PROS AND CONS OF RELOCATING TO VIRGINIA (FOLLOW UP TO MY" WHY I LEFT CALIFORNIA" VIDEO)
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- I did a in depth video explaining my move to California and exit after two years back to Virginia. Here is a great video explaining what to expect if you are planning on relocating to Virginia. Feel free to ask questions!
If you find value in my videos and want to support a small channel feel free to buy me a coffee! (or not..) www.buymeacoffee.com/markalafrer
Biggest thing to remember is when moving to Virginia don’t turn it into the craphole you just left.
You know, I been considering moving out of VA, but you are right, there is everything in Virginia, mountains, beach, city, rural, history, architecture...
I think I need to go back to thinking of a new area in the state to move to when I retire. Thanks for your input.
Hi. Did you end up moving out ?
I lived in Virginia for 40 years then moved to Texas and lived here for 10 years I’m moving back in 2023 Texas kinda ran it’s course and lost its flair.
Update since I made this video: Weed is now legal and I mention gas prices towards to end at around $1.85.. that did not age well.
Thinking about moving out of Texas to VA. Any thoughts? Teaching salary here stinks, I taught in NYC prior to moving here and salary was great but I'm obviously not moving back lol
I mistakenly moved back to VA in 2017 to help my mother, but I was miserable and jobs don't pay good in the Fredericksburg Spotsylvania area, so I moved back to PA....couldn't be happier!
I moved to Spotsy because this was my dad’s home. I agree entirely with you and long to move away. Virginia might be a nice place to visit but I do not like living here.
They legalized pot about a month ago. The catch is that you have to grow it yourself, or have a friend that has some.
Virginia is not ALL DC suburbs. Perhaps your video should be entitled NOVA instead of Virginia.
I'm from Canada but have been in VA 10 years. Good list. One thing I'd add to cons is the majority of VA other than NOVA is usually not handicap or wheelchair accessible, and that most cities other than NOVA are driving cities with no good public transportation. I'm a driver so I don't mind, but for people coming from bigger cities with more infrastructure (for instance I come from a place with a light rail trail system) or who need things to be accessible or walkable it a good thing to point out. I love VA, my favorite beach places are Kiptopeke State Park & Chincoteague for more natural beaches and wildlife watching. I absolutely love VA and I live in Richmond.
I’m from Canada as well, and am looking into Virginia as an option to move. What are your thoughts on Virginia Beach?
I’m so glad I found us and you. I to born and raised in Southern California I’m looking to move to Virginia appreciate your objective opinion. Have a blessed day
Im coming from the same position - looking to move from SoCal to Virginia as well and this video helped so much! Did you end up relocating?
@@PrettyPleaseJewelry Hi There, not yet. Have to wait a year more for the hubs to retire. Very excited though. If you go first let me know how you like it ☺️
@@melissabeeson7271 , me too, man. Want to move to Virginia from s. Cali . Now look for and listen to local people got more information about the state.
@@opexwells435 Hi there, my brother moved there……. He is between Richmond and Williamsburg and it’s beautiful. I was able to visit once and just fell in love with it. It is rural area but close enough everything, if you like space, which I do. Good luck! I can’t wait to get out of here, and I never thought I would say that.
@@melissabeeson7271 I currently live in Rosemead, Ca. I don't want to move to the hot climate states like Arizona, Texas, etc...Virginia looks like somewhere between extremely cold and hot. I enjoy having a big lot space in the back yard and now working on gathering info and details about the state. Tornado and crime are of my concern in my search of location to avoid. Talking about crimes, I believe L.A. is more sever than Richmond. Truth or not, I don't know, just saying.
Virginia was nice years ago, but it really has changed, and not for the better. There are so many elements moving in that make it less desirable. I'm a 12th generation Virginian and I can't recognize it as home anymore.
I think it's gotten so much better since I lived abroad and returned here.
What are some things that have changed your opinion about the state if you don’t mind me asking.
