[John23832]

Grew up in the Nova area. Worked there a for a few.

Not wanting to get clearance lowers the number of opportunities by a lot. Not every tech company works with clearances, but the money is always flowing in Defense Tech.

Most things will be government oriented rather than consumer.

Don't stay in DC proper. Alexandria and Arlington are good on the VA side. Not sure about the Maryland side.

There are lots of meet ups, but be prepared for stale tech because of the government work. Not to say there isn't progression, it's just that the government is the outsized employer (or employer adjacent) and they like to be slow and stable.

As far as lifestyle, it's a wealthy area with lots to do. Be prepared to drive though.