12 Best Places To Live in Northern Virginia 2023 Guide
People who want to live in the suburbs but still have easy access to urban amenities will find that Northern Virginia is the perfect place to call home. This part of the country is home to some of the country’s finest public schools, as well as some of the nation’s finest hospitals and employers. In addition to this, it is widely considered to be among the best locations in the United States in which to make one’s home. It should come as no surprise that record numbers of people are moving to this region, given its close proximity to Washington, District of Columbia, and the many amenities it offers. You’ll want to read our guide if you’re considering relocating to Northern Virginia, or even if you’re just interested in learning more about the region’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Potomac Yards station was rushed into the planning and construction stages as a direct result of the arrival of Amazon in Northern Virginia. Regardless of this, that station on the Metro is not the only one in Northern Virginia that is experiencing significant new development and activity. From this vantage point, we will talk about the most desirable locations to live in Northern Virginia in 2022. But before we get into that, let’s take a moment to discuss what Northern Virginia is and what makes it unique compared to the rest of the country.
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Let’s take a look at some of the things that set this area apart from others.
The Commonwealth of Virginia contains a region known as Northern Virginia, which is comprised of several counties and a number of independent cities. The city of Washington, District of Columbia, can be found to the south and west of the region, while the state of Maryland can be found to the north, and West Virginia and the Appalachian Mountains can be found to the east. With a population of approximately two million people, Northern Virginia is not only the most populous region in Virginia but also the most populous region in the Washington metropolitan area. With a median household income that is higher than $100,000, this area is consistently ranked as one of the most prosperous in the United States.
There are many factors that contribute to Northern Virginia’s status as an extremely desirable location to make a home. To begin, this part of the country is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the entire nation. The Fairfax County Public Schools system is Virginia’s largest school district, and it has consistently ranked among the best in the country. The schools in this district have earned a reputation for having rigorous academic programs as well as high test scores. In addition, Northern Virginia is home to a number of hospitals that are ranked among the best in the nation. One of these hospitals is Inova Fairfax Hospital, which receives consistent recognition as being among the best hospitals in the United States. Additionally, the region is home to a significant number of important employers, including the federal government, private defence contractors, and technology companies.
The region of Northern Virginia is home to some of the most desirable places to rent and some of the finest neighborhoods in the country. There is no denying the fact that a significant population shift is taking place in Northern Virginia. The following is a list of the top places that, according to local realtors, are the most desirable localities to live in.
Tysons
Stop at the Tysons Corner and Greensboro metro stations (Silver Line)
According to the current blueprints, the Tysons Corner neighborhood will serve as the driving force behind everything that will happen in the future. It used to be that commuters and workers came, did their jobs, and left by the time 9 o’clock rolled around, leaving the area deserted. Not for long. Private improvement has begun in Tysons, which now has four Metro stops that are operational, and this improvement will continue to grow to encompass 45 million square feet of new development and 100,000 square feet of private space. In the year 2010, a further comprehensive arrangement was drafted as the managing record of how to transform Tysons from a work focus into an urban network. Tysons West will be an expressive and diverse locale; Tysons Central 123 will be blended use with extravagant townhouses and shopping; Tysons Central 7 will have all the more a community centre with workplaces, services, and cafés; and Tysons East will hold an urban park encompassed by blended use improvement.
Range of prices: At Verse in The Boro, one- or two-bedroom apartments begin at approximately $1,500, while new construction luxury condos reach a maximum price of $2 million.
10–13 are the stops closest to the Metro Center.
Mosaic District
Metro stop: Dunn Loring-Merrifield (Orange Line)
Before construction on the Mosaic District began in 2012, Merrifield was already well-known as a popular destination for a few days during the month of April of each year. In addition to the commercial and retail areas, there was also an outdated movie theatre and the Merrifield Post Office, both of which were popular gathering places around the time of Tax Day. Since Mosaic moved into the region, it has become the shopping destination for many people. This is because Mosaic brought with it an art house theatre, famous local neighborhoodcafés, popular big name chain stores, a flock of boutique shops, farmers markets, and family-friendly holiday events.
