Why do people think that Northern Virginia is so unfriendly? (Richmond: lease, mortgages)

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by vabound2012

When people say Northern Californians are not "friendly," what do they really mean?

Do you mean Northern Virginians?

[MrsEvie64]

Well, I was born and raised in Northern Virginia. I spent most of my time in Ashburn (1988-2010) and just moved to Gainesville in 2010. This area, particularly parents, are VERY cliqueish, I agree. But overall, I don't find this area to be so much more unfriendly than the rest of the country. A lot of it is based on what kind of neighborhood you live in.

Another poster said they're in Gainesville and they never see parents out playing, but in my Gainesville neighborhood, there are ALWAYS parents out, to the point of if I just wanna sit outside and read a book and keep an eye on my kids, it's not possible, because there are always neighbors having friendly chit-chat and people walking with their kids and dogs saying hi. But, there are also a lot of SAHMs here, there are no language barrier issues, and all the kids are elementary and younger. I can imagine if the community I lived were working parents or singles working 12+ hour days, or there were several houses with different cultures and/or languages, and the children ranged from babies to teenagers, we might not all be so social.

[Do a Barrel Roll]

Originally Posted by vabound2012

When people say Northern Virginians are not "friendly," what do they really mean?
1. Unfriendly to the point of rude and yelling at people, including in professional arenas, if they do not like something?
or 2. Just so busy with their own lives that they do not stop to have casual conversations and "smell the roses"?

Definitely more of the former inside the beltway, and more of the latter outside the beltway. And this applies to all three places in the DMV. Although to be honest, the transplants tend to not show their rudeness overtly, but by passive aggressive means (cutting off other drivers, rolling of the eyes, looking down on others, etc). But overall, the area is very impersonal, and it doesn't help that there are an abundance of people who are only stuck in the DC area due to the awful economy everywhere else.

[vabound2012]

What is the "beltway"? Would Manassas and Woodbridge be inside or outside of it?

[Do a Barrel Roll]

Originally Posted by vabound2012

What is the "beltway"? Would Manassas and Woodbridge be inside or outside of it?

The Capital Beltway. And Manassas and Woodbridge would be outside of it.

[michgc]

Originally Posted by vabound2012

What is the "beltway"? Would Manassas and Woodbridge be inside or outside of it?

The beltway is Interstate 495 that circles the city. On the eastern side of the city 495 is also called I-95 which is a major North/South artery on the East Coast.

If you look at a map, you will see it.

[OrangeFish]

Originally Posted by vabound2012

What is the "beltway"? Would Manassas and Woodbridge be inside or outside of it?

Wikipedia has a pretty decent explanation of the "Capital Beltway."

[MiaBelle]

I'm not surprised this topic was brought up...I know N. VA since the late 60's.? People that move here-for work-and the workforce is cut throat. I've lost several great friends that scratched the walls to leave our area. The weekend warrior mentality is everywhere-and is a terrible way to view our beautiful area. I'm concerned about my older parents on the roads around here-tail gaiting and intimidation by WOMEN in trucks, of all things, is common. I lived outside NYC for a few years and this place seemed refreshing-but, the unhealthy attitudes in what was an adorable, friendly town seem to be re-zoned and/or moved on. I'm leaving the area again, for a geographic cure(break) and basically the poor hiring for nurses-since the employers have several HUNDRED applications for any position posted. This area is not a place to retire-and the long, unhappy faces that never wave or offer a smile is just a downer. I love Virginia-not the transients that invaded the area-

[Bigfoot424]

Ok.

[FCNova]

I don't buy it. I'm friendly as crap