Virginia has long been one of the most popular states for people looking for a new home in the US. It’s commonly called the ‘State for Lovers’ – lovers of nature, family-friendly lifestyle, history, and more. People move here for its economic stability, affordability, and geographical position. Virginia is a state of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and many things to do, so it’s widely recognized as a great place to settle with your family. One of the towns that stand out in the crowd is Fredericksburg, a small place with a population of about 30,000. However, the number of people living in this town is rapidly growing, and there are several reasons for it. A solid economy, job market, affordable homes, and proximity to Washington and Baltimore attract people from around the country. That’s why it’s no surprise if you feel like this may be the location for your next home. It’s just left to find a great home in an area of the city that suits your lifestyle and needs. And this guide will help you do that – here are some tips for choosing the right neighborhood in Fredericksburg and making it your new home.
Why Fredericksburg should be the place to look for a home
With a couple of big cities nearby, many people are easily drawn to Richmond, Baltimore, or even Washington to be their next home. However, there are a few reasons why you should pick a smaller town and start house-hunting over there. The small-town feel comes with a rich history, many craft breweries, amazing food, and a friendly community. The place makes it easy to settle down, especially if you’re moving with your little ones. You can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and safety of a small town while still being less than an hour’s drive away from a bigger place such as Richmond.
People of Fredericksburg enjoy a great commuting system downtown with many restaurants and stores and a couple of beautiful parks – Kenmore Park, Alu Springs Park, Old Mill Park, and more. Overall, Fredericksburg is a great place to live, so let’s see how you can pick the right neighborhood for your new home.
Fredericksburg is a great place to raise a family.
Tips for choosing the right neighborhood in Fredericksburg
Even though it’s a relatively small city, Fredericksburg has a lot to offer. There are a couple of great neighborhoods with quite distinct features, so it’s important to know how to choose the one that will make a great home for your family.
Evaluate your needs first
To be able to make the right choice, you need to know what you are looking for. Depending on your lifestyle, you might be looking for a place that’s more or less busy or family-friendly. For example, Downtown Fredericksburg is perfect for people who like city life and have everything they need within walking distance. On the other hand, Falmouth will give you a more peaceful vibe and separate your home from all the hustle and bustle of the downtown. Consider your plans for the future as well as your lifestyle to be able to choose the right place to live.
See what kind of neighborhood you’re looking for first.
Consider your budget
Not all neighborhoods come with the same price. Consider your budget before you start looking for homes. Most expensive homes are usually located in Downtown Fredericksburg or Plank Road-Route 3 area, whereas Dixon Street-Mayfield can offer affordable homes in the Fredericksburg market.
Proximity to the necessary amenities
Some families don’t want to be away from their favorite restaurant, their kids’ school, or the local hospital. If there are locations in the city you need to be close to, look for neighborhoods in that area. Sometimes, location is the top priority for certain families, and they are willing to pay more for a convenient area of a city.
Safety
Unfortunately, every city comes with neighborhoods that have lower or higher crime rates. Moving with your family makes safety one of your top priorities. Neighborhoods with the lowest crime rates in Fredericksburg are Highland homes, Stafford Lakes Village, Bel Plains Estates, etc. A safe neighborhood is well-lit at night, with walkable streets, friendly neighbors, and low crime rates, so be sure to investigate the neighborhoods you like before you start looking at homes in that area.
Remember: safety should you a top priority in the moving process, too. Make sure you hire reliable experts in the area for your local move to ensure a secure transfer of your items. Do research on trustworthy local moving teams and minimize the chances of dealing with fraud.
Safety is a top priority for families with kids.
Old or new buildings in a neighborhood
Another factor that can shape your decision is the period most properties were made. Neighborhoods with mostly older homes will probably come with a lower price but also a high risk of repairs. On the other hand, newer properties are less likely to be renovated, which is why they are often more expensive.
Noise and traffic
If you’re moving with kids, this is one of the factors that might make you change your mind about a neighborhood. A quiet street with a wide sidewalk is perfect for families with kids. Less traffic makes the neighborhood safer for kids to play and ride bikes. And if there’s a great school nearby – it’s undoubtedly a place to look for a home. Furthermore, a quiet neighborhood is more convenient for people who work from home, as they need a more peaceful environment for their home office.
