Thinking of Moving From NOVA... (Annandale, McLean: apartments, health insurance, home)

[JD984]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

Folks like being a bigger fish. This isn't a slam on people, because I share that desire.

Moderator Cut

I know that's what influenced me to move out to Leesburg. In Leesburg/Frederick/Winchester/Front Royal -- I'm not just Shawn Pickrell, some anonymous IT worker and message board bloviator.

And all this time I've been trying to figure out who St. Pickrell was and when the St. Pickrell's Day parade gets held.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

O.K. - sorry daycare is not bad - I just kinda wince when I see a tiny baby - just born being dropped off at the home daycare across the street - I know some people have really important jobs and need to use daycare.

And you are right - I am bitter because I have been snubbed in NOVA - not rich enough, not educated enough, etc. - I really have - I did not imagine it - so sorry that my posts have been kinda mean.

I am suprised the NOVA forum bullies have not joined in and smashed me like they usually do.

[michgc]

Everyone likes different places - that's why there is city mouse and country mouse. Clearly a NYC party boy wouldn't be happy in southwestern Virginia any more than a content, country boy would be happy in Manhattan. But in between the two ends of the spectrum are a lot of places that may appear fairly similar on the surface but may not be. I think some NoVa people just wanted to point that out. And while cliche, it's very true that often people do not realize what they have until they no longer have it.

If the OP is looking for a simpler, quieter, less stressful life, then by all means go for it. But if he still wants some "big-city" amenities (and I'm not sure he does) then he needs to take all of that into consideration. Good school districts even in cheaper cities cost money (or private will cost even more). Smaller places don't have festivals every weekend. Various ethnic restaurants may not be common. Jobs are harder to find and pay less. If all of those things have been considered and OP still wants to move then he should do it. If he hasn't considered those things, then he should. I think that's all some people were pointing out. All moves should be taken with ones eyes wide-open.

I wish the OP much success and hope he keeps us updated with his decision.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Originally Posted by claremarie

For some reason, those who evidently lack the fancy job/degree/house/car and profess not to need them are nevertheless paying a lot of attention to their neighbors who do. The resentment is palpable. If you don't like living in northern Virginia, by all means find a more hospitable location, but it's kind of hypocritical to complain about the neighbors' judgments while judging them right back....

I do have the fancy degree, house and car - just dont like to hear people bragging about it - I guess I learned to be hypocritical living in NOVA - I was never this bitter before - but now I am happy - hehe
Just trying to warn others of what it is like here

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by jeb77

and all this time i've been trying to figure out who st. Pickrell was and when the st. Pickrell's day parade gets held.

this^^^^^

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

And you are right - I am bitter because I have been snubbed in NOVA - not rich enough, not educated enough, etc. - I really have - I did not imagine it - so sorry that my posts have been kinda mean.

I'm not saying it hasn't happened to you, I'm sure it has. Many people talk about these sorts of things happening. But, each time I hear it, I wonder - why has this never happened to me?? I am CERTAINLY not "rich enough" or "educated enough", but I've never felt snubbed or looked down upon.

Could it be I choose to hang out with people who would never do it? Could I not notice it happening?

Not sure, but this is a NOVA experience that is foreign to me.

[FCNova]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

I do have the fancy degree, house and car - just dont like to hear people bragging about it - I guess I learned to be hypocritical living in NOVA - I was never this bitter before - but now I am happy - hehe
Just trying to warn others of what it is like here

Since I've been browsing this board I've seen alot of complaints like that. Of people here being superficial, bragging about their money/degrees, everyone trying to outdo each other, etc. I don't doubt it happens, but I've lived here my whole life and just don't see it much. I often wonder what circles these people are running in. Maybe my friends and family are just way too lowbrow for this area...

[chariega]

Originally Posted by FCNova

Since I've been browsing this board I've seen alot of complaints like that. Of people here being superficial, bragging about their money/degrees, everyone trying to outdo each other, etc. I don't doubt it happens, but I've lived here my whole life and just don't see it much. I often wonder what circles these people are running in. Maybe my friends and family are just way too lowbrow for this area...

Or maybe you're just used to it? I kid. I kid. I don't know. I can see how people feel that the area is pretentious, and at the same time, I've met some pretty cool people here too. YMMV.

[loveautumn]

IMHO, if the OP is taking money out of a retirement account to make ends meet, then something is seriously wrong. Retirement accounts should be untouchable. So, one can either cut expenses (be surprised what can be eliminated from the want list), or they are genuinely over their heads and need to get out of an area where they just can't afford it. Hey, I'd love to live in alot of places that offer so much, but can't afford. One has to, at some point, admit where they are financially and adjust accordingly.

I love Virginia and had hoped to retire there but looks like the budget won't work, unless I live in the middle of nowhere, which I don't want to do. 10 years ago I was set on Leesburg, but darn it, look what happened....everybody else discovered the place too!

[FCNova]

Originally Posted by chariega

Or maybe you're just used to it? I kid. I kid. I don't know. I can see how people feel that the area is pretentious, and at the same time, I've met some pretty cool people here too. YMMV.

There may be some truth to that. I am used to seeing lots of people driving around in their Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, etc. I don't know, maybe it bothers some people who move from other areas, if they can only afford a Honda and half the houses on their block have a luxury vehicle in the driveway. I honestly haven't come across many people bragging about said luxury car though. Maybe the people I've come into contact with are just doing it all wrong.