POLL: Are You Happy Living in NoVA? (Arlington, Reston: apartment complex, established neighborhood)

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by Nemesis15

I didn't realize that having the capability to speak English was a pre-requisite to be an American citizen.

There are plenty of people in this country that have passed the citizenship test but haven't mastered the language yet.

That may be so but doesnt mean its right.

Back to the OP. I'm not happy living in NoVA but I've taken a few steps to make the best of it. I've gotten a new job in a better area (Ballston), I've gotten more involved in my church, I've also tried to get out of Alexandria more. I've made short trips to Maryland, Bolling AFB (which looks much better than i've expected), and Old Town Fairfax (which I HATE driving through.)

While I'm not happy here, I realize I'm stuck here for a few more months and have strived to make the best of it.

[irvine]

To the OP, I don't have the time to read all the intervening posts, but here are some thoughts:

I will say that I enjoyed growing up in DC and Northern Virginia (Arlington). My friends and I had a great deal of independence as kids, with the subway, buses, trails, and a never-ending sidewalk grid. Even as a kid, I had a deep appreciation for the regional architecture and culture of the region. Having grown up in Northern VA and DC I will always have a deep connection to the area.

I believe you've seen most of the Northern VA towns, suburbs, exurbs, inner-suburbs. If you haven't ventured out into Maryland yet, do visit Bethesda, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and Rockville for more TODs. These communities do go back to the 1800s, so there is a bit of history also. The county's Confederate monument stands in front of the historic Rockville courthouse. Unfortunately, much of historic Rockville was demolished in the 60s for "urban renewal" and Metrorail redevelopment. You can trace the various trends in urban planning in that one community: from a more or less typical, rural, Southern town to the mixed use "smart growth" development of today.

And don't fear PG County. Visit Greenbelt, Bowie (for the MD version of Levittown), some of the historic plantation homes, and the repulsive, architecturally mediocre National Harbor development.

For some local Southern food, check out the Mount Vernon Inn. I believe they have peanut soup, smithfield ham, and beaten buscuits (but surprisingly no spoonbread). I'd recommend Evans Farm Inn in McLean, but that's gone.

Seriously spend some time in the city (DC), if you haven't. There are so many attractive and vibrant neighborhoods that form a cohesive part of the city unlike the pockets of nice areas in cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Los Angeles, etc.

If you haven't walked around the city, do so now, and check out Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Kalorama, U Street, Capitol Hill (the historic indoor Eastern Market just reopened), Glover Park, Georgetown, Cleveland Park, Tenleytown, Chevy Chase, Mount Pleasant, Petworth, Takoma Park, Brookland, Columbia Heights, etc, etc. Columbia Heights is particularly interesting because of the recent urban infill development and redevelopment there, not to mention the restoration of the old Tivoli theater and the many attractive late 19th century rowhouses.

Move around... for education, work, or whatever. No need to stay in one place unless you plan to settle down for a while. It seems like you're very much into urban issues, so maybe look into some grad programs in urban planning or related fields. The best ones on the east coast are at UPenn, Columbia, MIT, and Harvard Grad School of Design. Schools often sponsor weekend seminars on urban issues (sometimes for a fee, but open to everyone). I believe Pratt (in NYC) sponsored one such program which looked into the use of parametric design software to create new urban ecologies.

Perhaps plan a move overseas, or travel. Cities you might like: Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Paris, Basel, Barcelona, Beijing. One interesting project: Copenhagen is extending its existing "bicycle freeway" network further into the suburbs with strategically located "bicycle service stations."

[Nemesis15]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

That may be so but doesnt mean its right.

Back to the OP. I'm not happy living in NoVA but I've taken a few steps to make the best of it. I've gotten a new job in a better area (Ballston), I've gotten more involved in my church, I've also tried to get out of Alexandria more. I've made short trips to Maryland, Bolling AFB (which looks much better than i've expected), and Old Town Fairfax (which I HATE driving through.)

While I'm not happy here, I realize I'm stuck here for a few more months and have strived to make the best of it.

How do YOU know they aren't trying? People just don't move to another country and attempt to not assimilate themselves with a new culture hence why they came here in the first place whether it be for financial or social reasons. There are plenty of pockets scattered throughout Northern VA. which adamently shows LEGAL immigration communities where the lack of English is displayed.

Also, alot of these immigrants are middle aged people where their cognitive skills have already become stagnant thus making it more difficult to comprehend a language.

Sorry for clogging up this thread, but lets attempt to refrain from inflamed statements that lack reasoning behind it just because you don't like the area. It'll just deter future immigrants or people looking to locate here away from the positive this area has to offer.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by Nemesis15

How do YOU know they aren't trying? People just don't move to another country and attempt to not assimilate themselves with a new culture hence why they came here in the first place whether it be for financial or social reasons. There are plenty of pockets scattered throughout Northern VA. which adamently shows LEGAL immigration communities where the lack of English is displayed.

Also, alot of these immigrants are middle aged people where their cognitive skills have already become stagnant thus making it more difficult to comprehend a language.

Sorry for clogging up this thread, but lets attempt to refrain from inflamed statements that lack reasoning behind it just because you don't like the area. It'll just deter future immigrants or people looking to locate here away from the positive this area has to offer.

I'm sorry to go against the crowd but I think I should contribute my perspective to give a badly needed counter-balance to this forum. I think anyone who is considering moving here needs to have all sides of the story. Me and the OP are attacked on this forum repeatedly because we dont find Northern VA to be the best thing since sliced bread and it doesnt fit our needs.

As someone who frequents the Hampton Roads and Kentucky forums, those who hate said area dont catch as near as many negative responses as those who dont like Northern Virginia.

