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As a native of Northern Virginia, I have noticed the anti-Virginia sentiment since childhood, although sometimes, I felt that I was imagining it! However, the older I age, the more undeniable it is, and has even been confirmed by speaking to new transplants that had no problem spelling out Virginia's alleged "inferiority."
*Metro Placement/Public Transportation- As someone currently without a vehicle, I know quite a bit about navigating public transit in the DMV area. Honestly, Southern Maryland's public transit options outweigh Northern Virginia's, despite the fact that there will be more Metro rail stations in the latter state in the next few years. A previous poster said it best. Maryland's urban planners put more emphasis in maintaining walkability when building metro stations (proximity to neighborhoods, grocery/retail stores/malls) than in Northern Virginia. Many DC residents have also mentioned that they find it easier to commute into Maryland to take care of their shopping needs, as opposed to Virginia. This also could be due to worse traffic patterns in Virginia. Also, looking at migration patterns of those ousted from their homes via gentrification in DC, southern Maryland has often become the receiver for said displaced minority residents. It has only been recently that some of these locals are looking towards outer suburbs of Northern Virginia (Woodbridge, Manassas, Dumfries) for residency.
I don't have time to examine the rest of your post, but the bold part does not ring true. Which Metro stations in PG (What you call Southern Maryland) have good walkability? Very few stations in PG have good walkability. Most have nothing nearby except parking lots. There are a few I can think of, but that is only a few. Virginia has more stations with something nearby.
Also, DC residents mostly have an easier time heading to Mryland for their shopping needs because it is easier to drive. There's no river with traffic choked bridges blocking the way. That's not to mention that Maryland and DC share a much longer border, and many DC homes are closer to that border than they are to Virginia.
A question not related to your post: Why do the people in this thread not acknowledge that people in NOVA also have a very negative view of Maryland??
For everyone that continues to disrespect Maryland just remember we rank #1 in wealth while Virginia #8. So who care if you have a few more wealthy counties than us. The rest of your state sucks. Check out the link and let it sink in https://www.usnews.com/news/best-sta...erica?slide=11
As a native of Northern Virginia, I have noticed the anti-Virginia sentiment since childhood, although sometimes, I felt that I was imagining it! However, the older I age, the more undeniable it is, and has even been confirmed by speaking to new transplants that had no problem spelling out Virginia's alleged "inferiority."
I feel that like other posters have mentioned, this elitist attitude can be attributed to the following:
*Civil War Era- Although both states are below the "Mason-Dixon Line", Virginia became a confederate state. Also, because of Virginia's larger size, there were by far more slave owners and plantations in this state than in Maryland, which to this day, is a terrible stain in not only Virginia's history, but also, America's. Also, Virginia payed homage to the confederate soldiers via statues, major road names, schools (some of which have majority minority attendees), etc., which only adds to the idea that we as a state proudly honored that dark time in America's history.
*Black Population- As a minority, the black presence is much more prominent and concentrated in Southern Maryland (Prince George's County), which lends itself to cultivating a stronger, healthier black community than here in Northern Virginia. This strong black presence can be noticed in the amount of ethnic hair care boutiques that are heavily featured in PG County and Mo County, as well as other successful black-owned businesses and thriving black communities. In the black community, this seems to have also translated to more "respect" for those not only living in PG/Mo County, but also many other Maryland cities that are classified as outer suburbs of Washington, DC. The heavy Democratic lean that Maryland has also grants it more respect in many circles as well. Also, let's not forget that the term "DMV area" was born from black-radio enthusiasts on WPGC 95.5 and 93.9 WKYS! When many events are going on the DMV area, it is not uncommon for said radio stations to completely neglect mentioning Virginia at all!
*Metro Placement/Public Transportation- As someone currently without a vehicle, I know quite a bit about navigating public transit in the DMV area. Honestly, Southern Maryland's public transit options outweigh Northern Virginia's, despite the fact that there will be more Metro rail stations in the latter state in the next few years. A previous poster said it best. Maryland's urban planners put more emphasis in maintaining walkability when building metro stations (proximity to neighborhoods, grocery/retail stores/malls) than in Northern Virginia. Many DC residents have also mentioned that they find it easier to commute into Maryland to take care of their shopping needs, as opposed to Virginia. This also could be due to worse traffic patterns in Virginia. Also, looking at migration patterns of those ousted from their homes via gentrification in DC, southern Maryland has often become the receiver for said displaced minority residents. It has only been recently that some of these locals are looking towards outer suburbs of Northern Virginia (Woodbridge, Manassas, Dumfries) for residency.
Also, don't forget the MARC train! This train not only runs at greater frequency (weekends/runs both northbound and southbound all day) than Virginia's VRE (no weekend service/only goes northbound in the AM, southbound in the PM), but also covers more ground, and is more affordable.
