Reviews & Comments
Florida, FL
re: Florida - 5/1/2013 -
6/21/2013Cindy is so right. For 19 years, I lived in Florida and in many different places. Each is unique and the quality of life good. The sunshine is an incredible gift. Yes, the heat and humidity can become oppressive, and the sound of a continuously running AC daunting after awhile. But, Florida is known for being hot and humid, and since that is no secret, why all the negative commentaries? And for those of you who like seasons, remember Florida has warm, warmer, hot and hotter! Florida has many educational opportunities other places lack, lots of them in fact, and medical care is much more advanced than some other places, too. Originally, I am from the NE and yes the educational systems may be superior. In my experience, though, Florida offers a wonderful range of educational programs from the AA through PhD level. It also offers many other types of education, training, and certification opportunities. From my perspective, Florida has a very practical and utilitarian approach to adult education - actually prepares people for employment. Recent data has also elevated Florida's K-12 ranking specifically based on practicality, and skills for real life application. My initial move from Florida was to VA. It is hotter in VA in the summer than in FL, example - 110 degrees. The winters are cold and damp, example – minus 10 degrees, and often windy. My next move was to WA, about two hours NW of where Cindy is. Enough of the rain forest! It is not for me either. I am actively seeking employment and relocation to Florida. Overall, in my opinion, Florida is friendlier, more open, and also much better at including singles v. excluding them. Employment is difficult everywhere especially when you are mature. While the emphasis may not be hi-tech in Florida, the use of technology is well established including being in the classroom since the 1990's.
Roanoke, VA
SW County 24018 and Roanoke in General -
3/3/2012From my perspective,Sperling is way off base about the cost of living in Roanoke zip code 24018. This zip is in the county, and the area is generally referred to as South West County. It is one of the nicest areas in all of Roanoke. From 2003 until just recently, I lived In SW County. In particular, I lived in a beautiful 2300 sq ft townhouse located in an area called Stone Henge.
In my experience it was , as is all of SW County, a very safe place to live. Over the years, I have been out of town for months at a time and come home to a secured and intact home every time. It is a perfect place for people who work long hours, are on the go, travel a lot, enjoy privacy, and like the serenity of such living including being free from the hassles of exterior maintenance and grounds care.
Electric and telecommunications cable lines are buried in much of SW County. Electric power is supplied by AEP and the rates are lower than in many places including nearby counties. County real estate tax assessments have gone down a little, around 1.4%. On an assessed value of approximately $183,000, the taxes came to under $2000 a year.
So, again, compared to many other areas, I am unclear as to how Sperling came up with its calculations.
Other information:
South West County has a lot going for it including accessibility to upscale shops, banks, accountants, doctors, dentists, hospitals, shopping, home improvement, restaurants, and entertainment. The schools are highly rated and aside from the public school system, there are private schools.
SW County recently opened a new “hi-tech” library. The libraries are county run and reciprocate across the various locations.
Hollins University, Roanoke College, National College, Tech Schools, and Western Virginia Community Collage are all easily accessible. Virginia Tech is about 45 minutes away.
Alternatively, Roanoke and surrounds is very provincial in its thinking, and lacks sophistication. Strange as it is, there is open prejudice against “Yankees”, and Jews.
You may find most attorneys incompetent, or even in cahoots with the opposing team.
Underemployment is rampant especially for women and more so those with degrees and leadership experience. Unemployment statistics have varied very little since 1998. The average has been 4-5 % .
Roanoke is deep- south “Christian” for the most part. There are a few metaphysical, Buddhist, and other types of spiritual groups in the area.
If you enjoy group activities, there are many different types available and that includes for children as well as adults. Traveling from SW County via the I-85/220 is easily accessible.
Roanoke has a fantastic real estate investing group which meets each Tuesday evening at El Rodeo on Williamson Road. Newcomers are always welcome and you will learn a lot.
All in all, SW Roanoke County is a good place to be and not off the charts even for a single person.