Selecting a neighborhood for your next new home is a big commitment — one that could last a lifetime. So it’s important to choose wisely. Fortunately, Niche.com has done a lot of the legwork for you by creating a methodology by which it ranked the “2017 Best Suburbs to Live in Virginia.” The factors that Niche.com used for its methodology included crime rates, employment statistics, the quality of the local schools and ease of access to amenities. Not surprisingly, a number of Northern Virginia suburbs ranked high on the list, including the following:
Vienna
If you’re searching for a neighborhood that offers walkability and that small-town feel that can be so hard to find nowadays, you’ll want to check out Vienna, which was scored at number 13 on Niche’s list. Established in 1890, the town of Vienna boasts a charming historic district and is very family-oriented, offering several fun events throughout the year, including its ViVa! Vienna! Festival and a Halloween Parade. You’ll also find plenty of shopping and dining options in and around Vienna. This is an affluent and diverse area, with excellent schools and a highly educated population — approximately 65 percent having bachelor’s degree or higher. The median home sales price in Vienna in Q1 2017 was $755,000.
Oakton
Oakton, which took the number 8 spot on Niche’s list, offers commuters easy access to D.C. as well as to the business, shopping and entertainment areas that can be found in Tysons Corner, Fair Oaks and Reston. Yet, it maintains a somewhat rural feel. You can still see horses dotting small pastures in Oakton, and equestrian trails crisscross the area. The schools in Oakton are highly rated, and its adult population is very well educated, with 70 percent having at least a bachelor’s degree. The median home sales price in Oakton in Q1 2017 was $570,000.
McLean
Ranked number 23 on the list, McLean boasts a distinguished pedigree and has been a very desirable place to live for a long time. One of its most famous residents was Robert F. Kennedy, a U.S. senator and brother of the 35th President. And, today, both Dick Cheney and Newt Gingrich have homes in this beautiful neighborhood. Interestingly enough, the CIA’s headquarters is also located in this suburb. McLean’s schools are excellent and its residents are highly educated, with more than 80 percent holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Of course, McLean is a little pricey with the median home sales price in Q1 2017 being $853,500. But if you can afford it, this is a wonderful neighborhood that boasts easy access to D.C.
Falls Church City
Small, but mighty Falls Church City stole the number 27 spot on Niche’s list. It is a stand-alone municipality, not part of Fairfax County, with a diverse, well-educated population. In fact, approximately 78 percent of the adults living in Falls Church have earned at least a bachelor’s degree. Falls Church is the type of neighborhood where you can dine on authentic Vietnamese Pho at the Eden Center one day and amazing pupusas the next. Locals can also pick up fresh produce and baked goods at the Falls Church Farmers Market. Falls Church also hosts several family-friendly events during the year, including Memorial and Independence Day parades. Commuting to D.C. is relatively easy via I-66, and Falls Church also boasts easy access to the Metro. In addition, its schools are high-performing. Home values, though, are a bit steep, with the median home sales price in April 2017 being $807,500.
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