Visit the neighborhoods you like for the best impression
There are many things you can check online or by asking around. However, the best method of choosing the right neighborhood in Fredericksburg is going and taking a look by yourself. Visit the areas you like and see how you feel walking those streets. You can explore local amenities, talk to neighbors and see if you really feel the place you visited can be your new home. And one thing is for sure – Fredericksburg will welcome you with open arms!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Staycations are one of the most popular trends in travel right now. The definition of a staycation can vary, but the meaning of a staycation is a short break from your everyday routine. A staycation can involve a day or two off of work exploring places or enjoying activities you don’t typically experience in your hometown. Or, a staycation can be a short weekend or weekday trip taken within a few hours’ drive from home. Staycations can win out over regular vacations on a few fronts, including less time off of work, shorter travel distances, less planning, and often less budget.
Taking a staycation can be stress-free and straightforward – here’s how to do it:
– Designate a time for your staycation. You can request a day or two off of work or make your staycation happen on the weekend. Like you would do with a regular vacation, you should block this time off on your calendar to reserve it just for a staycation.
– Decide where you want to go (if anywhere) on your staycation. How far are you interested in traveling? Do you want to stay in your own home or treat yourself to a hotel or vacation rental?
– Plan some fun staycation activities to look forward to. Think hikes, spa days, museums, restaurants, or anything else you’ve wanted to do but don’t generally have time for.
– Leave “real life” behind. Resist the urge to spend part of your staycation cleaning the house or grocery shopping. Don’t schedule a dentist appointment or anything not in the staycation spirit during this time, just because you’re off of work.
If you take a staycation during a weekday, take advantage of everyone else being at work and visit the usually super crowded places during the week. Many businesses offer discounts for services at off-peak times, so you can often find a great deal if you want to treat yourself. Taking even a small amount of time off can benefit your mental health. Staycations are perfect for parents who need a break but don’t want to go too far, people feeling burned out at work, anyone on a budget, couples in a rut, or friends looking for a reunion.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
You are moving into a new home – it’s exciting but rather challenging. And we’re not thinking only of packing – some ‘hidden’ challenges will undoubtedly come your way if you’re not well-prepared. One of them is surely taking care of your furry friend while moving. Pets, especially dogs, can react nervously to the whole thing, making the process even more difficult. Luckily, there’s a way to avoid issues. Here are the best tips on moving to Orange County, VA with your dog.
Why Orange County, VA is great for people with pets
Not every place is good for pets. However, Orange County is undoubtedly one of the pet-friendly ones. Firstly, you can truly enjoy the outdoors – your dog can run, play and jump as much as it wants. There are several parks and other green spaces in cities such as Orange and Gordonsville. Also, most shops allow well-behaved dogs, allowing you to go shopping with your furry friend. Finally, you’ll be able to find a pet-friendly home as well – just be sure to set this as a priority in your house-hunting process.
How to make moving to Orange County, VA with your dog smooth and stress-free?
Relocations are not only stressful for humans – dogs can feel stressed out as well. The biggest reason for it is the disruption of their living space and adapting to the new environment. Dogs rely on the smells around them, so they can become pretty nervous once they need to move into an unfamiliar place. There are ways you can make moving with pets easier for your little friend and prepare for this task – so be sure to remember these tips when you start planning your move to Orange County, VA.
Let moving supplies be there for a while
Bringing new objects to the house can make your dog upset – especially if you start packing ‘their’ items into boxes. Thus, make sure you bring in moving supplies a bit before you need to start packing. This will allow your pet to get used to these items and have no issues once you start packing your household for the move. After going through all the steps of buying a property, hiring movers, and shopping for packing supplies, sitting in a house filled with packing materials might be the last thing you want. However, it’s what your dog needs, and that’s all that should matter.
Dogs are very sensitive to changes – make sure they don’t feel a thing when moving to a new home.
Figure out the transport details
Depending on where you’re coming from, you and your pet will spend more or less time in your car, or a plane, train, etc. Thus, it helps to figure out the transport details on time. If you’ll need a transport box, and your dog is not used to traveling in it – get one beforehand. Let it sit in your home for a couple of weeks, so your pet can get used to it. Put its favorite toys and snacks in this transport box, so the dog can see it’s a safe place to be.
