Top 9 Virginia Suburbs Near 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 many high-quality amenities. As a result, its population is affluent, diverse, highly educated, and recreationally active.

The DMV has several of the nation’s highest-earning industries, such as tourism, telecommunications, hospitality, defense contracting, consumer goods, and biotechnology. 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. Quality employment is another reason why people flock to Northern Virginia.

The high desire to live near DC has created one of the nation’s most expansive metroplexes. While there are many places to live, it’s not always easy to find the right one 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 some top Virginia cities near DC to start your home search:

Arlington

It’s hard to beat Arlington as a place to live, starting with its prime location. Located in Arlington County across the Potomac River, residents are a four-mile, 15-minute drive from the heart of Washington, DC. People know Arlington as the home to some of the most iconic national monuments in the United States, like the Arlington National Cemetery, the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Few visitors to these bucket list historical sites realize Arlington is a thriving residential community. The school district is among Virginia’s top-rated. A network of parks and multi-use paths like the Mount Vernon Trail encourage ditching the car. While the average commute time was 33 minutes, about 20% of residents walk or bike to work.

In fact, all the outdoor activities are another top perk of Arlington living. For being central in the metroplex, it has a surprising about of green space and the city has won awards for its environmentally-minded urban planning.

The historic homes and boutique retail on Main Street add to its residential charm. 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 490 properties for sale in Arlington. As of August 2024, the median list price for homes was $800,000, which comes out to about $463 per sq ft. The average price of recent homes sold is $702,000. The overall cost of living in Arlington is higher than the Virginia average, but consider the convenience and amenities that go with it. Start your home search in Arlington with our recommended top 12 neighborhoods to live.

Fairfax

To the west of Arlington is the Fairfax City, the seat of Fairfax County. It is about 20 miles from the center of DC, 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 level of small-town charm even though this is a major city. 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 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.

Fairfax is another Northern Virginia community with statewide-ranked top schools. Supporting them is George Mason University, a top-rated public research university.

From Fairfax, the average commute time was about 29 minutes. However, it ranked as the fifth most walkable city in Virginia.

August 2024 had 298 homes for sale in Fairfax, with an average listing price of $800,000. This comes out to $343 per sq foot, showing that even though the list price was the same as Arlington, you get a larger home for the same cost.

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. George Washington’s Mount Vernon is here.

But don’t think of this Northern Virginia suburb as old-fashioned. Alexandria is one of the top-rated cities in the country, recognized by publications like Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. The historic buildings and cobblestone streets dating to colonial times add to its charm. Countless local businesses, restaurants, a music scene, and beautiful parks combined to create a thriving and unique culture that makes Alexandria stand out from the DC suburbs in Fairfax County.

The eastern edge is along the Potomac River, where marinas bob with sailboats. And if you need to fly frequently, Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport is immediately north. Having two interstates running through Alexandria makes the tough Washington commute slightly easier.

It is split into 11 smaller neighborhoods, beginning with the walkable 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.

There were 779 homes for sale in August 2024, with the median listing price at around $700,000. This comes out to $384 sq ft. The average sold price for the prior month was $735,000.

Falls Church City

This Fairfax County entry may have only 14,000 residents, but those residents enjoy an incredibly high quality of life. At the forefront are the high quality, rigorous schools that frequently rank among the best in Virginia. It’s indicative of the tight-knit, community-oriented atmosphere. Because Falls Church is small, it’s easy to get to know your neighbors. Find community events throughout the year, like farmers’ markets, festivals, and outdoor concerts.

The city runs 14 parks with playgrounds and sports courts. A two-mile stretch of the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail connects residents to the nearby cities. These green spaces and the historic Victorian homes as to its natural beauty. It has a century-old theater, a church President George Washington attended, and a farm from the Civil War era.

Falls Church is well-connected in terms of transportation. The city is served by two Metro stations (East Falls Church and West Falls Church) on the Orange and Silver Lines. Having commuter rail right there makes travel to D.C. and other parts of Northern Virginia relatively easy. There are also several major highways nearby, including I-66 and the Capital Beltway. The average commute time was 27 minutes.

Median list prices were at $810,000 in August 2024, with a median price per square foot of $398.

