seeking liberal NOVA community with lots of green space (Alexandria: rentals, house)

[emtully]

I am considering the perks of more natural beauty and lower taxes in VA as a future moving spot. My partner and I have jobs in DC and will likely continue our careers in DC.

There are draws to southern Maryland with communities like Takoma Park and other towns just outside of DC that have yard space for gardening or even urban egg laying hens etc. However, it just seems you get a lot more for the price in VA and there are more asthetic areas to choose from in VA.

Are there any quiet, tucked away, liberal, cultured, heavy on the green space towns in NOVA that anyone local can recommend?

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by emtully

I am considering the perks of more natural beauty and lower taxes in VA as a future moving spot. My partner and I have jobs in DC and will likely continue our careers in DC.

There are draws to southern Maryland with communities like Takoma Park and other towns just outside of DC that have yard space for gardening or even urban egg laying hens etc. However, it just seems you get a lot more for the price in VA and there are more asthetic areas to choose from in VA.

Are there any quiet, tucked away, liberal, cultured, heavy on the green space towns in NOVA that anyone local can recommend?

I could probably think of a number of places that would satisfy all of your preferences.... except the liberal part. Although a good part of NOVA has segued "blue" in recent elections, I haven't noticed anywhere that might be reminiscent of, say, Berkeley. The closest thing I can think would be the Del Ray neighborhood in Alexandria. I don't know if you're allowed to raise hens in your yard but they do have a farmer's market on Saturdays during warmer months.

For everything else, consider areas like Vienna, Falls Church or maybe even Leesburg.

[claremarie]

Not sure why there have been so many folks seeking "liberal" enclaves in the DC area of late (though I do have some good guesses), but since these people would probably also describe themselves as "tolerant," they should really have no objection to living alongside those who do not necessarily share their political/economic views. For some strange reason, many "conservatives" also seek out quiet, tucked away, cultured neighborhoods with lots of green space. They may even venture out to the farmer's market on their way to the gun club.

[cantthinkofone]

Tone509 (and others who might know), any thoughts on the best way to find a rental in Del Ray? After some consideration I think we'd prefer Del Ray to the orange line corridor, but haven't had much luck on craigslist, Washington Post, or MLS. Thanks!

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by cantthinkofone

Tone509 (and others who might know), any thoughts on the best way to find a rental in Del Ray? After some consideration I think we'd prefer Del Ray to the orange line corridor, but haven't had much luck on craigslist, Washington Post, or MLS. Thanks!

At St. Elmo's Cafe on Mount Vernon Avenue (the "main drag") I've seen flyers for rentals all the time. That might be a good place to start.

[Denton56]

Reston. It's full of liberals. As long as you don't need good schools, you will fit right in.

[cantthinkofone]

Originally Posted by Tone509

At St. Elmo's Cafe on Mount Vernon Avenue (the "main drag") I've seen flyers for rentals all the time. That might be a good place to start.

Funny you should say that, I thought of the exact same place right after I posted. A friend checked it out this evening and unfortunately there was only one flyer for a house share. I'm glad to know that's usually a good resource and one I will continue to check. Thanks!

[Fern435]

Originally Posted by claremarie

Not sure why there have been so many folks seeking "liberal" enclaves in the DC area of late (though I do have some good guesses), but since these people would probably also describe themselves as "tolerant," they should really have no objection to living alongside those who do not necessarily share their political/economic views. For some strange reason, many "conservatives" also seek out quiet, tucked away, cultured neighborhoods with lots of green space. They may even venture out to the farmer's market on their way to the gun club.

Excellent point.

Seems like a fake brand of "tolerance."

[oneasterisk]

Can someone define a liberal community? I don't understand the concept? I guess a conservative community would be the opposite, so please define that as well. I figure if you don't like someone's views, then don't talk to them, but maybe that's just too simple.

I'm foreign born, and lived here for a while but I still don't understand a lot of concepts.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by oneasterisk

Can someone define a liberal community? I don't understand the concept? I guess a conservative community would be the opposite, so please define that as well. I figure if you don't like someone's views, then don't talk to them, but maybe that's just too simple.

I'm foreign born, and lived here for a while but I still don't understand a lot of concepts.

In the interest of staying on topic - and not fomenting stereotypes - I'd suggest typing, for example, the terms "blue state" and "red state" into your favorite search engine. That should give you some idea. You could also check out the Politics and Other Controversies forum here as well.

I suppose a lot of Americans desire to live in an area where there are a lot of people that share their social/political values. As some places become more known for having a liberal or conservative reputation, some people flock there while others discount them from their list.

The "problem" comes when someone has a career opportunity or some other compelling reason to move somewhere only to find out that there aren't so many like-minded people there. So they can learn to adapt to the new place with the hope of finding an oasis of similar individuals if not at least being accepted for who they are... or they decline the opportunity and hold out for something more idyllic.

IMO Northern Virginia is more of a patchwork quilt, albeit with a lot more "blue" being woven through it as people from around the country and the world are drawn here. Other areas are much more distinctive conservative or liberal.