Charlottesville Tomorrow has the story:
Hinting at potentially more growth of the local intelligence community, the man who is overseeing the relocation of more than 800 Defense Intelligence Agency employees to Albemarle County said he expects the transition to be completed by March.
“The largest single group of DIA people outside of the Washington metropolitan area will soon be in Charlottesville,†said Phil Roberts, chief of field support for Rivanna Station and a 29-year agency veteran.
I’d wager that about half of those moving here for DIA purchased homes. I’d love to know the real percentage.
Related:
– NGIC and DIA – What’s the Impact on the Charlottesville Real Estate Market? – May 2010
– NGIC and DIA coming to Charlottesville – October 2009
– NGIC and DIA – Who’s Moving Here? – November 2010
– Some Homes for sale near the NGIC and DIA facilities
Hope you’re right but I’ve heard the opposite, that many are renting to see if they like the area. Others are commuting from western NOVA because they can’t sell their home OR spouse makes more money elsewhere.
Todd –
Heck, I’ve written that myself. 🙂 The number of those purchasing is probably a bit closer to 1/3.
I still think it’s be good to know the true percentage.
Hope you’re right but I’ve heard the opposite, that many are renting to see if they like the area.
I’ve heard and seen that as well. I think there are at least four classifications of incoming DIA folks –
– Renting because they will be here for a relatively short term
– Renting because they can’t sell their houses wherever they’re coming from.
– Buying outright.
– Renting to see if they like it, but moving here permanently. I advise all of my incoming buyer clients that, if they have the luxury of time, to rent first before buying. Better to figure out your patterns, where you’re going to like and dislike, as a renter rather than as a homeowner. I’ve told this to my buyer clients for years; Jay in Phoenix answers the “rent before buying” question well: