Where should a young professional live in relation to work located in Leesburg? (Arlington: nightlife, food)

[FindingZen]

Notwithstanding some familiar talking points, I did find it informative to learn about the Villages of Leesburg community as I don't frequent Loudoun County.

Can anyone else verify or counter SCR's experience for 20somethings in Reston Town Center?

[FCNova]

You're in a tough spot with your work location. I wouldn't have wanted to live in Reston at 22 if I was from elsewhere and wanted to meet people. It tends to be an older crowd. But you may have to compromise with that because of where you work. It's definitely better than living in Leesburg which will be practically all families w kids.

[JfromReston]

...

I have noticed that the crowd at Reston Town Center has been getting younger and younger in the last few years.

[SteelCityRising]

... I happen to think neither Leesburg nor Reston are ideal places for people in their early-20s. Apparently Leesburg and Reston are both now teeming with 20-somethings that didn't exist when I moved away a few years ago, so I'll defer to you if that's now the case, and Reston and Leesburg are now the "hip" places to be for young people.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

... I happen to think neither Leesburg nor Reston are ideal places for people in their early-20s. Apparently Leesburg and Reston are both now teeming with 20-somethings that didn't exist when I moved away a few years ago, so I'll defer to you if that's now the case, and Reston and Leesburg are now the "hip" places to be for young people.

You can move to the NoVA area in your early 20s and meet many friends, have lots of fun, date, get married, etc - all without ever living near the "hip" places to be for young people. I know this, because I did it. I'm sorry it didn't work out for you that way, but that doesn't mean these places don't provide opportunity for fun and excitement.

[robbobobbo]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

How many times are you going to keep coming back here to slam NOVA? You hated it, we get it.

I think he had some excellent points especially for a young adult, and he was complimentary in some aspects.

[dkf747]

I thought he made a good post, though I do understand the feelings others have.

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

...I'm much happier up here, but you may find that Northern Virginia is worth the added expense. Good luck!

Doesn't sound like bashing to me. I thought his post was very detailed and useful to someone of a similar age with similar lifestyle wants.

[FindingZen]

Let's not get bogged down in circular arguments. Returning to the Original Topic will maximize thread life and minimize infractions.

[Badger21]

OP, I can tell you that you that while it may take a bit, you will have a good time in Reston. Five years ago I was in your exact spot...never had been to the area, same age, with a new job opportunity. I chose Reston partly because I was scared of the commute if I chose Arlington and had heard it was new and upcoming.

SteelCityRising is right in the fact that you had to hang around an older crowd in order to fit in five years ago. I definitely agree that the dynamic has changed as I see a lot more 20-somethings out, but I didn't really mind it, as age is just a number. It's fun interacting with all kinds of people, whether they're family oriented, young professional, old professional, or just a big kid (like me). Be nice and just listen and for the most part you'll have a good time. While you'll encounter unfriendly people from time to time (admittedly more than you might elsewhere on the East Coast), the positive experiences here should more than counter that.

The Town Center just got World of Beer not to mention other numerous bars that are available for you to peruse downtown. Best part is that there are cabs ready and willing to take you back to your apt if you had too much or if you're willing to pay a bit more you can stumble home to the numerous apartment buildings around. Reston seems to be trying to recreate Arlington Lite...I don't know if they're succeeding or not, but as a young 20 something, with a job in Leesburg, I'd have a hard time recommending another place. You should find your commute tolerable, and with the Silver Line here, be able to commute relatively easily into Arlington and DC on the weekends when you want something new.