How high is the snob factor/keeping up with the Joneses in NOVA? (Burke: middle-class, fit in)

[Cagirl767]

We're considering a move from Phoenix, AZ where it's just about illegal to not drive a luxury car, not Botox, kids must wear designer clothing, etc. So I was wondering how prevelant this may be in the NOVA area? I have young kids, so this is of particular importance to me in the public schools, along with adults. I would really like to hear that education is stressed there and conservative values, and that materialism isn't as "valued" there.
I was reading somewhere here on CD that it's just about illegal to be poor there, which is causing my concern.

Are there a large percentage of educated SAHM's in the suburbs?

We're just hoping to fit in a little better......somewhere.

[momtotwoboys]

it all depends on where you are. I live in Mclean which probably has a reputation of being snooty, wealthy, etc but we don't live in that part of Mclean. My neighborhood is full of SAHM's who are fun and not snobby at all. When we moved in, all our nieighbors brought us welcoming plants and baked goods and were so helpful in helping us figure out where everything is. Now, drive a a mile or so away and it is could be a different story. I love our small town feel here. I moved here from the bay area in California and have found people to be a lot more friendly here than there. Good Luck!

[The Dissenter]

VERY very high.

[ggcjbw]

There are certainly a lot of affluent people here. That said, such affluence usually helps when you're looking for neighborhoods with educated SAHM's and good schools. I think you can find everything in NoVA. I currently live in Burke and we love it -- I know plenty of SAHM's and WOHM's and I don't know one who doesn't have a college education (or more, for both sets). Yes, there are a lot of families who have bigger houses and drive better cars than we do, but my kids don't seem to mind. My neighbors live in a modest colonial built in the 70's, but they just bought their daughter a car (a Honda but heck, a NEW CAR!). OTOH, said daughter is very sweet, DOESN'T look like she just popped out of a TV show, babysits to earn extra money and plays sports at the local high school. All kids around here seem to have what they need in an upper middle-class neighborhood -- I'm sure some are big brats but I haven't met one yet. Now, that doesn't mean that kids AND PARENTS are not horribly competitive around here. Usually, though, I've found such competitiveness has more to do with achievements: athletics, grades, and other such resume builders. I usually don't see it with BMW's and Hollister (which is probably so uncool...I just don't know!!!!) HTH.

[Yankeesfan]

The Young and Envious (see above) will tell you that it is, but aside from some pockets of the area, it really isn't. There's a higher percentage of people here who are educated, successful, and well-paid than in most areas, but that doesn't mean they're snobs, it just means that they're good at what they do.
What you're describing is very prevalent in Atlanta, but not here.

[claremarie]

Residents of Fairfax County have one of the highest median incomes in the country. Housing is very expensive, many mothers are working full-time outside the home, and a very high percentage of the population has at least one post-graduate degree.
However, whether that translates into "snobbery" depends on what you're comparing it to. IMO, the NYC and LA suburbs are meccas of conspicuous consumption, such that northern Virginia isn't even in the same league. The snob factor in DC is much more likely to be focused on education and employment status -- journalists, Hill staffers, think tank policy wonks, etc. don't make much money, and usually live relatively modestly, but they have high status in many social circles because of their work. Yes, there are a lot of nice cars in northern Virginia, but they tend to be the boring BMWs and Mercedes driven by successful middle-aged professionals. Not too many red convertibles driven by trophy wives on their way to the Botox appointment.

[CaliTerp07]

I'm shocked when I spend time in schools here and see so many kids running around with North Face fleeces and Polo shirts! So yeah, the area has money (some neighborhoods more than others) At the same time, there is a huge concentration of stay-at-home moms (educated or not).

I dunno. NoVA is a really diverse area. It depends who you want to hang out with and where you want to live. When I spend time with my coworkers I have to remind myself not to be embarrassed to drive a 10 year old car and not shop at designer stores. When I spend time with my Bible study couples, I feel more down to earth.

[movingtodcfromseattle]

Having moved from Seattle (another pretty affluent area), I would have to agree with most of the other posters. IMO Nova is incredibly well-educated, but they aren't HUGE on buying the latest and greatest clothes, things, etc. In Seattle everyone was always talking about the latest and greatest at Costco and in constant comparison with the haves and have nots. I find that people buy quality here and want the best for their children, but name-brands don't seem to be a status symbol like they were for us in Seattle. We are also in a late 60's neighborhood (family friendly) where they drive decent cars, but nothing fancy.

[bangorme]

I live in Fairfax county, and don't really notice it. People here are young and have money. Young people tend to be a bit more flashy and many have the means to buy (or more likely rent) nice cars. But if you aren't looking for it, you won't notice.

[reebo]

Please, let's don't start this again. I believe this has been addressed to death in other threads.