If you are looking for small-Town charm and proximity to Washington, D.C., you should check out Northern Virginia. The state slogan, Virginia is for lovers, extends beyond couples, it extends to the neighborly bonds you can find in the cities and towns of NoVA. 

Located on the southern side of the Potomac River, this vibrant regions the Commonwealth of Virginia, bordering Washington, D.C., and Maryland. The region is home to some of the leading firms in defense technology and healthcare. When it comes to finding a home, the cities and towns of Northern Virginia offer quaint downtowns and tight-knit communities. Plus, most commutes are at or under an hour from D.C. 

Homebuyers can find historic charm in Alexandria or tour gleaming new construction communities in Ashburn. 

Depending on your homebuying goals, picking a single city or town to focus your search can be challenging. That is why the team at Prevu Real Estate put together a list of some of the best places to buy a home in Northern Virginia. 

Best places to live in Northern Virginia

• Arlington

• Alexandria 

• McLean

• Fairfax

• Falls Church City 

• Reston 

• Herndon

• Vienna

• Ashburn

• Manassas

Arlington 

Located just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., Arlington, VA, is a top destination for many homebuyers. 

First up, Arlington is a commuter’s dream. The city has a diverse urban atmosphere with plenty of public transportation to take you into D.C. There are 11 Metrorail stations in the city. Folks can hop on the Orange, Silver, Blue, and Yellow lines to reach D.C. Many of these connect to the Red Line, which takes folks to the Amtrak at Union Station in the Capitol. If you fly frequently, you'll love the proximity to Ronald Reagan National Airport. 

Arlington is almost an extension of D.C., as the city is the home of the Pentagon. From tech startups to major airline and defense contractors like Boeing, firms open up shop in Arlington due to the diverse pool of talent, the transportation options, and proximity to federal agencies and policy makers. 

Despite being so close to The District, Arlington has a unique vibe, focused around the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor. This commercial stretch is where residents go to eat, shop, and catch a show. For instance, the Ballston Quarter Mall has various shops, dining, and entertainment like a movie theater and a live performance venue. 

Folks moving to Arlington have a wide range of eclectic homes to choose from. The Rosslyn neighborhood offers condos and high-rises near the river. In contrast, Clarendon has a mix of historic homes and new construction, with the benefit of being near Arlington's fine dining and nightlife. 

Two popular haunts to check out are Ambar, where you can find a mix of European cuisine with a great happy hour, and The Pinemoor, offering comfort food with a country feel.

Alexandria 

Slightly farther south down the Potomac is the historic city of Alexandria. Founded in the late 1600s, Alexandria is particularly known for Old Town, whose cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings are reminders of the city's storied past. 

While Old Town has its charm, there is plenty to do in Old Town Alexandria on King Street, where there are many clothing stores, small boutiques for soaps and candles, and a wealth of restaurants. One of the best ways to enjoy the Old Town is a tour with a costumed guide leading you via lantern light.

If you are into the arts, you will fall in love with Alexandria. There is a cluster of art galleries down by the waterfront at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, right next to the Alexandria ferry. 

One of the most interesting installations in Alexandria is the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. This towering building is a testament to the historic Founding Father, complete with a museum, ballroom, and an observation deck providing stellar views of the D.C. skyline. 

While art and history contribute to Alexandria’s popularity, the city’s housing stock, which features many home styles, is a major draw for buyers. Just off King Street, you can find historic Rowhouses dating back to the 18th century. If you want modern condos and townhomes, you should check out Carlyle, right next to the Beltway. 

Folks commuting to D.C. for work will love Alexandria, as the drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes. But if you would rather relax during your commute, there are metro lines and even a ferry for folks who want to avoid sitting in traffic. If you own a boat, you can dock it at the City of Alexandria Marina. 

McLean

About ten miles to the northwest of D.C., you will find McLean an enclave attracting political figures, Fortune 500 companies, and it is nestled on the shores of the Potomac. 

Unlike Alexandria and Arlington, McLean does not have a downtown area, but it does have shopping centers and plazas at the intersection of Chain Bridge Road and Old Dominion Road. If you want high-end shopping, head to the Tysons Corner Center or Tysons Galleria for big box retail therapy. 