Consider relocating to one of the townhouses at Halstead at the Metro, Wilton House, or Westbriar if you have a pressing requirement to be in the thick of things at all times. At Townhomes at Mosaic, you can find luxurious alternatives to townhomes that are more on the upscale side. Single-family homes can also be found just outside the district in an area called Fairhill on the Boulevard. This was an area that was worked on during the 1940s, which marked the beginning of a cycle of tearing down and rebuilding.
Range of prices: Mid-$200s to mid-$400s for condominiums; $500s to high-$800s for townhomes; $500s to $1M+ for single-family detached homes.
What’s the latest: One of the most well-known stores that has contributed to maintaining the spirited atmosphere of the neighborhoodat Mosaic is called Park Story, and it specialises in artisanal goods. Other new shops that have opened up recently include Erin Condren, Sundance, and Deka Lash Bar, in addition to dining favourites such as Caboose Brewing Co., Cheestique, Little Dipper, Pokebar and, MacMillan Whiskey Bar, Japanese grill and soba noodle joint RyuKai (fall 2019) and Parc Bistro (fall 2019), in addition to one of the Barnes and Noble new concept stores as observed in Ashburn, which is anticipated to Also coming up in the future is Merrifield Town Center II, which is currently being developed on the 31st section of land that makes up Fairfax Plaza.
Local faves: True Food Kitchen is always crowded, particularly for early lunch, and Mom and Pop bistro can be difficult to navigate around children and shopping carts at times. A significant number of the many restaurants that can be found in Mosaic do not make it difficult to get a seat on the weekends. In the evening, make your way across the street to Open Road, where you’ll find unrecorded music and a bar list that anyone can appreciate. Angelika Film Center, Nook, Sophie Blake, Sisters Thai, Alta Strada, Ted’s Bulletin, Red Apron Butcher, and the new station of Caboose Brewing with a huge open air yard are some of the other top choices in the area.
11 stops bring you to the Metro Center; 3 bring you to Tysons.
Del Ray
Stop on the Blue and Yellow Metro lines at Braddock Road and King Street.
Idyllic Del Ray is a pleasant neighborhoodlocated to the northwest of Old Town Alexandria that is focused on family life. Here you will find beautiful homes on tree-canopied roads with white picket walls and residents sitting on their entryway patios while their children play in the yards. There is a diverse selection of homes waiting for you in the Del Ray neighbourhood, ranging from meticulously redesigned works of art in Tudor and Colonial styles to expressions and artworks lodges, bungalows, townhouses, and apartment suites. Mount Vernon Avenue serves as the focal point of the neighborhoodand is lined with a wide range of establishments, including restaurants, bistros, distinctive boutiques, wellness and health food stores, and a great deal more. Residents of Del Ray are able to take part in celebrations, marches, and other events that take place throughout the year thanks to the local artisan and music scene. These kinds of gatherings cultivate a caring spirit in the local community.
There are no pre-fabricated housing developments in this area. Single-family homes come in a variety of architectural styles, the most noticeable of which are cosy cottages (with various expansions and remodels popping up as families develop with their home rather than move to bigger digs in another area). Because land developers realized that it’s not just families who want the distinctive atmosphere of Del Ray, the neighborhood has also considered some new developments to be starting late. Del Ray Place on Mount Vernon Avenue provides condominium living for those who are looking to combine an upkeep-free way of life with neighborhood charm, whereas Del Ray Central acquaints luxury loft living with the well-known neighborhood in which it is located. Braddock With the completion of The Dalton, Metro will also have its very own opulent condominiums.
Price Range: Single-family homes start in the $800,000s, while homes that have been recently built or renovated are in the category of costing more than $1 million. Condos with one bedroom start at approximately $400,000 and go up from there.