*Design- Washington, DC is roughly 30 miles from Annapolis, MD (state capital) and almost 40 miles from Baltimore, MD, which alleviates some of that sprawl that many feel when they travel in Northern Virginia. Outside of Alexandria, the sprawl becomes more prominent the further one travels until they reach Richmond, VA (more than 100 miles away). As touched on earlier, this creates a scenario in Maryland where a traveler is constantly entering and exiting urban/suburban/urban/suburban landscapes, which naturally creates a GREAT environment for public transit coverage, increased bouts of diversity and cultural amenities. This in itself gives Maryland more of a vibe, in my opinion.
*Universities/Private Schools- Given Southern Maryland's compact size, more universities/colleges have been fitted in a smaller area, giving Southern Maryland more of an edge for educational opportunities without needed to navigate as much of a sprawled out landscape.
*Laws- Despite the fact that the Northern Virginia region largely eclipses the other regions of the Virginia in population size, economic status, commercial development, education status, and diversity, one cannot help but notice the more liberal nature of Maryland. Last week, I escorted a relative to court in Upper Marlboro, MD (Prince George's County), and could not help but notice the more laid-back attitudes from everyone, including deputies and other staff. I could not believe that I was able to bring my cell phone into the courtroom, and not only that, but use it openly until court started! What?!
Despite the great leaps Northern Virginia has made to redeem and improve itself for it's past affiliations with the confederacy, anti-miscegenation laws (Virginia vs. Loving), and urbanizing/beautifying it's more "outer" suburban sprawled areas, (Reston, Herndon, Woodbridge, Manassas, etc.), many of it's current state laws hold it back from shedding it's former legacy, and said laws add tremendously to it's reputation as "backward" and "redneck" reputation that many regional natives and long-term residents connect the state with. Virginia could definitely use a schooling to the benefits of marijuana legalization and it's advantages to the population, both health-wise and for economic development. Also, for those that still wish to drink, Virginia shuts down alcohol sales from 12 AM to 6 AM, unless one has a club license. Sunday alcohol sales just started a few years ago, just to name a couple of examples.
*Northern Virginia vs the Rest of Virginia- After living in Hampton Roads (Norfolk) for almost 4 years during college, I can honestly say that Northern Virginia is an outlier compared to the rest of the state! I feel that if Northern VA were to become it's own state, we would begin to cultivate a deeper respect among Maryland and DC residents. Despite the fact that Northern VA has it's own distinct culture, voting patterns, collective beliefs, and prominent diversity as opposed to other state regions, we all still get lumped together by those that are non-state residents. The less economically affluent (and isolated rural) localities outside of Northern Virginia collectively minimize our overall state wealth, which is why Virginia is not able to rank higher on lists that showcase states with the most economic prosperity. Also, regardless of the changes that Northern Virginia has made, and continues to make to improve itself, the other areas of Virginia make it difficult to leap forward with more liberal and progressive laws that will make this state a much more enjoyable experience for the large variety of residents that Virginia boasts!
***Summary: Northern Virginia natives that I know tend to acknowledge our rich history, but overall, don't tend to be received from the deep south (Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia) as southerners, whereas places like New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut don't wish to note us as members of the Northeast corridor, although given our proximity to Washington, DC, our politics, modern culture, and demographics align with said corridor. At the end of the day, we are the DMV area, and when people on either side (Maryland or Northern Virginia) wish to get snooty about their locale, let's all remember that when someone from another country or distant location is looking at the area, DC is the true star, and both Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia fall within that orbit. In the words of Kendrick Lamar, tell said snooty individuals to "be humble."
I skimmed through that LOL but looks to be on point for the most part. Somebody laughed at me when I brought up the Civil War aspect.....
As a native of Northern Virginia, I have noticed the anti-Virginia sentiment since childhood, although sometimes, I felt that I was imagining it! However, the older I age, the more undeniable it is, and has even been confirmed by speaking to new transplants that had no problem spelling out Virginia's alleged "inferiority."
Despite the great leaps Northern Virginia has made to redeem and improve itself for it's past affiliations with the confederacy, anti-miscegenation laws (Virginia vs. Loving), and urbanizing/beautifying it's more "outer" suburban sprawled areas, (Reston, Herndon, Woodbridge, Manassas, etc.), many of it's current state laws hold it back from shedding it's former legacy, and said laws add tremendously to it's reputation as "backward" and "redneck" reputation that many regional natives and long-term residents connect the state with. Virginia could definitely use a schooling to the benefits of marijuana legalization and it's advantages to the population, both health-wise and for economic development. Also, for those that still wish to drink, Virginia shuts down alcohol sales from 12 AM to 6 AM, unless one has a club license. Sunday alcohol sales just started a few years ago, just to name a couple of examples.