In case you need to travel by plane, and this is the first time for your dog, it’s good to prepare it for it. Some people recommend going together through a car wash, which simulates the sounds and vibrations to the ones you feel on the plane. But most importantly, it’s essential that you are calm and that you speak to your dog in a calm, optimistic voice.
Stick to a routine
Moving house can disrupt your schedule a lot. However, it’s essential to stick to your dog’s routines as much as possible. This includes feeding and playtime and your routines when going for a walk. The routine will ensure your dog feels safe and calm even with all the changes around.
Always stick to the routines when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog
Bring all of your pet’s old items
It’s often recommended to declutter the old household before you start packing and throw away everything that you can replace with new items. However, when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog, try to keep most of the old things. Keep your dog’s old food and water bowls, bed, and toys. Once you arrive at the new bigger/smaller home, these items will help them feel secure and recognize the new place as their new home.
Visit the vet before moving to Orange County, VA
Pay a visit to your old vet before you relocate. They may be able to recommend a new vet in Orange County, VA. Also, they could write all the necessary prescriptions in case your dog takes therapy. Finally, make sure your pet is microchipped – with the updated address. This proved to be useful for pet owners whose pets escaped during the move as they were feeling anxious and scared. Finally, take care of all the documentation, especially when moving from another state or relocating internationally.
Schedule a visit to the pet before moving and get all the necessary documentation for a safe journey.
Keep your dog away on the moving day
Once all the boxes are packed and movers are about to arrive, it’s best to leave your dog in trusted hands but away from the house. Experienced moving companies, such as Zippy Shell NV, recommend you find a place where your furry friend will feel calm and safe. Ask a friend or a trusted dog sitter to take care of your pet while movers do their part. Strangers taking away items from your home are what dogs see as a threat, making them extremely nervous and sometimes aggressive.
Adapting to the new space
After the move, it’s time for the last step to introduce the dog to the new living space. Firstly, make sure the new home is safe for a pet – remove any hazards, close all the doors and windows and then let the dog into the house. As everything is new, your dog will explore the space by trying to smell and touch almost everything in the house. That’s why the environment must be safe for this new curious resident. Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog can be a wonderful experience – but you have to make it such.
Meta description: Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog in the days to come? Then read our article and learn how to get ready for it.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
At the beginning of each year, interior designers strive to predict the décor trends that homeowners will gravitate towards in the coming months—and if your home is on the market, incorporating some of these trends may be a great way to appeal to buyers.
Currently, many recent and emerging design trends have been shaped by world events, such as the ongoing supply chain issues. For example, here are a few of the top trends that experts predict will be popular in 2022:
– Multifunctional spaces. Over the past several months, many people’s homes have served numerous roles: shelters, offices, classrooms, leisure spaces, and more. As working from home remains common, buyers may want to see that your rooms can comfortably be used for multiple purposes. For instance, even if you don’t have a full home office, consider setting up a workstation or showcasing multifunctional furniture.
– Neutral colors. Another trend that designers attribute to the pandemic is a preference for neutral colors, which help create a calming haven while the world remains in flux. If you’re planning to add new colors to your home—whether through painting, furniture, or accent pieces—opt for earth tones, such as beige, gray, white, and soothing shades of brown and green.
– Natural elements. In keeping with the trend towards earth tones, homeowners are increasingly bringing elements of nature indoors, such as plants, natural light, and ventilation. Consider purchasing a few easy-to-maintain houseplants, such as snake plants or pothos, and ensuring that trees and shrubbery near your windows are properly trimmed so there is nothing obstructing the sunlight.
-Vintage items. There are two main forces driving the affinity for vintage items: a growing focus on sustainability, and supply chain issues that are making it more difficult to purchase new goods. Luckily, quality vintage décor and accessories are generally easy to find at thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
After connecting with The Licata Group, outlining a reasonable house hunting budget, and going to countless open houses, you have finally found the perfect property for your family. Now, it’s time to pack up, hit the road, and start making yourselves at home in your new city! Here’s how unpack strategically, keep your family safe and secure, and begin exploring your city.
