Define what makes up NOVA (Arlington, Alexandria: transplants, lawyers, townhouse)

[NOVAnoobie]

There seems to be some disagreement between those that live in other areas of Virginia. In your own words and opinion, where is the line drawn on each side?

[choff5]

Here we go again. Rinse and repeat. Among the many threads over time, here’s just one:

https://www.city-data.com/forum/north...-virginia.html

[Bigfoot424]

I don't see this as a bad topic. Especially to someone new.

OP. I moved from NOVA after 42 years. Moved to the valley to escape the hustle and bustle. I was in Prince William Co the entire time and back in 73 when we moved there it wasn't quite NOVA but it wasn't long before we became a member. Traffic, 7-11's and strip malls are a huge part of NOVA. Some very good restaurants as well. More shopping than you'll ever need. Probably more lawyers than anywhere else in the US (not saying it's a bad thing) and some great hospitals. There's more to it and others will likely chime in. And if you don't come back and participate then I hope you stub your toe, hard.

[MedvedActual]

NoVA (about a 40-50 mile radius by DC), IMO, is a 'land' of transpants, especially given the abundance of the military as well as various government agencies and federal contractors. Once you clear Fredericksburg ish going south at least you get into more of a VA vs NoVA feel.. Not sure why the NoVA topic really matters as I take it as more of a geographic location, i.e., Northern VA vs. a description of a specific population, etc.

[NOVA_guy]

Northern Virginia - Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Prince William County.

There can be an argument made about Stafford being part of NoVa but I'd say it still varies depending on who you ask.

[Ffxdata]

I got a book recently that outlined Virginia cuisine. They didn’t have anything from any of the counties listed above OR from Culpeper, Orange, and Madison Counties because those were considered “Metro DC.” In no way is Culpeper and its environs Northern Virginia, much less DC!

[NOVAmtneer82]

Depends on what you go by- the census includes DC Metro includes Madison County and I think Culpepper?

I think most people here define Northern Virginia as Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church City, Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William and Loudoun County. Stafford, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania are definitely part of the commuter belt but not sure how 'Nova' they are- depends on who you ask. Same tends to be said Fauquier and the areas out towards Winchester.

[sonnymarkjiz]

Traffic
Proximity to DC
Lots of random shopping centers
Trees and woods
Families
Transplants
Cops who sit on highways and pull you over for sitting in traffic
People who brag about living close to DC but pay almost a million dollars for a standard 1700 sq ft townhouse

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by NOVAnoobie

There seems to be some disagreement between those that live in other areas of Virginia. In your own words and opinion, where is the line drawn on each side?

Are you referring to what defines NoVA geographically or culturally?

[mpier015]

I think you all got caught in a troll