An interesting thing happened to me when I moved from the DC area to the Winston-Salem area five years ago this week: in short order I gained 20 pounds (BBQ) and simultaneously lowered my blood pressure. I've always thought that one big reason was that I escaped the turmoil and traffic of Northern Virginia for the relative peace and quiet of the Piedmont Triad. Allstate just published some accident data that tends to support my theory: Winston-Salem is ranked 25th in terms of safe drivers while DC is ranked dead last at 193, and Arlington, VA is 172 and Alexandria, VA is 174. In addition to the fact that people in Winston-Salem generally drive 10 MPH below the speed limit, another factor that works in Winston's favor is that there are about 1/100th the number of cars per mile than in DC. Neither place has a rush hour, but for totally different reasons. DC has "rush days" from Monday through Friday (and often much of Saturday and Sunday), while Winston-Salem has rush 1/4 hours in one or two places around town.
The biggest problem I have is that there's no impediment to me getting to every good burger, steak or BBQ joint in town which I believe has led to my increase of two pant sizes in five years. Still I'll take peace of mind and a paunch over stress and a coronary while sitting in the world's longest parking lot any day.
