Grew up in MD, thinking of moving to NoVA from NYC

[NYCtoDMV]

Thank you everyone for the insight and suggestions, this is super helpful. I got a good laugh out of the Mecca reference haha.

I didn't realize there wasn't much of a Jewish population/area in NoVA, so I'm glad I asked. Again, I'm not very religious (in fact I'm a downright terrible Jew lol), but it's nice to be around people that have at least some shared experiences and world view as you.

As noted I'll take a look at Vienna, Mantua, Alexandria, and Somerset.

And thank you for the bagel suggestion!!

[Old Guard]

Originally Posted by Mnseca

I'm a Jew from NY, living in NoVa. There is nothing Jewish here except anti-semitism. I actually didn't even know there was still anti-semitism in the USA until I moved here. There are also no neighborhoods where Jews congregate. They are all spread out. There is a big JCC, a synagogue, and a Chabad house in the Mantua/Annandale area, and a lot of Jews attend events there, but most people drive in from pretty far, and from all over, which means you can't really have a group of Jewish friends, because no one lives close enough to you to see except at the synagogue. Do not take advice from non-Jewish people about where the Jews are - they see one Jewish person and assume we all know each other and live nearby.

As for your budget, it's OK for Mclean and Vienna, but personally I like Vienna better. It's just more hip and cool and different, and property values are good there too. I can't see anyone from NYC liking the monotony of McLean.

Well this is surprising to me. I am not Jewish though.

I will say parts of your post seem to have some racist undertones though.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by Old Guard

Well this is surprising to me. I am not Jewish though.

I will say parts of your post seem to have some racist undertones though.

Its not racist. We have plenty of newcomers internationally who wish to make a circle of friends with similar culture/language and religion. nbd

MD has a lot of what I know as Old World immigrants; Jews, Italians, Irish, Polish, etc.

VA has more New World immigrants; Saudis, Somalis, Koreans, Vietnamese, Indians, Salvadoreans, Bolivians, Peruvians, Nicaraguaians Pakistanis.
Lots of the Immigration in Nova happened in the past 30 years. My 10 year experience in Ffx County is the Afghanis and Viets have been here the longest.
You are much more likely to see Hijjab than long denim skirts and knit hats in nova but there are various temples here, from Reform to Chabad. I have yet to see a Mitzvah Tank in Nova which I just find sad

[LynchburgLover]

Originally Posted by NYCtoDMV

Thank you everyone for the insight and suggestions, this is super helpful. I got a good laugh out of the Mecca reference haha.

I didn't realize there wasn't much of a Jewish population/area in NoVA, so I'm glad I asked. Again, I'm not very religious (in fact I'm a downright terrible Jew lol), but it's nice to be around people that have at least some shared experiences and world view as you.

As noted I'll take a look at Vienna, Mantua, Alexandria, and Somerset.

And thank you for the bagel suggestion!!

I grew up in Somerset. Granted the houses are smaller but it is great place and so many of the homes are being expanded. I'm also surprised at the number of kids I grew up with who are now living in the houses. The sense of community is fantastic -- with the pool, tennis etc. Just a great neighborhood.

Had jobs not taken us elsewhere, I'd live there again in a heartbeat. I'm not Jewish but we had many wonderful Jewish neighbors. Temple Sinai on Military Road always seemed to be a popular one.

Best of luck!