it really depends on your budget and what you are looking for. I lived in NoVA for ~15 years, and just moved to TX ~ 3 years ago.
If you want traditional city then DC (Adams Morgan yes, Dupont Circle…maybe) there’s also Arlington, Rosslyn, etc. (I’m personally not an huge fan of Rosslyn). All of which have good metro access.
Once you’re out in the more suburban areas, the metro access gets more sparse and driving to the metro station can suck, a lot. Driving in the DMV just sucks period - lol.
There’s also the Reston area around the Reston Town Center which is a bit newer, close to McLean, but not really “city”. It has metro and stuff to do, and close to DC via metro, etc.
There’s also Tysons, which is more of an upscale’ish business district more than true “city living”.
If I were looking for the DC experience, I’d probably go Adams Morgan or Arlington.
@warma - I forgot about Ballston, good call.