If you work in DC you should live in DC (Virginia Beach: beach, wealthy)

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

The first person ever, that I can remember, that has something good to say about Petersburg. I don't see it but weirder things have happened.

I've been there twice, and I liked the little downtown and the river, thought it had potential. I don't know how its changed in the last 6 or 7 years though.

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by NOVA_guy

I think Virginia is an interesting state with lots of history. However, let's not kid ourselves. Without NoVa, this state would be a snoozefest. And also not nearly as wealthy... essentially, DC and its influence on this area has in turn made Virginia a much better state IMO.

A lot of southerners complain about the cultural change caused by "come downers". But for the better part of a century southern states have encouraged industry to come down, have voted for congressmen promising to bring more jobs (military, other govt, private sector) to the region. The demographic changes are the natural consequence of the success of that effort. Seems like bad form to complain about the newcomers, but maybe that's just me.

Also most large northern cities had big influxes of southerners between 1900 and 1970, that significantly change the culture of those cities . Of course some people don't think them as southerners, since the overwhelming majority of them are African Americans (some were white migrants from appalachia though).

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by adriftinthebay

are you guys who moved out of NOVA but still living in VA, remote workers traveling into the office a few days a month or retirees? I know several guys who said screw it to move to Roanoke and commute into the office once a month. That's the way to do it.

I'm retired LE in PWC but now I'm federal out here in the valley. Going out though on disability soon. I would not have moved to the valley only to drive into NOVA.

[NOVA_guy]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

And I would argue just the opposite. Moving away from NOVA was the best thing we could have ever done. Different lifestyle here in the valley. I was in NOVA for 42 years. I'd never live there again.

I definitely think the local leaders are going to have to deal with the fact that in this area there’s a weird paradox that as it continues to grow and gain more jobs and employers like Amazon, in some aspects the quality of life continues to deteriorate due to overcrowding, congestion, incredibly high CoL and awful traffic.

If we continue to ignore it we’re going to become San Fran 2.0. As great as tech is, what’s happened out there is almost insanity - folks paying $2500/month for 300 sqft. The average home price being over $1M... that’s what happens eventually when areas continue to ignore these issues.

So I agree that there are better parts of the state if you’re looking for a more reasonable CoL, more laid back lifestyle and less traffic, etc.

[sonnymarkjiz]

I've been there done that and lived in DC. I liked it at first but I hate what DC currently is...a bunch of overpriced gentrified apartment and condos popping up everywhere I go. I was on U street yesterday and I didn't even know where I was anymore. I agree with Nova guy and I think DC is on the verge of becoming San Francisco 2.0 because the housing prices are starting to get ridiculous and phasing out long timers who have lived there their entire life. The problem is land in DC is limited so I already see that east of the Anacostia is being targeted now for redevelopment but wonder how long it can last.

I do prefer NOVA though. While it's not perfect, it gives me some space from the city. The traffic does suck but I'm just kinda used to it at this point, but I love VA for the fact that if I want mountains, wine, valleys, or the beach, I can do all that within a daytrip.

DC, to me, lost its cool factor a few years ago. All the new buildings all look the same with these lame apartment over a store concept. Each neighborhood of DC used to feel different and now each one is starting to all feel the same.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by NOVA_guy

I definitely think the local leaders are going to have to deal with the fact that in this area there’s a weird paradox that as it continues to grow and gain more jobs and employers like Amazon, in some aspects the quality of life continues to deteriorate due to overcrowding, congestion, incredibly high CoL and awful traffic.

If we continue to ignore it we’re going to become San Fran 2.0. As great as tech is, what’s happened out there is almost insanity - folks paying $2500/month for 300 sqft. The average home price being over $1M... that’s what happens eventually when areas continue to ignore these issues.

So I agree that there are better parts of the state if you’re looking for a more reasonable CoL, more laid back lifestyle and less traffic, etc.

NOVA is hopefully never going to be San Fran 2.0. One of the most disgusting beautiful cities I've ever worked in. The cost for everything was bad enough but the homelessness and its horrible issues was just awful.

[Veritas Vincit]

I don't know if it will ever be quite like SF because it has jurisdictions close to it that are more inviting and accommodating.

[jillybean720]

Originally Posted by adriftinthebay

are you guys who moved out of NOVA but still living in VA, remote workers traveling into the office a few days a month or retirees? I know several guys who said screw it to move to Roanoke and commute into the office once a month. That's the way to do it.

After about 10 years in NOVA, I moved to Virginia Beach. I did as you mentioned, kept my job and work from home most of the time with occasional jaunts to NOVA. I'm only in my 30s, so retirement wasn't/isn't an option yet. I've been doing this for about 4.5 years now, and my employer and I are both still satisfied with the arrangement.

Honestly, the 3-4 nights I spend each month in NOVA are like a little mini vacation for me - hotel room alone, no kids, no pets, get to watch whatever I want, eat whatever I want, shower for as long as I want...these things are amazing when you have little kids at home!

I leave VB usually around 4am to get to my office by 9ish, and that includes 1-2 stops for gas or sustenance or even just to stretch my legs at a Walmart along the way. Driving on 95 a few times a month is a good reminder of why we chose to move

[mpier015]

Originally Posted by adriftinthebay

are you guys who moved out of NOVA but still living in VA, remote workers traveling into the office a few days a month or retirees? I know several guys who said screw it to move to Roanoke and commute into the office once a month. That's the way to do it.

My job was based out of Maryland but we also had a strong presence in the Richmond area so I was able to move down here. I Amtrak from Staples Mill to Union once a week for work purposes. Sometimes I stay a night or two, sometimes I come back immediately. I feel like it was the best decision I could have made. I grew up in DC and I've watched a lot of things change, some better, some worse. However, the relative ease of access to my everyday life in Richmond is indescribable. I enjoy the people, I like the amount of stuff there is to do, I like the lack of lines, I like being able to jump from different parts of town in minutes and I like the money I save. My brother still lives in Alexandria and couldn't believe what I'm paying for housing. I'm back in the city enough to not feel like I'm missing anything so I guess it is the best of both worlds for me. I've met several people down here that have a similar arrangement going on and I think there are maybe two or three other Richmond posters that work out of both Richmond and NOVA/DC.

[LesLucid]

Originally Posted by adriftinthebay

Should be the new stipulation -- DC/Government workers have ruined two great states.

It makes sense from the commuting standpoint. It keeps you from going completely bonkers trying to commute. I did that for 4 years, back in the late 70-80s. I cannot imagine what it is like now. It used to make me nuts back then.