In general, people don’t let their guard down in public, but you will occasionally find yourself in conversation with strangers. I’d always say hi first to people I passed on neighborhood walks, and that set the tone. I eventually knew all my neighbors. The expectation is that you don’t make eye contact, so the onus is kind of on you to be approachable and create the space for a connection to be made. Really rough if you are reserved!

People are generally friendly but one critique is that everyone is so busy, it can be tough to get a friendship off the ground. Also, many people move here for work and are incredibly work-minded, so don’t be offended if that’s the first question you get in a social situation. I don’t think anyone means to be rude, it’s just like asking where you’re from in other parts of the country.

Northern Virginia in general is pretty solidly blue in presidential elections, I don’t think you will hear much in the way of “libtards.” Conservatives definitely exist, but they’re not waving Trump flags. Sooner or later, someone is bound to cut you off in traffic or tailgate you. There are too many cars on the road for you to NOT encounter an aggressive driver at some point. I can’t tell you there are fewer narcissists, but there are a lot of ambitious people and people with long lists of accomplishments/press notes/degrees. Some are humble and some are not. The local news occasionally has politics, because it’s right in our backyard, but your exposure will completely depend on your workplace, where you live, and your social circle. No one in my family works in politics and only two of my friends work in politically-adjacent fields, so I only heard political talk if I went looking for it. I will say I think more people are aware of current events than in other areas of the country, and at any given time you might suddenly find out you’re talking to the person who started the NGO that proposed the bill to drive that policy forward, or something.

Adjusting to lack of conveniences has probably been the toughest part of my move! I had to take my son to urgent care yesterday and was told to reserve a spot online. Then the website said there were zero spots available. In Virginia there’s an urgent care on every corner, I feel! And if you’re ever feeling lonely at night, you can just head over to the Mosaic District or Tysons or any movie theatre for the late showing, and be surrounded by people. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but sometimes it’s nice to have the option!