Rockbridge or Ablemarle counties, Virginia

Western/central Virginia folks – I unexpectedly have a few days off and a free plane ticket, and am toying with the idea of coming for a quick visit, to maybe explore the area for maybe a future move. What would I want to look out for, what questions should I ask, what is being said about the weather over the next 20 years, etc?

I ride basic dressage-ish-ly, and love the trails. I don’t show. I do want good trainers and vets and farriers and friendly people to talk with about all things horse.

I can work anywhere there is a healthcare system. I need a couple good non-chain restaurants and a library or bookstore within half an hour, but don’t need alot of nightlife.

Thank you so much for any words of wisdom you might have time to share!

It’s definitely getting warmer here in the winters. Albemarle has a booming horse industry. But also higher land prices etc.

There are pros and cons to both locations. Charlottesville is much more expensive but you do get what you pay for - much more horsey, vets, farriers, many boarding and training options, great restaurants, shopping, etc. Lexington is cheaper. Difficult to find a good vet, farrier, boarding and training options. Restaurants are not great. Very bad grocery shopping. I would consider Nelson County which is a bit more rural than Charlottesville but is closer to Charlottesville. If I had to do it all over again that’s likely where I could go. Good luck. Charlottesville is warmer than than Lexington and Nelson. But the winters are warming for sure. Very little snow now.

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Thank you everyone who responded privately as well as publicly! So helpful to hear the differences.

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