I grew up in VA (central VA) and haven't lived there since HS full time.
I currently live in MD. I have a requirement for my job to be in VA somedays and MD other days.
I hate where I live now (Charles Co). My commute in either direction is going to be an hour plus twice per day.
I've done some soul searching and I really miss living in VA. My SO works in NOVA and it would be nice to not have to commute certain days that I stay in VA (Mount Vernon area).
So my question would be, would you move to VA or stay in MD? If we move, one of us has to do a commute. If I move to VA, I have to do the commute maybe half the week, but some weeks I will be in MD all week long (Anne Arundel Co.)
My SO also just moved here a year ago (we were LD before that), so he just spent so much money to register his car in MD, pass inspection, etc.
Aside from having to deal with car taxes and re-registering cars in VA, what would you recommend? Move to VA, or stay in MD? The biggest problem with MD is I like Anne Arundel and Howard Cos...that's it. Most of PG is not where I want to live (which would be our halfway point if we stayed in MD).
ETA: We are both looking for promotions/new jobs right now too, and most of the jobs are in DC or in NOVA. SO has applied for a hand full in MD, but only 1 or 2 right by my office in MD.
Re: Moving from MD to VA, and visa versa (& a vent)
Having to switch between two different job sites that are so far apart is crazy. You're going to have a long commute 50% of the time no matter what you do. I would probably focus on the job search and hold off on moving until after you find out where your new job will be. It would be unfortunate if you moved to NOVA and got a new job in Maryland, or vice versa. (Unless you want to be in NOVA regardless, and in that case, go ahead and move to NOVA if you can handle a commute to Maryland.)
But I say this as someone who is not state-loyal. I've spent 4 years living in DC, 5 years in NOVA, and 5 in Montgomery County. I'll live wherever is more convenient for me at the time.
More info, please.
What kind of area do you want to live in? (e.g. how close to amenities, etc.) What do you miss about VA? What do you like about MD? What kind of house? What is your budget? Where does your SO work?
We have friends that live off 210 in PG County. They like it well enough. The house is big, they have property. They are the minority in their neighborhood, but it isn't an issue. They don't like the restaurant options, though.
I would focus on the job search first (and maybe target one area) and then make a decision on where to live. Your job sounds rough since you have to spend time between two different areas so that no matter what, you are going to have a long commute on some days.
I used to have a long commute from NOVA to MD and it was so taxing on me. Once I got a job closer to home, it really did make a huge difference in my life. I am a much happier person and it gave me back at least 1 hour per day. I'm so much less stressed without the commute. So, I do think it's important. I would just see where you end up job-wise first.
You dislike your job right now, no? Assuming SO likes his, focus on your job search first, looking for something closer to SO's job. Then, focus on where to live second. If you haven't found a new job (or some good leads) go month to month on the lease for a few months.