Data centers are essential to modern digital life, but their rapid growth — especially in Northern Virginia — has made them increasingly visible and controversial within local communities. Residents have raised concerns about their environmental impact, scale, and appearance, often describing them as intrusive industrial structures that disrupt neighborhoods and landscapes, creating growing tension for local governments. Based on a survey of more than 200 residents across several counties, this research finds that community resistance is most often driven by a lack of meaningful engagement and transparency. People care deeply about how data centers look, how they fit into the land, and whether developers communicate honestly. The study concludes that thoughtful design, clear communication, and genuine collaboration can help transform data centers from sources of opposition into trusted and valued community assets.