5
Northern Virginia Suburbs You Should Consider Moving To

    When searching for a place to live in Northern Virginia, it can be overwhelming with so many options. While websites like Niche.com provide rankings, their accuracy is questionable. As someone who's lived in the area and has done extensive research, I'm sharing my top picks for suburbs that offer a great quality of life.

    Vienna

    Vienna stands out as an excellent choice due to its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and strong community feel. The town boasts 12 parks, a recreation center with various programs, and a vibrant downtown area with restaurants and shops along Maple Avenue. While real estate prices are on the higher side, ranging from $800,000s to over $2 million, many buyers see it as an investment opportunity due to its prime location.

    Lyon Park – Arlington

    For those who crave an urban vibe but still want access to green spaces, Lyon Park is an ideal choice. This neighborhood offers a friendly atmosphere, narrow streets that discourage speeding, and a central park with playgrounds. Clarendon metro station is just a short walk away, providing easy access to employment centers and amenities. However, be prepared for high prices, starting at around $800,000.

    Del Ray – Alexandria

    If you're looking for a neighborhood with a strong sense of community, local shops, and delicious restaurants, Del Ray is the place to be. This popular area is stroller-friendly and offers a range of housing options from row homes to single-family homes. Prices vary greatly depending on age, condition, and location, but expect to pay between $500,000 and over $2 million.

    Falls Church City

    The city of Falls Church stands out for its exceptional schools and unique character. With a population of 14,000 within 2.2 square miles, it's the second-smallest city in Virginia. While buying a house here can be challenging due to bidding wars, the payoff is worth it – single-family homes range from $1 million to over $2 million.

    West Springfield

    For families seeking great schools and amenities without breaking the bank, West Springfield is an excellent choice. With affordable housing options ranging from $600,000 to over $700,000, this suburb offers a low-key family community with plenty of parks, trails, and playgrounds nearby.

    Northern Virginia Suburbs You Should Avoid

    While there are many great suburbs in Northern Virginia, some areas stand out as less desirable due to various reasons. Here are my top picks for places you might want to avoid:

    Sterling

    While Sterling has its advantages, such as being close to Potomac Falls and having plenty of big-box stores, it's also home to numerous data centers that use a significant amount of power and contribute to air pollution. The constant humming noise from these centers can be overwhelming, and the area is also plagued by traffic and noise from Dulles International Airport.

    Crystal City

    This neighborhood has been trying to rebrand itself as National Landing, but its outdated office buildings and condos still dominate the landscape. While Amazon's presence brought some excitement, job losses and hiring targets not meeting expectations have left many residents disappointed. The area is also plagued by crime and parking issues.

    Manassas

    While Manassas may seem like a more affordable option, its location far from major highways makes commuting to work a nightmare. Expect long drives and frustrating traffic jams, making it difficult to justify the move.

    Alexandria – Specifically, Huntington

    When you leave the charm of Old Town Alexandria and head south, you'll encounter an area that's starkly different. Ugly high-rise apartments and sketchy motels dominate the landscape, making it a less desirable place to live.