DC or NYC (Baltimore, Bethesda, Potomac: fit in, houses, theater)

[sport69]

I just came back from visiting Atlanta and I was not impressed at all. Which one of these cities would be better for quality of life, career, starting a business, cost of living, safety,
Myself,
40+ moderately conservative, reserve, open and engaging, I mind my own business. Value logic, Love arts culture, history and traveling. Live a healthy clean lifestyle and is a practicing Christian, at the same time I don't shove it down peoples throat.
I'm a self employed drapery maker. I make curtains and drapes with a bit of upholstery suitable for older homes, using French toile and dupioni fabrics.
Which city do you think would be suitable.
Thank you

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by sport69

I'm a self employed drapery maker. I make curtains and drapes with a bit of upholstery suitable for older homes, using French toile and dupioni fabrics.
Which city do you think would be suitable.

It sounds like you would have a niche in Bethesda, Chevy Chase or Potomac, or even the affluent Baltimore suburbs. There may be similar older suburbs in the New York Metro, but I think your product is way too conservative for NYC. I think of NYC as valuing the edgy and trendy.

[sport69]

I'll look into those places. Thanks

[Kthnry]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

It sounds like you would have a niche in Bethesda, Chevy Chase or Potomac, or even the affluent Baltimore suburbs. There may be similar older suburbs in the New York Metro, but I think your product is way too conservative for NYC. I think of NYC as valuing the edgy and trendy.

I agree. I live in the NJ suburbs of NYC, and there are plenty of beautiful old houses where traditional window treatments would be appropriate (and plenty of people who can afford $$$ for them).

[sport69]

How's the cost of living, running and starting a business in the DC area. Is there more red tape? And what about the culture, is there a theatre?

[goldenage1]

I'm sure you know the cost-of-living is very high in the DC area. However, there are also people with high incomes willing to pay for custom draperies. I don't have personal experience with starting a business, but there are complaints on this board that Maryland is not business-friendly. You might have better experience with Virginia.

One suggestion I have is to contact G-Street Fabrics, which is the premier fabric store. The offer drapery and upholstery service to their customers, and I believe they contract the service with individuals. You might start out working through G-Street to help you get started. Contact info here, but note they have stores in Virginia: GStreetFabrics.com

Yes, there are theaters, including the Kennedy Center and the Shakespeare Theater. Culture is certainly not as rich as New York, but it is very good.

[reiflame]

Originally Posted by sport69

moderately conservative,Value logic,

DC's probably not for you. Particularly not the MD suburbs.

[sport69]

Why, don't the people there value logic nor like moderate conservative ideas?

[reiflame]

Originally Posted by sport69

Why, don't the people there value logic nor like moderate conservative ideas?

In Maryland, we tax rain

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by reiflame

In Maryland, we tax rain

Actually, I think this tax is irrelevant to the OP's question about whether her business would fit in the area.

Whether she would be happy in the area is a different question, which only she can answer. I believe there are enough moderate conservatives that she could find a niche of friends. However, since many potential customers would be Moslems or Jews, it is not a good idea to be outspoken about one's Christian faith. I believe the OP can fit in the DC suburbs, but she may be a minority in some circles.