Moving back to VA- where should I settle? (Norfolk, Richmond: real estate, condos)

[Taggerung]

I grew up in Fredericksburg, but I've been living in the Midwest for the last 5 years, right in the heart of flyover America. I'll be moving back to Virginia in a year- what would be the best place for me? I don't want to move back to Fredericksburg because of the bad traffic and rapidly increasing sprawl and COL. The things in looking for are:

-Low to average cost of living
-Low traffic
-Low to moderate crime
-Limited suburban sprawl
-Interesting natural setting
-Outdoor activities
-Interesting, walkable neighborhoods
-Vibrant central business district
-Housing stock (I have an extremely strong preference for pre WWII housing stock)
-Lots of local businesses
-Surrounded by rural area
-Limited or no highways cutting through the city
-Purchasing power (salaries/col ratio)
-Employment opportunities
-Things to do
-Sense of 'community'
-Urban 'character.'
-Lots of lush greenery and plant growth

Based on these criteria, which Virginia city/town would be best for me?

[sregorat3]

I put in a bit for Lynchburg, but of the places on the list, I'd look at Lynchburg, Roanoke and Staunton.

[dbcook1]

-Low to average cost of living: Lynchburg or Roanoke
-Low traffic: Lynchburg or Staunton
-Low to moderate crime: Lynchburg or Staunton
-Limited suburban sprawl: Lynchburg or Staunton
-Interesting natural setting: Lynchburg or Roanoke
-Outdoor activities: Lynchburg or Roanoke
-Interesting, walkable neighborhoods: Lynchburg or Richmond
-Vibrant central business district: Lynchburg, Richmond, or Roanoke
-Housing stock (I have an extremely strong preference for pre WWII housing stock): Lynchburg, Winchester, or Richmond
-Lots of local businesses: Roanoke or Richmond
-Surrounded by rural area: Lynchburg or Roanoke
-Limited or no highways cutting through the city: Lynchburg, Winchester, or Staunton
-Purchasing power (salaries/col ratio): Roanoke or Richmond
-Employment opportunities: Richmond or Roanoke
-Things to do: Richmond or Roanoke
-Sense of 'community': Lynchburg
-Urban 'character.': Richmond, Lynchburg or Roanoke
-Lots of lush greenery and plant growth: Lynchburg

Based on these criteria, which Virginia city/town would be best for me? Overall: Lynchburg with Roanoke and Staunton close runner ups.

Seven walkable historic districts around downtown with a large amount of restored pre-WW2 housing options for quite an affordable price. These neighborhoods are rapidly revitalizing, but are still within reach of most incomes. Downtown only getting better with new breweries, restaurants, condos, etc opening every month seems like. Incredible multi-use trail network that connects to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods that will quickly get you into nature within less than 30 minutes of walking from downtown (check out the Blackwater Creek Trail, Percival's Island Trail, James River Heritage Trail, Creekside Trail, Kemper Trail and Point of Honor Trail). Low crime, I live downtown and have never witnessed a crime in my nine years here. Lots of great hiking opportunities within an hour nearby like the AT, Crabtree Falls, and Sharp Top Mountain. You can get into very rural areas very quickly (like within 25 minutes) of downtown Lynchburg. Strong sense of community.

Here are some of my Best of Lynchburg photos for you to check out:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMRdg3J

Good luck wherever you end up!

[springfieldva]

I voted for Roanoke.

[Watchman57]

Its not on your list but I would look at SW VA use I-77 as a border anywhere south-southwest-west from I-77. Lower cost of living, better real estate prices/rents and less crime.

[Lockdev]

Avoid Hampton Roads like the plague. It suffers from: Bad traffic, absolute zero culture, high COL due to the military presence, high crime rate, and increasing taxes in many localities.

[Taggerung]

Originally Posted by sregorat3

I put in a bit for Lynchburg, but of the places on the list, I'd look at Lynchburg, Roanoke and Staunton.

Those are the three I've narrowed it down too.

Originally Posted by dbcook1

-

Based on these criteria, which Virginia city/town would be best for me? Overall: Lynchburg with Roanoke and Staunton close runner ups.

Seven walkable historic districts around downtown with a large amount of restored pre-WW2 housing options for quite an affordable price. These neighborhoods are rapidly revitalizing, but are still within reach of most incomes. Downtown only getting better with new breweries, restaurants, condos, etc opening every month seems like. Incredible multi-use trail network that connects to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods that will quickly get you into nature within less than 30 minutes of walking from downtown (check out the Blackwater Creek Trail, Percival's Island Trail, James River Heritage Trail, Creekside Trail, Kemper Trail and Point of Honor Trail). Low crime, I live downtown and have never witnessed a crime in my nine years here. Lots of great hiking opportunities within an hour nearby like the AT, Crabtree Falls, and Sharp Top Mountain. You can get into very rural areas very quickly (like within 25 minutes) of downtown Lynchburg. Strong sense of community.

Here are some of my Best of Lynchburg photos for you to check out:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMRdg3J

Good luck wherever you end up!

Thanks. Lynchburg looks like a good fit for me, my only concern is the large college. The older you get, the more annoying 18-22 year olds become.

[Taggerung]

Originally Posted by Lockdev

Avoid Hampton Roads like the plague. It suffers from: Bad traffic, absolute zero culture, high COL due to the military presence, high crime rate, and increasing taxes in many localities.

I lived in Norfolk for 3 years, so I can attest to the negative aspects of the area. Bad traffic, no culture, artificially high COL due to very large military presence, absolutely. High crime- eh, the crime isn't great, but it's not that bad either. On a scale from one to Baltimore, I'd give Norfolk about a 5.5. Truthfully, I'd like to live as far away from a military base or major college as possible (Norfolk has both).

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by Taggerung

Those are the three I've narrowed it down too.



Thanks. Lynchburg looks like a good fit for me, my only concern is the large college. The older you get, the more annoying 18-22 year olds become.

I prefer Staunton as it is not as crowded. Great walking downtown area that will go back to normal after Covid. I like Lynchburg but just a tad too crowded for me.

[Panna_Manna]

Winchester, Staunton, Roanoke, and maybe Lynchburg. (The latter depends on cultural preferences)