@@jadesanjose2520 I'm curious too. Their "moving in" comment doesn't give me hope though.
I hate McAuliffe and said I'd never vote for him, but democrats here are actually doing well. No more innocent people will be put to death, pregnant women have a right to rest and breastfeeding, working people can afford insulin (could be still be cheaper), weed is legal, trans rights are being respected, cops can't pull you over for being black (although I'm sure they'll find a way around it if they want), abortion rights are cemented here regardless of the Supreme Court outcome, we're the best in the country for business, rural folks will be getting better access to broadband, there's infrastructure construction everywhere, we have a new civil rights office in the AG's office, and so much more.
Who would want to stop this progress now.
I used to live like right near George Washington’s home (Mount Vernon) and now I live in Stafford VA George Washingtons childhood home :) love that we get all 4 seasons here!
In a week sometimes haha
I live in CA, keep in mind, yes many of the taxes suck, however I see a lot of people get the state income rate wrong. Yes, the highest level is 13.3% however, it's a progressive rate. You are taxed on that income amount based on the rate/bracket you are in during the year. The tax rate starts @ 2% and works it's way up. Good video!
Most don't understand this, it blew my mind as a teenager.
I'm gping to retire in about 3 years. I'm ready to leave my state..Ugh.. CA for many many reasons. Ive been looking at various areas and VA has a lot to offer. I am also interested in Tennessean. I look forward to hearing and watching more of your videos. Thank you!!
@elizabethsakurai4253 don't do virginia. Moved here from CA and it sucks.
I live in Central Virginia. Virginia was once a great place to live. Most of the state is Rural. The cities in Virginia have much to offer. There's plenty of Dining locations, There's man entertainment options. If you like Biking, Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Hunting, Motorsports and Music, than Virginia is for you. We have many campsites, Many in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Stripped Bass Spawn Run every spring, Plenty of Whitetail Deer and NASCAR tracks.
The only Cons I see are the smaller towns that are barely surviving. South Boston, Altavista, Bedford..During the 70's and 80's,These towns were booming, Now, many have empty store fronts, Empty Manufacturing Companies..
No weed and can't use a radar detector are the cons???? Those sound fantastic compared to here in Los Angeles where I can't open my windows without smelling weed and car exhaust. Homelessness and crime have skyrocketed! I can't wait to get the heck out of here! Thanks for this video.
Weed is legal...
Even before it was legal here weed was everywhere 🤣
I love living here. I am in Northern Virginia. I am thirty minutes from the Shenandoah National Park and a stones throw from Manassas Battlefield. Washington DC is a 35-45 minute drive if you take the toll express lanes. The schools are excellent, we are steeped with American history all around us. We have the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center and the list goes on. Great for seniors because you have so many options for to constantly learn new things. Married a Maryland man and he loves living in Virginia too. Plus we love the Washington Capitals and have all the major league teams here too. Something for everyone!
Western Branch here. Totally agree with everything you said. We'll be here 2 years in April and really like the area. Unfortunately this was the year we were going to really immerse ourselves in the area...Colonial Williamsburg, boat rides, seafood places, there was a plan to attend the Spring NASCAR race in Richmond until COVID shut everything down. As far as I'm concerned the weather is a huge selling point, but I lived my entire life in Iowa until moving to Kansas City...so weather in the Midwest is never a selling point. BTW, I've recently become obsessed with C5 Corvettes, love your C5 Z06 videos.
Virginia does not get hurricanes. Tropical storm or left over heavy weather from southern hurricanes maybe.
Northern VA, stupid expensive and lots of traffic, the closer into the beltway the worse.
If you are not living in a "city" you will experience more Republicans, and more liberal in the cities.
Cops, are strict, truth. I went to jail for speeding, I mean, yes I was doing about 90, but I would not have expected going to jail (30 days, 28 suspended) so it was overnight.
I dig your house and closeness to water.
