Relocation Guides

Moving to Northern Virginia

City-by-city moving guides — pricing, schools, neighborhoods, commute, and what it's really like to live there.

Northern Virginia city and county guides

Moving to Northern Virginia — FAQs

What is the best city to move to in Northern Virginia?

Arlington and Alexandria lead for Metro-accessible urban living, Fairfax and Loudoun counties for schools and family housing, and Woodbridge, Manassas, and Stafford for commuter value.

Is Northern Virginia expensive to live in?

Regional median home price sits near $650,000. Spotsylvania and Woodbridge range $415K–$450K, while Arlington and Loudoun average $700K–$750K.

Which Northern Virginia counties have the best schools?

Fairfax County Public Schools, Loudoun County, and Arlington Public Schools consistently rank at the top of Virginia and national lists.

How long is the commute to Washington, D.C.?

Arlington and Alexandria are 15–20 minutes by Metro; Fairfax and Tysons 25–40 minutes; Loudoun on the Silver Line 35–50 minutes; Prince William and Stafford 45–60 minutes via VRE or HOV.