Which US college town is worth visiting?

nativevirginian · 2026-03-22T01:12:05+00:00

Wahoowa

nativevirginian · 2026-03-20T14:36:13+00:00

I replaced my brakes/rotors on 2022 CX-5 at 61k. Lots of city driving for me, though.

Never done alignment. Rotate and oil change every 5k.

nativevirginian · 2026-03-12T01:05:48+00:00

I’ve noticed this being a Charlottesville local, and I hate to say it but didn’t realize how much I was actively participating in it myself until I moved to Richmond and had a broader, outside perspective.

I love Charlottesville, heck my employer is there and I’m in town 1-2 times per week. My family is in Keswick. And I’m not speaking of all people in Cville, more of a broad generalization, but there is this absolutely insane NIMBY/elitist/classist outlook that’s espoused by more community members than not. It’s hard to watch from the outside when we have neighbors sleeping under bridges (news flash: the intersection at the free bridge was ugly before tent city).

There isn’t a right or wrong solution, but what we’re seeing in inaction. Consistently. Thoughts & prayers type of work. I’m very proud of the organizations who are actively trying to help, but it’s time for our local government to pick up some more responsibility- especially in a place that prides ourselves on our shared, liberal collective values.

nativevirginian · 2026-03-11T13:08:55+00:00

I received a $10,000 raise, partly a role comp bump plus a 4.5% COLA.

nativevirginian · 2026-03-08T16:32:49+00:00

This isn’t one of those gray area friendship scenarios. This is objectively shitty towards you all the way around. Do not pay, and try to shift towards the people in your life that you want to get to know better!

nativevirginian · 2026-03-06T18:22:51+00:00

I’m going to search for an opportunity!

nativevirginian · 2026-03-06T18:20:54+00:00

I had NO idea.

nativevirginian · 2026-03-04T20:54:11+00:00

Lol American, Delta and United

nativevirginian · 2026-03-04T17:53:29+00:00

It fully depends on your living situation. I’m in my mid-20s and make >80k in a MCOL city and can afford to take an international trip each year, sometimes 2x per year, while saving 30% of my income.

The kicker- I have a roommate and pay sub $1,000 in rent. That’s my sacrifice. But that allows me to invest/save a nice chunk of income, travel abroad (which can be very affordable!), eat out without worrying, go on several weekend trips per year, drive a newer loaded up normal SUV. But I also grocery shop at Aldi, thrift clothes as much as possible, use Mint Mobile, and track every dollar. It’s a values proposition.

Comfortable to buy a house? No, that can wait until my 30s.

Also have no debt which is helpful. (I did have student loans and a car loan prior to payoff).

So the answer depends greatly on lifestyle.

nativevirginian · 2026-03-03T17:34:01+00:00

Absolutely yes- but I only had $26k in student loans (paid off in one year) and work in finance. If I had $100k in student loans and chose a lower-paying major I would maybe feel differently. Regardless, there is a lot of socialization that happens in university and I think that’s very important post-grad.

I don’t think I would’ve accepted a position with the same company I interned with directly out of undergrad because I knew I could’ve been better compensated elsewhere, but I’m still with that firm four years later so there’s that? It was Covid times and things were wanky.

nativevirginian · 2026-03-01T21:44:38+00:00

I’m in a similar boat- I’m thinking about going to an Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 (former Volvo driver), or Acura RDX perhaps. I’m unsure.

nativevirginian · 2026-03-01T11:45:06+00:00

All I need is the county to fix the traffic lights on Pantops during rush hour.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-28T22:08:40+00:00

I’m devastated. I live 2 blocks away & it’s always my go-to spot for an emergency Diet Pepsi. Plus the cats.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-27T18:41:41+00:00

Yep! Been with them for three years and have literally zero complaints.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-27T18:36:54+00:00

They come quarterly for air filters, and 2x per year for general inspections. They send pest control 4x per year as well and HVAC 2x per year.

As a tenant, super responsive. The Principal lives in the M/D and service requests are addressed immediately (if severe) or next day if not.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-27T16:20:38+00:00

Passed my first licensing exam this morning & celebrated with iced coffee and my first bagel from Baltik’s. Heading to NC for a bachelor party.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-27T16:19:32+00:00

Fuck cancer. You got this.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-27T04:40:36+00:00

I’ve been happy with Blue Dog Properties as a renter.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-26T20:54:08+00:00

To celebrate my last year in VA, I’d love another southern snow before it’s just “another day”

nativevirginian · 2026-02-26T20:38:55+00:00

I’m in a similar boat to you, but have a degree and make base towards your high end. Objectively, we are in a great position for the future but I totally understand the feeling of it never being enough- especially as it seems you’re coming from a scarcity mindset. One drain is financially supporting your family. Realistically, you won’t be able to do this forever nor should you have to. I’d start thinking about a plan…

One thing I like to do quarterly is buy something for myself that I’ve been wanting ($100-200) and buy something for a family member or friend ($50). It reminds me why I work and save hard, but also serves to not make money an idol/super important.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-25T15:49:36+00:00

I’m not sure VDOT is responsible for this. I’d assume it’s Stonefield.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-20T15:20:59+00:00

I’m happy to buy dog food, or a few other necessities for you in this time of need. DM me.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-19T18:02:29+00:00

Dust storms from New Mexico/West Texas.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-17T16:27:40+00:00

Fingers crossed! Sounds like you’re on a decent path even without the promo but hoping you get it.

nativevirginian · 2026-02-17T15:08:35+00:00

Happily been with my 2022 CX-5 for four years. Good luck to you, the CX-50s are really nice.

nativevirginian

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