I'm still fairly new to investing but the approach I've found I like the most is the Bogglehead method: around 40% international exposure (VXUS), 50% total US market (VTI), 10% small-cap value (VBR). It's a super simple way to invest but I enjoy simple things so to each their own
Yeah Lake Ridge is not a snow town by any stretch of the imagination. I'll be in Fairfax come fall and then I hope to move north/west after college. I'd love to be near Leesburg, you and Ji seem to have fun up there