*Northern Virginia vs the Rest of Virginia- After living in Hampton Roads (Norfolk) for almost 4 years during college, I can honestly say that Northern Virginia is an outlier compared to the rest of the state! I feel that if Northern VA were to become it's own state, we would begin to cultivate a deeper respect among Maryland and DC residents. Despite the fact that Northern VA has it's own distinct culture, voting patterns, collective beliefs, and prominent diversity as opposed to other state regions, we all still get lumped together by those that are non-state residents. The less economically affluent (and isolated rural) localities outside of Northern Virginia collectively minimize our overall state wealth, which is why Virginia is not able to rank higher on lists that showcase states with the most economic prosperity. Also, regardless of the changes that Northern Virginia has made, and continues to make to improve itself, the other areas of Virginia make it difficult to leap forward with more liberal and progressive laws that will make this state a much more enjoyable experience for the large variety of residents that Virginia boasts!
***Summary: Northern Virginia natives that I know tend to acknowledge our rich history, but overall, don't tend to be received from the deep south (Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia) as southerners, whereas places like New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut don't wish to note us as members of the Northeast corridor, although given our proximity to Washington, DC, our politics, modern culture, and demographics align with said corridor. At the end of the day, we are the DMV area, and when people on either side (Maryland or Northern Virginia) wish to get snooty about their locale, let's all remember that when someone from another country or distant location is looking at the area, DC is the true star, and both Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia fall within that orbit. In the words of Kendrick Lamar, tell said snooty individuals to "be humble."
Your post is great and your analysis is spot on for the most part. I’ll have to disagree, though, with this prevailing idea (or assumption) that Virginia has to embrace “progressive” policies and attitudes such as seen in Maryland and DC in order to be respected. Maybe this isn’t your intention, but many Northern Virginians seem to have an interest in fundamentally altering the nature of the entire state just to appease residents of the 5 northernmost counties who are ashamed of living in a more conservative Southern state. The way Northern Virginians seem to look down on the rest of the state as being a “backwoods, racist impediment to the progressive liberal agenda embraced by DC/MD” is the same condescending snootiness people accuse Marylanders of exhibiting towards Virginians. I like living in a Southern state. I like living in a place where the attitudes, customs and political environment is different than DC, Maryland and the rest of the Northeast. As a black man, I enjoy seeing Confederate insignia on street sights, barnyards, stores and, flag poles. I enjoy hearing twangy accents and eating at country buffets. How fun or “progressive” is it to strip an entire state of all the things that made it different?
Your post is great and your analysis is spot on for the most part. I’ll have to disagree, though, with this prevailing idea (or assumption) that Virginia has to embrace “progressive” policies and attitudes such as seen in Maryland and DC in order to be respected. Maybe this isn’t your intention, but many Northern Virginians seem to have an interest in fundamentally altering the nature of the entire state just to appease residents of the 5 northernmost counties who are ashamed of living in a more conservative Southern state. The way Northern Virginians seem to look down on the rest of the state as being a “backwoods, racist impediment to the progressive liberal agenda embraced by DC/MD” is the same condescending snootiness people accuse Marylanders of exhibiting towards Virginians. I like living in a Southern state. I like living in a place where the attitudes, customs and political environment is different than DC, Maryland and the rest of the Northeast. As a black man, I enjoy seeing Confederate insignia on street sights, barnyards, stores and, flag poles. I enjoy hearing twangy accents and eating at country buffets. How fun or “progressive” is it to strip an entire state of all the things that made it different?
Go look in the Maryland threads and you'll see the same attitude from residents of the I95 corridor to the rest of the state.
I do have to say that I've not seen residents of Metro VA call people in the rest of the state toothless, mouth breathing, trailer park dwelling, meth using, high school dropout, small penis gun owning, sister ****ing inbreds like they do in Maryland.
The problem for Maryland has long been the much greater growth in VA, both office and residential. Google commute patterns, and you'll see far more people in Montgomery commute to Fairfax than the other way around. Potomac is basically a suburb of Tyson's Corner. Also, when I lived in the District, on the red line no less near Woodley Park, I never went to MD. Everyone we knew lived in VA if not in DC. Single people in Arlington, married people near Dulles. I remember my wife had one friend who moved out of DT Silver Spring to be closer to friends in Clarendon, even though her job was in Silver Spring.
As someone who's recently moved to the Beltway area, I do get a sense that Maryland is more traditionally "beautiful" and "sophisticated", while NoVa is largely recent suburban sprawl, a lot less walkable and historic. The Virginia side is also richer, though, so it could be snootiness mixed with a bit of envy.
As a third gen Texan , I fine this thread very fascinating. Thanks to the posters for giving insight into this area.
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