Welcome to Virginia!
Founded at Jamestown in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in America, the Commonwealth of Virginia boasts 120 miles of sparkling coastline, a wealth of important historic sites, and many famous schools and colleges. In the 21st Century, once again, Virginia leads the way with its cutting edge industries and progressive educational systems.
About Northern Virginia
The Northern Virginia area includes Arlington County, Alexandria City, Falls Church, and Fairfax City and County, and is home to 1.3 million people. Whether you are looking for fast-paced, high-rise sophistication, community-oriented townhouse developments, or for single-family planned communities, Northern Virginia has thousands of homes from which to choose.
Arlington County
As you look across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., you first see Arlington County. Arlington is home to many attractions such as the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, and Arlington National Cemetery. Home sales in this area average $368,000 for condos and $687,000 for single family homes.
Alexandria City
The city of Alexandria, settled in the early days of our nation, is extremely rich in history. George Washington helped lay out the town lots and it was the boyhood home of General Robert E. Lee. Bounded by the Potomac River, Alexandria was a port until the late 1880s. Homes in this jurisdiction average $336,000 for condos and $732,000 for single family homes.
Falls Church
In 1743, the Church of England named its house of worship here "Falls Church" after the falls in the Potomac River. Falls Church became a city in 1948. This quiet, residential municipality now boasts a business district and shopping centers. Home sales in this area average $340,000 for condos and $560,000 for single family homes.
Fairfax City
Fairfax City was incorporated in 1961 and is one of Virginia's most populous areas. The city remains suburban in character, however, and is home to George Mason University with its Patriot Center and Center for the Arts facilities. Home sales in the area average $285,000 for condos and $488,000 for single family homes.
Fairfax County
Founded in 1742, Fairfax County is rich in colonial and Civil War historic sites, including George Washington's home at Mount Vernon. Fairfax County is the most affluent county in the US and is home to thousands of businesses, trade associations, and corporations. Home sales in the county average $319,000 for condos and $550,000 for single family homes.
Transportation
Regardless of where you decide to live in Northern Virginia, transportation is something to consider. 71 percent of workers drive to work alone, and 29 percent use public transportation or organized van/car pools. The DC Metro system travels through Alexandria (Blue and Yellow Lines), Arlington, and Fairfax (Orange Line), with its outermost point at the Vienna Metro stop.
In addition, Metro Bus access from numerous areas further west ease your commute with climate controlled buses taking you from your door step to the office. The most recent addition to this sophisticated transportation system is the new Commuter Rail with stops throughout south Fairfax and Alexandria, taking commuters straight into Union Station in downtown Washington, D.C.
Domestic and international travel are convenient through Fairfax County's Dulles International Airport and Arlington's Reagan National Airport. Reagan National is accessible by Metro on the Blue and Yellow lines.
Education
Possibly the premiere amenity offered in Northern Virginia is its educational system. Whether your choice is public, private, or parochial, grade school, preparatory, or higher education, Northern Virginia fills your needs with programs from pre-school to doctoral. The colleges and universities located in our region include satellite campuses of major state facilities such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Schools with full academic programs include George Mason University in Fairfax, Marymount University in Arlington, and the Northern Virginia Community College with five campuses throughout the area.
Economy
Contrary to popular belief, the suburbs of Washington, D.C., are not just appendages of the Federal Government. In fact, the larger part of our economy is in the private sector. Government jobs including local, state, and federal, make up only 13 percent of the job market. The services industries lead the area in employment (including Legal, Health and Engineering services), followed by the Retail Trade and then the Government sector.
Leisure Activities
A wide array of leisure activities are available throughout Northern Virginia's 400-plus square miles. Cultural attractions include America's only national park dedicated to the performing arts, Wolf Trap National Park. George Mason University's Center for the Performing Arts also attracts popular musical and theatrical programs.
In addition, Northern Virginians are just a few minutes drive from the world renowned cultural centers in the nation's capital: The Kennedy Center, Ford's Theater, the Smithsonian Institution's 13 museums (including historical, natural, and cultural exhibits), and much more.