Where in VA?
My brother-in-law will be retiring from the military soon and might end up working in the DC area.
What is the Shenandoah Vally like? How about the upper Potomic?
The Shenendoah Valley is gorgeous, I went to college there (James Madison University '87). Four distinct seasons, low cost of living, and you're surrounded by natural beauty. I had my political awakening after I left school, but I imagine that it's got to be pretty conservative up there.
You could always come down here to South Carolina...if you like heat. And humidity. And large bugs. But mostly heat and humidity. It's a great place, though, seriously. I love South Carolina, been here almost seven and a half years.
}:-)4
Both very beautiful. However, urban sprawl is creeping into there from the DC area. Front Royal is a very nice place to live.
It all depends. The Shenandoah Valley from Winchester back to Roanoke and Harrisonburg is gorgeous. Lots of hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting to the West. Lots and lots of first class Universities too. There is a big mix of commuters who live in Winchester and travel to DC and Northern VA to work every day. I did the commute for a while. A doc I worked with considered it the best of both worlds; you could be in the city in 90 minutes. BUT...it snows. And I hate snow.
Some people take rail from Richmond to DC.
Northern VA is just sprawl. ~Besides being expensive. He could live towards the East past Fredericksburg. It's pretty open there.
I love where I am in Tidewater. I have the beach and the opera close and everything else inbetween.
If he's a history buff, we have lots of that! You would like Virginia, but remember that the store clerks are on first name basis, and you remember to ask about their kids and momma. That's a problem we have with Northerners who come down here. They think that everyone is furniture. "Maam's" are every woman, black, white or green, older than you, and do open the door for older men.
We'd love to have you!