Real estate agents always talk about location as a key factor when you’re searching for that perfect place to live. NoVA’s location, in and of itself, makes it a hot market. But there’s more to making someplace your home, and it helps to know what you want, whether you are buying now or in the future.
To come up with our list, we talked with real estate agents and looked at housing data to find spots that offer convenience, top high schools, walkability, spacious exurbs, a small-town vibe, and bang for your buck. Read on to learn about the three communities in each of those categories that make our Great Places to Live list. Each includes 2023 data from Bright MLS on the median sales price, days on the market, and units sold by ZIP code, as well as census data, where it’s applicable.
Most Convenient
Falls Church, 22046
Median sale price: $920,000 (up 5.3%)
Days on the market: 16
Units sold: 203
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $4,000+
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $164,536
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 14,586
Family households, 2018–2022: 5,740
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 78.9%
*Falls Church has multiple ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 22046. Census data is for the City of Falls Church.
With a roughly 30-minute commute to DC via U.S. 29, Interstate 66, or U.S. 50, you can see why the inviting neighborhoods of this city appeal to commuters. Heading west on Route 7, Falls Church is just 15 minutes from the work and shopping hub of Tysons. But its strong business district, quality school system, and community events (like its annual Farm Day) make people fall in love with Falls Church.
And the food! Three of our 10 best restaurants — 2941 (No. 1), Ellie Bird (No. 5), and NUE (No. 7) — are right there. If that’s not enough, the extensive and well-maintained trails, like the W&OD Trail in the northern part of the city, give cyclists who commute and those who just ride for fun an excuse to grab a helmet and pedal.
From an Expert:
“We’ve had some people who did move farther away because of COVID, who could work anywhere, and then came back to work closer in because of a need to be in the office even a couple of days a week, or just missing the proximity of the close-in suburbs like what Falls Church offers. … How can you have culture and restaurants and all the things that you may want to have easy access to, if you move farther out or to another location? They call Falls Church ‘The Little City’ for a reason. It’s very compact, and people can get around. They’ve got some really great events that they do. The farmers market on Saturdays is fantastic. The community focus is really something that is sought after.” — Lisa DuBois, RE/MAX
Tysons, 22102
Median sale price: $737,517 (up 1.81%)
Days on the market: 42
Units sold: 373
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $3,118
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $129,468
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): N/A
Family households, 2018–2022: 13,494
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 80.6%
*Tysons has multiple ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 22102. Census data is for all of Tysons.
Tysons — home to the headquarters of Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One, Hilton, and General Dynamics — has the convenience of Metro’s Tysons, Spring Hill, and Greensboro Silver Line stations and interstates 495 and 66, as well as Route 7 and Chain Bridge Road. Two of Virginia’s largest malls, Tysons Corner Center and the high-end Tysons Galleria, continue to draw shoppers from around the world.
But with new, mixed-use developments, such as The Boro, offering luxury condos, restaurants, and entertainment like virtual reality gaming and rooftop mini golf at Perch Putt, the overall tenor of Tysons is changing. It’s evolving into a more balanced live-work community. As Fairfax County aims to make it more of a downtown destination, additional housing (including more affordable options) is starting to come into the picture.
2023 most expensive sale: $5,500,000 | 6 bedrooms | 7.5 bathrooms | 9,264 square feet
Alexandria, 22314
Median sale price: $780,000 (no change from 2022)
Days on the market: 24
Units sold: 733
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $3,071
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $113,179
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 155,525
Family households, 2018–2022: 74,818
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 66%
*Alexandria has multiple ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 22314. Census data is for all of Alexandria.
