Northern Virginia

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Northern Virginia, often referred to as "NOVA," is a highly sought-after area for real estate due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., excellent schools, and robust job market. Northern Virginia is made up of the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William; the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, and Manassas Park; the major towns of Dumfries, Herndon and Vienna, and Leesburg and Purcellville; and the smaller towns of Clifton , Hamilton, Hillsboro, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill , and Haymarket, Occoquan, and Quantico. 

Northern Virginia has a population of 2,556,143 with 74,224 households and a median household income of $140,511. Explore more census, economic and demographic data here.  

Geography and Accessibility

Northern Virginia encompasses several counties and independent cities, including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church. The region is known for its well-developed infrastructure, with major highways like I-66, I-95, and the Capital Beltway (I-495) providing easy access to Washington, D.C., and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Public transportation is also a strong point, with the Washington Metro, Virginia Railway Express (VRE), and numerous bus services facilitating convenient commutes.

Economy and Employment

Northern Virginia boasts a robust economy driven by various sectors, including technology, government contracting, defense, and healthcare. The presence of the Pentagon, numerous federal agencies, and leading technology companies like Amazon (which is establishing its HQ2 in Arlington) makes this region a hub for high-paying jobs and career opportunities. The area also supports a thriving small business community, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Education

Northern Virginia is renowned for its exceptional educational institutions, making it an attractive area for families prioritizing quality education. The region is home to a variety of highly rated public school districts, prestigious private schools, and reputable higher education institutions. 

Public School Districts

  1. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
    • Overview: FCPS is one of the largest and most highly regarded school districts in the United States, serving over 180,000 students across more than 200 schools.
    • Achievements: Known for its academic excellence, FCPS consistently ranks high in state and national assessments. The district offers advanced academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and specialized academies.
    • Notable Schools: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is a nationally recognized magnet school specializing in STEM education.
  2. Arlington Public Schools (APS)
    • Overview: APS serves approximately 27,000 students with a commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
    • Achievements: APS schools frequently receive accolades for academic performance, and the district emphasizes innovation in teaching and learning.
    • Notable Schools: Washington-Liberty High School and Yorktown High School are well-known for their rigorous academic programs and extracurricular opportunities.
  3. Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS)
    • Overview: LCPS is one of the fastest-growing school districts in the nation, serving over 80,000 students in a mix of suburban and rural settings.
    • Achievements: LCPS schools are recognized for their strong academic programs, technology integration, and commitment to student success.
    • Notable Schools: Broad Run High School and Loudoun Valley High School are among the district's top-performing schools.
  4. Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS)
    • Overview: PWCS serves nearly 90,000 students, offering a wide range of educational programs to meet diverse student needs.
    • Achievements: The district is known for its strong emphasis on STEM education, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and arts education.
    • Notable Schools: Battlefield High School and Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School are notable for their academic and extracurricular excellence.

Private Schools

Northern Virginia is home to many prestigious private schools that provide alternative education options with a focus on individualized learning, small class sizes, and rigorous academic standards. Some of the top private schools in the region include:

  1. The Potomac School (McLean)
    • Known for its strong academic programs, arts education, and extensive extracurricular activities, The Potomac School offers a well-rounded education from kindergarten through 12th grade.
  2. Bishop O'Connell High School (Arlington)
    • A coeducational Catholic high school, Bishop O'Connell emphasizes academic excellence, faith-based education, and community service.
  3. Madeira School (McLean)
    • An all-girls boarding and day school, Madeira is renowned for its rigorous academics, leadership programs, and experiential learning opportunities.

Higher Education

Northern Virginia also boasts several reputable higher education institutions, offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Some notable institutions include:

  1. George Mason University (Fairfax)
    • As the largest public research university in Virginia, George Mason University offers a wide variety of programs and is known for its research initiatives, diversity, and innovation.
  2. Marymount University (Arlington)
    • A Catholic university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, Marymount University is recognized for its strong liberal arts education and professional studies.
  3. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
    • With multiple campuses across the region, NOVA provides accessible and affordable education, including associate degrees, certificate programs, and pathways to four-year universities.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Northern Virginia offers a high quality of life with a plethora of amenities and activities. From the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria to the bustling urban centers of Arlington and Tysons Corner, residents enjoy a wide array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the region's numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities, including the scenic Great Falls Park and the extensive network of trails in the Shenandoah National Park.

Real Estate Market

The real estate market in Northern Virginia caters to various preferences and budgets. Whether you're interested in historic homes in Alexandria, modern condos in Arlington, spacious suburban houses in Fairfax, or luxury estates in Loudoun County, you'll find a wide range of properties to suit your needs. The market is competitive, reflecting the high demand for housing in this desirable area, but it also offers opportunities for investment and growth.

Community and Culture

The region's rich history is evident in its well-preserved landmarks and museums, such as Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Manassas National Battlefield Park. The community is welcoming and diverse, making it an attractive place for people from all walks of life.

Dining:

Since 1978, Artie's has been a Fairfax City favorite. Enjoy classic American seafood & steaks in a New England boathouse setting inspired by Lake Winnipesaukee and the golden era of Chris-Craft boats.

Located in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia, Dolce Vita Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar offers a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Their menus capture a unique blend of innovative recipes and traditional Italian dishes. For over 25 years their focus has been on providing exceptional hospitality to neighbors and friends in Fairfax.

While they are Tex-Mex, the menu is made up of a com­bi­na­tion of flavors, with recipes and ingre­di­ents from across New Mexico, Mexican border towns, the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas and, of course, Austin. The founders had a vision to bring FRESH to Tex-Mex, and that com­mit­ment to their food is still the core of every­thing they do today.

Taza Falafel is Mediterranean Restaurant that has fresh falafel lamb and beef shawarma and chicken shawarma. Check them out for lunch or dinner and place your catering order for any special occasion! 

Laid-back hangout featuring casual Greek & American bar fare, including burgers, gyros & nachos.

Offers meals of excellent quality and invite you to try their delicious food. The key to their success is simple: providing quality consistent food that taste great every single time. They pride themselves on serving their customers delicious genuine dishes like: Asian, Thai, Dessert. Eat delicious food, grab a drink, but most of all, relax! 

Silver Diner was founded on the idea of creating a neighborhood gathering place serving updated American Classics with Authentic Diner Hospitality. Over the last 35 years, Silver Diner has grown and evolved their original vision to an award-winning, chef-driven restaurant serving food reflecting today’s lifestyles; all without losing what makes a diner special – their friendly hospitality.

A sizable menu of Mexican-Salvadoran fare stars at this long-standing restaurant with a full bar.

Tex-Mex chain serving mesquite-grilled fare & margarita-sangria swirls in a hacienda-style space.

With the help of his family, Victor Solano opened the very first Peruvian charcoal-broiled rotisserie chicken restaurant in the US. From humble beginnings in a strip mall on Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, El Pollo Rico has expanded to three locations in Arlington, Woodbridge, and Wheaton. This is all thanks to their loyal customers, without whose continued patronage none of this would have ever been possible! In return, they promise to maintain the quality and convenience which the community has enjoyed for so long.

Come on in for your morning latte, brunch with your crew, lunch with the boss, breakfast (for dinner) with the family, or good conversation and cocktails at the bar. Ted’s invites you to their table with a smile, ready to serve up our modern take on delicious American food and drink.

Conclusion

Northern Virginia stands out as an exceptional place to live, work, and play. Its strategic location, economic vitality, excellent schools, and high quality of life make it a prime destination for real estate buyers and investors. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree, Northern Virginia offers a wealth of opportunities and a welcoming community that you'll be proud to call home.