I estimate that every year, as much of 20% of our business comes from alumni of either Virginia Tech or Radford University, who are (a) looking to invest in the area or (b) looking to relocate either part-time or full-time. It’s an interesting phenomenon to me – I graduated from tiny Messiah College, and while I enjoyed my time there, I don’t see people rushing back to Grantham, PA. It’s just not happening …
But what brings people back to the New River Valley? Consider the case of Frank, a Virginia Tech alumni I’m working with right now …
Frank graduated from Virginia Tech in the 60’s; his girlfriend, now wife, attended nearby Radford University. They’re looking to relocate back to the New River Valley from the 51st state of Northern Virginia, and we’re scouring the Valley looking for that perfect place. Frank was telling me the other day that he couldn’t stand college when he was here, and that he couldn’t wait to graduate. As the years passed though, he and his wife discovered a real pull back to the area – they attended football games and special events, and discovered a fondness for the area they’d missed. Now, as they’ve retired, they’re looking to move back full time and "can’t wait".
What’s the draw for coming back? I don’t disagree that this is a wonderful place to live, but what is it about the alma mater that creates such a pull for people? Can anyone explain it?
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Mike (my new Twitter friend, @mkixi!), I know exactly what you mean. I think it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever been, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be here. I asked the question because I know why I AM here, but I wonder what brings others here. There’s a real sense of community and sharing that I find unique, and I want other people to know about it. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Mike (my new Twitter friend, @mkixi!), I know exactly what you mean. I think it’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever been, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be here. I asked the question because I know why I AM here, but I wonder what brings others here. There’s a real sense of community and sharing that I find unique, and I want other people to know about it. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I don’t mean any offense, but if you haven’t been involved with the people here, either through the universities or through an organization, you just won’t get it. Part of the draw is the small town feel, without the small town setbacks. Anything that you’re into, you can find people to do it with and a place close by to do it. The people are wonderful, diverse, educated and tolerant. I came here from NJ in 2002 for college and I’m still here. I hope that gives you a little insight, and maybe something you can use for prospective buyers.
I don’t mean any offense, but if you haven’t been involved with the people here, either through the universities or through an organization, you just won’t get it. Part of the draw is the small town feel, without the small town setbacks. Anything that you’re into, you can find people to do it with and a place close by to do it. The people are wonderful, diverse, educated and tolerant. I came here from NJ in 2002 for college and I’m still here. I hope that gives you a little insight, and maybe something you can use for prospective buyers.
Bill, thanks for commenting … and welcome back! My wife and I were in the exact same situation several years ago – she went to school here and I had visited her while she was here, found it to be just an amazing place. After more than enough time in NOVA (which was less than a year but long enough for me), I persuaded her that Blacksburg would be a nice change … and we’ve found it to be nothing short of incredible.
I think it’s interesting that so many alumni choose to come back, either on a full-time or part-time basis. That really says something to me about the quality of life, the people, the roots you can establish here. While I’m with you, I don’t want it to grow up to be another Northern VA, I do hope we’ll see others discover the talent and treasures that reside here in the New River Valley. There’s a lot of excitement and energy that this area of the country holds, and I look forward to seeing where that takes us!
Bill, thanks for commenting … and welcome back! My wife and I were in the exact same situation several years ago – she went to school here and I had visited her while she was here, found it to be just an amazing place. After more than enough time in NOVA (which was less than a year but long enough for me), I persuaded her that Blacksburg would be a nice change … and we’ve found it to be nothing short of incredible.
I think it’s interesting that so many alumni choose to come back, either on a full-time or part-time basis. That really says something to me about the quality of life, the people, the roots you can establish here. While I’m with you, I don’t want it to grow up to be another Northern VA, I do hope we’ll see others discover the talent and treasures that reside here in the New River Valley. There’s a lot of excitement and energy that this area of the country holds, and I look forward to seeing where that takes us!
For someone who has just done exactly this, but a little sooner than retirement (I am turning 30 this year) there are a lot of reasons to return to the area.
After spending a combined 4 years in Nova working, as well as growing up in MD, I can tell you I had enough of the traffic, cost of living (I was paying twice as much to rent a two bedroom apt, than I am paying to buy a townhouse down here), and a big thing for me the attitude of the people up there. It’s a “me first” attitude up there, and people are always in a hurry to get everywhere…
Down here it is like night and day. Most folks around here still have that southern attitude or charm that I grew to love when I was student down here. There are always exceptions to the rule of course, but for the most part, people are more considerate and kind down here.
I think being part of a town instead of a metropolis and getting having that slower life feeling around here is better than the hustle and bustle of Nova. Don’t get me wrong, working in DC next to all the monuments was nice for awhile, but everyone is always in a hurry to get somewhere and it makes your life stressful.
And please don’t think I am trying to characterize anybody from Nova, it’s just how I felt when I was up there, and these are the reasons I am happy to be where I am today.
Oh and trust me for someone who had had season football tickets to VT for years now. Try taking 66 out of DC on a Friday during rush hour and you understand why people want to be closer to their alma mater. Rush hour starts around 3pm on Fridays and doesn’t end till about 9pm…trying to leave early is a waste of time. You’ll be sitting in a 25 mile backup no matter what time you leave. And the ride home on Sundays are no picnic either. It might not have been as bad, but you’ll still be sitting on 66 in stop and go traffic as you get closer to the city.
I do have some worries about the valley though. With the influx of people, I really hope the area doesn’t grow up too fast or too much and lose the town feeling the area has. The last thing I would want to do is have the valley turn into another Fredricksburg, who has grown from a farming community to a mini-Richmond in less than 10 years.
For someone who has just done exactly this, but a little sooner than retirement (I am turning 30 this year) there are a lot of reasons to return to the area.
After spending a combined 4 years in Nova working, as well as growing up in MD, I can tell you I had enough of the traffic, cost of living (I was paying twice as much to rent a two bedroom apt, than I am paying to buy a townhouse down here), and a big thing for me the attitude of the people up there. It’s a “me first” attitude up there, and people are always in a hurry to get everywhere…
Down here it is like night and day. Most folks around here still have that southern attitude or charm that I grew to love when I was student down here. There are always exceptions to the rule of course, but for the most part, people are more considerate and kind down here.
I think being part of a town instead of a metropolis and getting having that slower life feeling around here is better than the hustle and bustle of Nova. Don’t get me wrong, working in DC next to all the monuments was nice for awhile, but everyone is always in a hurry to get somewhere and it makes your life stressful.
And please don’t think I am trying to characterize anybody from Nova, it’s just how I felt when I was up there, and these are the reasons I am happy to be where I am today.
Oh and trust me for someone who had had season football tickets to VT for years now. Try taking 66 out of DC on a Friday during rush hour and you understand why people want to be closer to their alma mater. Rush hour starts around 3pm on Fridays and doesn’t end till about 9pm…trying to leave early is a waste of time. You’ll be sitting in a 25 mile backup no matter what time you leave. And the ride home on Sundays are no picnic either. It might not have been as bad, but you’ll still be sitting on 66 in stop and go traffic as you get closer to the city.
I do have some worries about the valley though. With the influx of people, I really hope the area doesn’t grow up too fast or too much and lose the town feeling the area has. The last thing I would want to do is have the valley turn into another Fredricksburg, who has grown from a farming community to a mini-Richmond in less than 10 years.