Forum Index
»
Off-Topic
So tired of living in the DC area. So sick of it. Warning..negative VENT
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
NP to this thread, also from the Midwest. I've been a DC malcontent at times myself, but I've found that since having a child, I've become much more invested in the city. What I still don't like is that DC is so transient; many friends have moved away, including the few close friends I've made. Also, the traffic makes it challenging to maintain some friendships, because it can take so long to get from one part of DC to another. Another challenge is that not only do people work and commute a lot, but people here travel so much, for work or for pleasure, so it can take months to see someone again. People are busy, busy, busy. Of course, I feel busy too, and I used to travel quite a bit in my pre-child life. I sometimes long to live in a more relaxed place again, where it takes just half an hour to get from one end of town to the other. But our job and childcare options would probably be very very limited. And we probably wouldn't be able to walk to most places, like we do here.
btw, people in the Midwest are definitely friendlier, but in the mid-sized town where I grew up, that didn't seem to translate into more socializing. And a friend who moved back there after years of living in big cities on the West Coast told me she was surprised at how she and her husband simply didn't fit in any longer and had a great deal of trouble meeting like-minded, less provincial people. And this in a college town! |
Anonymous
| I moved here from California - on purpose - looking for a place that full of well educated people, not too far from the ocean, not flat, and not boring! It seems like people from the Midwest always miss it like crazy or move back because of the people. The people are wonderful, warm, friendly, polite, funny and life is less hectic. They can get together at the drop of a hat. There is also nothing to do. |
Anonymous
|
18:42 - I thought you said "not too far from the ocean"???!!! WHAT???!!!
I often think that is why people are so miserable here. Three words: (lack of) Quality of Life. |
Anonymous
QOL is what you make of it. I think, personally, that QoL here is much better here than in Miami, where we used to live, and is, of course, right on the water. I have good friends here, family, and a lovely neighborhood, free of violent crime (this was not the case in much of Miami). I feel like 90% of the people I meet I could be friends with. People in DC come from such diverse and interesting backgrounds. I WOTH, but when I was SAH, virtually all the moms I met were really well educated, smart, and loved their children. When we feel like it, we can go visit the museums for free, walk through national parks, visit vibrant neighborhoods, eat just about any ethnic cuisine we have a craving for, go to a bookstore or organic market or coffee shop, etc., etc. We have three airports nearby--one of which is easily metro accessible. If you want, you can visit any number of shopping malls. The beaches in Delaware are a short drive away. Lots of historic sites here and nearby, as well. You can choose to be grumpy about this place, or choose to feel incredibly fortunate to have all this at your fingertips. |
Anonymous
Well it's clear. You naysayers are all hicks. |
Anonymous
| I love it here. I surf and Ski and both are possible here. I love the thick trees in the summer and the beautiful autumn. I love crabcakes and the Orioles. I have come to love the Ravens and will support the Redskins if they ever get better. I had a GREAT time at the caps/pens playoff game last year. I love my job and even though it can be stressful and I could even go out of business, I always know I can make a living around here if I work hard. Tons of jobs and money sloshing around. Every fall I go Rockfishing on the Bay. I went to Umd and my school and classmates are nearby. I go to terps basketball and football games all the time with my elderly father. I love to travel, but I'm always glad to come home. It is important to like your job and live in a convenient/safe/quiet and attractive home to be most happy. |
Anonymous
I'm stuck here, too, and I hate it as well. |
Anonymous
Oh, lordie, this reply is not helping to represent DC in a good light. We moved far away, to the Pacific NW, and wow, as a former DC-lover I was totally blown away by (1) how smart folks are out here and (2) how they don't give a rat's ass whether you think they're smart. I reall do love that about this place.  Live and let live. OP, when you guyses retire, c'mon out this-a way. We might move back to DC at some point, but I'm a changed woman, I hope! God forbid I have another conversation that begins with "What do you do?" (wich in DC is sometimes code for "Are you as important as I am?"). Heh.
~Former self-important DC resident |
Anonymous
|
OP,
I just moved back to Chicago from DC (lower NW). A few things that I miss about DC: 1. Being able to take the train or get anywhere in the city in no more than 30 minutes... The concentration of the city, all the places I frequented and things I did were concentrated pretty close to home. I cannot say the same for Chicago it is SPREAD out. 2. The weather, no -17 wind chill! 3. My friends, though I do think people are friendlier in Chicago I feel like I am lost in the crowd. It's much more difficult to break into a social group or really form significant connections in such a big city. Good luck, OP, the grass is always greener on the other side! |
Anonymous
How are the museums there? Lots of well traveled folks? |
Anonymous
Real Estate is just as expensive as it is in the better parts of DC. Private schools are just as expensive. It's crowded at the top of the food chain no matter where you go. |
Anonymous
|
Agree with PP, however - as someone who was born and raised in the DC area and got the hell out about a year ago for the same reasons as OP - the real estate and privates are as expensive, BUT the attitudes are far far different!!!
Less self-important, more social and friendlier. The list goes on and on. |
Anonymous
My brother lives in Overland Park KS, and it's not for me!!! |
Anonymous
| 9:22 What was the last museum you visited and when. Where was the last place you traveled and when. |
Anonymous
I didn't ask about real estate or private schools, but about the intellectual life in Oregon or Washington state. |