Is Boston for me? Help!

[puffle]

Originally Posted by LeavingMA

I agree. Personally i think D.C. is really beautiful with the Potomic River and the monuments lit up at night. I like the fact the buildings aren't too tall so you can enjoy the views.

I visit D.C. quite a bit and yes some people can be snobby, but it isn't as bad as Boston. I've met more people in D.C. than Boston, and I've lived in MA my whole life. I went to a party in D.C. just recently and was amazed how many people went out of their way to introduce themselves to me. That has never happened to me at parties in/around Boston. I also think your more likely to met someone in D.C. because it is more transient. You'll met people from all over, while Boston you basically will run into New Englanders.

Boston is more college-crowd oriented and is losing some of the 24-35 year old age group. D.C. is more young professional oriented, but i will warn you it can get political because many people work for the government. D.C. has one of the best economies and with the government and private companies is more recession proof than most areas. Also the D.C. metro is alot better than Boston's T system and stays open to 3 am on weekends if your out at the bars. D.C. also has happy hours so if you like to go for drinks after work that is a bonus.

Some D.C. negatives are bad traffic, high rents, and heat (if you don't like the heat). D.C. has a ton of singles, actually i think i've read they have more single people from 24-35 than any other city. Although i believe that might have been regarding single women. Definitely live in the single areas in D.C. or Alexandria. The Rosslyn area also seems to have tons of single people when I'm there.

The D.C. area your close to the ocean, beautiful Virginia countryside, and other cities such as Baltimore. Most of the attractions in D.C. are free so you save $ there.

If you don't mind more heat, higher costs for rent, and the traffic, I give the edge to D.C.

What ocean are you close to in D.C.? The only body of water I know of is the Potomac and the harbor in nearby Baltimore. There is no place to cool off in the summer in D.C. The nearest beaches are more than 3 hours away and the humidity is stifling and it is just as hot at those beaches. Guess you can tell I don't like the heat.

[findingmesomeday]

It's true that Boston doesn't make great use of its waterfront. It's amazing how many cities DON'T do that! Seattle does a great job but San Francisco doesn't. Go figure.

Anyway, to answer the OP's question. I've lived in both places. I went to college in Boston and then returned almost 20 years later with my family. I spent only 2 years in Northern VA outside DC. Although I was never crazy about Northern VA, I grew to tolerate it. I loved Boston as a college student. As a mom, I don't get into the city as much as I'd like. It's expensive to live here. But if I had to pick, I'd still take this area over DC.

[baystater]

Originally Posted by ogre

Sorry it's a little off the topic here, but I'm new here and want to start a thread. So far, I haven't seen how to do that. It's probably right in front of me, but until it bites me can anyone pass along this info? Thanks.

Look to the upper left side on the main page. The new thread button is under the sub-forum of boston.

good luck

[ogre]

Thanks Baystater.

[RunningHooligan]

Hi - Just wanted to chime in with my (humble) opinion. I moved to the DC Metro area 7 years ago and have lived over on the VA side the whole time. During my short time I've noticed a lot of things change around here - some good, many worse. First of all, if you don't like traffic, stay far far away. It really is THAT BAD. It is quite a mix of cultures here - worldly even. You get diplomats from all over the world. But, I would say most people are always in a hurry, impatient, and rude. Also, the high concentration of "self important" people makes for some interesting encounters. You'll have a hard time breaking into a social circles if you aren't a mover and a shaker. Again, if people feel like you can advance their cause, they will happily befriend you. But the people overall seem quite distant - like one big cocktail party.

If you're not into the "college town" feel, do NOT go to Arlington! This is just a place for people who are graduated and continuing college life from their apartments and condos. Nothing like a 35-year old acting like it's still undergrad! Alexandria is a very large and diverse area. There are some wonderful parts with lots of history (Old Town) to flat-out crapshack holes (Rt 1 South). There are definite scary areas - just be careful. However, be forewarned that a condo in any of those areas (1 bedroom) will start at $300,000 and go up quickly. A 1900 sq ft townhouse with 3 bedrooms will start at $700k in a good location. For something more "affordable" you'll need to move further out. And then you'll be sitting on the "Park"Way - aka the Beltway/I-95/I-66. If you're > 20 miles out from DC, count on a 1-2 hour commute each way with traffic. It keeps getting worse too. VA refuses to do road improvements.

As for activities - there are endless activities. Anything you can think of. Of course, getting to the beach will take forever with traffic. Going to the Shenandoah is a great trip...if you can avoid traffic. DC itself is a very scenic city. I'd never live there though. Too much tax, crime is rampant, and housing costs are out of this world.

Personally, I'm trying to get away from here. Yes, there are job opportunities galore if you deal with the gov't or are in hi-tech. Salaries can be quite good if you work for a defense contractor. Overall, there seem to be endless jobs. But you also have to deal with all the newbies (myself included) who are trying to make their mark around here. It is cutthroat, dog eat dog. If you're ready for it, you'll love it. If you're not, it'll be a major shocker.