[Ashburnite]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

As someone who frequents the Hampton Roads and Kentucky forums, those who hate said area dont catch as near as many negative responses as those who dont like Northern Virginia.

I used to live in the Dallas area and I like it here much better. I'm sure there are other people here who used to live in Dallas and like it better there. There's nothing *wrong* with Dallas, I just like it better here (it's cooler and has seasons!!). I don't bash anyone for not being happy where they are - to each his own and that's why there are so many different kinds of places. So I'm not going on the Dallas area forum and criticizing things there.

Would that we could all live precisely where and under what circumstances we choose...

[Nemesis15]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

I'm sorry to go against the crowd but I think I should contribute my perspective to give a badly needed counter-balance to this forum. I think anyone who is considering moving here needs to have all sides of the story. Me and the OP are attacked on this forum repeatedly because we dont find Northern VA to be the best thing since sliced bread and it doesnt fit our needs.

As someone who frequents the Hampton Roads and Kentucky forums, those who hate said area dont catch as near as many negative responses as those who dont like Northern Virginia.

Based off the poll, I'm quite certain it has been displayed that you aren't alone. It's just the tone of your commentary that suggests all residents in NOVA who are incapable of speaking clear and concise English are illegal. This notion gives a bad sense of community to this area and could potentially ward off hopeful, future residents. Most will agree that we like it here because of the vibrant cultural and ethnic differences that embodies this area and makes it special. Sure, there are illegals that come here. Sure, a minority bring crime. But for the most part, immigration has been the catalyst that drives this area for the better. That was my point.

[The_Fairfaxian]

Looking at the rather helpful responses, I'd say to the OP that a move to DC or a nearby area, especially one with a gay-friendly atmosphere would be the improvement he needs.

And even though the OP brings up some legitimate concerns, I have a personal message to him: it could be a LOT worse. Not to put myself as a victim, but you could be someone who has to worry himself over the inter and intra-racial aspect of things. You could be dealing with finding a place to move as a 22-year-old who's just finished college, looking for a place to live, yet finding the local individuals, many of whom are your age and are so-called "liberal" just plain uninviting. There's one side that harbors their hatred of you through the consistent uninviting stares, stereotypes they hold of you being a part of the "criminal/gangsta/drug" problem, or bitterness they have over you actually on the verge of escaping the chains of poverty. And the other side holds bitterness and envy towards you because you DON'T partake in the "criminal/gangsta/drug" scene and are on the verge of escaping the chains of poverty. At least you have a supportive gay community to look forward to if you move closer to DC, especially if you end up in a neighborhood with a lively GLBTQ scene. I haven't found jack **** to find solace with, and the best thing I have going in this area is the outer beltway places like Fairfax and Loudoun; only problem: these places consist of adults with families - it's very integrated and has a lot of what I'm looking for (in racial progress) - but it's still mostly adults out of my age range. Great for when I'm in my thirties or older and have a wife and/or a few kids, but not fitting for this part of my life. So just take into perspective that it could be a lot worse!

[Ashburnite]

I was thinking about places I know of that have a cultural and music scene, homes with character, sidewalks and a walkable community. And I think (from my experiences visiting there several times) that the east side of Milwaukee fits that description. They have summer concerts in the park by the lake (Lake Michigan), a summer music festival every year (called Summerfest), art museums, and more. The cultural diversity is very good in terms of Italians, Germans, Polish, etc. and the food represents that. They have corner coffee shops (that aren't corporate owned!), bars, shopping, and restaurants within walking distance of many houses. You get a real mix of young people attending UWM, grad students, single professionals, g/l, families, and older people. I have family living there and they absolutely love it. And if you crave an even bigger city and more museums and activity, Chicago is about an hour away.

[treebw]

I love living here. I have lived in CO, CA, and most recently NC. I am convinced that we must be happy with ourselves to be happy, but where we live can help; Sometimes leaving a memory, person, job, town can help.

That said, I agree with some earlier posters that say to go look around! Be a tourist again and look at things with new eyes. My daughter and I like to drive to different towns and go have lunch just to see what the different areas look like.

You may want to move, but may not need to go as far as you are thinking.

[ScranBarre]

Today I took some of your advice to heart, skipped church (oh my!), and did some soul-searching. First off I walked the Difficult Run Trail through Great Falls to where it meets the Potomac River, snapped some photos, and just stood and marveled at the breathtaking scenery around me for a while (minus the trash, of course). Next, just for kicks, I took a brief "joy-ride" down Kirby Road (a.k.a. the "roller coaster") in McLean before turning around and heading back to Route 123. I crossed over the Chain Bridge into NW DC and then drove back up the I-495 to Bethesda. After exploring Bethesda I can safely say that this is what Reston SHOULD be. From here I headed down to Arlington and drove from Ballston through Court House, Clarendon, and on into Rosslyn and nearly teared up by how happy I was. There was mass transit. There were packed sidewalk cafes (not to mention SIDEWALKS!). There were younger people EVERYWHERE. On the way home I drove through Falls Church and finally looked at the city with a whole new light. I was intrigued by an advertisement I received about "The Spectrum at Falls Church," a new apartment complex in the city, and now I can easily see myself living there in a couple of years.

All in all NoVA isn't really a bad area. I just happened to locate myself in a really undesirable part of it for people that don't like suburban living with needing your car to be chained to your hip. This was really outside of my control though. My job WAS in Herndon, and I didn't want to be driving back-and-forth all the time between, per se, Court House and Herndon in the God awful traffic congestion down here, hence why I settled on Reston. Now that my job is in Tyson's Corner I could realistically move to a place like Falls Church or Arlington and Metro commute there in a couple of years when the Silver Line is completed.

I suppose I just wish Reston was better-oriented towards those who sought urban living, but I'm asking too much.