Gay neighborhoods in NoVA?? (Arlington, Reston: real estate, live, cost)

[BostonBen]

I am a 45 year old gay, married man moving to NoVA from Boston sometime this summer. I will be working at GMU (Fairfax campus). I can't stand the idea of commuting very far (30 minutes tops). Any suggestions on where we could live and feel comfortable? Our housing budget is between 350-450K. Thanks in advance for your help!

[ShannonMilligan]

I don't know about gay neighborhoods, but this area is VERY inclusive...Not many people care what orientation or race or whatever you may be.

I think Reston is a lovely area. Kind of trendy yet grown-up feel. Nice to walk around.

Good luck with your move! I work for a real estate team so if you need any help let me know and I can pass you their info.

[normie]

There isn't an area known as a "gay neighborhood" (as far as I know) but you shouldn't have any problems. IMO this is a very inclusive area, and (IMO) most if not all of the neighborhoods near GMU will be more or less equal as far as a gay population. So I'd pick the one that appeals to you the most. Reston and Fair Lakes are probably the most urban of the bunch, if that matters (but they're still very suburban, as is everything near GMU). We have photo tours of Fair Lakes, Reston, and Vienna, three communities you may find interesting.

[normie]

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

Here is a master list of the photo tours.

[ShannonMilligan]

Normie-I have been trying to rep you for some time now but still have to "spread it around" lol! ANYWAY, I think its so great that you always go above and beyond...like links to photos

[betamanlet]

not gay, nor am sure there are "gay areas" but Nova is quite liberal. Then again I don't see gay couples walking around here in Arlington like you sometimes do in Dupont Circle. I would think more of the gay areas are in DC proper, which would be less convenient for your commute

[novajs]

Northern Virginia is not as liberal as you think. In last year's governor race, the democratic candidate drew almost even with Bob Mcdonnell in Northern Virginia. Bob Mcdonnell already signed an executive order that eliminated sexual orientation as one of the equal opportunity factors. You would have better luck in Maryland and DC.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by novajs

Northern Virginia is not as liberal as you think. In last year's governor race, the democratic candidate drew almost even with Bob Mcdonnell in Northern Virginia. Bob Mcdonnell already signed an executive order that eliminated sexual orientation as one of the equal opportunity factors. You would have better luck in Maryland and DC.

It's true that compared to DC and perhaps MD, political sentiment is not so favorable for the GLBT community here in Northern Virginia and the state in general. Nonetheless, many gay individuals, couples and families live here with (to my knowledge) minimal problems at most.

Ironically, there was a similar post today from a lesbian couple looking for a similar-minded community. I suggested to them that housing cost and commute - the same issues that everyone grapples with - would be more important than concern about acceptance in a particular community.

[normie]

Originally Posted by novajs

Northern Virginia is not as liberal as you think. In last year's governor race, the democratic candidate drew almost even with Bob Mcdonnell in Northern Virginia. Bob Mcdonnell already signed an executive order that eliminated sexual orientation as one of the equal opportunity factors. You would have better luck in Maryland and DC.

That had nothing to do with liberal vs. conservative, or even democrat vs. republican. Many liberals and democrats voted for McDonnell. In this particular race, he was clearly the better candidate and the one who had specific and concrete plans. I have to say that although I disagree with some things McDonnall does, so far he's been accomplishing his goals and he seems to be a good governor.

[novajs]

Originally Posted by normie

That had nothing to do with liberal vs. conservative, or even democrat vs. republican. Many liberals and democrats voted for McDonnell. In this particular race, he was clearly the better candidate and the one who had specific and concrete plans. I have to say that although I disagree with some things McDonnall does, so far he's been accomplishing his goals and he seems to be a good governor.

I don't think you can call yourself a liberal if you voted for McDonnell. You can say you are a democrat who doesn't care about social issues. Creed Deeds ran heavily on McDonnell's conservative records but it didn't stick. McDonnell is very conservative on social issues, and everyone knows it. Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Loudoun, and to the west) is relatively conservative on family values. There is no way gay marriage can be passed in Virginia.