This is so funny! I grew up here (in VA) and I also find going into MD otherwordly. We only go there to get to PA and DE. I lived in Bethesda for a couple of years and it always felt like I was visiting. There are some great neighborhoods, but I guess I'm a Virginian and always will be.

The differences between any two MD and VA neighborhoods are about the same as the differences between two MD neighborhoods, two VA neighborhoods, etc. None of them really have anything to do with which state you are in, and have everything to do with the particular neighborhoods themselves. People living in one don't often travel casually to the other for the simple reason that there's not much need to. Both areas have a lot to offer in terms of restaurants, events, etc.

The only areas that I know in Maryland are in PG and Charles Counties. Fort Washington, Upper Marlboro, Suitland, Clinton, Temple Hills, Camp Springs, Waldorf, Port Tobacco.

I live in VA now. It is different but similar. It has a different feel I guess. Kind of like the way Annapolis feels different than Waldorf and Laurel feels different than Potomac. The same for Front Royal and Fairfax, Lorton and Crystal City, Warrenton and Arlington.

Do you ever get out of Montgomery County?

I'm not from this area but am surprised by how common your sentiments are. MD vs VA in everything and never the twain shall cross according to so many people. They act like it's a different country.

But the only stereotype OP missed is that VA is full of mexicans (and by mexicans of course I've learned that it's understood that a person means any spanish speaking people). That seems to be the reason marylanders give for not going to VA. And the reason the virginians give for not going to MD is because of all the poors.

I live in DC and try to avoid the work conversations on the topic because they get so ugly and are so passionate, and frankly as an outsider I can't see the difference between the 2.

I grew up in, and still live in Bethesda, near River Road. Virginia is less than 10 minutes away, but going to Virginia, even Tyson's Corner, I always feel like I should pack a bag for the trip. Maybe it's something about crossing the river and seeing the big "welcome to Virginia" sign.

Funny, OP, I'm you, but from VA. Unless I need to go to MD for some reason, I don't. Not because I think it's bad, or anything, but I just don't know it, my "usual" places are all around where I work or live, and that's all in NoVA. When we take a roadtrip, it's usually either South (beach) or West (mountains), so really, I have no idea about anything MD-related. We are trying to buy a house and it's funny how we don't even consider looking in MD just because we are so used to VA - not a good enough reason, really. I have no idea about MD schools for instance, although I hear MoCo has some pretty good ones. So it goes both ways

Me too.

I don't really get VA. I know Tysons. I know Middleburg. Everything else seems like such a mish/mash.

I also grew up in MoCo and think OP's generalizations are pretty spot on. And of course we've gone to Virginia but visiting the mall or going out to dinner doesn't give you the same perspective as growing up somewhere and being there day in and day out.

Lighten up people, seems like OP is just curious about comparisons.

I moved from MD to VA @6 years ago. It's different and the same. I mean, really, it's still part of the same area.

Your characterizations of MD aren't that great so not sure what you hope to gain in getting similar views on VA. What will you do with the info anyway?

Diner: Bob and Ediths

OP, welcome to DCUM! heheheh

Why don't you get in your car and drive over there. You mean to say you've grown up and lived in Maryland your own whole life, within 30 miles of this other state, and have never stepped foot in it long enough to determine anything about it? Why do you even care to know anything about it since you seem to be totally incurious to the world outside of Maryland?

Why, are you moving?

I've lived here my whole life and I really don't understand what life is like across the river in Virginia. About all I understand is that McLean and Great Falls are like Potomac and Clarendon is like Bethesda, but all I can see to that is the geography and housing density. Oh, and it appears that the neighborhood of Pimmit Hills near Tysons is like Twinbrook. Because I've lived in MD my whole life, I know the 'characteristics' of places, like the kind of people you find in Chevy Chase vs. Bethesda vs Potomac vs Kensington and the feel of those place (old money, new money, LOTS of new money and some money), the personalities of the different towns and even the neighborhoods in those towns (i.e some neighborhoods in Potomac are heavily Jewish, while some neighborhoods in Silver Spring are heavily Catholic). Where are the best places for antiques (like Antique Row in Kensington)? Where is a great Jewish deli (like Parkway)? Where is a great diner (like Tastee) A great Irish pub? Tight knit neighborhoods? Snobby neigbhorhoods? Working class? Best kept secret neighborhoods? Coveted public high schools? Most sought after privates (all I know is Potomac)

So, Virginians, would you please educate me?