Lol, you were a kid deprived of snow when it was predicted, and said, "Man, that is detrimental"? You were a smart kid. My only complaint is the nonchalant way you talk about Northern Virginia. I would tell folks, don't go there unless you absolutely have to, the money is more than you could ever imagine for your talent level, or maybe you are going for an education (which is why I was there). Good advice on the Police. Don't come to VA and act out Fast-n-Furious. Your house would be $2.0 million in Northern VA. You have been away for a long time.
It would be $500k in Prince William, maybe $600k in current market because our market is a bit fucked up by Covid. Really though, you're not gonna get a house like that up here. It's too cheap for its lot. The house in NoVa would be fancier.
I live in Cali so I guess any other state is better money wise 😭😭😭
I was born in Portsmouth a long time ago but some people think I just fell off the Turnip Truck. Don't worrie I will get the last laugh, you can count on it.
No candy! You monster! Lol jk
which areas were you referring to in Tennessee? we are thinking of moving and looking at naturally beautiful places in the USA. Also, since you're in Virginia, how's the Roanoke area?
Eastern Tennessee near Chattanooga. Roanoke is gorgeous. College town. Some crime, but petty crime.
Chattanooga area is great. The best people in the south are from tennessee. Truly kind. Not the fake kind much of the south has. Roanoke has a nice downtown area, the farmers market is great however it seems to me like one of those towns that are stuck in their ways. Chattanooga and anywhere in Tennessee over Roanoke any day.
Whats the best area to live in Virginia where your kimd of close to the beach but out of the city ?
Good question. I would say Williamsburg, Yorktown & south Chesapeake.
Northerners stay away
This might seem like a weird question but does VA seem like a welcoming place for Hispanics? I am a US citizen I was born in the US and am half Mexican. I look very Mexican though and because of this I do notice I am still often times subject of racist attitudes and profiling, even in California which, is very progressive State. However, I want to avoid going anywhere where there’s a strong dislike towards Hispanics. Does it seem pretty diverse and welcoming to various ethnic backgrounds?
There’s a ton of Hispanics in Northern Virginia like Stafford, Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Washington DC
@@sammiejones08 thanks! Do you know much about those areas out of curiosity? Are they pretty safe/nice middle class/working class?
I know a little bit. It’s super liberal and urban as people put it. Not my cup of tea. I live in Southern Virginia in Hampton. Those places you named are not that far from DC and expect to get hit hard by traffic.
My family and I are moving to Richmond, VA. We like it however the gas ⛽️ was the same as it is here currently in NYC
I grew up in Northern Virginia in Fairfax County just south of West End Alexandria in Rose Hill. Northern Virginia has gotten so urban & the Washington DC suburbs are spreading like a cancer down towards Richmond & west into the northern Shenandoah Valley. But I now live in the southern Shenandoah Valley... a small town named Grottoes. I've found true Virginia again! Southern mannerisms & symbols abound here & everywhere you go & experience here is almost deep South. The scenery is drop dead gorgeous & the cost of living is dirt cheap even with plenty of employment options. Pay is a little lower than you'll get in NOVA but again, the cost of living is literally half that in NOVA. And although pay rates are lower here, benefits are exactly the same you'd find anywhere. I'm a Land Surveyor working for a Civil Engineering company & we're so busy at work that I can work as much OT as I wish. There's plenty of upscale places here too. You just have to travel a little farther to get to them... half hour max. Tell me you don't spend a half hour or more just sitting in NOVA traffic getting to your upscale places supposedly just around the corner, hahaha! Rural southern Virginia IS the South & it's a really fantastic part of the true South!!! Best kept secret in the South & folks live life peacefully independent here. We ignore those government attempts to corral us into their dictates. I'm so lucky to have found such a special place to live out my life in happiness & freedom!
To me, one of the cons is the relatively long cold months. Most reviews say the cold months are short, but in reality we wear long sleeves over half the year. Plus the gloomy days kinda mess with my depression.
