Considering moving from NY to VA

[ScottRiqui]

NC does have castle doctrine. VA does not. VA needs to get on the ball with that one.

I thought so too, until I researched it. We have 'Case Law' which seems to supercede it. Call if you want to talk about it.

Yep, that's an interesting point about Virginia law. Very little firearms law is actually written down in the statutes, compared to other states. But we have hundreds of years of legal precedent to refer to, and gun owners here have very good protections. We don't need a specific "Castle Doctrine", because Virginia is a "stand your ground" state - whether you're in your home or in public.

There was actually an attempt made a few years ago here to pass a Castle Doctrine law, but it was shot down, largely because of efforts by the PRO-gun groups who realized that the proposed law would actually give us *fewer* protections compared to what we have already established via existing case law.

Another interesting quirk - as noted upthread, you can carry concealed in a restaurant that serves alcohol, as long as you're not drinking. BUT, drinking alcohol in that same restaurant is perfectly legal while carrying *openly*. It's not a good idea, but it is legal.

 

[Jayster]

I obviously didn't know that about castle doctrine and the open carry and drinking, not that I would do it.

Thanks for the info.

 

[gdvan01]

Grew up in NoVa, now closer to Williamsburg.

C'mon down!

 

[Yankee Traveler]

All in all, I would argue there is a much better quality of life in VA than in NY

I would second that and add better than most of New England as well.

 

[JagFarlane]

Born and raised in NJ, found my way to VA via the Navy and never left. Got out almost 4 years ago and have since gotten a college degree and bought a house in southwest VA. Nothing but friendly people who don't seem to mind my being a Yankee.
Property taxes are great here, 4.4 acres and 2500sq ft house, taxes last year were $350.
Quality of life has been much better down here, honestly I think just the attitude around here has helped lower my blood pressure and stress levels a lot.