Favorite local spots include The Dairy Godmother, which is a shop that specialises in frozen custard and is considered to be as close to Mayberry as one can get. In the summer, there is always a line out the door. Holy Cow gives you the opportunity to select a charitable organisation to donate to whenever you order one of its mouthwatering burgers or shakes. Favorite spot, Del Ray Cafe, and DRP all give the impression of being places where the owner knows your name. A genuine neighborhoodbutcher at Let’s Meat On the Avenue prepares mouthwatering cuts of meat, and both Night Star Café and Cheesetique are award-winning restaurants with a variety of delicious food options. Boutiques such as Kiskadee and Purple Goose ensure that you will always have the option to purchase a one-of-a-kind present for community gatherings and events. The number of stops to reach Metro Center is 11, and the number of stops to reach Tysons is 15.
Place arrival National (Coming Soon)
Crystal City, the eastern portion of Pentagon City, and the northern portion of Potomac Yard are all included in the Northern Virginia neighborhood that has recently been characterized as being interconnected and walkable. This neighborhoods known as National Landing. National Landing is one of the area’s emerging urban networks, and it is located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, District of Columbia. It is distinguished by its focal and effectively available area, its proximity to Reagan National Airport, and its present condition of mixed use, which consists of workplaces, condominiums, and lodgings among other types of establishments.
According to Derrick Swaak, the treasurer of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors and an overseeing agent with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, condominiums and townhomes are currently being snapped up by individuals with expertise in the financial sector. “We were astounded by the promptness of the reaction inside the local market,” he says, alluding to the sudden spike in pricing and offers after Amazon confirmed the news. “We were astounded by the promptness of the reaction inside the local market.” According to JBG Smith, the region, which is made up of Crystal City, the eastern portion of Pentagon City, and the northern portion of Potomac Yard, currently has almost 400,000 rental lofts, apartment suites, townhouses, and single-family homes within a 5-mile sweep, in addition to 40,000 more that are in the pipeline. This is in addition to the fact that the region is expected to experience further development in the coming years. During the past few years, a large number of new private alternatives have been introduced into an area that was formerly devoid of development. These alternatives include the luxury lofts at Station 650 and Notch8, and the neighborhoodof North Old Town nearby provides townhouses and condominiums that were built before the current surge in development.
Range of prices: Even with the Amazon prospecting, studio condos can still be had in the range of the mid- to high-200,000 dollar price point (which is higher than prices before Amazon prospecting), while single-family townhouses command those close-to-DC prices that can start in the high-800,000 dollar range and go upward.
10 stops bring you to Metro Center; 13 bring you to Tysons.
Pimmit Hills
Stop on the subway: West Falls Church (Orange Line)
The same thing that has happened in more established neighborhoods in Arlington and Vienna is starting to happen in the Pimmit Hills neighborhood in Falls Church. The familiar cycle of purchase, demolition, and reconstruction is being applied to a neighborhood that was populated during the 1950s with homes that each occupied a quarter of an acre of land. Custom homes are currently being built with a variety of architectural styles, including craftsman, colonial, and modern homes, with prices ranging from $800,000 to over $1 million. The location of this local puts residents in a legitimate position between Tysons and Falls Church City, which offers a wide variety of options for eating, shopping, and entertainment in addition to simple and straightforward directions for driving.
Idylwood Plaza is the primary shopping Centre in the region and is home to the first Taco Bamba, which was a humble location tucked away in the back. However, the square is also home to favourite restaurants such as Burger7 and Astro Doughnuts, in addition to Olney Park, which is located in the neighborhood. Places like Cafe Kindred, Pizzeria Orso, SpaceBar, and Sfizi Cafe are easily accessible from Downtown Falls Church, which is only a couple of miles south on Route 7. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the variety of establishments that can be found in Downtown Falls Church.
Price range: Original homes start in the mid-$400s, and new construction can cost up to $1.5 million.