There’s no questioning the convenience of Alexandria. Metro shuttles commuters into and out of the city along the Yellow and Blue lines. Passengers can park and ride from Huntington, the start of the Yellow Line in Fairfax County, to Eisenhower near the U.S. Patent and Trade Office, into Old Town at King Street where it joins with the Blue Line, and on to the Braddock Road and Potomac Yard stops in the city’s growing northeastern corridor before heading to Reagan National Airport or into DC. Both Virginia Railway Express and
Amtrak are located near Metro. It’s simple to get on the George Washington Parkway from Old Town, and interstates 495 and 395 provide highway access. Housing ranges from newly built condos to older townhomes to single-family dwellings. The city’s vibrant business district is full of eclectic shops, bars, and restaurants including Virginia’s Darling, The Study, and Kismet Modern Indian, all of which made our 2023 50 Best Restaurants list.
2023 most expensive sale: $4,885,000 | 5 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | 4,085 square feet
Top High Schools
Vienna, 22180
Median sale price: $985,000 (up 8.24%)
Days on the market: 24
Units sold: 286
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $4,000+
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $215,556
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 16,276
Family households, 2018–2022: 5,418
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 74.1%
*Vienna has multiple ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 22180. Census data is for the Town of Vienna.
Top schools are, in part, why families gravitate to Vienna. Among Fairfax County high schools, Oakton High School and Madison High School ranked fifth and sixth on our Top High Schools 2023 ranking. Nearly 82 percent of Oakton’s Cougars graduated with advanced diplomas in 2022, as did more than 79 percent of Madison’s Warhawks. Vienna’s housing stock includes condos near Metro and a variety of different types of townhouses and single-family homes, including split-levels, ramblers, and newly built homes in already established neighborhoods.
With easy access to DC on Metro and via Interstate 66, great restaurants, and Wolf Trap’s lively entertainment scene, Vienna residents have a lot to enjoy. Three of its eateries — Ingle Korean Steakhouse, Nostos, and Roberto’s Ristorante Italiano — made our 50 Best Restaurants list, and the town has had several big restaurant openings recently.
From an Expert
“In Vienna, you can check out the various websites about the schools. But then as a mother who raised three daughters here, the school systems are incredible. My children went to public school, then they all went to [universities] in the state of Virginia. … This little town offers so much. It’s just a wonderful community. I’m on my fourth retired family or couple who are moving from their retirement communities to Vienna because they want to be close to the grandkids and to their children, who probably went to school close to DC and then moved out to Vienna for starting a family. I feel like this community, no matter where you are in life, offers something for everyone.” — Jodi Bentley, Compass Real Estate Company
2023 most expensive sale: $3,300,000 | 7 bedrooms | 9 bathrooms | 9,065 square feet
South Riding, 20152
Median sale price: $681,000 (down 2.39%)
Days on the market: 9
Units sold: 307
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $3,192
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $183,056
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): N/A
Family households, 2018–2022: 10,410
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 68.7%
*South Riding has one ZIP code, 20152. Housing data is from Bright MLS and census data is for South Riding.
Freedom High School in South Riding ranked fourth on our Top High Schools list, making it the only Loudoun County Public School in the top five. It had an on-time graduation rate of 99.1 percent and an 86.9 percent rate of advanced diplomas in 2022. This planned suburban area, off U.S. 50, consists of townhouses and medium-to-large single-family homes.
Amenities within South Riding include four outdoor pools, 12 playgrounds, four lighted tennis courts, two fishing piers, 6 miles of biking and walking paths, and two stages, including one on the town green where free concerts are regularly held. Nearby golf courses include the members-only South Riding Golf Club and the Pleasant Valley Golf Club. It’s close to Dulles International Airport, and nearby Chantilly offers plenty of shopping centers.
McLean, 22101
Median sale price: $1.5M (down 4.15%)
Days on the market: 28
Units sold: 384
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $4,000+
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $250,000+
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): N/A
Family households, 2018–2022: 17,005
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 85%
*McLean has multiple ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 22101. Census data is for all of McLean.
