Best and Worst Parts of Town? (Alexandria, Mount Vernon: homes, neighborhood, to live)

[Anders15]

Well since you all are already there, compared to Richmond what cities are better? I can't seem to get a serious answer in other threads. Since this thread does not seem to have any real direction thought I'd sneak in and ask.

When I say better I am comparing culture, diversity, crime, colleges, lifestyle and over all feel for the city. I know it is more expensive up there and a lot more traffic. Looking for a safer, faster and more modern speed on life compared to Richmond where in NoVA would you live if you were 23?

[TheseGoTo11]

Originally Posted by Anders15

Looking for a safer, faster and more modern speed on life compared to Richmond where in NoVA would you live if you were 23?

Arlington or Alexandria

[weezycom]

If I was 23, I'd either go to North Arlington along the metro corridor, or the new condos in Old Town Alexandria near the King Street Metro, and I'd sell my car and get a Zipcar membership.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by bornindc

Wow, that is a loaded question. How do you define "best" and "worst"? Schools? Traffic/Commute? Crime? Housing (prices, architecture, or something else)? Better or worse for families or single people? Walkability of the community or lack of? Wealthiest or poorest residents? Recreational opportunities & government services? Access to amenities like shops and restaurants?

I'm familiar with most of NoVa and I'm not even sure how to answer such an open-ended question - everyone will probably give you a completely different list based on their own criteria!

Good answer. For example, what would make a school a "bad school" as some refer to them? The students? The families? The facilities? Could it be a good school if it didn't have bad kids?

One post recommended living in Alexandria. That too is very broad. There are parts of Alexandria that I wouldn't want to live in.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by Tone509

I was waiting for someone to comment on this...

From what I recall of Alanboy395's posts, he has friends down around Woodbridge that he visits regularly. I would imagine by now that he has seen enough of that area to decide that, for him, Woodbridge is a place where he would feel comfortable living.

Visiting Woodbridge once in a while is one thing. Working there for years and seeing the real Woodbridge is another. I would not live there, period. I realize there are plenty of good people that live in Woodbridge and some parts of Woodbridge are worse/better than others. But Woodbridge is basically just an extension of South America with many of those living there doing so illegally. Anyone thinking of moving to Woodbridge should go visit the 7-11 at RT 1 and Prince William Parkway any weekday morning and watch the show.

[terrence81]

Originally Posted by Anders15

Well since you all are already there, compared to Richmond what cities are better? I can't seem to get a serious answer in other threads. Since this thread does not seem to have any real direction thought I'd sneak in and ask.

When I say better I am comparing culture, diversity, crime, colleges, lifestyle and over all feel for the city. I know it is more expensive up there and a lot more traffic. Looking for a safer, faster and more modern speed on life compared to Richmond where in NoVA would you live if you were 23?

Clarendon is the usual hot spot for the post grad crowd. It's got the bright lights and the nightlife. Also Ballston is nice it too has that big city feel but with less nightlife. Those that can't afford the high rents in Clarendon might choose East Falls Church or a quieter North Arlington hood.

But you know what? I don't personally know anyone in this area under 30 that actually lives in Arlington because it's so expensive. All of my younger coworkes and aquaintances live elsewhere like Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, or even more further out. Even in DC all the young city folk I meet don't stay in the glitzy parts like Georgetown, Dupont, U street or Adams Morgan it's Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Mt. Pleasant, Petworth, or Glover Park.

So everyone will say move to Clarendon but the reality is most people live as close to the action as they afford to and just drive or metro to the actual action. However, none of my VA counterparts are without cars so selling the car would give you more buying/renting power. Personally I'd move to DC if I was without a car though.

[qwertman]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Visiting Woodbridge once in a while is one thing. Working there for years and seeing the real Woodbridge is another. I would not live there, period. I realize there are plenty of good people that live in Woodbridge and some parts of Woodbridge are worse/better than others. But Woodbridge is basically just an extension of South America with many of those living there doing so illegally. Anyone thinking of moving to Woodbridge should go visit the 7-11 at RT 1 and Prince William Parkway any weekday morning and watch the show.

There's more to woodbridge then one 7-11. I lived in the area for most of 15 years and hardly ever even past that 7-11. I could have easily avoided passing it altogether, but didn't because it isn't that bad.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Visiting Woodbridge once in a while is one thing. Working there for years and seeing the real Woodbridge is another. I would not live there, period. I realize there are plenty of good people that live in Woodbridge and some parts of Woodbridge are worse/better than others. But Woodbridge is basically just an extension of South America with many of those living there doing so illegally. Anyone thinking of moving to Woodbridge should go visit the 7-11 at RT 1 and Prince William Parkway any weekday morning and watch the show.

Which parts of South America are you referring to? Buenos Aires? Sao Paolo? I've heard that they're beautiful cities....

It seems safe to say that Woodbridge is on your "worst" list. Obviously, one's mileage may vary.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Which parts of South America are you referring to? Buenos Aires? Sao Paolo? I've heard that they're beautiful cities....

It seems safe to say that Woodbridge is on your "worst" list. Obviously, one's mileage may vary.

Nicely said, I totally agree.

[Nemesis16]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Visiting Woodbridge once in a while is one thing. Working there for years and seeing the real Woodbridge is another. I would not live there, period. I realize there are plenty of good people that live in Woodbridge and some parts of Woodbridge are worse/better than others. But Woodbridge is basically just an extension of South America with many of those living there doing so illegally. Anyone thinking of moving to Woodbridge should go visit the 7-11 at RT 1 and Prince William Parkway any weekday morning and watch the show.

What kind of shows take place?