10 stops before reaching Metro Center 3 stops before reaching Tysons Reston
Stop on the subway: Wiehle-Reston (Silver Line)
The final stop on the silver line is currently the Wiehle-Reston station. For the time being, this is the terminal. In any case, it is yet another region that is beginning to thrive and will only increase in popularity as the Metro expands even further, which is anticipated to occur by the year 2020. For the time being, the entertaining programming at Reston Station has included pop-up markets celebrating the arrival of spring. This late spring, guests can look forward to outdoor shows and wellness events. Before heading off to do some shopping at Reston Town Center, grab a cup of espresso or a chomp as your breakfast and satisfy your caffeine craving.
Where one should live: In Aperture and BLVD Residential, which are located right next to the Wiehle-Reston station, residents enjoy a lavish lifestyle. Opening has ground-floor retail and 421 contemporary units with amenities such as a clubroom, pool, pet play territory, and luxury lofts. Opening is scheduled for completion in 2018. Luxury condominiums by BLVD Residential feature kitchens designed with a focus on food preparation, networks, formal and digital parlours, outdoor living spaces, and a housetop pool and wellness centre. Use the most reputable movers in Reston if you require assistance moving into your new home.
Range of prices: A studio apartment at Aperture can be rented for $1,740 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment with a den can be rented for $3,430 per month. Studio apartments at BLVD start at $1,710, and three-bedroom apartments with a den start at $5,945 per month.
Stops on the Way to the Metro Center: 14 Stops before reaching Tysons: 3
Ballston Metro stop: Ballston-MU (Orange/Silver Line)
Ballston, when it was at its peak, was at the forefront of innovative urban planning. In 1951, a forward-thinking and innovative for its time rural retail space called Parkington opened its doors to the community. That was resolved with the opening of Ballston Common Mall in 1986, which was a sizable strip mall during the zenith of the 1980s shopping centre frenzy. The popularity of the shopping centre, on the other hand, began to decline, and for a considerable amount of time, the area in question was essentially ignored. In any case, the strip mall and the surrounding area are currently undergoing a revitalization that has been eagerly anticipated thanks to the construction of Ballston Quarter. The indoor/outdoor retail focus is structured in light of the experience-disapproved millennial age (look at “Instagram Alley,” where you can ‘gramme your shopping involvement in pop-workmanship foundations), and it highlights a blend of well-known neighborhoodretailers and national retail and café brands. Around it, opulent lofts are springing up, and younger buyers are looking to the local condominiums as starting homes rather than single-family homes. Ballston has returned, to put it more plainly.
Condos typically start at around $340,000 for a one-bedroom unit, and they can cost anywhere from the mid- to high-$400,000s for two-bedroom units. High-end luxury condos can cost up to one million dollars.
8 stops before reaching Metro Center 3 stops before reaching Tysons
The County of Arlington
The county of Arlington can be found in the state of Virginia in the United States. The county can be found in Northern Virginia, on the southwestern bank of the Potomac River, directly across from Washington, D.C., which it was a part of at one point in time. Arlington is bounded on the west by Fairfax County and the City of Falls Church, on the north by Loudoun County, on the south by Prince William County, on the east by the Potomac River, and on the east by the Potomac River. The population of Arlington County was counted at 400,850 during the census taken in 2022. Additionally, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located within the county.
One of the wealthiest counties in the United States is Arlington County, Virginia. The county is home to a large number of important businesses and organisations, such as the Department of Defense of the United States, the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, amongst others.
Families and young professionals alike are drawn to the numerous amenities that Arlington County has to offer. It is home to exemplary educational institutions, secure communities, and a plethora of exciting activities. In addition, the county is an excellent location for launching new businesses or expanding existing ones. Arlington County, located in Northern Virginia, should be at the top of your list if you are looking for a place to call home in that region.
The County of Fairfax
One of the wealthiest counties in the United States, Fairfax County is found in Northern Virginia and is known for its exceptional prosperity. The economy of the county is thriving, as evidenced by the high median income of $106,090 for households. Although the cost of living in Fairfax County is high, the overall quality of life more than makes up for the higher costs. Shopping, going out to eat, and enjoying the outdoors are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed in Fairfax County. A highly regarded educational institution known as George Mason University can be found in this county. Families and professionals who are looking for a place to live that offers a high quality of life will find it easy to do so in Fairfax County.