Langley and McLean High Schools regularly rank among Fairfax County’s best. They take the No. 2 and No. 3 spots on our Top High Schools list, behind Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, which has students from across the county as well as four other school districts. Langley High School pulls ahead of McLean High School in its rate of students receiving advanced diplomas, 87.61 percent to 84.74 percent in 2022, and its combined AP/IB enrollment rate is less than half a percent higher. Housing in this highly sought-after area includes condos, townhouses, and many different types of single-family homes, from historic to contemporary to large estates. While top schools entice families, McLean’s other amenities also make it attractive, like hiking along the rushing Potomac River at Great Falls Park, shopping at the luxe Tysons Galleria, or stopping by Tachibana Japanese Restaurant or Aracosia.
2023 most expensive sale: $13,250,000 | 6 bedrooms | 10 bathrooms | 13,882 square feet
Most Walkable
Del Ray, 22301
Median sale price: $950,000 (up 3.26%)
Days on the market: 24
Units sold: 230
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $3,071
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $113,179
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 155,525
Family households, 2018–2022: 74,818
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 66%
*Del Ray has two ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 22301. Census data is for all of Alexandria.
Del Ray, an Alexandria neighborhood known for its artsy vibe, is an area you can easily stroll as a dog-loving single, a couple, or a family. It offers an eclectic mix of housing, from renovated Craftsman houses to rowhomes to luxury condos. Shops, restaurants, and bars line Mount Vernon Avenue, the main drag located four blocks off busy Richmond Highway. Popular among the eateries are Evening Star Café, Thai Peppers Restaurant, and Del Ray Café. The Del Ray pop-up bar with an ever-changing theme adds a zest to nightlife, while The Dairy Godmother keeps frozen custard lovers happy with its three flavors a day. Across Richmond Highway, a new Metro station opened last year; Virginia Tech’s Innovation Center is set to open next year; and Monumental Sports has proposed a deal to relocate the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Potomac Yard as part of a new entertainment district.
From an Expert
“One of the big neighborhoods in Alexandria is Del Ray, about 10 minutes from Old Town. It is known for its walkability. We have two different Metro stops. It’s also walkable to the main avenue (we call it The Ave.), which is Mount Vernon Avenue, and it has a whole host of shops, restaurants, fitness stores — you name it, you can find it. It’s kind of a small, shop-local type of an atmosphere, with super fun events. … Everything is very walkable within a couple-block radius in Del Ray.” — Micki MacNaughton, McEnearney Associates
Clarendon, 22201
Median sale price: $618,750 (3.13%)
Days on the market: 27
Units sold: 354
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $3,426
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $137,387
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 234,000
Family households, 2018–2022: 110,887
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 76.8%
*Arlington has multiple ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 22201. Census data is for all of Arlington.
Cars are unnecessary in this popular Arlington area filled with condos, as well as townhomes and some single-family homes. The neighborhood, which sits on Metro’s Orange and Silver lines, has an upscale urban village feel. Trendy bars and restaurants, like Courthaus Social, Circa, and Ambar, line the two main boulevards, Clarendon and Wilson. The coffeehouse culture is as strong as the brew that draws people from Lyon Village and other neighboring communities. You can walk to most shopping locations, like the Crossing Clarendon, where big-name stores including Crate & Barrel and The Container Store mix with local boutiques. More than 10,000 people come out for food, drinks, and music spread over six blocks at the Clarendon Day festival each September.
Brambleton, 20148
Median sale price: $780,000 (up 2.6%)
Days on the market: 19
Units sold: 751
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $3,604
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $234,750
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): N/A
Family households, 2018–2022: 7,188
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 76.1%
*Brambleton has one ZIP code, 20148. Housing data is from Bright MLS and census data is for Brambleton.
Master planned communities like Brambleton in Ashburn make walkability a priority to bring neighbors together. Built just 22 years ago, Brambleton aims to be a place where residents can live and work with ease. It has three centers that put shopping, entertainment, and food within walking distance of its mix of two-over-two condos, townhouses, and single-family homes on small lots. A new section is geared to those age 55 and over. The community has paved trails, athletic courts, pools, and 18 parks. Just 15 minutes away by car is One Loudoun shopping district and notable Ashburn restaurants, including Roadhouse Momo & Grill, Sense of Thai St., and Celebration by Rupa Vira.
