[metmom]

It is beyond my comprehension that anyone would willingly or want to live in an area like that, with that kind of traffic EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Sorta like Willie Sutton being asked why he robbed banks. “Because that’s where the money is!”

[Adder]

AND pay some $15 per work day for the experience....

[markomalley]

It is beyond my comprehension that anyone would willingly or want to live in an area like that, with that kind of traffic EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Consider the following:

• The median income in the United States (2016) was: $55,322
• The median income in Loudoun County Virginia (2016) was: $125,672
• The median income in Fairfax County Virginia (2016) was: $114,329
• The median income in Howard County Maryland (2016) was: $113,800
• The median income in Arlington County Virginia (2016) was: $108,706
• The median income in Montgomery County Maryland (2016) was: $100,352
• The median income in Prince William County Virginia (2016) was: $98,546

(Source)

How does this translate into reality?

• For an admin assistant, high school diploma, 3-5 years of experience, US Citizen with Secret clearance (which, in this area, is basically not a "high clearance") I'm paying (on average) $60K
• For a mid-level systems administrator, high school diploma, 5 years experience, Security+ and MCSA certifications, US Citizen with Secret Clearance, I'll have to pay about $110K
• For a mid-level network engineer, high school diploma, 5 years experience, Security+ and CCNP certifications, US Citizen with Secret clerance, I'll have to pay about $115K-$125K.
• A mid-level project manager, Bachelor's degree, PMP certification, US Citizen with Secret clearance, will make between $130K-$140K -- if you add some other specialization in there, such as a Agile certification or a CISSP, you can add on another $10K-$15K for the salary.
• I could go on, but the point is that the salaries are a lot higher here than most anyplace else in the country.

How does this compare? For example, a couple of years ago I hired a system administrator with the above specs in Memphis Tennessee...and paid him $65K per year. At the same time, I had a couple of SysAds in Los Angeles County (same specs as above) and paid them an average of $80K each. And, by the way, these folks counted themselves lucky.

Bottom line: people will put up with a lot to be able to provide well for their families.

[Viking2002]

I did it for 15 years, and I’m glad I live outside some little podunk Alabama town now. I do not miss the Beltway. My wife and I make just shy of $100k annually together; we bought a 5 BR, 3 BA rancher with attached garage on 1.2 pine-covered acres, with a walled-in courtyard and in-ground pool for $75k. Translate that into 2017 D.C. dollars. We’d never have been able to do that without selling our souls up there. Sure, part of me would still like to be closer to friends and family, but you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind. I am done with that rat race.