We are comfortable enough with Va as a southern states because of the proximity and familiarity. Charlottesville is a quaint town and Williamsburg is what it is but my MIL lives 20 minutes away in Hampton Roads. I cant say that Winston Salem is an ideal spot for someone like my daughter. The real draw to W&M is the dual degree program with St Andrews. St Andrews was actually a school for consideration until we heard about housing difficulties for US students. W&M dual degree students are guaranteed housing for the time that they are there.