Set Up Utilities
Before you move in, you need to set up basic utilities like electricity, gas, and water at the first available opportunity. In your new city, you may notice a difference in water taste or quality. If you’re concerned about contaminants in your tap water, you can conduct a local water quality search. Should you find that you’ve moved to an area with poor water quality, you may want to install a simple water filtration system. Just keep a few extra filters on hand so that your family always has access to clean drinking water!
Unpack Immediately
Don’t delay the unpacking process! You don’t want to leave your belongings in moving boxes for weeks on end. Plus, your kids will feel anxious without their belongings, and you’ll want to furnish their bedrooms quickly so that they can relax and decompress. Consumer Affairs recommends unpacking and arranging furniture and other large items first, and then organizing smaller essential belongings.
Don’t Forget Security
After moving in, you may want to set up a home security system to keep your family safe. Electronic House recommends paying for a professional, 24/7 monitoring service to make sure that your family is always protected.
Don’t forget about cybersecurity, too! You need to be proactive to keep your family safe online. Since you’ll be updating your address, consider how you can prevent your family from dealing with identity theft. Once your kids have unpacked their devices, give them a brief talk about online safety just to make sure that everyone in your household is up to speed. This may be a good time to change the passwords on your accounts, just in case.
Interior Design
How can you make your new house really feel like a home? Create an environment that truly suits your family’s lifestyle and aesthetic preferences with smart interior design choices! Ask your kids for their input, too, especially when it’s time to decorate and paint their bedrooms. When you’ve personalized each room, you’ll truly begin to feel like you’ve come home. You can also check out local antique shops and thrift stores to pick up unique items.
Locate Essential Services
You’ve left behind your family doctor, your dentist, your bank, and your favorite coffee shops – now, it’s time to find replacements in your new city! Search for healthcare providers who are taking new patients, and locate your nearest urgent care center while you’re at it. Find the closest branch for your bank, or switch to a new credit union in your area. And check out a cute coffee shop where you can see your family becoming regulars!
Start Exploring
You’ve unpacked, you’ve decorated, you’ve secured your property and contacted your utility companies. Now, it’s time to experience everything your city has to offer! Feel free to reach out to your real estate agent and ask for suggestions for local attractions, or you can put some handy apps to work.
Your kids are probably antsy after going through the whole moving process, and chances are, you’re ready to have some fun in your new city. Head to a local park, check out a downtown museum, pay a visit to a zoo or botanical gardens, and get outside of your comfort zone! You never know what gems you might find in your new location.
Moving as a family can be quite challenging, and during the weeks leading up to your move, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed out. But preparing for your next steps will help you feel like you’re in control. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make this transitory time go smoothly for your family.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
On Wednesday, March 11th at 7PM in the Clubhouse Great Hall , Crystal Hale, Director of the Orange County Department of Social Services, will be our monthly Civic Club speaker. In addition to being charged with ensuring all federal and state mandated human services programs are provided to the citizens of Orange County, Crystal also has a passion for addressing additional social issues such as the opioid epidemic. The Epidemic Intelligence Council (EpIC) is a local council that meets monthly to discuss the opioid crisis and the impact it has in Orange County. This council is comprised of a cross-section of leaders from Orange County, concerned citizens, health professionals, family members and individuals with direct experience, media, and a number of other concerned individuals. Crystal currently serves as the facilitator of EpIC and; along with all participants of the group, she is committed to helping to educate the community, provide resources for those in need, and diminish the ugly stigma of addiction. While Crystal enjoys her work with EpIC, she points out that the great progress made is a result of the overall group effort.
Ms. Hale will provide insight on the opioid epidemic to include a brief history as well as what it looks like from a national, state, and local perspective. Crystal will focus on the importance of eliminating the stigma of addiction and will also touch on the progress made, the additional work currently underway, and what the future holds.
Crystal is a life-long native of Orange County and currently lives with her husband, two teenage children and various pets on the family farm. She graduated from Orange County High School and earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from The University of Mary Washington. After spending over ten years working for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in various management positions, Crystal accepted an opportunity to work with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and shifted her focus to the human services field. She served as Director at Rappahannock County Department of Social Services prior to coming to Orange County Department of Social Services in 2017 and is thrilled to serve her hometown community.