That's having seasons. Most places that don't would consider that a positive.
I lived in Charlottesville for a long time and I absolutely HATED it...never felt quite like home...if I had lived near the coast I might've felt different...your house was very nice. But yeah the weather in Virginia is kind of weird which was a big turnoff for me...But now I live in the Tampa Florida area and I love it!
Thanks for the videos. Funny thing, I we are closing Wednesday on a house right by you in olde town. 1st time in VA was a month ago. From Chicago. Love the area. Just got to watch out for the crazy vette drivers. 🤣
Living a pivotal moment when to make the decision to move to Virginia from San Diego; thanks for sharing it, it might help our decision!👍
Don't move to the beach or northern VA. Only Southwest VA. Also you would love FLOYD!!!. ALOT OF MY FRIENDS LIVE THERE WHO MOVED FROM L.A.
Floyd, Floyd!!!.
Damn brother, gorgeous house. I wanna live there now
I grew up in NOVA and went to school in C’ville. I’ve been considering going back to VA for retirement although certainly not NOVA - thinking southwest VA just not sure where. Ideally near one of the universities or far outskirts of NOVA. Ironically I live in FL now where everyone goes to retire. I miss the seasons, it is getting too crowded here and the storms are getting worse.
Wise is a nice spot.
If your someone who needs "city" the Roanoke, Blacksburg (VT) , Christiansburg would be good. If mountains ,super affordable cost of living and friendly people are your goal you can't beat Bluefield. I retired here and love it.
@@freebirdclark6349 i dont think theyed go to blacksburg if they went to school in charlottesville
Your house is beautiful! thanks for all this info!
I heard they just passed vert restrictive gun laws?
❤️ Richmond
I can't wait to leave California. I am planning to move Hampton Roads area
I live in the Southwestern area of VA and it's very red here. I'm grateful for the large blue areas around election time.
Then you should move your happy ass to DC where you can fit right in!!! I wonder how well your president is doing since I’m sure you love the current economy
@@robertharing7031 🤦♂️
I agree, move to CA, OR OR wash.. Look at how the Communist Democrats have ruined this country.. THE Biden Crime Family.. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!!
My favorite B&B in Roanoke is the Black Lantern Inn. I go there 2 times a year but they had to tell me last week that they've been forced to shut it down from Nov 1-Feb 1 because of covid. This is utterly ridiculous and it's put undue stress on people trying to make a living.
Legal July 1st!!
Don't do it. High humidity and moisture will cause you many issues. Poor quality built new homes and no laws regarding mold. Your home will leak or have water intrusion and the moisture will cause a chain reaction. You'll lose home value have to report it on selling or renting and nobody will want it. If you have a home built the builder probably won't care to fix shabby work either. You're welcome.
Huh?
Lol Radar detector, detector, detector detector detector detector........detector. Cops out there are no jk
Looking forward to retirement in Virginia.
Thanks we are planning to move there 😊
Man I’m an hour and a half from dc up near Winchester
I love Virginia but I don't love the direction it's going in. I'm all down with the decriminalization/legalization of drugs but it is becoming a less tax-friendly state and more authoritarian in its government.
Virginia is losing its edge on liberty which is sad especially considering its flag.
Agreed
I Think It Just Fixed Itself In The Right Direction
Can someone please tell me about Charlottesville in Virginia, how's crime, cost of living etc soon I'll be moving there I'm from South Africa 🇿🇦 🌍
It's gorgeous. Especially in the Autumn and winter. Crime is low. Cost of living slightly above average. Very scenic. Rural. Close to DC and Richmond.
@@VetOnVettes Sounds like heaven
@@VetOnVettes sounds great thanks 🙏
its good, but i prefer the surrounding towns more
As Virginia has become increasingly progressive in recent years, I have become prouder to call myself a Virginian. I grew up when "Jim Crow" and segregation ruled and I was a bit embarrassed to be a Virginian. I must disagree on beauty of Virginia though. I have never been in a more consistently beautiful state. Tennessee has no salt water which makes it a non-starter to me.
