So you’re thinking about making the move to the Old Dominion? You’ve found yourself one of the best states in the country, complete with unbelievable vistas, charming small towns, and the friendliest folks around. But then again, not everyone can appreciate the unique, only-in-Virginia kind of lifestyle that we lead here. So if you’re ready to adopt our way of life, here are some serious things to take into consideration:
- Winters can be very, very bleak.
Brittanie Loren Pendleton/flickr If you’re not prepared for grey days, they can be quite depressing.
- We take our history pretty seriously around here.
praline3001/flickr Sure, some might call it obsession. But this love of history comes with the territory.
- If you don’t love seafood, you might be in trouble.
Li Tsin Soon/flickr
- Same applies to barbecue.
Wally Gobetz/flickr And all delicious southern fare, for that matter.
- You’ll have to embrace the humidity.
Amy G./flickr Come summer time, humidity is just part of everyday livin'.
- If you plan on driving north, prepare yourself for a healthy dose of I-95 traffic.
VDOT/flickr And this is on a good day!
- Of course, you can always take the backroads…but you may run into a few obstacles.
Arlington County/flickr Beware of the potholes!
- Vanity plates are EVERYWHERE.
Shawn Honnick/flickr You can learn a lot about a person from the license plate alone.
- We don’t get too much snow around here…
Tony Alter/flickr
10…Unless we do. And no one will see it coming.
Katy/flickr Least of all the weather reports.
- Speaking of weather, Virginia often gets hit with wild storms, if not full-blown hurricanes.
NASA Goddard Space/flickr Yikes!
- There are even tornados that touch down here on occasion.
VDOT/flickr No one is safe!
- Virginians have their own lingo. They’ll refer to “the river” and just expect you to know where that is.
Bill Dickinson/flickr (And it’ll probably be pronounced “the rivah.”)
- If you don’t hold a special place in your hearts for small towns, I’m afraid this isn’t the place for you.
Doug Kerr/flickr Small towns in VA are some of the most charming places in the whole country.
- Not a fan of local art? Steer clear!
Bill Dickinson/flickr So much artistic talent in one state…it can get a little overwhelming.
- If you’re convinced superstores are the best place for produce shopping, you won’t be in good company.
AuthenticEccentric/flickr Farmers markets are slowly taking over, and Virginians are to blame.
- Most importantly, after falling in love with beautiful vistas like this, you run the risk of never leaving.
ehpien/flickr
Dion Hinchcliffe/flickr
Amai/flickr Let’s face it…Virginia is absolutely gorgeous!
So yes — there are some things about life in Virginia that take a bit of getting used to. But when it comes to calling this beautiful state home, we wouldn’t have it any other way and we think you’ll ultimately agree. And on that note, here are 22 Reasons To Fall In Love With Virginia.
Brittanie Loren Pendleton/flickr
If you’re not prepared for grey days, they can be quite depressing.
praline3001/flickr
Sure, some might call it obsession. But this love of history comes with the territory.
Li Tsin Soon/flickr
Wally Gobetz/flickr
And all delicious southern fare, for that matter.
Amy G./flickr
Come summer time, humidity is just part of everyday livin'.
VDOT/flickr
And this is on a good day!
Arlington County/flickr
Beware of the potholes!
Shawn Honnick/flickr
You can learn a lot about a person from the license plate alone.
Tony Alter/flickr
Katy/flickr
Least of all the weather reports.
NASA Goddard Space/flickr
Yikes!
No one is safe!
Bill Dickinson/flickr
(And it’ll probably be pronounced “the rivah.”)
Doug Kerr/flickr
Small towns in VA are some of the most charming places in the whole country.
So much artistic talent in one state…it can get a little overwhelming.
AuthenticEccentric/flickr
Farmers markets are slowly taking over, and Virginians are to blame.
ehpien/flickr
Dion Hinchcliffe/flickr
Amai/flickr
Let’s face it…Virginia is absolutely gorgeous!
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