Virginia is one of America’s most underrated states. It is home to broad meadows, verdant woodland, and thousands of miles of gorgeous shoreline. The state also has a very nice climate. It is not too hot, and not too cold, making it perfect for people who like moderate and reasonably predictable weather, which can’t be found in many other Southern States.
This post will tell you seven things that you should know about moving to Virginia so that you can prepare:
The State’s History
Virginia’s written history goes back to the Spanish conquest of the Americas. Before the Spanish arrived, however, the state had been inhabited chiefly by the Siouan, Algonquian, and Iroquoian peoples, whose history was recorded orally. In more recent history, Virginia was where George Washington lived. Virginia has an exciting historical society, which accepts new members. If you are interested in history, then you could consider joining. Joining clubs is a great way of making friends when you have moved to a new place. It is worth noting that areas with strong historical connections are naturally more expensive to live in than ones without, so bear this in mind when you are searching for a house in the state.
Transporting Belongings
Because Virginia has a long coastline, you are able to transport your belongings there by sea. The ability to transport your belongings by sea is great if you own a yacht or a boat because you can contact a professional yacht shipping company, and then pay them to transport your yacht to the dock that’s nearest your house. Virginia also has very good road networks, so you can ship your furniture and other belongings that way too. If you are planning on transporting your belongings by road, then consider hiring a professional removal company. A removals company will take the stress out of transporting your things.
Higher Education
Virginia is ranked in the U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress top ten states. Virginia’s colleges and universities are some of America’s best. Virginian students regularly outperform students their own age, from other states. However, higher education isn’t all that Virginia has to offer. It also has some of the nation’s best grade schools. If you have children, then this is likely to be of interest to you. Make sure that if you are moving with children you strategically time your move for summer so that they can start at their new school when the summer vacation period ends.
Wine Country
Something that you might not know is that Virginia is home to some of America’s best vineyards. If you are a wine lover, then this will probably interest you. Virginia’s vineyards are made even better by the state’s rugged mountainous terrain, because you are able to take tours of vineyards, and enjoy the surroundings while tasting some of the best wine that the United States has to offer. If you are buying a property with land, then Virginia’s fertile soil could be the perfect opportunity for you to start your own business. The wine business is hard to break into, but very lucrative.
Driver’s License and Registration
Once you have purchased a new property and have made the decision to move, you need to consider your driver’s license and registration. You will need to change the address on your license and get a new one issued from Virginia’s driving and licensing bureau. The process of doing this is relatively straightforward and won’t take much time. You can send off a new license by mail. As long as your license is not outdated or expired, you won’t have to show up at the DMV for an acuity test.
Diverse Cultures
Virginia is a melting pot, and it’s not surprising. The state was originally settled by American Indians, then Europeans, and then Africans. Since then, many other migrants have arrived there from other parts of the world. Because of the state’s beautiful nature and fantastic weather, it has attracted settlers from all over. Because of this, there is a broad range of different cultures in the state. With every ethnic group that settles there comes their customs and beliefs. The fusion of these customs and beliefs makes Virginia a very unique state. Bear this in mind when you are looking for an area to live in.
Beautiful Landscapes
As has been mentioned abundantly throughout this article, Virginia has beautiful natural landscapes and rugged mountains. If you are planning on moving there, then you might be able to purchase rural property for less than you would pay for a property in one of the state’s cities and towns. Living out in the Virginian countryside can take some adjustment, but it is unlike anywhere else in the United States, mainly because of its sheer beauty.
If you have decided to move to Virginia, then you need to meticulously plan your move. Some of the things that you need to consider are your children’s education, hobbies that you will be able to take up after you arrive, and the culture of the area that you are moving to. Planning your move will make settling in and adjusting a lot easier, so don’t overlook it.