Top 8 Suburbs on the Virginia Side of the DC Metro

As our great nation’s capital, it should be no surprise that Washington, DC, and its surrounding areas have been among the top places to live in the United States. Also known as the National Capital Region or “DMV”—that is, the District of Columbia (D), Maryland (M), and Virginia (V)—this metropolitan area provides access to many high-quality amenities. As a result, its population is affluent, diverse, highly educated, and active.

The region contains several of the nation’s highest-earning industries, such as tourism, telecommunications, hospitality, defense contracting, consumer goods, and biotechnology. Some of the top organizations in their industry have headquarters here, including Capital One, Discovery Communications, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, General Dynamics, Hilton Hotels, Marriott International, and Northrop Grumman.

The high desire to live in DC has created one of the most expansive urban areas in the country. While there are many places to live, it’s not always easy to find the right place for you and your family.

DC itself is just a few square miles, so most DMV residents live in the surrounding suburbs. If you’re thinking about moving to the area, consider the Virginia side of the Washington, DC metro. To help you get started, here are our eight top DC suburbs to start your home search:

Arlington

Located across the Potomac River, a four-mile, 15-minute drive from the heart of Washington, DC, Arlington is home to some of the most iconic national monuments in the United States, including the Arlington National Cemetery, the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and the Marine Corps War Memorial. Not many visitors also realize it’s a thriving residential community.

Arlington can be split up into ten smaller neighborhoods:

• Ballston, home to universities, research laboratories, a sizable shopping mall, and a weekly farmer’s market
• Clarendon, an upscale residential neighborhood featuring top-class drinks and dining
• Columbia Pike, one of the most diverse main street communities in the area
• Courthouse, where the county’s administrative offices are located
• The family-friendly entertainment destination of Langston Boulevard
• The bustling urban sprawl of Rosslyn
• Crystal City, a technological epicenter
• Pentagon City, home to countless shopping opportunities
• The charming residential neighborhoods of Shirlington and Westover

There were 617 properties for sale in Arlington, and as of August 2022, the median list price for homes was $744,500—coming out to about $452 per sq ft. The average price of recent homes sold comes to $850,000. Start your home search in Arlington with our recommended top 12 places to live.

Fairfax

To the west of Arlington is the city of Fairfax. It is about 20 miles from the center of DC, just around a 30-minute drive when there is little to no traffic. Its distance from the heart of the nation’s capital ensures it retains a high level of small-town charm. See it firsthand in its eclectic mix of annual events and festivals such as the Fall Festival, Festival of Lights & Carols, the Holiday Craft Show, Irish Festival, Independence Day Celebration, National Trails Day, Spotlight on the Arts, Civil War Day, and Chocolate Lovers Festival.

Residents have quick access to several opportunities for outdoor adventure, including the Washington and Old Dominion Trails, Pohick Bay Park, Bull Run Occoquan Trail, Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventure, and the legendary Great Falls Park featuring stunning views of the Potomac.

August 2022 had 431 homes for sale in Fairfax, with an average listing price of $699,000. This comes out to $318 per sq foot. The median sold price was slightly higher at $700,000.

Alexandria

Eight miles and about a 20-minute drive directly west from the center of the capital will bring you to Alexandria on the banks of the Potomac River. It is split into 11 smaller neighborhoods, beginning with Old Town, named for its short distance to Washington, DC, and numerous historical landmarks within. Major residential areas in the city include Rosemont, North Ridge, The Berg, Parker-Gray, and West End.

The industrial district is concentrated in Eisenhower Valley. Other areas that have been commercially developed include Del Ray, Potomac Yard, Arlandria, and Clover-College Park.

Alexandria is one of the top-rated cities in the country, recognized by publications like Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. Countless local businesses, restaurants, historical landmarks, and other high-quality amenities create a thriving and unique culture that makes Alexandria stand out from the DC suburbs.

There were 864 homes for sale in August 2022, with the median listing price in August 2022 at around $615,000. This comes out to $356 sq ft. The average sold price was lower than the average listing price at $590,000.

Ashburn

An estimated 45-minute, 30-mile drive northwest from the heart of Washington up the Potomac will bring you to the so-called “bullseye of America’s internet,” a community named Ashburn. It gets its nickname from the significant number of technology parks and data centers situated there, many of which sustain servers for some of America’s most significant companies, such as Verizon, Amazon, and Wikimedia Foundation.

Despite this technological influence, Ashburn retains much of the region’s historic charm—particularly inside the village center, where restaurants, shops, and plenty of entertainment options await. Several sports and recreational facilities in Ashburn feature state-of-the-art technology, such as an indoor skydiving facility and luxury driving range!

There were 325 homes for sale in Ashburn, and the community had a median listing price of $665,000. This comes out to $267 per sq ft. The median sold price in this area is a bit lower, $660,000.

Annandale

Annandale is between Arlington and Fairfax, about 15 miles and a 15-minute drive from the center of DC. The Northern Virginia Community College has a significant footprint in the city. A diverse range of residents have made their home here, and the area has large Hispanic, Korean, and Vietnamese populations. You’ll find plenty of authentic international cuisine and rich cultural experiences.

Residents have plenty of shopping and entertainment options, including a weekly farmer’s market. Several outdoor parks and nature reserves are available for hiking, biking, and sightseeing.

There were 130 homes for sale in August 2022, with the average listing price at $724,500. This comes out to $306 per sq ft. Sold prices averaged around $720,000.

Reston

Reston lies between Arlington and Ashburn. The area has been invested in and developed as a significant center for recreation, culture, shopping, and entertainment. It features a large community center with several upscale amenities and about 250 acres of natural land for hiking, biking, exploring, sightseeing, and more.

The city hosts a thriving art and performance culture. Significant family-friendly events include a holiday parade, the Flavors of Fall festival, the Reston Multicultural Festival, the Taste of Reston Food Festival, and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival. Every September, the town hosts a triathlon. As one of the closest towns to the nearby Dulles Airport, the town serves as a gateway for many tourists to the region.

There were 192 homes for sale in Reston in August 2022, and the community had an average listing price of $525,000. This equals $342 per sq ft. The median home sold price was a bit higher than the list price at $550,000.

McLean

About 10 miles from the heart of Washington, DC, awaits the unincorporated community of McLean. While several Fortune 500 companies call McLean their home, it is mainly residential, housing many governmental officials and higher-ranking US military officials. As such, it is the third wealthiest city in the country.

Upscale shopping opportunities abound in McLean, especially at the three-story Tysons Galleria Mall. The town is a short drive from Great Falls Park, where you’ll find stunning views of the Potomac River.

House prices in McLean were some of the steepest in the area, with the August 2022 average list price reaching $1.9 million—$406 per sq ft. The average sold price was a little lower at $1.6 million.

Vienna

About 15 miles and a half-hour drive directly west of Pennsylvania Avenue, Vienna is perfect for those looking for small-town charm away from the city congestion. Here, local specialty shops line the main thoroughfare. The town is home to several significant historic properties, including the iconic Red Caboose, which serves as a reminder of the importance of trains during the town’s development.

The town is intersected by the 45-mile-long Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) rail trail, which countless residents use to hike, bike, and unwind along the rolling hills of Virginia.

Homes here had an average listing price of $974,000, which comes to $357 per sq ft. The median sold price was slightly lower at $950,000.

Living near the DC Metro

Whether you’re looking for hustle, bustle, and quick access to amenities, the charm, and community of a small town, or anything in between, look to the Virginia side of the DC metro area. The historic suburbs offer distinct character, plus everything from a streamlined commute to more relaxed living. If you’re interested in moving to the area, contact a local real estate agent to further explore your options.