In addition, those who want to commute to Washington, District of Columbia, will find that Fairfax County is an excellent place to live. In addition to being served by the Virginia Railway Express, the county is home to a number of Metro stations. In addition, Fairfax County is home to Dulles International Airport, which facilitates travel and is a major economic driver. Fairfax County is an excellent choice to consider if you are looking for a location in Northern Virginia that you can call home. The county is a wonderful place to call home because it offers a little something for everyone.
The county of Loudoun
The fifth most populous county in the Commonwealth of Virginia is Loudoun County, which has a total population of over 400,000 people. Leesburg is the principal city of the county. A portion of Fairfax County was used to found this new county in 1757. Earl John Campbell, who served as Governor-General of Virginia from 1756 to 1759, is honoured with the naming of Virginia’s Loudoun County.
Fairfax County is located to the south of Loudoun County, Fauquier County is located to the west, Prince William County is located to the north, and Clarke County is located to the northeast of Loudoun County. The entirety of the county spans 504 square miles in land area. The county of Loudoun is home to a plethora of historically significant locations, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Oatlands Plantation, among others.
There are many reasons why Loudoun County is a wonderful place to call home. The county enjoys a very low crime rate, is home to a number of excellent schools, and provides residents with numerous housing choices. In addition, the county offers a wide variety of opportunities for recreation, including horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. In the event that you are looking for a fantastic location to call home in Northern Virginia, Loudoun County is an excellent choice.
Falls Church
Falls Church is an independent city in Virginia with a population of 15,067 people. It is located just a few miles outside of Washington, District of Columbia (2020 census). The natural waterfall known as The Falls can be found on the Four Mile Run stream, which gives the city its name. The city is also home to several historical landmarks, George Mason University, and the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Residents of Falls Church take pleasure in ambling around the charming downtown area of the city, which is easily accessible on foot and contains a wide variety of shops and restaurants. The region is also home to a number of parks, one of which is called Falls Park. From this park, visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the waterfall that gives the city its name.
Falls Church is an excellent choice for people who want to make a daily commute into Washington, DC. The city is served by multiple bus routes in addition to two stations that are part of the Virginia Railway Express commuter rail system. It is also simple to find a place to live that is within your price range and complements the way you choose to live because there is such a wide selection of housing options. Therefore, if you are looking for a place to call home that has a long and illustrious history, a wide variety of activities, and a location that is convenient for you, Falls Church might be the place for you.
Alexandria
In the United States, Alexandria is both one of the oldest and most historically significant cities. Alexandria is a city in Virginia that was established in 1749 and is located just south of Washington, District of Columbia. It is the location of a number of historically significant landmarks. In addition, Alexandria is well-known for the quality of its public schools as well as the thriving arts and cultural scene that it possesses.
Alexandria, which has a population of slightly more than 150,000 people, is the ideal size for those who want to live in a city with all the amenities of a larger metropolis but without the noise and congestion that comes along with it. Many people move to Alexandria because they want to be close to Washington, DC, but they don’t necessarily want to live in the city itself. For this reason, Alexandria is a popular choice. And it’s easy to see why Alexandria is one of the best places to live in Northern Virginia given that its convenient location, excellent schools, and abundance of things to do make it one of the best places to live.
Living in Northern Virginia is a wonderful experience because there are so many opportunities and things to do here for people of all ages. In Northern Virginia, you can find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a peaceful neighborhood in the suburbs or a bustling city with plenty of options for a night out and other forms of entertainment. We sincerely hope that this guide has been of assistance to you as you continue your hunt for the ideal location in which to make your home. Moving to a new location can be stressful, but if you enlist the assistance of our trained movers, the transition can be completed without any hassle.
