I lived in Richmond most of my life, left 12 years ago for the wide open spaces of the West.
I worked for Colonial Mechanical and then Landis and Gyr( now Siemens Building Technologies). Both were good companies at the time, I don't know about their current reputations.All of the major players were there, Trane, Carrier, York etc.
Richmond was a pleasant enough place for the most part,strong economy usually, decent wages,decent schools in the suburbs,it just got too big for me.
As for the weather, mild winters, occasional snow and VERY HUMID summers.
It's only 3 or so hours from Raleigh, you should take a long weekend and visit both.
Good Luck
[Edited by iguy on 12-02-2004 at 05:13 PM]