<p>as a Fairfax resident, I'd say that transience has affected the northern Virginia area greatly. Most of the short-time residents are from further north, and since there is a lot of turnover there isn't really a distinct 'culture' anywhere in the Greater Washington area. However, northern Virginia is clearly distinct from Maryland or DC.</p>
<p>Generally, people who have lived in the area longer will tend to be more Southern. There are two highways named after General Lee in Fairfax, and Fairfax City has a Confederate soldier on the city flag. There is an active chapter of SCV in the city, etc etc.</p>
<p>I myself fly a Confederate flag and mispronounce the pledge every morning at school (what's one "in-" anyway?) This isn't as uncommon as one might think, even in a transient area.</p>