Virginia is the state known for "lovers," and anyone who moves to it will quickly fall in love""just like the "born and breed" locals. Accordingly, here are few tips about the differing regions of Virginia, their lifestyles, and their cultures.
Common conceptions of Virginians are that they are laid back, easy going, and "as warm as the weather," and a state with a motto that says it is for lovers should have such beliefs circulated about it. For those most part, Virginia is filled with laid back folk, but that does not mean there are not a few exceptions. This occurs anywhere, but in Virginia the atmosphere and cost of living changes drastically with each region. Accordingly, if you are planning a move to the "lovers" state then you should get acquainted with some of its culture and heritage""otherwise you will be at a loss for words when you encounter some of the local traditions and customs.
Northern Virginia is the most notable region of the state because of its connection with Washington DC. Here, you will generally find a more affluent population, a rising middle class, white-collar workers, and road congestion. Congestion obviously stems from an abundant population, and it is also because Northern Virginia receives a lot of tourism""throughout the year. DC is a travel spot for Americans and International travelers, and that is part of the reason that the region has such a large population. Tourists and politicians bring lots of service industry jobs, and this division between wealth (middle class social beliefs) and general workers does cause a bit of strife in the area. This strife is not necessarily scene in attitude, but rather, it is conveyed through heavy competition. This competition is prevalent in real estate prices, car prices, the location of strip malls, and numerous other avenues of daily life. But, Northern Virginia is representative of its locale""near DC. Also, several military bases are in the area, and they create their own influx of traffic with troops, maneuvers, and their additions to the region's cultural life. DC is the center of the nation's political life, and justly its nearby inhabitants show reflections of this culture in their work and community habits.
Other areas of Virginia are more "laid back" and easy going than the Northern Virginia area. For instance, in Charlottesville (colloquially known as C-ville) residents still refer to Thomas Jefferson as Mr. Jefferson. Here, a quick question on Jefferson's life, and legacy to the town, will get you a quick history lesson. Residents of the area pride themselves on their heritage, and they take special concern for the continuing legacy of their former US president. Central Virginia also presents a congenial atmosphere""like that of C-ville. Richmond, the state's capital, hosts numerous festivals, entertainment venues, and museums. These cultural outlets predominantly honor the southern heritage of the region, but they also commemorate twentieth century events (i.e. World War II, the Holocaust, modern art, etc.). Accordingly, be prepared to encounter "ghosts of the Civil War" when entering historic districts, historic restaurants, or even local businesses. Virginians, as a lot of southerners, take great pride in their heritage, and they will tell you "all about it at the drop of a hat!"
Virginia also has the rustic hills of the mountains""also relishing in a lifestyle of slow paced graces. But, the most notable region of the state is the Tidewater area. Here, the coastline is speckled with military bases""the Navy base at Virginia Beach is a large and popular one""and high volumes of tourists visit the Tidewater every year. This area tends to have a higher pace of life because they are constantly shuffling between tourists season, and the times of year when the "locals can return."
Justly, Virginia is a haven for many avenues of life""the laid back country style, the metropolis, or the high paced end of politics. But, any way you look at it, Virginia has a lot to offer any newcomer.
