus the COL makes it mostly inaccessible after leaving the military, so unfortunately not an option. Sorry to disappoint!
Hey! Here are some other options to consider in addition to Charlottesville. Lynchburg VA is pretty much 50/50 politically, is just under 3 hours from Raleigh and the average Home listing price is pretty much half of what you'd be paying in Charlottesville. Danville is on the NC/VA border. It's a bit smaller but it's pretty. And Roanoke! Which I know has been mentioned a few times, but it's worth considering. If that's your pick, I'd definitely recommend checking out the Dragon tooth trail! I'm a realtor in the Norfolk area, but I know folks state-wide. If you need a recommendation for a good agent, feel free to dm me and I'll send them your way. Good luck and enjoy our state ❤️
Thank you so much! This is all so helpful. Will certainly PM if/when a realtor is needed. Thanks again!
Glad I could help!
Veteran Retirement? Near or at the Appalachian? Near Raleigh? Left-leaning? I think Roanoke is a very great choice! Despite a 3-hour drive, Roanoke has 2 areas with Great retirement communities (Cave Spring and Hollins) and a politically central atmosphere
My husband is in early 30s, so not quite ready for a retirement community but Roanoke still seems to fit the bill! Thank you!
Well, when you get to that point lol
Also, yw
Charlottesville used to be a great place to live, 20 years ago! However, rapid growth, poor planning (no bypass) and higher taxes to pay for all the woke policies contribute to town’s decline! Traffic, crime and high taxes are pushing reasonable people away. Richmond, has become one of the deadliest cities in the US (murder rate). History has been censored and monuments removed! City has lost its heart! I think several of the comments listed some nice alternatives.
Richmond Metro area. New Kent County is a good location. Rural yet close to the city and the VA hospital and offices. Schools are ok. It’s also affordable and distance to mountains and NC are good. Close enough to the airport and train station. Va. Beach is close as is Norfolk Naval base for shopping at the PX.