Do you live alone in Nova without any family close by? (Arlington: apartment, hotel)

[cheeerioS]

I was just curious to see how many people are living on their own in the Nova area without any close family near by...

I recently relocated to NoVa area and I am just dready being all alone and not knowing anyone. I found the area to be nice and there seems like there is much to do around here, and my work does keep me occupied.

So I was wondering... maybe Im just homesick and missing my family. But I was just wondering to see how many brave souls are out there, living in Nova ... far, far, far away from their family.

[CaliTerp07]

I did, for a while. My family's in California, I moved out here alone. My closest relative (a great aunt) lives in Chicago-ish. Literally everyone else is in California.

I don't live alone anymore though (well, I never did--I had roommates). I got married a few years ago and now have an east coast family about 90 minutes away.

It can be a tough place to break into social circles. If you're open to the idea, I'd highly suggest finding a church with active small groups or social activities. I found mine to be very welcoming and a great way to meet people outside of work.

[arielmina]

I am not alone because I have my husband and kids but nearest friends and relatives when we moved here were 350 miles away. I have made lots of friends down here through my hobby and my kids...

[mlv311]

I lived in this area alone for 12 years before I met my husband. I went to school here and stayed closely in touch with people from school. I also socialized with single friends from work and people I met through church. Although I'm married with children now, we still don't have family in the area.

If you have a close-knit family, nothing can replace it. But if you are fortunate enough to be friends with people who share similar interests and values, they can become a "surrogate family." It's hard to meet people--you have to make an extra effort and get involved in activities where you might meet others who are similarly situated.

[Fern435]

No family that we are close to.

[HereinVA]

I live with my husband and kids in Bristow, but our extended family doesn't always live close by.

Dh's Dad married someone from Fredericksburg about a year after we moved here (from California). They live in Fredericksburg about half the year, and California the other half.

So about 1/2 the time, we have them within about an hours drive...other than that, the closest family members are my grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins in Massachusetts...

[michgc]

My whole family is in Philadelphia; my husband's mom is in North Carolina. His sisters are in Boston and California, so we are by ourselves here, except for our children.

[beatlecrazy]

Both of our families are in Philadelphia too. I like being way down here though, made some friends that I've become very close to

[nycgal212]

I will be relocating to NoVa soon without knowing a single soul in the area. Most of my family and friends either in Conn, or NY...

I came down to Virginia for the first time a couple of weeks ago for a 2 week training session, and was placed in a nice hotel in Arlington, and though im still young and pretty sociable person. It is hard not knowing anyone.. But I do have to say people in Virginia are really nice (unlike NYC where you have to be very weary of the person who is being friendly cause u think they want something from ya.. hahah)

Originally Posted by CaliTerp07

I did, for a while. My family's in California, I moved out here alone. My closest relative (a great aunt) lives in Chicago-ish. Literally everyone else is in California.

I don't live alone anymore though (well, I never did--I had roommates). I got married a few years ago and now have an east coast family about 90 minutes away.

It can be a tough place to break into social circles. If you're open to the idea, I'd highly suggest finding a church with active small groups or social activities. I found mine to be very welcoming and a great way to meet people outside of work.

I wish I could have coworkers to hang out with but my job description if I had to describe it, is like being a traveling salesman... so my only interaction from people from work are clients... Ya Im hoping to find a good small bible group for now though.

[hilsmom]

Good luck. I'm sure you'll find some friends quickly. You're already being proactive about it. Putting yourself out there is key.

I was lucky to have a high school friend (not closest, but she was in my group) who went to GW that I got an apartment with when I moved. Her college friend was our other roommate - she is now MY boss and best friend.

What about your college's alumni association or maybe a sorority/fraternity alumni group? That is usually a good way to meet people. I attended a couple events through my sorority's local alumni group, and met some nice people that way.