In the Exurbs
Purcellville, 20132
Median sale price: $776,000 (up 3.12%)
Days on the market: 18
Units sold: 197
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $2,994
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $150,333
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 8,974
Family households, 2018–2022: 2,734
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 59.6%
*Purcellville has two ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 20132. Census data is for all of Purcellville.
Tucked between Hamilton and Round Hill, Purcellville bills itself as the small Loudoun County town “where history and progress intersect.” The town has seen some development in the last 20 years or so. Single-family homes make up the bulk of the housing, although you will find some townhomes. With the W&OD Trail right there, it’s not uncommon to see bicyclists gathering for a beer at the Purcellville Pub or Belly Love Brewing Company or having an award-winning whiskey at Catoctin Creek, a Main Street distillery. For dinner out, locals visit the pretty Magnolias at the Mill for fine dining or the European-inspired Bia Kitchen, both of which source their ingredients from Loudoun County farms. Purcellville also provides a central base for those who love wine. Breaux Vineyards, 868 Estate Vineyards, and Walsh Family Wine are among the dozen-plus wineries within sipping distance.
Stafford, 22554
Median sale price: $525,000 (up 2.94%)
Days on the market: 23
Units sold: 862
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $2,429
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $128,036
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 163,380
Family households, 2018–2022: 50,313
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 43.1%
*Stafford has two ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 22554. Census data is for all of Stafford County.
When you move to an exurb, you choose to give up many of the conveniences of the inner suburbs, and you’ll need a car to get around. But the trade-off in Stafford is a bigger, less expensive single-family home with a large yard and a lower property tax rate. Lot sizes may be a quarter acre to several acres, depending on price point. Stafford also provides a lot of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Kayakers and canoers can launch from Widewater State Park, while Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve and Government Island are great spots for nature walks. There’s not a downtown in Stafford, but it’s not a long drive to breweries, like Wild Run Brewing Company and Barley Naked Brewing Company. Cozy Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard offers beautiful views, wine tents, music, and outdoor movies.
Warrenton, 20186
Median sale price: $510,000 (up 2%)
Days on the market: 30
Units sold: 191
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $2,222
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $83,737
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 10,197
Family households, 2018–2022: 3,928
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 43.6%
*Warrenton has two ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 20186. Census data is for all of Warrenton.
The appeal of land, no congestion, and fresh air draws people to exurbs like Warrenton. Million-dollar homes here generally come with acreage. While the county seat of Fauquier County is a mecca for horse folks, it’s also home to Old Town Warrenton and its bricked sidewalks. There, you will find more than 40 quintessential small shops and five art galleries. You’re certain to walk out with something for yourself or a friend at Main Street stores like Warrenton Market, which sells home décor, and Town Duck, which specializes in fine foods and gifts. At breweries and restaurants, including Altered Suds Beer Company and Molly’s Irish Pub, you’ll feel right at home. And locavores will want to try Alias for a special occasion. Wine lovers are close to Vint Hill Craft Winery (where winemaking classes are offered) and Virginia Governor’s Cup winners Granite Heights Winery and Molon Lave Vineyards and Winery.
From an Expert
“In Warrenton, there’s been an uptick in people moving here because the property size is more spacious. People in 2020 got out of Arlington and DC to get more space and land. People can work from home out this way. And it’s the beginning of horse country. You get to see rolling hills and horses, and you get to still see some greenery. Then you’re also encountering people saying ‘Hello’ to each other, which is something that you don’t really see much in the cities. The sense of friendliness and community here is huge.” — Samantha Bendigo, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty
Get Bang for Your Buck
Gainesville, 20155
Median sale price: $635,000 (no change from 2022)
Days on the market: 16
Units sold: 481
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $3,152
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $163,942
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): N/A
Family households, 2018–2022: 5,342
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 55.7%
*Gainesville has multiple ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 20155. Census data is for all of Gainesville.
