Re Reston, DC is getting nicer and a minority of the older NoVa suburbs like Falls Church and McLean are nice. But in general it is a confusing traffic nightmare, poorly planned, hot and humid, and low quality of life area relative to the costs. The people living there themselves I liked, open minded, diverse, and well educated.
The densest parts of NoVa manage to be both pedestrian and car unfriendly. (One reason I like OB is that its the opposite, great for driving biking or walking).
Walking from one skyscraper in Crystal City to another 0.2 miles away you take your life in your hands and suck up tons of auto exhaust if you make.
