Northern Virginia has conflicting reputations. Some say it's friendly and hospitable like the rest of the South. Others insist it's a cold spot, filled with transplants that have no urge to band together.
As a native of the Maryland side of D.C., I may be one of the few people living here who isn't from somewhere vastly different. I expect neither Southern charm nor cool indifference from my community. But, when I moved here five years ago, I didn't expect my reality.
I don't like many of my neighbors. The ones next door bang on the shared wall of our townhouses. Some of the children dig in my flower beds and swing from my lamppost. Others leave scooters and bicycles all over the street. Younger kids play chicken with oncoming cars. Our old dog howls when certain boys are near because they've tried climbing our fence to poke at her.
I think I simply have bad luck. My friend lives in a townhouse within walking distance. Her neighbors cut her grass when she goes on vacation. She regularly exercises with another. And, their children play happily at impromptu get-togethers.
Even with my lousy neighbors, I love Ashburn. I assume my next neighborhood will be a little more warm and fuzzy. If my friend has great neighbors, there have to be other pockets of shiny, happy communities here. Right?
william
9:30 am on Monday, October 4, 2010
Just like any community I think your experience is bound to happen. As for my neighborhood we do help each other. Mowing lawns, my neighbor rocks, baby sitting, car pooling to the seemingly never ending sports practice/games. It takes an effort, and we invite all not just the people we know or like.
What we do have is a very diverse culture, within 20 homes of mine we have neighbors of 10 plus ethnic or racial families. The all go on the bus and play with each other pretty well the vast majority of time.
Personally I ready your article and have to lay the blame for you experience on your attitude. It come through loud and clear that you are likely not very tolerant and have some sort of misplaced envy of some of your neighbors. I do not see anything in your rant that suggests that you have made any gestures to your community to make things better. I would guess this article will not help. From your article I can not help thinking your are more about pointing out the issues and problems and are less about doing anything to make it better. shame on you.
Nicole Skuba
3:12 pm on Monday, October 4, 2010
Thank you for your comments. You're right; I definitely could be a bit more communicative with my neighbors. More than a smile and wave would be a good start.
I don't understand why you think that I am intolerant or envious of my neighbors, though. We all have kids and live in the same neighborhood. What is there to envy and how exactly do you find me intolerant?
Michael Kimmel
4:19 pm on Monday, October 4, 2010
In my opinion, a neighborhood is what you make of it. I have lived in the same Ashburn Farm neighborhood for over 10 years. Many of my neighbors are the same ones as when I moved in. Most are not native Virginians -- they come from NY, TX, CA, KY, ... and we've made our neighborhood a wonderful place to live and a community. We celebrate the good times and events and also grieve together at the sad times. I consider these people are more than my neighbors, they are also my friends. I am sorry your experiences are not the same, but don't give up, reach out and embrace.
Nicole Skuba
8:27 pm on Monday, October 4, 2010
Thank you, Michael! I am actually moving in three weeks and am determined to make the most of my next neighborhood.
June
11:42 am on Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I lived a bad neighborhood when I lived in Springfield...sometimes it is just not the right fit.
Come to Courts and Ridges....we have the best neighborhood. Our block has great events and everyone looks out for each other!
Nicole Skuba
10:53 am on Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Ooh, I hadn't heard of Courts and Ridges. It sounds fun. Thanks for the tip, June!