Convince me why a Jewish family should move to NoVA instead of Maryland?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you Reform?

Yes.

Then Reston in VA would be fine.

+1. I’m near Reston and friendly with several Reform families.

+2. I'd recommend checking Reston. The community as a whole is welcoming, progressive and diverse. Reston also now has two metro stations. Virginia has a better selection of colleges and universities than Maryland.

[Anonymous]

Well, as a traditional Jewish family, we made the move to Loudoun County, and let me tell you—while Maryland might seem like the easier choice due to its established Jewish infrastructure (day schools, kosher supermarkets, and a larger Jewish population), Northern Virginia offers something truly unique: opportunity and growth. Jewish life in NOVA is evolving in exciting ways. In our neighborhood alone (Aldie/Ashburn area), there are over 40 Jewish families. True, there’s a spectrum of observance—from intermarried and Reform to more traditional families—but this diversity is part of what makes the community so dynamic. And this is changing quickly, with a growing number of young families and professionals investing in Jewish life here. We have multiple Hebrew schools, a thriving Chabad presence, and vibrant synagogues that cater to a wide range of observances. Economically, NOVA is unparalleled. You simply get more for your money—larger homes, more land, and the aesthetic appeal of newer communities. With the robust local economy, excellent schools, and proximity to D.C., it’s no surprise that Jewish life here is blossoming. It’s an ideal choice for young professionals looking to settle down and build a life, especially as the community infrastructure continues to grow. While Maryland may have the advantage of "easier access" today, Northern Virginia offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing movement. By choosing NOVA, you’re not just moving to a home—you’re investing in the future of Jewish life in the region, helping to shape it for the next generation. It’s a chance to create something truly meaningful and leave a legacy. What is needed her is grants from the JCC and different organizations investing in Jewish life and Rabbis not just Chabad like Aish etc who are invested in outreach this place is ripe to be the next maryland. If I was a young rabbi in need of a community and a landing place this would be it they could build something special here.

[Anonymous]

I don't think of Northern VA as being more "laid back" than MoCo.

[Anonymous]

We are Jewish, and there is one other family in our neighborhood that is Jewish. The rest is mostly Christian, with quite a few being evangelical Christian, and quite unfriendly toward us. I have never felt comfortable here. In general, the first time in my life (I'm from NYC) that I directly encountered anti-Semitism was here in NoVa, and from my perspective it is much more Christian and evangelical than anything I'd experienced before. I Fairfax right now, and I have lived in Arlington and Mclean. Those areas are not as bad as where I live now, although I'd have a hard time thinking of anything to really recommend them over Maryland. The Jewish community is barely a community here. It is very spread out, and not very cohesive. But of course, those who really make an effort do certainly find a Jewish friend group and a synagogue or Chabad House they like. But if Jewish is the main thing you care about, I just don't see this being a great place for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think of Northern VA as being more "laid back" than MoCo.

I can't think of any circumstances in which the words "laid back" could be applied to Northern VA. MoCo must be a nightmare of competitiveness and status seeking for that to be the case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, as a traditional Jewish family, we made the move to Loudoun County, and let me tell you—while Maryland might seem like the easier choice due to its established Jewish infrastructure (day schools, kosher supermarkets, and a larger Jewish population), Northern Virginia offers something truly unique: opportunity and growth. Jewish life in NOVA is evolving in exciting ways. In our neighborhood alone (Aldie/Ashburn area), there are over 40 Jewish families. True, there’s a spectrum of observance—from intermarried and Reform to more traditional families—but this diversity is part of what makes the community so dynamic. And this is changing quickly, with a growing number of young families and professionals investing in Jewish life here. We have multiple Hebrew schools, a thriving Chabad presence, and vibrant synagogues that cater to a wide range of observances. Economically, NOVA is unparalleled. You simply get more for your money—larger homes, more land, and the aesthetic appeal of newer communities. With the robust local economy, excellent schools, and proximity to D.C., it’s no surprise that Jewish life here is blossoming. It’s an ideal choice for young professionals looking to settle down and build a life, especially as the community infrastructure continues to grow. While Maryland may have the advantage of "easier access" today, Northern Virginia offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing movement. By choosing NOVA, you’re not just moving to a home—you’re investing in the future of Jewish life in the region, helping to shape it for the next generation. It’s a chance to create something truly meaningful and leave a legacy. What is needed her is grants from the JCC and different organizations investing in Jewish life and Rabbis not just Chabad like Aish etc who are invested in outreach this place is ripe to be the next maryland. If I was a young rabbi in need of a community and a landing place this would be it they could build something special here.

This reads like a tourist brochure for Jewish NoVa. Creepy.

[Anonymous]

Let me be clear I am Jewish

No Jew should move to VA at this time. MD is not fully safe either but it’s safer.

We are third on the list they will come for us too.

VA is not safe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are Jewish, and there is one other family in our neighborhood that is Jewish. The rest is mostly Christian, with quite a few being evangelical Christian, and quite unfriendly toward us. I have never felt comfortable here. In general, the first time in my life (I'm from NYC) that I directly encountered anti-Semitism was here in NoVa, and from my perspective it is much more Christian and evangelical than anything I'd experienced before. I Fairfax right now, and I have lived in Arlington and Mclean. Those areas are not as bad as where I live now, although I'd have a hard time thinking of anything to really recommend them over Maryland. The Jewish community is barely a community here. It is very spread out, and not very cohesive. But of course, those who really make an effort do certainly find a Jewish friend group and a synagogue or Chabad House they like. But if Jewish is the main thing you care about, I just don't see this being a great place for it.

