Might be moving to Richmond...

[Franklinnoble]

Due to some recent major changes in my family and work situation, I am taking a hard look at re-locating myself, the wife, and kids to the Richmond area. Most of my family is in Lynchburg, and my wife no longer has any family of consequence here in N. Cal. We'd really like the kids to have aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins nearby while they grow up.

I'm thinking Richmond because it's the closest major metropolitan area, and while N. Va would be a better career move, it puts us over two hours away from any family. We're thinking of buying a house on 10+ acres in the Farmville area (we have horses), which will put me about 45 minutes from Richmond and 45 minutes from Lynchburg - a pleasant compromise.

I know Fritz is from around there... is anyone else familiar with the area, and able to give me any input regarding this decision? Any information would be much appreciated.

[The Afoci]

Don't buy male horses. The wife will expect too much.

[Poli]

Wade Moore and Quiksand could provide some input as well. Stationed in Norfolk, I went through Richmond often on my way to and from Missouri. That's about the extent of my help.

Sorry I can't be of more assistance.

[Franklinnoble]

Originally Posted by The Afoci

Don't buy male horses. The wife will expect too much.

Tell me about it. We already own a stallion. He's hung like a, well, horse, and he's able to do the deed, walk it off for five minutes, then go right back to doing it again.

I've told my wife I could perform just like him, but I'd also have to include the way he tends to bite the backs of the mares he's breeding, and the way he's not too discriminating about which foxhole the little soldier ends up in...

[wig]

Say hi to Tom for me when you get there.

[Fritz]

Franklin, PM me offline with any questions.

[Poli]

Tom?

[The Afoci]

Originally Posted by Franklinnoble

I've told my wife I could perform just like him, but I'd also have to include the way he tends to bite the backs of the mares he's breeding, and the way he's not too discriminating about which foxhole the little soldier ends up in...

So you are saying that stallions are like drunk men...

[Subby]

Franklin -

My entire family is from Richmond and we drive down from Northern Virginia frequently.

Richmond is a solid mid-size city and I know there are a number of technology opportunities there. My little brother works for a web consulting company there and during his last job search had a number of opportunities.

I don't know how old your kids are, but if you are looking for good school systems I would focus on Chesterfield and Henrico Counties. The drawback is that you probably won't get the type of land you want, but the public education is really good.

If you want land, I would highly recommend Hanover County. I spent my teenage years there and we had about 17 acres and were not wealthy by any means (when my dad died in 1995 I sold our two story house and land for 125K.) My dad commuted to work in Richmond every day and I think it was about a 45 minute drive each way down I-64.

Anyway - let me know if you need any more info...

[wig]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Tom?

Yeah, he lives there.

[Franklinnoble]

I'll bite.... Tom who?

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Franklinnoble

I'll bite....

Practicing to be a stallion already, hey big boy?

[bbor]

You still playing simulated sports horseracing Frank?

Mikes made some nice changes is in the game you may like.

[stevew]

Man, personally I'd think about it first. I moved to Norfolk 4 years ago and it gets shittier every minute I stay here. More Violence et al. Richmond is probably better though.

[AgustusM]

When I first read this I thought you were talking about Richmond, CA - which is a BAD area. It caught me by surprise, because everyone is always trying to get out of Richmond and I never heard of anyone voluntarily wanting to move there.

[Franklinnoble]

Originally Posted by bbor

You still playing simulated sports horseracing Frank?

Mikes made some nice changes is in the game you may like.

Wow... that's a pretty good threadjack.

Yes, I still have a stable over there. Haven't done anything with it in months, though. Why? What's new?

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by stevew

Man, personally I'd think about it first. I moved to Norfolk 4 years ago and it gets shittier every minute I stay here. More Violence et al. Richmond is probably better though.

Move off Church Street.

[stevew]

LOL....I live in Ghent and it still sucks over here(witness last weeks 25th street shootout and multiple people I've known getting mugged around here). Fuck that Church street stuff.

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by stevew

LOL....I live in Ghent

you're gay?

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Fritz

you're gay?

Nope. Just wanted a "nicer" place to stay.

[Franklinnoble]

Originally Posted by Fritz

you're gay?

I didn't know there were any gay people that far south...

[Poli]

Well, it is "Ghent". I lived over by Lynnhaven for two years and then in a super nice apartment by the airport...think it was called Park Crescent.

That place ruled.

Anyway, Ghent and Church Street...oh the memories. Military Road, Little Creek...

[maxwarrior]

I grew up 20 miles south of Richmond. It is an average City, some good some bad. It has been growing recently. There are many great suburban areas now. The fastest growing area has been Chesterfield County to the southwest. The Farmville area is small and cheaper. Of course, southern Virginia is a cheap place to live every where. The Virginia countryside is beautiful and the historical things to explore are enormous. You may find more high tech jobs more towards the Raliegh-Durham North Carolina area. Still not to far away probably 150 miles or so from Lynchburg.