Northern Virginia is a highly desirable area to live in for many reasons. One of the most attractive features of this area is its strong economy and job opportunities. Some of the wealthiest counties in the country are located in Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax, and Falls Church. This area is home to numerous government contractors, technology companies, and healthcare organizations, which provide excellent job opportunities and high salaries to its constituents.

Another advantage of living in Northern Virginia is its transportation system. This area has two major airports, Dulles International and Reagan National, which provide easy access to both domestic and international destinations. The Washington Metro subway system is also available, as well as the Virginia Railway Express, transit buses, and an extensive network of highways and expressways. This makes it easy to commute to work or explore the surrounding areas.

Northern Virginia is also known for its excellent education system. Fairfax and Loudoun counties have some of the top-ranked public school districts in the state of Virginia. Many high schools in these counties, including Thomas Jefferson, Langley, and McLean, are among the top-ranked schools in the state. Additionally, Northern Virginia is home to many top universities, including the University of Virginia, William and Mary, Virginia Tech, and George Mason University just to name a few. Most Virginia universities allow residents to qualify for in-state tuition after just 1 year of residency in the state, prior to the submission of their application. 

One of the biggest draws of living in Northern Virginia is its proximity to Washington D.C. This provides residents with easy access to world-class museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions. There are also numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in the area.

There are several popular areas in Northern Virginia that attract people with different lifestyles.

As home builders in Northern Virginia for over 20 years, we at AV Architects + Builders have tons of experience guiding our clients towards the area that bests fit their desires, budget, and lifestyle.

Below are some of the top facts about each area for you to compare and help make an informed decision on your move.

MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Chesterbrook Elementary School
• Churchill Road Elementary School
• Kent Gardens Elementary School
• Spring Hill Elementary School
• Sherman Elementary School
• St. John Academy
• The Potomac School
• The Langley School
• St. Luke Catholic School
• Montessori School of McLean
• Brooksfield School
• Ridgemont Montessori School
• Cooper Middle School
• Ambleside School
• Langley High School
• McLean High School
• The Madeira School

School District:

• Fairfax County Public Schools

County:

• Fairfax County

Population (2020):

• 50,773

Average Lot size:

• 1/2 acre
  

Proximity to DC:

• about 10 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $242,610

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Great Falls Elementary School
• Forestville Elementary School
• Mina's School of Great Falls
• Great Falls Elementary School
  
• Seneca Ridge Middle School (Sterling)
• Dominion High School (Sterling)
• Herndon High School (Herndon)

School District:

• Fairfax County Public Schools

County:

• Fairfax County

Population (2020):

• 15,953

Average Lot size:

• 3 acres
  

Proximity to DC:

• about 20 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $250,000+

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Jamestown Elementary School
• Arlington Traditional School
• Tuckahoe Elementary School
• Williamsburg Middle School
• Swanson Middle School
• Jefferson Middle School
• Gunston Middle School
• Kenmore Middle School
• Yorktown High School
• Washington Liberty High School
• Wakefield High School
• Arlington Mill High School

School District:

• Arlington County Public Schools

County:

• Arlington County

Population (2020):

• 238,642

Average Lot size:

• less than 1/4 acre
  

Proximity to DC:

• about 5 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $128,145

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Haycock Elementary School
• Lemon Road Elementary School
• Longfellow Middle School
• Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
• Marshall High School
• Meridian High School
• Justice High School
• Falls Church High School

School District:

• Fairfax County Public Schools

County:

• Fairfax County

Population (2020):

• 14,658

Average Lot size:

• 1/4 acre
  

Proximity to DC:

• about 9 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $155,071

Leesburg, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Sycolin Creek Elementary School
• John W. Tolbert Jr. Elementary School
• Seldens Landing Elementary School
• Ball’s Bluff Elementary School 
• Evergreen Mill Elementary School
• Frederick Douglass Elementary School
• Catoctin Elementary School
• Leesburg Elementary School
• Cool Spring Elementary School
• Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School
• Loudoun Country Day School
• Belmont Ridge Middle School
• Harper Park Middle School
• Smart’s Mill Middle School
• J. Lupton Simpson Middle School
• Tuscarora High School
• Heritage High School
• Riverside High School
• Loudoun County High School

School District:

• Loudoun County Public Schools

County:

• Loudoun County

Population (2020):

• 48,250

Average Lot size:

•  5 acres
  

Proximity to DC:

• about 40 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $116,350

Ashburn, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Belmont Station Elementary School
• Newton-Lee Elementary School
• Trailside Middle School
• Eagle Ridge Middle School
• Farmwell Station Middle School
• Briar Woods High School
• Stone Bridge High School
• Broad Run High School

School District:

• Loudoun County Public Schools

County:

• Loudoun County

Population (2020):

• 46,349

Average Lot size:

•  3/4 acre
  

Proximity to DC:

• about 35 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $139,188

Reston, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Sunrise Valley Elementary School
• Armstrong Elementary School 
• Forest Edge Elementary School 
• Hunters Woods Elementary School 
• Aldrin Elementary School 
• Lake Anne Elementary School 
• Dogwood Elementary School
• Terraset Elementary School 
• Hughes Middles School
• South Lakes High School

School District:

• Fairfax County Public Schools

County:

• Fairfax County

Population (2020):

• 63,226

Average Lot size:

•  1/4 acre
  

Proximity to DC:

• about 22 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $126,571

Herndon, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Coates Elementary School 
• Floris Elementary School 
• Fox Mill Elementary School 
• Oak Hill Elementary School 
• Crossfield Elementary School 
• Dogwood Elementary School 
• Dranesville Elementary School 
• Hutchison Elementary School
• Carson Middle School 
• Herndon Middle School
• Herndon High School

School District:

• Fairfax County Public Schools

County:

• Fairfax County

Population (2020):

• 24,655

Average Lot size:

•  1/4 acre
  

Proximity to DC:

• about 24 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $177,741

Vienna, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Colvin Run Elementary School
• Wolftrap Elementary School
• Westbriar Elementary School
• Flint Hill Elementary School
• Vienna Elementary School
• Stenwood Elementary School
• Louise Archer Elementary School
• Oakcrest School
• Kilmer Middle School
• Thoreau Middle School
• Oakton High School
• Madison High School

School District:

• Fairfax County Public Schools

County:

• Fairfax County

Population (2020):

• 16,473

Average Lot size:

•  1/4 acre
  

Proximity to DC:

• about 17 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $200,938

Alexandria, VIRGINIA

Schools: 

• Patrick Henry Elementary School
• Glasgow Middle School
• Francis C Hammond Middle School
• Alexandria City High School
• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

School District:

• Fairfax County Public Schools

County:

• Fairfax County

Population (2020):

• 159,467

Average Lot size:

•  1/4 acre

Proximity to DC:

• about 8 miles

Median Household Income (2017-2021):

• $105,450

The Best Areas to Live in Northern Virginia

There are many reasons why people should consider living in Northern Virginia. This area has a strong economy, excellent job opportunities, a great transportation system, and top-ranked schools. With its proximity to Washington D.C., Northern Virginia provides residents with access to world-class cultural attractions and entertainment venues. Whether you are looking for a bustling city or a quiet suburb, Northern Virginia has an area that is perfect for you.

At AV Architects + Builders, we design and build modern homes utilizing the Architect-Led Design-Build approach. Our proven turnkey process is what you need for single-point accountability and minimizing all the stress of building a new home. You’ll be guided from start to finish by our team…from helping you find a perfect lot to handing you the keys. Consider us an all-in-one solution.