This Prince William community west of the Manassas National Battlefield offers a small-town feel and has a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Situated not far from Interstate 66, it’s about 30 miles to DC and home to top-rated golf courses — the public Stonewall Golf Club at Lake Manassas and the private Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. The 444-acre Conway Robinson State Forest on Route 29 adjacent to the battlefield is the perfect spot for walking, biking, horseback riding, or just finding your mellow. When it’s time for an adult beverage, Tin Cannon Brewing Company offers small-batch brews. Or you can go to MurLarkey Distilled Spirits in Bristow for all-natural spirits, followed by a concert at Jiffy Lube Live amphitheater.
2023 most expensive sale: $1,450,000 | 5 bedrooms | 7 bathrooms | 7,178 square feet
Herndon, 20170
Median sale price: $625,000 (No change from 2022)
Days on the market: 12
Units sold: 370
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $2,791
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $133,403
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 24,167
Family households, 2018–2022: 7,897
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 52.5%
*The ZIP code for the Town of Herndon is 20170. Housing data is from Bright MLS and census data is for the Town of Herndon.
The variety of housing types and price points in this Fairfax County town makes it attractive to buyers. Condos may be garden style, midrise, or piggyback onto townhouses. It has both older townhomes and newer ones with garages. Single-family homes run the gamut from midcentury to colonial to newer Craftsman. Once a shipping spot for dairy farmers, Herndon retains its historical charm with its train depot museum and highly visible red caboose and its agricultural appeal with Kidwell Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, where you can see the cows milked every afternoon. The Silver Line Metro station off the Dulles Toll Road makes Herndon convenient for commuters. And you don’t have to go far to nosh; head to Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern or Aslin Beer Company for a brew, or to any of Herndon’s numerous restaurants, like Zeffirelli Ristorante Italiano for Tuscan cuisine by candlelight or Jodhpur, an Indian restaurant with an upscale buffet.
From an Expert
“Affordability for housing in Herndon is going to be … cheaper than Reston for sure. But it’s still pretty competitive. The market is actually very strong. Sales are down but prices are up, and competition is still very much there. I wrote four offers recently, and all of them were competitive. The reason that sales are down is because there’s just not enough sellers.” — Lauryn Eadie, Compass Real Estate Company
Springfield, 22150
Median sale price: $625,000 (up 0.81%)
Days on the market: 19
Units sold: 151
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $2,854
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $17,598
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): N/A
Family households, 2018–2022: 10,567
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 45.3%
*Springfield has multiple ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 22150. Census data is for all of Springfield.
Springfield embodies the suburbs. It’s convenient to interstates 95, 395, and 495, and commuters can hop on either the Virginia Railway Express or Metro’s Blue Line at the Franconia-Springfield station just off the Franconia-Springfield Parkway. Housing consists of apartments, garden-style condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. Springfield Town Center is the area’s biggest shopping draw with Target, Macy’s, and JCPenney as its anchor stores. Inova has plans to build a new $612 million hospital near the existing Springfield HealthPlex, which is close to the Kingstowne section of Fairfax County. And for outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Lake Accotink Park is the place to go to rent a pedal boat or canoe, go fishing, and have a picnic.
2023 most expensive sale: $1,300,000 | 6 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | 5,107 square feet
Find a Small-Town Vibe
Middleburg, 20117
Median sale price: $1.2M (up 30.61%)
Days on the market: 73
Units sold: 41
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $3,147
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $170,463
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): N/A
Family households, 2018–2022: 138,549
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 63.5%
*Housing data is from Bright MLS for 20117. Census data is for all of Loudoun County.