Part of what attracts people to McLean is the beautiful nature of the town. Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Langley Oaks Park offer residents serene trails cutting through old-growth forests. One of the largest outdoor spaces in the region is the 800-acre Great Falls Park, where the mighty Potomac cascades through Mather Gorge. 

In places like Langley, near the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters, homebuyers will find sprawling mansions on large plots of land surrounded by trees. To the south, near Haycock Longfellow Park, buyers will discover traditional suburban bliss with modest single-family homes lining the streets. 

Nearly all major routes commuting to the rest of the DMV from Mclean can be a breeze. The 495 Beltway crosses the Potomac, plus the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway can take you south towards Arlington and Alexandria. 

Fairfax 

If you love the historical side of Virginia but need to be close to D.C., then you'll want to learn more about Fairfax, VA. This town has a rich historical background that is on display at Old Town Fairfax, where storied buildings host shops and restaurants. 

Near the Fairfax Old Town Hall are great eateries like Bellisimo on University Drive and Senberry Bowls, an Acai-based restaurant on Main Street. Between shopping and dining, you can relax at the public fountain at Fairfax Old Town Park or head to the Ratcliffe-Logan-Allison House for a prime example of colonial-era architecture. 

While the quaint Old Town is fun, the quick commute to D.C. often draws folks to Fairfax. The city is only 17 miles away from D.C. via I-66 and Route 50, making it easy to reach the District in about 30 minutes or so. If you want to purchase a home in the area, you can find a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums for sale. 

Falls Church City 

Folks looking for a small-town charm with a tight-knit community should check out Falls Church City. 

The city is only eight miles west of Downtown Washington, D.C., making it perfect for buyers that plan to commute to the Capital. Homebuyers coming to Falls Church will find a mix of historic homes, classic colonials, craftsman-style houses, and modern townhomes. 

The city is built around the Falls Church Historic District, located at the intersection of N Washington Street and W Broad Street. This storied area has plenty of small craft shops, boutiques, and popular local haunts like Hot 'N Juicy Crawfish and Dogwood Tavern. But if you need to get shopping done, you can head to the new Aldi that popped up on N Washington Street. Another popular haunt is the nearby Mosaic District, featuring familiar national retainers.  

Just beyond these commercial corridors, you will find suburban streets with quaint homes on verdant plots of land. These houses range from modern single-family homes to storied historic Victorians. 

Locals and folks from the surrounding areas flock to Falls Church all year round for the Falls Church Farmers Market to grab fresh produce and baked goods like Mama’s Donut Bites. Another big pull is The State Theater, which hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other theatrical productions. 

If you commute, the I-66 can get you into the heart of D.C. in 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. But you can also hop on a Metro real at the East Falls Church Metro Station for a ride to Washington, D.C. 

Reston 

At just 20 miles from D.C., Reston, VA, is the perfect place to look for a home if you need to be close to the city but love your peace and quiet. 

With the recently completed Silver line of the Metrorail, folks who work at the DC headquarters for firms like Google or Microsoft in a breeze. But drivers can also get into D.C. in under an hour via I-66. Reston is just east of Dulles International, providing residents easy access to the airport and the plentiful shopping that accompanies it. 

The commercial corridor on Reston Parkway has high-end shopping, with the bustling Reston Town Center offering shops, restaurants, cafes, and small entertainment pavilions. The Town Center is where locals gather for art festivals, musical shows, and farmers' markets. 

While the commercial areas have a lot of hustle and bustle, Reston boasts over 1,350 acres of open space, including lakes, ponds, and wooded areas. There are even two golf courses in town. Once you head into Reston's residential parts, you feel like you are driving through a forest. 

Wooded, winding roads characterize the most expensive parts of the town, where you can find mansions on large plots of land. But close to the Dulles Access Road, you can find townhouses and condominiums with cluster housing.  

Vienna 

If you want a charming, small-town atmosphere, look at some homes in Vienna, VA. Like other Northern Virginia towns and cities, Vienna dates back to the 18th century, and the community centers around the historic old town. 