OP Jews are not welcome in VA it has never been awesome the community is too far spread out.

Parts of MD this is true as well.

With Youngkin still governor VA is a huge mistake

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, as a traditional Jewish family, we made the move to Loudoun County, and let me tell you—while Maryland might seem like the easier choice due to its established Jewish infrastructure (day schools, kosher supermarkets, and a larger Jewish population), Northern Virginia offers something truly unique: opportunity and growth. Jewish life in NOVA is evolving in exciting ways. In our neighborhood alone (Aldie/Ashburn area), there are over 40 Jewish families. True, there’s a spectrum of observance—from intermarried and Reform to more traditional families—but this diversity is part of what makes the community so dynamic. And this is changing quickly, with a growing number of young families and professionals investing in Jewish life here. We have multiple Hebrew schools, a thriving Chabad presence, and vibrant synagogues that cater to a wide range of observances. Economically, NOVA is unparalleled. You simply get more for your money—larger homes, more land, and the aesthetic appeal of newer communities. With the robust local economy, excellent schools, and proximity to D.C., it’s no surprise that Jewish life here is blossoming. It’s an ideal choice for young professionals looking to settle down and build a life, especially as the community infrastructure continues to grow. While Maryland may have the advantage of "easier access" today, Northern Virginia offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing movement. By choosing NOVA, you’re not just moving to a home—you’re investing in the future of Jewish life in the region, helping to shape it for the next generation. It’s a chance to create something truly meaningful and leave a legacy. What is needed her is grants from the JCC and different organizations investing in Jewish life and Rabbis not just Chabad like Aish etc who are invested in outreach this place is ripe to be the next maryland. If I was a young rabbi in need of a community and a landing place this would be it they could build something special here.

No no no this is utter BS

VA is going redder by the minute. Jews are not welcome

This post is just not true and it’s dumb.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, as a traditional Jewish family, we made the move to Loudoun County, and let me tell you—while Maryland might seem like the easier choice due to its established Jewish infrastructure (day schools, kosher supermarkets, and a larger Jewish population), Northern Virginia offers something truly unique: opportunity and growth. Jewish life in NOVA is evolving in exciting ways. In our neighborhood alone (Aldie/Ashburn area), there are over 40 Jewish families. True, there’s a spectrum of observance—from intermarried and Reform to more traditional families—but this diversity is part of what makes the community so dynamic. And this is changing quickly, with a growing number of young families and professionals investing in Jewish life here. We have multiple Hebrew schools, a thriving Chabad presence, and vibrant synagogues that cater to a wide range of observances. Economically, NOVA is unparalleled. You simply get more for your money—larger homes, more land, and the aesthetic appeal of newer communities. With the robust local economy, excellent schools, and proximity to D.C., it’s no surprise that Jewish life here is blossoming. It’s an ideal choice for young professionals looking to settle down and build a life, especially as the community infrastructure continues to grow. While Maryland may have the advantage of "easier access" today, Northern Virginia offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing movement. By choosing NOVA, you’re not just moving to a home—you’re investing in the future of Jewish life in the region, helping to shape it for the next generation. It’s a chance to create something truly meaningful and leave a legacy. What is needed her is grants from the JCC and different organizations investing in Jewish life and Rabbis not just Chabad like Aish etc who are invested in outreach this place is ripe to be the next maryland. If I was a young rabbi in need of a community and a landing place this would be it they could build something special here.

No no no this is utter BS

VA is going redder by the minute. Jews are not welcome

This post is just not true and it’s dumb.

How is Virginia going redder? The state went for Harris and I won't be surprised if we go blue again next year for state elections (but who knows at this point, really?). Antisemitism isn't any worse here than it is in Maryland.

[Anonymous]

I don’t understand why a redder VA is perceived as worse for Jews. In my social circle the more left-leaning people are more hostile to Jews than the right-leaning ones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are a Muslim family in Nova and our next-door neighbors are Jewish. Nova is far more diverse than people realize.

+1
We’re a white Christian family in NOVA and we attend church regularly, but only know of 2-3 other families at our kids public high school who attend (Christian) church at all.
FWIW, between my two kids, 5 out of their 7 closest friends are Jewish. And 4 of those families belong to the same temple in mclean. It seems to be an active family friendly (newly renovated) temple community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand why a redder VA is perceived as worse for Jews. In my social circle the more left-leaning people are more hostile to Jews than the right-leaning ones.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let me be clear I am Jewish

No Jew should move to VA at this time. MD is not fully safe either but it’s safer.

We are third on the list they will come for us too.

VA is not safe

This is delusional unless you are talking about the “from the river…” chants at public school protests that are rampant and permitted by the leftist fcps school board. That would make me question the environment for Jews much, much more than a Republican governor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think of Northern VA as being more "laid back" than MoCo.

+1 Very surprised to see so many posts seemingly agreeing with OP's assessment that Arlington and McLean are "down to earth". Have never heard that used as a descriptor for either place, even if you got to list 10 attributes.