My Kind of Town
-
4/16/2009
There is a larger area called Vienna, but I am speaking of life within the Vienna town limits.
Vienna is a conservative town (the largest town in the country, I believe). They have strict rules about zoning, how many colors a business can have on its sign, limits on the use of neon, etc. They see themselves as a family town, and they strive to keep it that way. They have been leaders in recycling trash, probably more for the financial benefits than for ecological ones. They are fiscally vary responsible and know how to pinch a penny. This said, they also are willing to turn down federal funding for road improvements if it means they have to cut down too many mature trees! Those trees are part of what makes it an exceptionally attractive community. They have several parks and have put legislation in place so that there is no possibility of selling that valuable land in the future. The parks will stay! And they are well-used.
You pay an extra Vienna tax, but you get what you pay for in terms of services like twice a week pickup (garbage and recycling), superior snow removal and street cleaning, etc. The crime rate is pretty low. We rarely have a murder we can call our own. Once very few years, maybe.
I love this town for its quirks and despite its quirks. As someone once said in a local newspaper, "Why would anyone want to leave Vienna?"
The school system (Fairfax County) is excellent. My kids had to work hard, but they got a great education and were well prepared for college.
But...traffic congestion is an increasing problem. I don't see it going away. Older homes are being torn down to make way for big, new "monster homes." I'm not sure how attractive it will be when these behemoths are crammed together on lots designed for smaller homes. And, young families on a budget are being priced out of the market. The gentrification of Vienna has begun. We couldn't afford to buy here, now. When we retire, we most likely won't be able to afford to stay here.
Gay | Vienna, VA