Is fairfax and louden anti 2A? Or do they support it?
I would say Loudoun is more pro. Fairfax is 50/50.
@@VetOnVettes thank you sir! And thank you for the video!
Va legalized it
First time I have been turned on by both pros and cons. Need to keep working on it but... no pot heads? Police take their laws (including cheaters) seriously? Awsome! 97% workers almost no bums? No putting up with foul mouths at the beach? Geo pretty? (I'm from Oregon and Costa Rica so I'm pretty spoiled.) 4 seasons? Winters cold... sometimes snow! You sold me, man.
Are you familiar with Mineral, VA? I have a job opportunity there but not sure where to live. More familiar Boston, NYC, and NJ
You’ve pretty much got Virginia pegged you’re pretty spot on with all your information I live in the Shenandoah Valley and I like it pretty much people are pretty decent for the most part I don’t care much for the Fairfax Arlington That scene rather net where I live in the mountains is pretty nice and you’re right about the weather it can be very unpredictable in the winter time
Born and raised and lived here most of my life I live in the staunton area very progressive and liberal leadership in this area taxes are a little high with services rendered they waste alot of money but what liberal government don't ,nice area in mountains great for retirement but for kids nothing much to do so not a bad place but I have seen better places
Ah, fortuitous; as we are planning to move from Cali to VA next year.
No candy?! Maybe you shouldn’t be giving any advice. 😐
Is it sinking and flooding
Norfolk is, yes
What about Car insurance?
I read it’s only one of two states where it’s not mandatory. You still have to pay at least $500 a year to the state.
i always thought those signs in va beach were like just a recommendation
No. They're unenforceable now, but they were not just recommendations
They have become sort of a running joke, but the vb police will hassle you for things you can get away with in other cities. There's a saying people like to use for vb "come for vacation, leave on probation".
I'm moving to Salem area for work any help me and my son r from Wisconsin
Do you know anything about the Staunton or Lexington area, does it flood a lot?
Traffic in NoVA sucks because the drivers don't drive smart.
as weed goes yes you can buy it out here in the rural at the tobacco shops in the city not yet
Gun laws? Doesn’t your governor have some big anti gun laws he’s pushing?
Yeah. He's trying. He's a joke. 2020 has taken a lot if the spotlight off of what lawmakers are/were trying to do. Way too much of Virginia is pro gun. This isn't California, and I think they are starting to see that.
@@RA-wh9on most gun laws across the world generally have a grandfather clause. So they won't take it from you, but you can't buy it anymore. However they have not done any gun bans in Virginia, yet.
There are no gun bans nor any planned. They simply reinstated the gun laws that McDonnell removed and added a red flag law.
hey guys ghost is in the office
1:06 ghost orbs
1:18 freezing temps
Ghost orb floating through the room at the 15:15 mark. 👍
A very good and balanced video. I appreciate especially that it is neither pure bashing nor pure "brown nosing", if I might use that expression. Thank you very much for it!!
The governor is great. He fucked up by endorsing McAuliffe, though. Can't vote for that guy.
well how do ya think of our new governor
virginia is a commonwealth state
in the rural THE TAXES are low
Where in VA?
Hampton rds (va beach area) but I have lived all over Va in the past.
the law is strick everywere
What town do you live in ?
Why don't you have a southern accent?
Grew up right outside DC. Those from this area, Richmond & Hampton rds tend to not have accents. The rest of the state is pretty thick accent wise.
@@VetOnVettes oh wow didn't know. Cool!
Can you do a video where you portray the different accents of virginia?
gas prices got to pay to play
Well first few minutes in video when he said troopers are strict and can't use radar detectors and speeding fines I said forget this state
Great! Stay away if you can’t drive safely
Not legal weed. I could not care less 😃
8 more days.
