Advice on moving to Virginia/North Carolina?

**djweso** · 14th January 07, 06:29 AM

Well the job front has dried up for us here in Muskegon, MI. So we're looking to move to North Carolina or Virginia to be near my mother (she lives in Edenton, NC). We're looking specifically at the Hampton Roads Area. My wife is flying down for a second interview next week, if she gets it we will be moving to Norfolk in about a month and a half. (For those that don't know I married with two kids, 7 and 3).

We are both excited and trepid. I know that there are several members here that live in the Carolina's and along the East Coast near there. I was wondering if anyone had some advice for us/me. Moving I'm not so worried about. It really more the area and the people. It will be a more urban area than I've ever lived in, even though I've spent plenty of time in Chicago and other cities, I've never lived there.

I do want to add that one of the things that keeping me excited about this move is that I will be closer to alot more Celtic events and get to spend time researching the bars

int:

**Dreadbelly** · 14th January 07, 07:11 AM

Dood, my advice is to show up for a Greenville Kilt Night.

And welcome to the area when you arrive.

**Randy** · 14th January 07, 08:03 AM

Get a good map for the car seat. I-64 is your friend to get around, don't be afriad to hop on and off as needed.

The local paper is The Virginia-Pilot/Ledger Star.
http://hamptonroads.com/pilotonline/

Know your job market. The Ford plant in Norfolk is scheduled to shut down later this year. A number of folks I know are scouting for new jobs.

VABeach was always a bit more price wise. But I am always surprised at some of the home prices every time I visit. Maybe Pungo is out close and far enough.

If you are buying a home near the water. Visit at the high tide/moon, mid April will be a particularly good spring tide. When I was younger, the river would come up and cross the street and into backyards.

And with the Thirsty Camel gone I BYOB when visiting.

**Jerry** · 14th January 07, 08:32 PM

Get used to 90 to 100F days with very high humidity. But the winters, although sometimes very wet in Virginia and the Carolinas are much warmer than Minn. Snow is at best about 50/50 in this area, but the IQ of drivers around here goes down in inverse proportion to the number of inches (the greater the number of inches of snow, the lower the IQ gets )on the ground. Of more concern is freezing rain, which, on occasion, leaves everything coated in a sheath of ice. Anyhow, I look forward to meeting you at next years Williamsburg Scottish festival, or Maybe the Richmond Highland Games.

**CelticRanger66** · 14th January 07, 09:17 PM

I don't know much about the tidewater region of VA., but when you get settled come up to central VA. I would be more than happy to show you my part of VA Appomattox up to the Blue Ridge. CR66

**starbkjrus** · 15th January 07, 09:03 AM

Not sure if I can provide much advice about the Tidewater area but I can say that Virginia itself is a good place to live. We are up in Northern Virginia and have about 6 million people in the metro area. You won't have to deal with that many folks but you do have a LOT of bridges over the rivers and bays that can cause traffic havoc.

My advice is to move down and plan on renting for at least 6 months if not a year (find a rental using the advice of co-workers) so you can scope out the entire area. Once you find something make sure you "road-test" the commute at rush hour. You don't want to find your "dream home" only to have it turn into a nightmare due to traffic congestion.

Good Luck and hopefully we'll see you at a games or festival in the near future.

**Tartan Hiker** · 15th January 07, 09:07 AM

We call them "skeeters" around here. Two syllables...never three. Three syllables marks you as a "fur-ner".

**katmills2005** · 15th January 07, 11:58 AM

I'm in upstate SC (Near Greenville) and love the area. Winters are more mild but you still have a change of season unlike FL and southern GA.

Folks are friendly so long as the Yankees don't make comments about how things were done "Up North" (I'm was born north of the MD line so I can say that) Grits are good, Sweet Tea is even better. And you are right about the Highland events. I'm looking forward to attending Grandfather Mountain this year.

**Bob C** · 15th January 07, 12:02 PM

My sister lives in that area. I hate it.

Overcrowding, oppressive summer weather and the whole place is flat and barely above sea level. You could not pay me enough money to live there.

I hope residents of that area will not take this post as an insult. The place just does not match well with my preferences.

**Randy** · 15th January 07, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by Bob C.

My sister lives in that area. I hate it.

Overcrowding, oppressive summer weather and the whole place is flat and barely above sea level. You could not pay me enough money to live there.

I hope residents of that area will not take this post as an insult. The place just does not match well with my preferences.

Born and raised there, but can not imagine moving back. Like to visit though.