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2021 Best Places to Buy a House in the Washington, D.C. AreaAbout this List

Explore the best places to buy a house based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers.

City

City Neighborhood

Suburbs

Towns

Public Schools Grade

Based on data including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, as well as reviews from students and parents.

A

B

C

D

Based on cost of living factors for an area including housing costs, tax rates, and cost of essentials like food and fuel.

$

$$

$$$

$$$$

Who Lives Here

Families

Young Professionals

Retirees

Walkability

Don't Care

Care

Care A Lot

Crime & Safety Grade

Calculated based on crime rates for murder, assault, rape, burglary, and other crime statistics, as well as reviews from residents.

A

B

C

D

Homes In The Area

Single Family Homes

Large Apt. Buildings

Small Apt. Buildings

Townhomes

Homeownership

Most Own

Balanced

Most Rent

Based on 2012 and 2016 presidential election results compared to the national average.

Very Conservative

Conservative

Balanced

Liberal

Very Liberal

Things to do

Bars

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Restaurants

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Coffee Shops

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

Parks

Don't Care

Care

Care a Lot

1 – 25 of 438

Showing results 1 through 25 of 438

Best to Buy a House

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Most Diverse

438 results

Best Places to Live
Best for Families
Best Public Schools

Most Diverse
Best for Young Professionals
Best for Retirees

Economy

Cost of Living
Best to Buy a House

Health & Outdoors

Healthiest
Outdoor Activities

Stone Ridge
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 4.22 out of 5 18 reviews
#1 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: My Stone Ridge experience has been very good so far. They take safety very seriously and put a good amount of signs up warning to slow down when the area they are driving through has kids. Stone Ridge has excellent public schools with teachers who care a lot about the students and how they develop. Stone ridge also has a great diversity of the residents that live here. If I were to change anything about Stone Ridge it would be the nightlife and the healthy living. At night there isn't much to do in the community, however in nearby communities there are plenty of nightlife activities. Finally in Stone Ridge although there are trails and gyms to use but I would add more healthy eating options.
Read 18 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A
Housing
14,220 Population
View Nearby Homes
Brambleton
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 4.36 out of 5 22 reviews
#2 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: I love living in Brambleton. It's a beautiful community decorated with landscape, but also has a modern hint to it. The houses range in vast building styles. There's a town center filled with coffee shops, restaurants, and even dentist offices. The people in Brambleton look out for each other, and are friendly and connected. There are multiple events, such as the fall fest, and farmer's market. The town center even decorates for Hanukkah and Christmas. Something I would like to change is bringing back the dog park and community garden. A couple of years ago, it used to be there, but people didn't use it a lot. Now, the land is being used for more houses. I would like to designate another area for dogs and a community garden, because I think it ties people of all ages together. Also, Brambleton's population has increased significantly, meaning more people will visit those areas if they were there. Overall, I love living in Brambleton with my family and friends.
Read 22 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A
Housing
21,358 Population
View Nearby Homes
Waycroft/Woodlawn
Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
#3 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A
Housing
2,796 Population
View Nearby Homes
Broadlands
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 4.35 out of 5 17 reviews
#4 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: I like how a lot of people know each other, there is definitely a sense of community here. The change I'd like to see is more people outside, whether that be going for a walk, jogging, or even just taking their kids outside. I think it's very important for people to be exposed to fresh air every day and by building more parks and leaving room for wide open spaces instead of buildings, more people would be more inclined to spend time in the outdoors.
Read 17 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
13,576 Population
View Nearby Homes
South Riding
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 4.2 out of 5 69 reviews
#5 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Former Resident: We lived in South Riding for a time and if we ever moved back to the metro DC area we would choose South Riding again. Excellent pediatrician, close by to two hospitals and many other medical centers, great playgrounds scattered around, half of the properties on lining the South Riding golf course, two excellent daycares (Goddard and Primrose), Food Lion, Harris Teeter, and Giant to grocery shop at, excellent library close by in Stone Ridge, and good HOA. My only complaint is many of the properties are the biggest house you can get with almost no yard.