Ashburn

An estimated 45-minute, 30-mile drive northwest from Washington DC up the Potomac River will bring you to Loudoun County. Here, find the so-called “bullseye of America’s internet,” a community named Ashburn. It gets its nickname from the many technology parks and data centers situated here. Many 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 Northern Virginia’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!

Near Ashburn are even more choices for shopping and entertainment. Cross Darrell Green Blvd for Dulles Town Center. The indoor mall features a train and carousel for the kids, bowling alley and movie theater, signature chain restaurants, and big box retail names like H&M.

There were 324 homes for sale in Ashburn, and the community’s median listing price was $729,000, which comes out to $289 per sq ft. It shows the housing market has larger homes for the sale price. The median sold price in this area is a bit lower, $761,000.

Annandale

Another Fairfax County entry, Annandale, is a mostly residential area between Arlington and Fairfax, about 15 miles and a 15-minute drive from the center of the District of Columbia. The Northern Virginia Community College has a significant footprint in the city. People from around the world have made Annandale their home, 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.

As far as your commute around the metro, Interstate 495 runs along the western and southern borders. Little River Turnpike crosses the heart of Annandale. Residents had an average commute time of 29 minutes.

There were 103 homes for sale in August 2024, with the average listing price at $760,000. This comes out to $335 per sq ft.

Reston

Among the Virginia cities near DC, Reston is one of the newer ones, developed in the 20th century. It lies between Arlington and Ashburn in Fairfax County. The area has been invested in and developed as a significant center for outdoor recreation, culture, shopping, and entertainment. The idea was a community with all you need for work-life balance. The suite of recreation facilities is incredible. Five lakes are open to paddlesports and fishing. Walking paths circle two of them for tranquil hikes. Some 55 miles of multi-use trails connect Reston’s retail center, neighborhoods, and other amenities. These include some 52 tennis courts, 15 swimming pools, and two golf courses. About 250 acres of natural land have been set aside.

A thriving art and performance culture adds to the fun of living in Reston. 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 Washington Dulles International Airport, the town serves as a gateway for many tourists. The Silver Line and Dulles Toll Road help connect Reston to the greater DMV.

For all you gain living in Reston, the cost of living is reasonable by Northern Virginia standards. In August 2024, 143 homes were for sale in Reston. The community’s average listing price was $550,000, which is $358 per sq ft. It’s the most affordable housing of the top DC suburbs.

McLean

About 10 miles from the heart of Washington, DC, awaits the unincorporated community of McLean in Fairfax County. Several Fortune 500 companies call McLean their home, but it is mainly residential. Many governmental officials and higher-ranking US military officials looking at Virginia cities near DC choose McLean because it’s convenient to places like Langley and the Pentagon. With the housing market demand, the McLean zip code is the third wealthiest in the country.

Upscale shopping opportunities abound in McLean, especially at the three-story Tysons Galleria Mall. Another perk are the beautiful parks. Great Falls Park has stunning views of the Potomac River cascading over a series of drops totaling 76 feet. Its Clemyjontri Park was designed to be a playground for children of all abilities.

House prices in McLean were some of the steepest in the area, with the August 2024 average list price reaching $2.9 million—$449 per sq ft.

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. Residents describe it a welcoming place to live, with walkable neighborhoods and mom-and-pop shops. The town is home to several significant historic sites, 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. Its Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is open each day and has beautiful walking paths and unique features like a Korean bell garden. Outdoor recreation access is a definite perk of living further from the urban core.

As for your daily needs, local and specialty shops line the main thoroughfare along Maple Avenue. They include two grocery options and restaurants serving sushi and curry. When you do want more access to retail or entertainment like movies, Tysons Corner Center is right off Chain Bridge Road.

Homes in Vienna here had an average listing price of $1.5 million, which comes to $394 per sq ft. That pricing is about $500,000 more than August 2022, showing how Northern Virginia real estate benefits from appreciation. The Windover Heights Historic District is one exemplar of the beautiful architecture of Vienna homes, with some dating to the 19th century.

Virginia Cities Near DC Metro

Whether you’re looking for quick access to life in DC but with the charm and community of a small town, try these top suburbs in Northern Virginia. The historic DC metro communities have a distinct character, plus perks 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 housing in the District of Columbia.