The wife and I are planning a move in the foreseeable future. We have set our sights on Central/west VA (not WVA), northern/west NC, or far east TN. I've got family in Lynchburg, VA but we have left our options pretty open. We were hoping for something rural but not so far out that a trip the grocery store is an all-day task. Anyone in this general region that can lend some experience or opinion, we'd appreciate it. Wife will be keeping her job (for now) as she can work remotely and I'll be making some sort of a career change. Ultimate goal is to use our current home equity and savings to significantly shrink (or eliminate) our mortgage to allow us to work less or at least change to something less demanding...this will help keep us from needing to live in/around a larger city with higher living expenses.

Just hoping someone can shed some light or experience on where they are and whether or not they enjoy it or things/places to watch out for.

 

I live in the northern Shenandoah Valley (Winchester,VA) which is growing quickly. We've lived here 17 years, but it has changed quite a bit in the last 5 - 6 years - definitely more crowded. This area seems a little north of your target area, so I would suggest looking at the counties around Charlottesville or even further south in Roanoke area. In both of those areas you can find rural and semi-rural communities which are close enough to shopping, hospitals, universities etc., where you won't spend most of your day driving to get your groceries.

One word of caution - verify internet connectivity wherever you decide to move. The availability in the rural sections of the state is very limited.

Good luck on your search!

Justin

 

The internet thing is actually a big deal that we are keeping in the forefront. With her working from home and needing reliable high speed internet, it's a requirement. I appreciate your input and thanks for the luck. We'll need it