Moving To Virginia – A Relocation Guide

Moving can be both exciting and overwhelming; even more so when you are relocating to a new town or city. Whether you are moving for a career, retiring to one of the beautiful Virginia communities, purchasing a vacation home, or buying a condo for your son or daughter attending Virginia Tech or the University of Virginia; this guide can help prepare you for your move and lessen the stress along the way.Home to some of the most historic cities in the United States, famous beaches, panoramic views of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, and only a stone’s throw away from the Nation’s Capitol, Virginia has something to offer everyone. It’s no wonder so many people have decided to call this amazing state home.Areas of Virginia:Northern Virginia – Known for being the most populous area of Virginia due to its short commute to Washington D.C., many working professionals settle here. Home to many famous sites such as the Pentagon, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Dulles International Airport, this tourist destination is the highest-income area in Virginia.Virginia Beach – Also know as “America’s First Region,” Virginia Beach offers mile after mile of gorgeous beaches. Although mainly recognized as a resort city, Virginia Beach has a stable economy supported by the local military bases and many thriving businesses. Raked number 45 on the Forbes list of best places for business and careers, it’s a popular place not just to vacation but to live, work, and raise a family.Appalachian Plateau – Includes the western most part of the state. With awe-inspiring views of the Appalachian Mountains, this area of Virginia is the most rural area in the state. Bordering West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee and offering great real-estate for farming, this area is a great place to find a simpler way to life.Central Virginia – Most famous for housing Virginia Tech University, Central Virginia offers the convenience of being close to several larger cities as well as many rural areas. In Central Virginia you truly do have the best of both worlds.First steps towards your move to Virginia:There are many steps to climb when relocating to a new city and state. Here are few things to remember when you start the process.Update Mailing and Billing Address – Inform your family and friends of your new address by sending out emails, new address cards, catching up with contacts via social networking sites which could save a few stamps. You will also want to inform your doctors about your move. One of the biggest hurdles to jump is to have your health records sent from physician to physician, so the earlier you get a start on it the better off you will be. Inform your banks and credit card companies so you can start ordering new checks. Fill out a change of address form with the post office and set the dates that you plan on moving. Start the change a few days before you actually plan to move to make sure it takes effect. Also, give the new resident or neighbor your new address in case any mail is delivered after you leave.Update Drivers License and Register to Vote – Many states require that new residents retake the written examination or even the driving test to ensure that they know the state’s driving laws. However, new Virginia residents are only required to pass a vision screening exam. You must surrender your previous state license, so it would be wise make a copy for your records before going to the DMV. It never hurts to begin preparing and gathering up the needed documents before your move so you aren’t digging through boxes trying to find the necessary documentation the day before. Most DMV’s allow new residents to register to vote when receiving their new licenses. To check Virginia’s driver license policy, visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles the necessary steps.Find Local Businesses – It’s always good to have a little background information about the city that you will be living in. Speak to your employer, neighbors, co-workers, and check online for local information and entertainment. It’s also a good idea to get out and hit the pavement to find local hole-in-the-wall places that you might not find online or through other sources. Other ways to get involved in the new community would be to contact the local Chamber of Commerce to for suggestions. Taking an active role in local intramural sport teams, book clubs, and church groups are also a good way to meet people and find out more about the community.