Back by popular demand…On Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall, two guest speakers will address the art of organizing and decluttering our homes and methods for removal of the items in order to accomplish an easier way of life. Even if one’s home is the perfect fit, there still may be items that can be “released” for simpler living. For many people, the stress comes from not knowing how to take the first step of thinking through what should stay or go, and for others it may be not knowing how to sell or where to donate items no longer needed or wanted.
Linda Clevenger, Professional Organizer and Owner of Organization Direct, will be our first speaker. Linda has been helping homeowners downsize, right-size, purge, and eliminate items from their homes for over 12 years. She helps clients walk through the process of making decisions regarding the need to keep items and how it will impact life both now and in the future. As the spouse of a disabled Veteran, she is passionate about helping other Veterans and those who struggle with the day to day task of living a clutter-free life.
Cathy France, owner of CopperStone Auctions and Estates, will provide options for the sale of items no longer wanted or needed. CopperStone’s offerings include estate sales from the home, consignment and auction services, and complete buyout of a home’s contents. And of course, the option always exists to donate items to organizations such as the LOW Lions.
There will be time allotted for questions, and we hope to see you there!
Does a friend, loved one, or family member living with dementia? The Civic Club invites you to become a Dementia Friend!
Kay Close RN, BSN, LALA, Executive Director at Trinity Senior Village and Dementia Friend Champion, will lead a one – hour informational session at the Civic Club meeting on Wednesday, January 22, at 7pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall.
What Makes You a Dementia Friend?
You become a Dementia Friend by attending a one-hour informational session to learn the five key messages about dementia, what it is like to live with the disease, and how to turn your understanding into action that supports people living with dementia.
Dementia Friends…….
Is a global movement that is striving to create more dementia friendly communities by changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, Dementia Friends is underway across the United States. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for someone living with dementia.
Join a growing movement of people who are helping fellow community members living with dementia. A little support can make a big difference in their lives. We hope you’ll become a Dementia Friend by joining us on the 22nd…it’s easy and rewarding!
The Orange County Board of Supervisors is the main legislative body for the county and is comprised of five members who are elected by the voters of the county and serve four-year staggered terms. Each November, a supervisors’ meeting is held in LOW to provide residents a convenient first-hand look at how their local government decisions are made.
The Board of Supervisors will conduct their regular business meeting on Wednesday, November 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Great Hall at the Clubhouse. Having a supervisors’ meeting in LOW is a tradition in part because the meetings are well attended. To maintain that tradition, the Civic Club has elected to forgo its regular monthly meeting and encourage increased attendance at the supervisors’ meeting.
On November 13th, the supervisors’ meeting will include a message from Cliff Wilks, President of Lake of the Woods Board of Directors, and a presentation of a Working Draft of the Capital Improvement Program for FY2019 – FY2023. Bryan David, our County Administrator, will report on the supervisors’ Two-Year Strategic Priorities and their Legislative Priorities for the next session of the Virginia General Assembly.
At 7:00 p.m., the supervisors will provide time to receive public comments. Anyone wishing to address the supervisors during the Public Comment must sign-in on the forms that will be located on a table outside the Great Hall. The forms will be submitted to the Chief Deputy Clerk, and speakers will be called in order. After Public Comment, the supervisors will recess for dinner with the Lake of the Woods Board of Directors.
We look forward to seeing you at the Board of Supervisors meeting on November 13th. Before or after the meeting, consider having dinner at the Clubhouse. The view of the lake from the Clubhouse is spectacular.
The Fredericksburg Area Bar Association and the University of Mary Washington are proud to present: Jazz 4 Justice, featuring the UMW Jazz Ensemble, directed by Doug Gately! The concert will be held on Saturday, November 2nd starting at 7:30 PM at George Washington Hall in Dodd Auditorium. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, and #5 for students & seniors. Net proceeds go to benefit Legal Aid Works, and UMW Jazz Ensemble Scholarships. Tickets are available online at www.LegalAidWorks.org/Jazz4Justice/. For more info about upcoming events in the area, Click here!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
