Moving to NoVA (Dale City/Woodbridge most likely) next year. What things should this desert rat know before I get there?

I've spent the first 26 years of my live living in the desert southwest (First New Mexico, now Nevada) and decided it's about time for a change of scenery. Looking towards the east coast I found the Dale City/Woodbirdge area to be a nice mix of close to DC for work yet far enough away to not be paying through the nose.

I know things are extremely different weather-wise already (which is part of the reason I want to escape), but what are some things, both about the local area and about living in northern VA, that I should know before I traverse a continent?

Some of my hobbies that I'm especially curious about are nightlife, how good/welcoming communities are, things to look out for when looking at a place to live, outdoor recreation (namely golf and hockey), and good things to do ASAP once I get there.