I live in one of those counties and my job has absolutely nothing to do with the government. The area has one of the most consistently-stable economies, which yes, has to do with the federal government - but that stability breeds economic growth and attracts a well-educated workforce seeking good-paying jobs.

Also, those salaries in the DC market aren't the same thing as those same salaries in most other places in the country. It's expensive to live here for the same standard of living you could find somewhere else for way less.

Or, you can just stick with your hot take.