[SharonA]

Hi Mellsmom –
Are you not happy in the Charlottesville, VA area? If you didn’t mind, I’d be grateful to hear your thoughts on the area, as I have it, or the Lexington VA area (since Charlottesville has gotten pricey) in mind for a few years from now, when human children are launched. We’d be coming from eastern Massachusetts, so I’d expect some culture shock, but, I’m sorry to hear it if the area is letting us horsefolks down in any way.

– Sharon

[mellsmom]

I love Charlottesville and would move back in a second. I am currently in central Indiana which is a hell hole. Charlottesville has gotten very pricey, BUT there are lots of options of places to live, great boarding situations and lots of things to do there. Eastern Mass shouldn’t be a huge culture shock to Virginia…just remember it’s the south and people tend to be a bit more warm and fuzzy. FOr a lesser expensive but just as nice area, I would also check out Goochalnd (where we lived last) half way between Charlottesville and Richmond. Less traffic and more rural and an easy commute to events in both areas. Orange County is gorgeous and more rural than Albemarle co. Closer to DC and Richmond and all the No Va events. Lexington VA is mountainous and pretty but has fewer events and is more rural and less progressive. But it’s a nice small town.
We actually just bought a small place in AIken, Sc. TONS of people from the New England area come to the area where my farm is, Windsor…I landed in the middle of driving folks. That is going to be our retirement/winter place. My friend Laurie Neeley is from Western Mass. She drives a cute little mule if by chance you know her.
I am headed back to see my parents in Charlottesville next month It is a completely different town than the one I grew up in. But if you decide you want to visit/move there, I have lots of contacts in the horse world there and am happy to share info.