Vienna - Info

[neighborhoodfind]

Originally Posted by JEB77

I certainly agree that, particularly after the spike in fuel prices, a lot of folks started to place more emphasis on reducing their transportation costs, which makes perfect sense. Even so, the types of neighborhoods that best maintained their values in closer-in Arlington and Bethesda, as I understand it, consist primarily of SFHs. North Arlington is an easy commute to DC, but most of it is traditional suburban development that isn't really much more pedestrian-friendly than McLean or Vienna. Same for most - but not all - Bethesda neighborhoods, although some are closer than others to the central area with Bethesda's shops, restaurants and Metro station.

In any event, if the "New Urbanism" style is what appeals to you, did you take a look at the Kentlands development in Gaithersburg, Maryland? It's a bit "Truman Show" (literally - the "Truman Show" was filmed in another "New Urbanist" development on the Florida panhandle), but may be more to your liking than most of what you're going to find in NoVa.

I'm not looking for the faux-town thing, it feels too oppressive. I'm ok with some grunge. Even though I criticized strip malls, I've actually found some real treasures within them (great restaurants). Still revamping some of them into something more pedestrian friendly seems like a good idea to me. I'm still thinking Vienna, Bethesda, or North Arlington.

[normie]

Originally Posted by Alicia Bradley

What would have to be done is to look very closely at what has worked for other cities whose suburbs aren't such messes.

I totally agree, that's a good thing for you to do. Then consider your two options: 1) Demand that Virginia be rebuilt and redesigned to match this other city you find more appealing. Or, 2) Take the much easier route and simply move to the other city. Here's a little bit of reality: Option #1 won't get you anywhere.

It's like watching somebody buy a pair of shoes that doesn't fit. Nobody feels like listening to you go on and on about how much you're in pain. It's not that we have anything against you, but after awhile of listening to someone belly ache you just want to say "Hey--If your shoes really bother you why not simply get a pair of shoes that fit?"

Yes, it's hard to find a job in another city, but it's not that difficult. It's a lot easier than the other route, trying to find a place in NOVA that, frankly, doesn't exist. Griping and whining and stomping your feet is fun I guess, but I do hope you know that's not going to make such a neighborhood appear, either. The reality is: Your list of things you think a town should have are just not going to be found here, not on a very tight budget. And you've been clear that you can't live in the more expensive areas.

I wish you well, and I sure hope you find what you're looking for. We'll help you as much as we can, but I don't think you're going to find a place you like here. No city is going to have something for everyone. No matter how many different neighborhoods exist, metropolitan areas have personalities and NOVA's personality doesn't seem like a good fit for you. There's no neighborhood here that has all the luxuries you want and also has cheap rent... and reality is, that's not going to be changing. If Evanston, IL truly has those things, seriously, I'd suggest moving there. Del Rey might work, but to be honest I doubt it's the right fit either. NOVA isn't for everyone. My suggestion is to look at college towns in much less expensive parts of the country. Best of luck to you.

[athousandlogins]

Originally Posted by neighborhoodfind

Even though I criticized strip malls, I've actually found some real treasures within them (great restaurants).

That's actually an important point. People come here with their "I hate strip malls" guns blazing all the time. And I get it, I really do. Strip malls are generally not attractive, they're often pedestrian-hostile and they create traffic problems.

But we've got a lot of them here - more by an accident of fast growth than by design, but whatever the reason, here they are. And until that changes, if you're going to open a new business in the area, chances are you're going to do it in a strip mall. People who put up their noses at strip malls wholesale are going to miss out on local gems; they're probably the same folks who later complain that the area has no character.

My favorite was the poster who came in here looking for a neighborhood and said he wanted to be near a Trader Joe's, but didn't want to be near strip malls. That kind of thinking backs people into a hell of a corner - it's no wonder they have trouble liking it here. I've got 3 TJ's within 20 minutes of my apartment - that I know about - but they're all in strip malls.

[JEB77]

Originally Posted by neighborhoodfind

I'm not looking for the faux-town thing, it feels too oppressive. I'm ok with some grunge. Even though I criticized strip malls, I've actually found some real treasures within them (great restaurants). Still revamping some of them into something more pedestrian friendly seems like a good idea to me. I'm still thinking Vienna, Bethesda, or North Arlington.

It sounds like you're starting to come to terms with the reality of the area, which isn't to say that you can't and shouldn't find positive ways to get involved once you're here to improve a community.

BTW, by local standards, none of Vienna, Bethesda and North Arlington would register too high on the "grunge" scale (as opposed, for some, of the "meh" scale), but I understand your point. I would probably have a problem living in a New Urbanist "faux-town," too. I'd think I was at a Club Med village and keep forgetting that the meals and drinks haven't already been pre-paid!

Good luck.

[Denton56]

You might want to keep in mind that Maryland has very high taxes. The state is now rank in the top 5 states for taxes. Virginia is way down on the list.

Just something to consider................