Nova haters (Arlington, Alexandria, Reston: neighborhood, college, living in)

[Fern435]

Originally Posted by JEB77

I can't rep Fern435 either (have to spread the rep points around as well), but as a matter of policy I won't rep any post that uses the phrase "cookie-cutter" in the first few paragraphs. That's usually a good sign that it's time to duck and cover because someone thinks you're B-O-R-I-N-G.

In any event, the post reminded me of "Heathers," and I'm jealous that Fern435 gets to play the Winona Ryder part while the rest of us were sent over to the NoVa stage set from Central Casting ("Wanted: Overbearing Strivers, Both Oppressively Ernest and Frighteningly Calculated. Must Be Prepared to Live in Subdivision, Tolerate Early AM Soccer Games, and Suffer Through Innumerable Traffic Jams Despite Lack of Big Sur-Quality Scenery. Bonus Paid to Extras with Experience Arching Eyebrows and Looking Down Noses at Others Who Express Original Thoughts or Occasionally Burn Cookies").

Even so, I'll still buy the novel when it comes out.

Dagnabbit. I *knew* I should have taken out the phrase "cookie-cutter."

Few people in NoVA are boring to me. I find people here to be very interesting--so many different experiences in this region. But nearly everyone here is much too busy or uncomfortable to talk with people they may see regularly but barely know, or have already written off as being unimportant. They miss out on some unique perspectives when they do this. Perhaps the atmosphere in California made it seem easier to talk with other people.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Moderator Cut

I dont "hate" it here - and I am sure there are many who love it here - it is just not my cup of tea

[Mr Idealism]

Up and moving without a job lined up elsewhere is about the worst thing you can do right now. There are plenty of other reasons, but I think that's number one for us and why we're still here. As soon as the oppurtunity presents itself (god willing this summer) we'll be outta here.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

I like the way Mr. Idealism thinks!

[neubaukl]

Originally Posted by Mr Idealism

Up and moving without a job lined up elsewhere is about the worst thing you can do right now. There are plenty of other reasons, but I think that's number one for us and why we're still here. As soon as the oppurtunity presents itself (god willing this summer) we'll be outta here.

Yep, Mr. Idealism, same exact thought here. I moved to NOVA about a year ago and I thought it would be an "adventure." And it has been. But it's an adventure I don't care to continue for any longer than one year. The traffic; cultural-wasteland quality; suburban sprawl; lack of unique eateries or architecture; obsession with wealth, fancy cars, and driving fast; and the complete non-walkability of NOVA have made me miserable, and I have every intention to leave just as soon as I find employment somewhere else. To those of you who enjoy it here, that's fine by me, and I'm sure you have your reasons. But for me, a young person who enjoys walking, indie coffeehouses, art galleries, great, non-chain restaurants, and friendly people, living in NOVA makes me unhappy. I hope that doesn't make me a "hater."

[Fern435]

Neubaukl, it helps when people like you post. (It helps me. ) Where would you like to move to?

If a movie could be made about life in NoVA, perhaps it could be along the lines of "Amelie." It has a more hopeful outlook than "Heathers."

[JD984]

Originally Posted by neubaukl

Yep, Mr. Idealism, same exact thought here. I moved to NOVA about a year ago and I thought it would be an "adventure." And it has been. But it's an adventure I don't care to continue for any longer than one year. The traffic; cultural-wasteland quality; suburban sprawl; lack of unique eateries or architecture; obsession with wealth, fancy cars, and driving fast; and the complete non-walkability of NOVA have made me miserable, and I have every intention to leave just as soon as I find employment somewhere else. To those of you who enjoy it here, that's fine by me, and I'm sure you have your reasons. But for me, a young person who enjoys walking, indie coffeehouses, art galleries, great, non-chain restaurants, and friendly people, living in NOVA makes me unhappy. I hope that doesn't make me a "hater."

According to your posts, you've been living in Ashburn. Did you rent a place sight unseen? What exactly did you think you were going to find there? Ashburn is the epitome of a late 20th century, car-dependent, family-oriented NoVa suburb from which any recent college graduate with hipster ambitions would flee from after a 30-minute visit. It is what it is, but it's only one NoVa community. The experience of someone in their early to mid-20s living in Ashburn likely is quite different from the experience of someone living in older (and more walkable) places with more independent businesses, such as Alexandria, Arlington or DC itself, that appeal to younger residents with your tastes.

You haven't explained how someone with the preferences you describe ended up in Ashburn in the first instance. I'm sure there were reasons, but you really should have picked another place to live and saved yourself the misery. Hopefully, you'll do a bit more due diligence next time you're contemplating an apartment to rent - whether in this region or another one.

[chariega]

i think the problem stems from people coming to this area wanting a large city vibe thinking that the DC area is like other large cities with very walkable pockets and a vibrant culture in those pockets. The thing is, nova isn't that way. Nova is what is, the same way your preferences are what they are. I don't think there's anything wrong with liking it or not liking it. It's like my parents used to say: YOU LIKE WHAT YOU LIKE

[Bigfoot424]

I think a big problem is people moving here without doing their homework. Come on people. I so bad want to move to New Hampshire in the near future. I've been there a number of times for work and pleasure and love the place. But I'd never move there without doing more homework. I would certainly ask for advice from CD members in New Hampshire but I wouldn't make a decision where to live without visiting the place, several times if possible.

I can say that I'm tired of this place but I've been here since 1973. There are a number of things I don't like about this place but there are many things I love about it also. I would miss certain things here but not the traffic, housing costs, illegal imigration problems, crime and some other stuff as well. I don't feel the people in the NOVA are much different then what I've met in New England or in my home state of Fla. or any one of the dozens of states I've visited over the years. People are good or bad depending on your views no matter where you are. Snobs or outgoing no matter where you are. Friendly or unfriendly no matter where and so on. To move here sight unseen is just asking for trouble. (For those who did)

[stpickrell]

Originally Posted by JEB77

According to your posts, you've been living in Ashburn. Did you rent a place sight unseen? What exactly did you think you were going to find there? Ashburn is the epitome of a late 20th century, car-dependent, family-oriented NoVa suburb from which any recent college graduate with hipster ambitions would flee from after a 30-minute visit. It is what it is, but it's only one NoVa community. The experience of someone in their early to mid-20s living in Ashburn likely is quite different from the experience of someone living in older (and more walkable) places with more independent businesses, such as Alexandria, Arlington or DC itself, that appeal to younger residents with your tastes.

You haven't explained how someone with the preferences you describe ended up in Ashburn in the first instance. I'm sure there were reasons, but you really should have picked another place to live and saved yourself the misery. Hopefully, you'll do a bit more due diligence next time you're contemplating an apartment to rent - whether in this region or another one.

With that said, even if job/price considerations rule out Alexandria/Arlington/DC, and Reston is too chainy/faux, why not Herndon, Leesburg, or even Winchester? Sure it won't be the "authentic OTA/Orange Line/Columbia Pike experience" but it'll be 50% of the experience for 40-70% of the price. Or something.