Pros/Cons, Northern VA vs. Richmond (Alexandria: transplants, 2015, living)

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by JayJayCB

So on a teacher's salary (high school), it's best to rule out Fairfax Co?

It seems like more people are persuading me to focus on Richmond. I'm definitely interested in areas like Carytown and maybe suburbs further out near Short Pump. If I want nightlife, I can easily drive down to the Fan or downtown.

Exactly. Living near DC has its advantages. Being affordable is not one of them.

[joe5]

Housing in Richmond is obviously cheaper (you can mitigate this by living farther out in D.C. but still...). And traffic isn't nearly as bad.

And those are the ONLY 2 reasons to consider Richmond. Frankly I wouldn't. D.C. has about 8 billion more worthwhile things to do and places to see and incredible restaurants (etc etc etc) that Richmond sorely lacks.

[JayJayCB]

I grew up around Raleigh, NC and want an area along (kind of) similar lines. It's just hard to pick between Richmond and Northern VA.

I feel like living in an area like Arlington would be doable in my case. It's expensive, but I'll be living alone so an apartment is all I need for (at least) a few years. Plus, high school teachers have better pay in those parts.

[lovely40]

Originally Posted by JayJayCB

I grew up around Raleigh, NC and want an area along (kind of) similar lines. It's just hard to pick between Richmond and Northern VA.

I feel like living in an area like Arlington would be doable in my case. It's expensive, but I'll be living alone so an apartment is all I need for (at least) a few years. Plus, high school teachers have better pay in those parts.

I think since you're on the fence abit, go with NOVA first. Sign a short term lease and see if it works for you. If not, you can move to Richmond later on.

[JayJayCB]

Originally Posted by lovely40

I think since you're on the fence abit, go with NOVA first. Sign a short term lease and see if it works for you. If not, you can move to Richmond later on.

Sounds like a good idea. I like Richmond due to the area's historic sights and the relatively close proximity to Raleigh/Durham (where family/friends reside), but I think it'd be interesting living in the D.C. area plus NOVA is far more international and progressive. The D.C. area just seems more exciting, but I understand that it'd be better to pick Richmond unless I can settle inside the I-495 beltway.

[spencer114]

Washington>Richmond> NoVa

Accessibility is everything. Richmond has the best restaurant scene in Virginia and you'll be able to afford the food and actually get seated within 45 minutes. You can actually rent where you want to live too. You won't be able to afford the district or Alexandria (or Arlington Courthouse). If you're excited about renting the basement of a 70's tri-level in Sterling, then NoVa is the place to be. The reality is that you'll be living in a place with a driveway, 20 miles from the wonderful cultural amenities and waiting in line every time just to buy coffee and groceries (a reasonable price to pay if you're actually in a city but you'll be in the equivalent of Cary). Wanna go to the park? You'll be driving to it. Wanna see a band? You'll have to drive 20 miles into Washington. Wanna try That new restaurant? You'll have to drive to it and park in a surface parking lot when you get there.

NoVa has many, many wonderful qualities but it won't provide the the urban experience that you're looking for.

[spencer114]

NoVa isn't that progressive either (Arlington County notwithstanding). Some of Virginia's most crazy conservative legislators come from there. Certainly the most vocal at the moment are from there.

I've lived as an adult in Tidewater, Northern Virginia and Richmond. Richmond by far has been the most stimulating (Tidewater second) of the three metros (though I do miss the great Korean food in Centerville). I really like Washington (and Fredrick) but the rest of the area is soul crushingly uninteresting and down-right douchey.

[brocco]

I'm not big on night life, traffic, or crowds so Richmond wins by a mile for me. I'm also outdoorsy and Richmond is great for that with the river and trails and parks and everything. I can go out to the river in the morning and walk down a beautiful path for miles without interacting with another soul. I don't even like visiting NOVA if I can avoid it. I know living in Richmond that I will be able to afford the type of life I want for myself and my future children which makes a big difference to me. Everything I need is within a 30 minute drive.

[lordwillin02]

if youre from raleigh not really sure what richmond will do, if anything its a lesser raleigh

[aquest1]

Originally Posted by lordwillin02

if youre from raleigh not really sure what richmond will do, if anything its a lesser raleigh

False. A) Richmond is very different from Raleigh, and they're easily distinguished from each other. B) Richmond has a tremendous amount of character, history and offers a more urban professional lifestyle that contrasts Raleigh's largely suburban professional vibe. Both are great for families. Raleigh has more tech and Richmond has more classic business and industry.