With a history dating back to 1787, upscale Middleburg is at the heart of hunt country, and its housing consists of everything from small single-family homes to sprawling estates. Its charming downtown is one you could easily see in a Hallmark movie. Businesses range from the newer Middleburg Books to Tilley’s Pet Supplies to the colonially themed Red Fox Inn and Tavern. Among its notable eateries, Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, which ranked No. 3 on our Best Restaurants list, is located at the Salamander Resort. Sommelier and restaurateur Jarad Slipp owns not only Tremolo Bar, also among NoVA’s 50 Best Restaurants, but also Knead Wine, a combination wine shop and takeout pizza spot. Wineries, like Virginia Governor’s Cup winners Cana Vineyards and 50 West Vineyards, and cideries and distilleries, like Mt. Defiance, make it attractive to visitors. Annual events — such as the iconic Christmas parade and the popular Middleburg Film Festival — make for lasting memories.
From an Expert
“To me, Middleburg is absolutely idyllic. I’ve had a wonderful opportunity, not just as a child to be raised here, but raising my own family here. During COVID, people were scattering out of the big cities at high levels, just trying to get away. And Middleburg got discovered by a bigger audience than had already heard about us. Then, of course, people wanted to buy out here. They wanted to be a part of this slower pace. We are serious advocates of protecting open space. … There’s just nothing more glorious than galloping over this open space.” — Cricket Bedford, Thomas and Talbot Real Estate, Middleburg
Leesburg, 20175
Median sale price: $715,000 (up 10.85%)
Days on the market: 23
Units sold: 430
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $2,853
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $132,298
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 48,974
Family households, 2018–2022: 16,468
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 56.1%
*Leesburg has two ZIP codes. Housing data is from Bright MLS for 20175. Census data is for all of Leesburg.
Loudoun’s county seat is a picturesque gem. While on the larger side of what some would consider a town, its downtown area has that small-town vibe many want. The housing stock fits every lifestyle, from condos or townhomes to small, older ramblers to newer homes with garages. Coffee shops line King Street, making it a java-lover’s joy to catch up with friends in the historic downtown. For upscale eats, Tuskie’s (aka Tuscarora Mill) can’t be beaten with its rustic grain mill setting. (It’s one of our 50 Best Restaurants.) Leesburg shows off its vibrant arts and music scene (and holds wine tastings) on First Fridays. You can indulge in dessert at Mom’s Apple Pie Bakery or a bottle of wine at Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, then burn off the calories by hiking or biking along the W&OD Trail. Those looking for a shopping excursion can spend the day at Leesburg Premium Outlets.
2023 most expensive sale: $4,600,000 | 7 bedrooms | 11 bathrooms | 15,726 square feet
Marshall, 20115
Median sale price: $629,000 (up 7.52%)
Days on the market: 41
Units sold: 76
Median mortgage costs, 2018–2022: $2,549
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018–2022: $122,785
Population (July 1, 2022 estimate): 74,664
Family households, 2018–2022: 26,011
Education (bachelor’s degree or higher, 25 years +): 39.4%
*Housing data is from Bright MLS for 20115. Census data is for all of Fauquier County.
This one-traffic-light town is right off of Interstate 66 and is steeped in history — it’s even named after the late Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall. Housing includes new planned communities with townhouses and single-family homes, as well as ranches and colonials. Its rolling farmlands at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains woo those who love hiking and equestrian activities. The Virginia Gold Cup is held just down the road in The Plains. The Northern Fauquier Community Park, an 88-acre park on the outskirts of town, features picnic shelters, an amphitheater, athletic fields, playgrounds, and a 1.75-mile paved walking trail. Marshall has a lot to offer foodies, from the housemade pastries at Red Truck Bakery to the chicken leg confit at farm-to-table Field & Main (No. 4 on our Best Restaurants list). In nearby Delaplane, oenophiles will love the sips Arterra Wines and RdV Vineyards, and can enjoy both wine and beer at Barrel Oak Winery.
Feature image of Warrenton courtesy Old Town Warrenton
Correction: In the print edition of this article, a photo of the most expensive home sold in 2023 in ZIP code 22101 included an incorrect caption.
This story originally ran in our March issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
