Northern Virginia can be a high-pressure area in which to raise children. And a new study says parents in Ashburn and McLean zip codes are particularly stressed.
The study was conducted by A Mission for Michael, a mental health and addiction treatment organization. AMFM surveyed more than 3,000 parents nationwide about topics such as child care costs, grocery bills, school pressures, commuting, work demands, screen-time battles, and sleep deprivation.
Ashburn and McLean
The Ashburn zip code of 20147 ranked No. 29 on the nationwide list. The study notes that the Loudoun County area “has experienced some of the fastest population growth in Virginia over the last two decades.”
And while Ashburn is one of the “region’s premier family destinations” because of its high-ranking schools and newer neighborhoods, “rising housing costs have created growing financial pressure for many households. Balancing mortgage payments, childcare, activities, and everyday expenses can leave families feeling stretched despite living in a prosperous area.”
McLean’s 22101 zip code was No. 32 on the list. The ranking says that McLean also has highly rated schools, and that, “Parents often place significant emphasis on academic achievement, extracurricular success, and future educational opportunities, creating an environment where expectations can feel exceptionally high. Many households devote considerable time and energy to helping children make the most of every available advantage.”
Other Zip Codes
The No. 1 most stressed zip code was 10583 in Scarsdale, New York. “Parents often devote significant time and resources to school success, extracurricular activities, and future college planning. In a community where achievement is highly visible, many families feel pressure to ensure their children remain competitive,” the survey says.
Huntington, New York (11743) was No. 2 on the list, and 07090 in Westfield, New Jersey, was No. 3. The only other Virginia zip code to make the ranking was Short Pump in Henrico County at No. 33.
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