Why is Stafford such a dirty word??

[ajzjmsmom]

Originally Posted by robbobobbo

Speaking as an Alexandrian (and ex-Arlingtonian and ex-District resident), I've never perceived Stafford as being trashy or a dirty word. I and others living close in might refer to it as the "boonies" or "sticks", but that's just joking because of the distance from the metro area. I certainly don't mean boonies to mean couches and appliances on the front porch and cars on cinder blocks in the yard!

If I enjoyed suburban life and worked in Fredericksburg or points south of Lorton, I wouldn't rule Stafford out. One of my friends bought a home in Aquia Harbor, I think that's a really nice place. BUT - his job was often in Maryland! I think that is the reason for an incredulous response from an ITB'er when someone says they live in (or are moving to) Stafford - the sheer distance from home to work plus the amount of traffic to deal with (if driving).

If someone said they were moving to live and work in Stafford, I can't see why anyone would react negatively. But most people looking out there - and the reason for its development - are people who work closer to the Beltway or DC. Those of us who live close in have a hard time imagining living with the commute - but people who live farther out probably are incredulous that I live with tiny closets, tiny yard, and no entertainment room!

I don't mind Stafford or Fred being referred to as the "sticks or boonie" but when people who have never lived out here start throwing around redneck and all the implications that go with it, it can get old. However, I do have to say there are definately some areas out here where you would find the junky front yards and where even those of us who live out here would refer to that particular house as "redneck" but they are off the beaten path.

For right now the commute works for my hubby, even though he works downtown DC.

In the future as promotions come or even a move to a different branch, Stafford may not be the right place for us. The one thing I can say with all certainty, if we chose to remain in VA after his retirement we would live in Stafford or much further out. I am a small town girl and the intense traffic in the metro area makes me crazy, that is not to say I am not fussing in the mornings at the stupid drivers out here as I am ferrying kids to school, so we have our fair share of non-drivers but just not as many as the metro area does.

I have found after living in Arlington for 6 months and after our 2 month Falls Church stay, that IMO the people are more laid back out here which can translate into friendlier people, they just don't seemed to be as rushed or as stressed as the people I had contact with closer in. Of course this is only one persons perspective.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by ajzjmsmom

I have found after living in Arlington for 6 months and after our 2 month Falls Church stay, that IMO the people are more laid back out here which can translate into friendlier people, they just don't seemed to be as rushed or as stressed as the people I had contact with closer in. Of course this is only one persons perspective.

I've noticed the same thing. It does seem like people relax more and more the farther away they get from the beltway.