Potentially moving to the area, I have some questions

[KCDsmDude]

Hey guys, might be making the move to the area within the next year. My partner is potentially finishing her Phd at the Durham VA, and I will follow if that happens. Had a few car related; and non-car related questions about living/life/etc.

1. How strict is the state with modified vehicles? Can you find shops that "bend the rules"? If it has working brakes, headlights, etc is that good enough? I see that smog tests are required for 96 or newer cars in certain counties; glad I have a 95 .
2. Housing/lot pricing - Looking for something in the 1800-2200 sq foot range, newer-ish, garage space is a must (bonus points for detached garages). We would prefer land, 5-8 acres, as she rides horses and we will build our own barn/ring within a few years. We are more than okay with a 30 min+ drive if need be.
3. Are certain areas of the area horrible for traffic, any times to avoid certain areas? In KC now, and I purchased my home in an area where I'm headed the exact opposite direction of rush hour.
4. Job market - I'm a cpa so I hope work wouldn't be that hard to find for me (praying). But, everywhere I turn in KC, seems they are hiring left and right; does this seem to hold true in this area as well?
5. What is the most annoying thing about living where you live?

 

[Slo2gen]

Can't speak on most of this but the state is not particularly hard on modified vehicles as long as it passes the sniffer test. Welcome to the area(although I'm a couple hours away).

 

[KCDsmDude]

Well, I'll need to make some friends with the folks that perform the tests . Car is stripped interior, CF panels all over, wire tuck, etc.

Any large racing scenes/tracks?