The intersection of Dominion Road NE and Maple Ave W is where you can find shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. The Caboose Brewing Company & Tavern is a popular haunt in town on Dominion Road, and folks usually stop here when exploring the historic Washington and Old Dominion trail that runs through Vienna. 

Part of what draws folks to Vienna is the active community. Besides the farmers market, the town prides itself on the yearly Vienna Halloween Parade. The Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is another point of pride for locals, who show up to catch concerts, cultural events, and theatrical performances. 

Folks buying property in Vienna will find tree-lined streets, well-maintained neighborhoods, and a diverse home stock. You will find traditional colonial-style homes next to modern ranches and craftsman-style homes. 

Like Reston, Vienna preserves its outdoor charm, and this dedication to nature is on display at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. From ponds to curated gardens, Meadowlark provides a tranquil escape for locals. 

When it comes time to head to D.C., folks can use either I-66 or I-495 to reach the Capital in about 30 to 45 minutes. 

Herndon

Most Northern Virginia towns have a particular type of vibe, where you can find fun main streets and suburban bliss. Herndon exemplifies that feeling. 

Parts of Herndon feel like a bustling metropolis because of Dulles International Airport. Large shopping centers and name-brand hotels are on the Dulles Access Road. 

But in places like Historic Herndon, you can find the tranquility that used to define the area for years. This stretch of the town starts at Elden Street and continues north for several blocks. The Herndon Historical Society showcases the story of Herndon, while the iconic red brick sidewalks provide a safe means for folks to explore the shops and restaurants in the area. 

The suburbs of Herndon provide a serene bliss that you will not find in a big city. Houses here range from quaint single-family homes to new condos and townhomes closer to the airport. 

Folks can hop on the Silver line of the Metrorail or use the Dulles Toll Road to reach The District within about 30 to 45 minutes. Many folks living in Herndon end up working here too, as the Dulles Technology Center hosts many tech companies and businesses.

 

Ashburn

A bit farther to the northwest of D.C., homebuyers will find the suburban community of Ashburn. 

Though it doesn’t feature a historic district like other Northern Virginia cities, Ashburn provides plenty of new construction homes for sale. Folks exploring the winding streets of Ashburn will find master-planned communities with home styles ranging from brick-faced colonials to craftsman-style homes. 

Locals can get groceries from Ashburn Village Boulevard’s shopping centers and plazas, while Dulles Town Center provides residents with big-box retailers. Another popular spot is One Loudoun, a mixed-use development featuring a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Plus, there is a central plaza for community events. 

Locals often flock to Claude Moore Park, Ashburn Park, and Brambleton Regional Park for outdoor recreation. But on hot summer days, you can cool down and watch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in town. 

Regarding commuting, Ashburn is about 45 minutes to an hour away from Downtown D.C. Most folks use the Dulles Greenway or Route 7 to head into the city. While the Capital is far, Dulles International Airport is just south of Ashburn, which is perfect for frequent fliers. 

Manassas

If you do not need to be in D.C. for the weekly nine-to-five, consider buying a home in Manassas, VA. At about 30 miles southwest of Downtown D.C., the commute can be long, but the trade-off is the serenity. 

To the east is the expansive Bull Run River, with acres of protected forest surrounding its banks. To the south, folks will find miles of farmland extending through the state. 

Despite the rural feel in the outskirts of town, there are several commercial districts in Manassas, along with a historic district. Thrifters will love the antique stores, boutique shops, art galleries, and preserved buildings housing these enterprises. But if you are looking for modern shopping, the Manassas Mall provides plenty of big-box shopping. 

But if taking in history is more your style, you should check out the Manassas National Battlefield Park. These hallowed grounds preserve the sites of the First and Second Battles of Manassas during the Civil War, allowing visitors to explore the battlefield and hike along trails once used by soldiers. 

While the history is riveting, the housing stock in Manassas is typically what draws folks this far south. Homebuyers will find historic homes, colonial-style houses, townhomes, and newer residential developments to move into. Regarding commuting, I-66 is your best bet for getting to Washington. D.C.