Northern Virginia has gone downhill in the last 20 years (Arlington: oceanfront, skyscrapers)

[NewToCA]

I won't comment on the current state of NOVA, I haven't seen it since 2002. However, I did live in Fairfax County from 1979 through 1992, and visited frequently on work assignments (DoD) between 1992 and 2002.

Much of NOVA was not rural in 1979, 28 years ago. Development was extensive up through Herndon, Centreville and Dale City 28 years ago. You had gaps for Lorton and some vacant areas along Rt 29, but much of the area was being developed at that time. I know it is more solidly developed today, and further out, but Fairfax County was closing in on 1 million folks in the early 1980's.

Also, much of the area was fairly shabby, due to the high degree of townhomes and older single homes (like Kings Park or Greenbriar) that were rented out, frequently to two families sharing a home. The interest rates were high then, and homes were not selling easily in the 1979-1985 timeframe.

Regarding folks being friendlier, we left the area because we didn't want to raise our children in NOVA. Very high degree of organized activities, and very little letting the kids be.

The folks were very career centered and a very high degree of folks staying for 3-10 years for career ladder purposes. My wife was home with the kids, and very alone. All of the spouses were professional folks, and if you weren't one, you didn't participate much in discussions.

Just wanted to add my reality of that era, not disagreeing with any observations about the current environment.

[Dorothy1960]

I moved here about 14 years ago, first to Fairfax County (I now live in Prince William). Never thought I would grow to hate it so much. Hubby and I were transferred to Europe in early 2002, came back in Aug 2005... I learned German and French and also a bit of Polish during my time in Europe, because I wanted to "fit in" with the Europeans. Too bad its not the same case here in the US. Our language is treated like S - - -. When we moved back here, and I went to Home Depot to buy some things, ALL the signs were in Spanish and only some were in English. Not too helpful for us Americans who speak English and no Spanish.

Also feel that folks are quite rude here. No so when I first arrived. I'm from the North, and used to rude people. Northern VA is feeling more and more like Northern NJ every single day. Not a pleasure to live here anymore. Ah well only a few more years for us and we're outta here.

I read something about "Smart Growth" in Nova... well I don't see any "smartness." Only stupdity and greed. Hmmmm lets build LOTS more houses NOW and lots more shopping centers... and oh wait, what about the roads? what about the electrical system? and the schools? The kids down where I am, some of the classes are being held in trailers. If I was a parent, I would be furious.. and as a homeowner, this is not great for resale. Well with the housing market slump, I can only hope some of the greedy builders will go OOB, and hopefully but a slow down to the madness.

[cottonwood2420]

Everybody seems to be complaining about these plastic shoeboxes on 2 inches of land with no trees that are awful, I agree that it is awful, if you hate the homes so much then don't buy one. If you do buy one then plant the trees yourself. That would be very easy to do.

[wrightflyer]

I just went past my parents first home (the R-streets section) in Dale City the other day. OMG, I'm sorry if I offend you but the place was awful! In the twenty years since they've lived there, the place certainly has changed for the worse. I guess that's what happens when the homes sell for 200K-400K and the market typically runs 400K+. I look at photos and then think of what I saw and can't believe it. We drove through my dad's old neighborhood in Bowie and this seemed worse. As much as I love DC and plan to attend school there, you couldn't pay me to live where we used to live.

[mackinac81]

God what an awful place!

I'm a recent college graduate who is looking for a teaching job in NOVA (I'm from Michigan, where there are no teaching jobs). When I heard about NOVA I thought of rolling hills, old farms, small towns filled with good people, and a sense of community. I had no idea the DC sprawl extended halfway to W. Va! I may still move out there if I don't find anything anywhere else, but I'm not really looking forward to it.

[Fairfax Mom]

If NOVA is so bad - why are so many people living here and clamoring to live here every day?

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

If NOVA is so bad - why are so many people living here and clamoring to live here every day?

they haven't really experienced it yet. the schools and jobs are great but they don't what kind of stuff you have to deal with here. Now that i've lived here for 3 years, i want to leave very badly and get to NC. The beauty is i'll get DC area pay with my company even though i'll be in NC (most likely.) My mother is also sick of all the crap of NoVA and she is planning on moving to IL and she is looking forward to it and leaving this ^$%#&.

[nitrovic]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

If NOVA is so bad - why are so many people living here and clamoring to live here every day?

A lot of people have no choice, this is where the jobs are. If they don't live in Northern Va they have to sit in traffic for two hours just to get to work.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by nitrovic

A lot of people have no choice, this is where the jobs are. If they don't live in Northern Va they have to sit in traffic for two hours just to get to work.

some who do live in NoVA have to sit for 2 hours in traffic anyway.

[El General]

It's ironic that it was a much nicer place to raise a family, when homes were 35K. I left in 1989, came back a couple of years ago, and boy have things rally slipped. I have never witness such a rapid decline in real estate prices--for obvious reasons. If the Federal Government weren't here propping up the economy, I think many areas would be like a cold day in Rawanda; with much higher taxes. I know some retirees that still live here, and don't need to work. My thoughts are: you all must really have your heads up your arses if you think this is a good area to be retired.