I think the sentiment "nothing is unique in DC" is too kind. My sentiment is actually, "everything is blah in DMV and it's so depressing to live in this city that's crazy expensive and butt ugly and without soul."

^ Any other major metro city is more architecturally sophisticated than the whole of DMV, incl Philly, Boston, NYC. I mean for how metropolitan and $$$ it is, DMV is beyond soul less. It's empty, ugly and ugh. I hate it here but alas, I'm bound by DH's job to remain. If I were in Kansas or a place without expectations, that's one thing but to be in the capital of the US and have to look at concrete strewn around d'town and to even in Old Town where I am, it's truly not all that. I lived in Old Town Chicago for years and good god the architecture is delicious. The ugly is on another level here and is so depressing when you figure the cost of housing here.

Uh... none of the places you mentioned are in DC despite your title. It's like going to Jersey and saying you don't like New York City.

I agree most of this whole area is junky. I live in Bethesda.

Neighborhoods within DC are more organic with more character though most are less uniformly upscale than Lexington, Concord etc. Parts of Chevy Chase are pretty cute too.

I live in Del Ray and no - I would take Chicago or any place in Europe in a New York minute LOL

I honestly do not know how people deal with the lack of creativity and beauty in the DMV, seriously. If you've ever been to NYC, Chicago, New Orleans, SF, the entire of Europe and even Mexico City, and many more countries, you will realize how bad it is here. Concrete is not pretty. The architecture is not interesting.

City of Falls Church, Old Town Alexandria, Del Ray

I grew up in nova (Fairfax) and 30 years ago there were pockets of uniqueness like fun hole in the wall restaurants etc. Now it is just an expanse of close together homes and fake town centers. It is soulless.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, OP, there is nothing this area can offer to your friend that will make it feel like the places she knows. Any D.C. area neighborhood or town is going to be different than a Boston suburb.

If she's unable to find enjoyable things about a different place, she realistically should start planning a return. That's why the few people I know who moved from MA still wax poetic about it and play the comparison game until they can get back.

+1

Came here for work. I had an open mind but after a year of exploring different areas in and around DC, I realized it's just not the same as New England. More specifically I'm comparing the area to Cambridge/Somerville where I used to work and live - there's nothing like it here. But I am also familiar enough with towns like Lexington and Concord to agree with your friend that she won't find towns like that here. And wait until she experiences DC summers if she hasn't already. After three years I realized if I didnt take action I would be bitter and always regret it, and the negativity about where I lived isn't helping anyone. Took some effort and planning 8but I'm so happy to be moving back soon. And once I know my time here is finite, I was able to enjoy the positives more (yes to milder winters)!

Why would you think it would be?? Would you move to Kansas or LA and expect it to be the same as New England? What a weird way to approach a new city.

Anonymous wrote:OP, most people don't think Concord or Lexington as reference for anything. Get over yourself!

the good thing about the internet is those who have relevant experience can choose to respond and others can (should) ignore. Plenty of people have lived in Boston area or New England and DMV, and can offer their actually helpful perspective.

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, OP, there is nothing this area can offer to your friend that will make it feel like the places she knows. Any D.C. area neighborhood or town is going to be different than a Boston suburb.

If she's unable to find enjoyable things about a different place, she realistically should start planning a return. That's why the few people I know who moved from MA still wax poetic about it and play the comparison game until they can get back.

+1

Came here for work. I had an open mind but after a year of exploring different areas in and around DC, I realized it's just not the same as New England. More specifically I'm comparing the area to Cambridge/Somerville where I used to work and live - there's nothing like it here. But I am also familiar enough with towns like Lexington and Concord to agree with your friend that she won't find towns like that here. And wait until she experiences DC summers if she hasn't already. After three years I realized if I didnt take action I would be bitter and always regret it, and the negativity about where I lived isn't helping anyone. Took some effort and planning 8but I'm so happy to be moving back soon. And once I know my time here is finite, I was able to enjoy the positives more (yes to milder winters)!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If I used Reston as a gauge, I would totally agree.

This post is about the suburbs though, not DC. I don't think the same would be said about the city.

+1. She should be in the city. I feel this way about the burbs here but not my city neighborhood (Dupont Circle).

Yep. She’s not talking about DC. Try Capitol Hill, Brookland, or Georgetown, too.

OP, most people don't think Concord or Lexington as reference for anything. Get over yourself!

Sorry, OP, there is nothing this area can offer to your friend that will make it feel like the places she knows. Any D.C. area neighborhood or town is going to be different than a Boston suburb.

If she's unable to find enjoyable things about a different place, she realistically should start planning a return. That's why the few people I know who moved from MA still wax poetic about it and play the comparison game until they can get back.

This is not an area you come to for the ambience, it’s too dumpy for that. People generally come here for work and often leave when they’re done. I don’t know how long that will last with the promised gutting of the federal workforce to come though. Still, visiting Reston would send anyone into a depressed funk.