Why wouldn't you? The DC area economy, especially the tech economy hasn't been wholly oriented around government & defense in decades. A lot of early Internet services grew up around network backbones built in Northern Virginia (for defense purposes originally, yes) and though it's less visible than in the days when AOL was hot shit, there's still a world of tech jobs around here that aren't directly connected to gov/mil.
And, while I admit I'm biased as a resident of the area, on a lot of objective measures it's a pretty nice place to be if you can swing the cost of living. Lots of well-educated high earners, world-class museums with free admission, relatively easy access to green spaces, and a range of transit options instead of being confined to a car like most of the US. It most certainly has its problems but it's got lots of upsides as well.
And, while I admit I'm biased as a resident of the area, on a lot of objective measures it's a pretty nice place to be if you can swing the cost of living. Lots of well-educated high earners, world-class museums with free admission, relatively easy access to green spaces, and a range of transit options instead of being confined to a car like most of the US. It most certainly has its problems but it's got lots of upsides as well.