So I will smell weed everywhere as in Las Vegas now 🙄. I still think Virginia will be a great place for life.
@@Dextermorga literally grow up who cares stop being a wimp
city prices to high
Comparing with the worst (Cali & NY) is not helpful 🤮
Unless you live in CA and wants to move to VA which is my situation.
I’m torn, I make around 85k and my wife 90k. We have no kids at the moment, we’ve lived in Chicago our whole lives , the food is great here but the crime omg and taxes smh. Wife wants to move to Virginia and I know nothing of it and I’m wondering if it’s worth a shot? I don’t really want to.
I live in Chicago, the crime really isn’t that bad unless you live in west or south side of Chicago. I live on the north side, feels the same it always has since I have been since a kid. Just my experience
Hi from S. Florida, Would you recommend VA a good place to raise a family? If so, what areas? Thank you in advance!
We are from Northern Virginia (Metro DC area). It's a great place for families. I highly recommend it. We have great schools/parks and child care options. However, the cost of living is on the higher side than the rest of Virginia.
I move from upstate NY to Virginia two years ago and I love it.
@@jeseniarodriguez2956 hey may i ask what city you moved to?
Williamsburg. There's a steady latino community and it's a little slower, cheaper but still with good schools.
If you want to be around more people, Leesburg or Sterling might be better. Even better schools but a lot more expensive.
Hello there, everyone. Any comments on Leesburg VA? Probably moving there from Miami. I would appreciate any input as to how life is over there, schools and, well, you know, just the overall feel of the place. Thank you.
Moving to Charlottesville in a couple months from Florida. I’ve been in Florida since I was four and I am so excited and ready to see all of the seasons again
Charlottesville is gorgeous! The wife and I were up there last weekend. You'll love it
@@VetOnVettesUGH! Wish I didn’t have duties here to conclude. I’d already be there LOL
Enjoyed the video! But keep Detroit out ya mouffff.
Yeah, why would you want that nasty place in your mouth?
Tell em again 🗣😂 real soldiers in the D💪🏽
The homeless people are ridiculous. There is so many resources to get food and they insist on harassing me. I work hard and be dammed if I'll facilitate there habits. If u want a beer or your drug of choice get a job
We moved into Virginia and I was like stunned the very first time I ever got a personal property tax in my life will a car. Virginia is okay but it really doesn't have much to do my area of Virginia everything closes around 9. And in the area County County Virginia you don't have a vehicle you're stuck.
If I had to describe Virginia in one word, it would be decay.
I'll agree with you on that brother, especially in east and north Virginia!
@@moonshinerphd9523 y’all tripping dick. Northern Virginia is best region to move into
@@moonshinerphd9523 Decay in NoVa?? I just moved here from SE Va and there's nonstop construction everywhere. Every major highway, every urban center and especially around metro stations. There's so much development its honestly exhausting.
@@brianloper6669 There is such a thing as 'Anti-American Decay'. No matter how much construction there is in the Washington D.C. area or any where else for that matter, it's not going to stop the decay of the Unites States of America!
@@moonshinerphd9523 I'm not sure what that means. There's more jobs here than ever. Fair social net. Good salaries. Cost of living is high, but thats a problem most places here
Will I feel a huge difference if I move from NJ to Virginia? I’m sure taxes would be lower there in Virginia but other factors such as economy, weather, helathcare, education. I have no complain with those things here in NJ because those are good too here in NJ, but I’m so done with the high taxes! The closest I’ve been to Virginia is DC.. so can’t really tell.. I’m thinking of moving to other states. My choices are Virginia, North Carolina, New Hampshire & Ohio. But I’m not really considering moving further to the Western or Southern states because most of my family are here in NJ & NY area. Would love to hear your recommendation. I’m an Architect by profession anyway.. so career option is also a factor. Thanks man!
Did you move to Virginia? I'm debating to take a job in Mineral, VA.
@@MissTopDJ007 same. Moving out of Texas, not for me.