Extremely diverse neighborhood, even within our little townhouse square, all neighbors were very friendly. The housing cost of this area is going up. We cannot afford the townhouse we sold a few years ago!
Read 69 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
31,515 Population
View Nearby Homes
Poolesville
Town in Maryland
Rating 3.79 out of 5 19 reviews
#6 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: I would like for there to be more stores and more things to do. There are only a few convenience stores and decent restaurants. I love the safety and sense of community. The schools provide amazing educations as well. It is a great place to raise a family, except the housing is pretty expensive. The town is almost completely white and pretty conservative (lots of farmers). I wish there was more diversity. It is not far from many cities but there is always at least a 20 minute commute to go anywhere.
Read 19 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
5,191 Population
View Nearby Homes
Oak Grove
Suburb in Virginia
#7 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
grade B
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
2,801 Population
View Nearby Homes
Belmont
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 3.86 out of 5 21 reviews
#8 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Niche User: I grew up in this area, and have watched it developed from quiet, rural suburbia to progressively up-and-coming town. It'll be interesting to see how the Ashburn, Virginia, area ends up in 3-5 years.
Read 21 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
6,632 Population
View Nearby Homes
Loudoun Valley Estates
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 3 out of 5 1 review
#9 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
8,020 Population
View Nearby Homes
Clarksburg
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4 out of 5 61 reviews
#10 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: The ethnic diversity is a draw to Clarksburg, MD. Individual families participate in hosting activities that help their children grow and acknowledge other cultures, religions and ethnicities. The community has events for all ages and throughout the year. A few changes I would like to see implemented are having a larger high school and a more efficient traffic pattern in and out of school during drop off and pick up. I would also like to see more involvement from the Board of Education and Montgomery County Council to understand the residents concerns. I would like to see additional joint activities with the schools and community.
Read 61 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
24,767 Population
View Nearby Homes
Kings Park
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 3.55 out of 5 11 reviews
#11 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Nearby Resident: Quiet and nice neighborhood. Schools are great. There are several parks for children and a pool. Neighbors are friendly and helpful.
Read 11 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A minus
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
5,109 Population
View Nearby Homes
Alcova Heights
Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
Rating 4.25 out of 5 4 reviews
#12 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Niche User: Love the area because there are plenty of attractions, restaurants, biking trails, and scenic waterfronts and other communities. Historical areas all around and you can easily get away from the area to nature.
Read 4 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
2,002 Population
View Nearby Homes
Old Dominion
Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
#13 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
3,619 Population
View Nearby Homes
Highland Park/Overlee Knolls
Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
Rating 4 out of 5 1 review
#14 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: Having lived in Highland Park/Overlee Knolls for 30+ yrs, I've enjoyed the "peance & quiet" and "walkability" of the area. Sadly, an increasing number of the original brick ramblers and 2-story colonial style homes built in the late 1940s/early 50s ... all sturdy & well-built ... are being sold off to developers for 'tear down' and replacement by HUGE McMansions taking up the entire lot size & selling for $1.5 million plus...making the neighborhood's affordability to first time home buyers problematic at best. The attendant cutting down of mature, 30+ yr old trees has also degraded the 'environmental' aspect of the neighborhood.
Read 1 Review
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
3,116 Population
View Nearby Homes
Franklin Farm
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 4.1 out of 5 20 reviews
#15 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: The best neighborhood. Kids are constantly out playing. Very family friendly. Big trees and many ponds. LOVE IT!
Read 20 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
18,321 Population
View Nearby Homes
Donaldson Run
Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
Rating 5 out of 5 2 reviews
#16 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
5,425 Population
View Nearby Homes
Newington Forest
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 4 out of 5 17 reviews
#17 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: Newington Forest is a neighborhood with good homes, but they are a little overpriced. Of course it is close to D.C., so that is sort of to be expected. The schools in the area are pretty good. The high schools and middle schools are markedly better than the elementary schools. The closest elementary school, Newington Forest Elementary, is very close and can be walked to from most houses in the area. It is currently being renovated. The neighbors are generally friendly, but there are some drug problems. We are close to many shopping centers, a few libraries, lots of parks, and a recreation center. There is a small playground in the neighborhood for children. Overall it's a good area.
Read 17 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
12,373 Population
View Nearby Homes
Bluemont
Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
Rating 5 out of 5 1 review
#18 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Former Resident: I lived in Bluemont between 1985 and 2007. I walked to Ballston Metro station and rode in to DC for work. I liked being nearby to parks, a swim club and local stores. When we moved in, we had neighbors who worked as restaurant cook, laundry machine repair, and print shop. But within 10 years after moving in, we could have never afforded to buy there, and the population changed toward lawyers and techies.
Read 1 Review
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A+
Public Schools
grade A minus
Housing
8,439 Population
View Nearby Homes
Dranesville
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 3.65 out of 5 26 reviews
#19 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Niche User: Not a lot of crime happens in our area, but whenever something does come up the police are very responsive and reliable.
Read 26 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade B+
Housing
11,661 Population
View Nearby Homes
Lowes Island
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 4.17 out of 5 6 reviews
#20 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: Overall, it is a very peaceful neighborhood and it has a lot of friendly people who are willing to step forward and help each other out. It is also very clean and organized, and there are a lot of dogs in the neighborhood!
Read 6 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade B+
Housing
10,860 Population
View Nearby Homes
Independent Hill
Suburb in Virginia
Rating 3.74 out of 5 27 reviews
#21 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: I love it, I've lived there my whole life. It's kind of like being secluded but still around a lot of things. 15 minutes in either direction is Woodbridge and Manassas/Gainesville which both have plenty of things to do. There are a lot of family friendly activities around the area. The schools are some of the best and newest in the county. I met a lot of good people and I have plenty of space to play with my siblings outside. It's a great place to live and I would recommend it to any family.
Read 27 Reviews
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
grade A minus
Public Schools
grade B+
Housing
9,204 Population
View Nearby Homes
McLean Gardens
Neighborhood in Washington, D.C.
Rating 4 out of 5 1 review
#22 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Niche User: I love this neighborhood. I feel it's the perfect suburban safehaven.
Read 1 Review
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade B+
Public Schools
grade B+
Housing
1,481 Population
View Nearby Homes
Farlington/Shirlington
Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
Rating 3.92 out of 5 12 reviews
#23 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Current Resident: Fairlington (built 1940-'45) is just up the hill & walking distance from Shirlington restaurants, library, movie & live theater, shops & grocery store/pharmacy.
F'ton has 2 distinct areas, North & South. Both extremely walkable, dog friendly (leashed), w/ abundant tree coverage & parking.
So. Fair. units have more families, North more diversity. North was built taller & later than South. Red brick bldg. interiors often updated. North is 1 condo association; South, mult. associations.
Negatives: condo dues $300-$400+ p/mo.; older construction; assoc. financial issues bear watching; increasing car traffic w/newer dev's.
Additional Positives: Bradlee Shopping Ctr. nearby, new Alex West dev.; good access to public transit.
Read 12 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade B+
Housing
12,715 Population
View Nearby Homes
Claremont
Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
#24 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade B+
Housing
4,014 Population
View Nearby Homes
Four Corners
Suburb in Maryland
Rating 4 out of 5 12 reviews
#25 Best Places to Buy a House in Washington, D.C. Area
Niche User: It's pretty safe. You do have a few crimes here and there, but nothing to be too concerned about.
Read 12 Reviews
grade A+
Overall Niche Grade
grade A
Public Schools
grade B+
Housing
8,246 Population
View Nearby Homes
Sponsored
Riverdale Baptist School
Private School
Upper Marlboro, MD
PK, K-12
Rating 3.43 out of 5 129 reviews
Parent: As a parent I appreciated the excellent education my children received. My son was involved in sports and the school provided a great balance of education, sports and social events in a safe environment. My daughter excelled in the fine arts with choirs and drama. Both went on to expand their education experience at top universities well prepared and are successful adults living a God centered life and all the joy that brings.
Read 129 Reviews
grade B minus
Overall Niche Grade
268 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
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K12 Private Academy
Online School
Herndon, VA
K-12
Rating 4.11 out of 5 46 reviews
Senior: When I first enrolled into K12 International Academy, I was beyond overwhelmed by the amount of work, lack of direct teaching and by the online cirriculum. However, it wasn't until my second semester in K12 that I really began to enjoy the school. K12 Int. Academy is difficult, but, it taught me to prioritize school, implement healthy study habits, and prepared me for pre-med courses because I would spend over 10-12 hours studying in one day. I took very difficult courses (all AP classes) but, teachers are helpful if you reach out and if you follow the calendar, you will be golden! Good luck!
Read 46 Reviews
grade B
Overall Niche Grade
1,821 Students
43:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Sponsored
KIPP DC - Key Academy Public Charter School
5-8
grade A
Overall Niche Grade
337 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes

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About This List

Explore the best places to buy a house based on home values, property taxes, home ownership rates, housing costs, and real estate trends. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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