Considering relocating from SoCal to Blacksburg, Virginia

[Chuck Grieb]

Currently we live in Southern California, but in a couple of weeks I'm interviewing for a position in Blacksburg, Virginia. Any thoughts on relocating there?

I grew up near Philadelphia and wouldn't mind being a little closer to family once again. My wife has a good job in L.A. (as do I), but can probably freelance quite a bit if we make the move (she has an excellent reputation in her field of work). Cost of living would be much lower in Southwest Virginia; the equity we have in our home in L.A. is signifigant.

Any thoughts on the differences, pluses/minuses from folks familiar with both places?

Thanks
__________________
Chuck
'94 C2

[84porsche]

While I haven't been to Virginia specifically, I have spent sometime on the East Coast and if weather isn't an issue for you then you should really have no problems. Weather is obviously a major reason why people stay in California even with the existing housing market as it is.

[Chuck Grieb]

Thanks for the input.

So long as the winters aren't too bad, I don't mind.

I am concerned about moving to a much more rural area, and was hoping I could get some perspective from folks who have been there, and maybe who have been here in LA to compare, as well. I've lived in a few places, some urban, some rural, and find that generalizations don't work. Some rural areas are very nice, others less so, same with urban places.

[asphaltgambler]

I live about 3 hrs north of there. Blacksburg is a college town, but very charming. There is a lot of nice open country surrounding. Smith mountain lake is about an hrs drive south. Lots-o-mountains. I like the area.

[Halm]

If the interview goes well, take a few extra days and spend them in the area. I love Virginia (well from Charlottesville and to the east) having lived there 9 years. But I can't think of a bigger change than moving from So.Cal to SW Virginia. I would expect "shock and awe" at every emotional level.

[MFAFF]

Not lived in either but visited both as a student, home campus was Blacksburg.

I think the words culture shock come to mind....Blacksburg is a pretty calm college town literally in the woods, mind there are some great P car driving roads nearby....Being a college town does make a differnce as there is a greater levle of activity then otherwise...but still.

A different pace of live and a very different perspective on what's important or not....

Since they are so different I'm not certain that any meaningful comparisons can be made, like comparing a 911 with a truck, both can be viewed as brilliant or total wastes of time depending on what you want them for....

I'd say that if you want to take a dramatic change in pace of life and perspective, and accept that life will be very different then go for it...

You'll enjoy real seasons and some very beautiful countryside. Might want to get some 4X4 in for the winter tho.....spent a little time on the road down there in winrer and 4x4 would have made life easier if less interesting...

[IROC]

I grew up in East Tennessee (Kingsport) and have been to Blacksburg on a few occasions and basically all over the SW Virginia area. FWIW, I have also spent a decent amount of time in LA on business.

Even by southern standards, SW Virginia is pretty rural. To me, the *biggest* difference you're going to find is in LA, everything you could ever want (restaurants, shopping, entertainment) is at your fingertips. In SW Virginia, you're going to have to work a little harder to find things to do, places to eat, etc.

I, personally, really like the charm and slower pace of the Southeastern part of the US. The people are extremely friendly and it's really just a nice place to live. There are some adjustments to be made, though...

Mike

[Rot 911]

I think Hal is giving you the best advice. Take some extra time and just hang around the area. That will give you enough time to check out housing, chat with locals about the weather, see the surrounding area, etc.

[MikeWinDC]

Having gone to Virginia Tech I lived in Blacksburg for several years (academic years at least). Blacksburg is a nice town with very nice country surrounding it. Definitely a college town. Definitely do not plan to do much outside your home on Football weekends unless you like standing in line. Definitely make sure you can deal with some snow and cold wind during the winter. On the plus side, the town has a lot of recreational activities available for both kids and adults, as well as several private country clubs. Because of the university, there are a surprising number of cultural activities/city services for such a small town. However, it is not for everyone. Having grown up in DC and NYC it was definitely a change. I have only been to LA on vacation so I can not specifically speak to your concerns, but I think DC NYC and LA are more similar than any of them are to Blacksburg. I think the suggestion of going down there for a little while is probably a good one. If you are more the city type, you can live in Roanoke ~300,000 people and about 40 minutes away. Cost of living in the area is ridiculously low especially compared to any East/West coast metropolis. Let me know if I can be of any more help on specifics.

[kach22i]

I went there for a couple of days once to visit - a nice college town.

[Chuck Grieb]

Lots of help here, thank you all very much; I really appreciatde the insight. If I am offered the job your input will definitely help as I consider my decision.

[89911]

Going from Blacksburg from Cal is about as much culture shock as you can do in a move. Nothing thats wrong with it if your up for the move. Completely different lifestyle, housing, people, etc. And as of late, they have been getting some pretty significant snow the last few years. It is beautiful there, but in a Colorado sense of mountains. The closest you would be to the ocean would be about 4-5 hours? if that is important. In my moves, it is much harder to move "back" to area's that are smaller and less developed then to move to places that are rapidly growing and expanding. It doesnt happen overnight either. After 2-3 years, you may be itching to move back, sort of like a long vacation that needs to end. This is, of course, it you are indeed tired of your present lifestyle and want if to change. Maybe go there for a week and check it out before commiting.

[JavaBrewer]

SoCal real estate seems to be in a holding pattern, however you might want to consider renting your place in LA. I know many folks who sold their home here and in just 2-3 years were effectively priced out when they wanted to move back. Or you could sell and possibly take advantage of the big "crash" folks here are predicting. I've spent a lot of time in VA last year and it's a beautiful place.