Why do people put Washington DC as a Northeast City?

Question

Im not sure because for one thing- I grew up in Northern Virginia and I consider myself a Southron. But DC is not really in the Northeast- its not quite in the South either. Wouldnt it be "Mid-Atlantic"? Even though myself, I think its where the South begins- its a much warmer climate than even Philadelphia or New York- and its below the Mason Dixon line and geographically, it simly isnt in the Northeast. The Northeast to me is above the Mason Dixon Line- especially New England etc.

DC people are much friendlier than New Yorkers or even Baltimore people- and its a bit slower pace of life. I think its the South , Y'all, but if the Weather Channel calls us Northeast, then I guess thats what they think.

What do Y'all think?

Answer 1

I consider it Mid-Atlantic.  But I guess in meteorological terms, we are more like the Northeast than the South.  Unlike many southern states, we do get snow, although not much.  Snow in the south is a novelty; in DC, it's an annual occurrence.

NoVA isn't really considered the South, at least not culturally.  Some Rita Mae Brown characters refer to it as Occupied Virginia.  I refer to it as saner Virginia, as you go more than ten miles outside the Beltway, and things start getting scary.

Answer 2

It depends on where you live. some one in Texas would probably consider DC north east. It is a matter of perspective.

Answer 3

its n.e.

Answer 4

DC having been cut out of Maryland is a Southern City

Answer 5

Actually, most people are gradually beginning to use the term MidAtlantic, as you suggest, rather than Northeast.

Answer 6

Geographically confused of the UK. I flew back from CA recently via Houston and distinctly remember going past DC before NY and Maine.

Answer 7

We discussed this issue in Geography and World Affairs class. It really depends on where in the country people come from. There are no distinct lines between regions especially out East. Pennsylvania has been called Northeast State and Mid Atlantic state.  

Answer 8

I think DC gets lumped in with the "Northeast" simply because it is a big city similar to Boston, NY, & Philly.  Outside of Los Angeles which is on the opposite side of the country, there really don't seem to be the same type of big cities.  Yes, there are big cities - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Atlanta, etc - but they're different.  DC is more like the northeastern big cities than it is like the others.

I would agree that it truly is mid-atlantic, but southerners don't consider it to be "south" even though it is geographically south of the mason-dixon line.

Answer 9

I don't know, as Maryland and D.C. are below the Mason-Dixon line, but aren't really considered southern.  You can't even get sweet tea here!  Perhaps because it's so close to the line and is very urban.  I certainly wouldn't call anything about D.C. slow-paced- maybe the suburbs.

Answer 10

You grew up in Northern VA and you think it's what??? ITS NOT SOUTHERN! Take a trip to Roanoke and then tell me it reminds you of Northern VA!!!  

Answer 11

IMO,

DC is not North or South, or even East. It has no regional identity whatsoever. Its just the Capital of the USA. Culturally-  I would say it has both Northern and Southern elements- mostly because its such a transient area , its hard for it to maintain any real Southern identity.

The NOVA suburbs feel more Southern than the Maryland side does. But yeah- I think someone once said D.C. was the "Gateway To The South" I agree with that.

Geograpically is the end of the Mid-Atlantic/Beggining of the Upper South.