looking to retire to progressive area (Richmond, Roanoke: crime, house, taxes)

[BGCTFL]

Just a quick update regarding our relocation:

We sold our home here in Jax, probably in record time - 6 hours! It's a good thing we had a plan.

We'll be renting an apartment in Waynesboro while we explore the general area, focusing on the area within about 20 miles of Staunton. Having access to the train, the cultural attractions in and around town and the church of our choice remain our focus. But our most recent trip - late September - showed us our target area could be a bit larger than we had originally thought.

I'll be blogging about our transition on www.southernredeux.com

Thanks to everyone here for their insights and help in our decision making!

[tuckerdogavl]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

I agree with this. Don't see why folks need to see what political beliefs their possible neighbors may have. While I knew the area we moved to was heavy on the conservative we still would have moved here if it leaned the opposite way. We moved here for the beauty of the area.

Try being in your 60s/70s, gay and been in a relationship for 40 years this June. Then tell me "why folks need to see what political beliefs their possible neighbors may have." We've had to deal with being second-class citizens all our lives; we live in Asheville NC and are looking to get out. Not due to the politics of the people "on the island" but because of the 12 new hotels in 8 years, three more on the way, the increase in pollution and traffic ... the infrastructure cannot handle 12 MILLION visitors a year. Not a typo. We came here in 2005 when the downtown still had character. We really don't go down there anymore except if we have visitors, then we gawk at all the new cookie cutter moderne wood/stick build condos offering 900sf for $350K.

If you're looking to go to south Asheville, I suggest Brevard. A very nice quiet town about 40 mins from the 30+ breweries (no lie) in Ashevul now. There is a famous summer music festival (sort of Tanglewood south) and property isn't bad.

A straight older couple will do just fine. It is very progressive actually and if my husband wasn't so adamant about getting "out of the south" I'd consider it. I'd actually consider looking at VA, which of course is the heart of Dixie, but it's close to civilization and trains. Charlottesville would probably make me as crazy as Asheville, but property taxes are much, much lower and it is a college town. Asheville is very progressive (even after the Republican legislature hacked it in two, gerrymandering it into two districts (and we're in the one that is "represented" by Mark Meadows, one of the major batcr!pcrazies in this administration) and basically sealing the fate to be "represented" by climate deniers for years to come ... but it is a good 2 hrs drive away from everywhere. We had an excellent hospital for 165 years until it was recently taken over by HCA (you know, the FL Governor Scott's buddies who ransacked Medicare); it is a monolithic healthcare system, the largest employer, and they still give excellent care. But, from the moment you are admitted with your barcode on your wrist, you are the cash cow.

Good luck in your search. My partner actually wants to move TO the NE because of politics. But the cost of living (and the weather for me) is a big consideration. I'm not averse to snow, just don't really care to be cold thru May. And as a native Floridian, having seen what has happened to that state - politically and environmentally - I would NEVER consider that again. Besides, you need to live inland due to the fake climate change and fake hurricanes (and even then, you're still in their path) and most of the coast will be underwater before you know it.

Yes, I consider "the political beliefs my possible neighbors may have." :-)

[arton1]

Why doesn't anyone recommend Richmond to her? I'm curious, isn't it a nice area for her case? also more affordable

[west seattle gal]

Personally, I get why someone would want to live in a progressive area. I wouldn’t want to live in a community that is racist, anti-immigrant or homophobic. Charlottesville is also beautiful and offers culture found in any university town.

[adriftinthebay]

Ah the phony virtue signalling found in "progressive" areas. They care so much about poor people that they want to raise the minimum wage and keep them unemployed. The biggest anti-immigrant enforcer is the labor unions!

Don't come to Richmond or surrounding area with that leftist bias, please.

[Watchful]

Originally Posted by eileenjake

My wife and I are ready to retire to a warmer climate than the northeast. We assume Charlottesville is progressive and liberal but we don't know about surrounding areas. We are both in our mid-60's and healthy so while not ready for a senior community, the house should be one level and move in condition.

With that said, we are not stuck on Charlottesville but the community does need to be progressive.

Thanks
Eileen

Where did you end up Eileenjake?? (if you see this )

[spencer114]

Originally Posted by adriftinthebay

Ah the phony virtue signalling found in "progressive" areas. They care so much about poor people that they want to raise the minimum wage and keep them unemployed. The biggest anti-immigrant enforcer is the labor unions!

Don't come to Richmond or surrounding area with that leftist bias, please.

Get out of Richmond with your regressive attitude. “Virtue signaling” is is just another dog whistle. Keep that nonsense in the exurbs.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by west seattle gal

Personally, I get why someone would want to live in a progressive area. I wouldn’t want to live in a community that is racist, anti-immigrant or homophobic. Charlottesville is also beautiful and offers culture found in any university town.

Please tell me which "community" is all that. Could there be someone in my area of the valley that is racist and so on? I'm sure there is but in my 4 years living here I've yet to meet one. Let me know if you know of a progressive area that does not have any racist, anti-immigrant or homophobic folks living there. What a goofy post.

[Hal Roach]

Ask them in Montgomery County how being a progressive place is working out. Illegals are a far cry from simply immigrants. The Left are always talking about Singapore education.. Try entering Singapore illegally.. you will literally get an ass whipping.

[jtees4]

Originally Posted by Hal Roach

Ask them in Montgomery County how being a progressive place is working out. Illegals are a far cry from simply immigrants. The Left are always talking about Singapore education.. Try entering Singapore illegally.. you will literally get an ass whipping.

....with a cane!!!!!