7 Reasons to Move to Northern Virginia

Whether you're relocating from Downtown D.C. or moving across the country for a new career, you’ll find Northern Virginia offers a variety of cities with diverse housing options in a thriving economy. 

Northern Virginia offers everything from upscale condos overlooking the Potomac River and premium shopping at Tysons Corner to breathtaking Appalachian views and award-winning cuisine.   

Below, the team from Prevu Real Estate has put together the top reasons you should consider moving to Northern Virginia. 

Reasons to move to Northern Virginia

• Easy access to Washington, D.C.
• Diverse housing stock
• Abundant career opportunities
• High-end shopping
• Outdoor adventure all year
• Rich history and culture
• Cuisine from around the world

Easy access to Washington, D.C. 

Often abbreviated as "NOVA," Northern Virginia is across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., so residents benefit from convenient commutes into the city. 

For drivers starting their journey on the west side of NOVA, I-66 facilitates seamless travel directly into Washington, D.C. For example, the trip from Falls Church to Downtown D.C. is a short drive of about 20 minutes. 

From the southern side of D.C., I-395 is the fastest route, connecting areas like Springfield and Shirlington to the Pentagon and The Capital. 

For easy travel between towns within Northern Virginia, I-495 encircles the entire D.C. metropolitan area. Also known as the Capital Beltway, I-495 allows drivers to circumvent traffic into Downtown Washington. 

Four of D.C.'s Metrorail lines reach extensively into NOVA for those who prefer public transport. The Orange and Silver Lines have Metrorail stations in key locations like Arlington and Falls Church. The Silver Line extends further, reaching Tyson's Corner and Dulles International Airport. 

Meanwhile, the Blue and Yellow Lines travel southwest from D.C., serving Fairfax County and Alexandria, with a convenient stop at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport. 

Diverse housing stock

Northern Virginia offers a variety of home styles, and Alexandria is a perfect place to begin your search. From historic homes in Old Town to luxury condos in Carlyle, Alexandria has something for everyone. 

For more upscale homes, homebuyers can tour the shores of Lake Anne in Reston or high-end condos near Reston Town Center. 

If you're living in D.C. and want to upgrade your square footage, you can research homes for sale in McLean. There, you'll find Georgian mansions and Colonial homes on large plots. While many of these homes are historic, they've often been retrofitted with modern amenities. 

Young professionals searching for high-rise condos surrounded by restaurants and boutiques might be interested in Tysons Corner. Moreover, the Silver Line features a metro stop that heads directly into D.C. from Tysons. 

These are just a few towns in Northern Virginia to consider buying a home; you'll also want to investigate Fairfax, Vienna, and Arlington. 

Abundant career opportunities

Folks who live in Northern Virginia will enjoy a diverse job market in technology, government agencies, health care, and finance. 

Many civilians relocate to NOVA for job opportunities with organizations like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), The U.S. Department of State, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can find positions in foreign affairs, statistics, cybersecurity, and diplomacy in these organizations. 

Northern Virginia has developed a burgeoning tech scene to support these government organizations and local businesses. For example, Leidos provides data analytics and cybersecurity to government agencies like NASA and the EPA from its headquarters in Reston. Likewise, General Dynamics in Falls Church provides I.T. support to the U.S. Navy, Army, and Air Force. 

As NOVA's population grows, so does an increasing need for dependable healthcare. As such, Inova Health Systems has two major hospitals in Alexandria and Falls Church, with the latter being one of the largest hospitals in Northern Virginia. Just north of Downtown D.C., MedStar Washington Hospital Center specializes in cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer care. 

Beyond these, several Fortune 500 companies, such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman,Capital One, and Amazon, have offices in Northern Virginia. All in all, Northern Virginia’s employment rate is above the national average, so whether you work in D.C. or you’re working from home, you’ll likely find a career.

High-end shopping

Northern Virginia boasts multiple retail parks, allowing shoppers to find their favorite brands within 30 minutes of home. 

In Fairfax County, Tysons Galleria is home to well-known names like Nordstroms and Macy's and luxury brands like Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana. Reston Town Center simulates a European-style shopping center with Athleta, Sephora, and an Apple Store and is just 15 minutes away from Tyson’s Galleria via Route 267

On the southern side of Northern Virginia, you can visit Potomac Mills in Woodbridge. Known as Virginia's largest outlet mall, Potomac Mills houses top-notch brands like Nike, Ralph Lauren, and IKEA. 

Further out, Fair Oaks Mall offers various stores like Forever 21, Bath & Body Works, and Johnston & Murphy.

Outdoor adventure all year

From the Potomac River to the Appalachian Mountains, there is plenty of outdoor recreation for residents of Northern Virginia to enjoy.

One hour west on I-66, the 200,000-acre Shenandoah National Park boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails, camping, fly fishing, and mountain biking. For a weekend getaway, you can cruise the iconic Skyline Drive. This 105-mile scenic roadway is about a three hours drive, stretching along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views in every direction. 

For a more tamed excursion, explore The Washington & Old Dominion Trail. This 45-mile path follows the former rail bed of the Old Dominion Railroad through Vienna, Reston, and Leesburg. Bicyclists and hikers can hop on the trail in multiple locations, making it perfect for quick trips. 

As a mountainous region, NOVA is dotted with an abundance of waterways that are perfect for boaters. Kayakers and standup paddleboarders can put in at the Occoquan Reservoir, Algonkian Regional Park, or Fountainhead Regional Park. Or, if you have a motorized boat, consider launching it at Burke Lake or along the Potomac River.

For wintertime fun, skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes of the renowned Massanutten Resort, just north of the University of Virginia. Or, check out Bryce Resort in Bayse, Virginia, for great skiing closer to home. 

Rich history and culture

Living just outside D.C., you'll have access to many historical monuments, music venues, and museums. 

For starters, the Washington Monument, White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol Building will be situated within a day's trip of NOVA. 

Furthermore, you can stop by the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History or the National Art and Space Museum. Additionally, Mount Vernon, George Washington's historic estate, has been transformed into a museum detailing the life of the first President.

For music enthusiasts, Jammin Java in Vienna regularly hosts local folk and rock bands. Or, if you'd rather experience a full-on concert, check out the schedule at Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center. In the past, the venue has hosted artists such as Allison Krauss and John Legend.

Cuisine from around the world

As the Washington D.C. metro area has welcomed immigrants from around the globe, Northern Virginia has seen a growing number of eclectic restaurants. 

Stop by Nostos in Vienna for authentic Greek fare in a refined setting. On your first visit, try the Arni Youvetsi, a traditional lamb shank braised in a red wine sauce, served over orzo.

For award-winning French cuisine, venture to L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls. Since 1954, this brasserie has focused on traditional dishes from the Alsace region of France.

If you can't choose one restaurant, head to King's Street in Old Town, Alexandria. There, foodies can explore a variety of local restaurants. A few dishes to try are the spicy wings at Wooboi Hot Chicken and the steamed mussels at Hank's Oyster Bar. 

Similarly, Arlington's Clarendon neighborhood hosts a dynamic culinary scene with trendy restaurants and international cuisine. One restaurant you can't skip is the Buena Vida Gastrolounge, where they describe their menu as "Mexican cuisine with a twist."

Interested in buying a home in Northern Virginia? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.