2019 Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in VirginiaAbout this List

Arlington

• City in Virginia
• 163 reviews

Current Resident: I have now lived in Arlington for 12 years. Their public schools and education system are wonderful, there are eco-friendly and healthy options for those living in the community. It is also very diverse! I would recommend more affordable options for its residents, there is a big population in Arlington that are underserved/in poverty.
Read 163 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 229,534 Population

Merrifield

• Suburb in Virginia
• 5 reviews

Niche User: There are many stores and restaurants, even a movie theater, within walking distance. The biggest drawback is the cost of housing in this area. Also, my former residence had more green spaces nearby. However, if you want the convenience of metro access, and a wide variety of shopping and entertainment options super close by, this is a terrific area!
Read 5 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A+

• 17,243 Population

Alexandria

• City in Virginia
• 286 reviews

Current Resident: I love Alexandria because it is so close to the city of D.C. We can easily be in the city for many events and not pay the high price of living in the city. Living in Alexandria gives you the feel of suburban living with the convenience of a short commute. There is not a suggestion for change as I love living there! Alexandria has walking trails for families and dogs. It also boasts great schools and thriving community businesses. There is also a nightlife scene, many grocery stores to choose from, doctors, and lovely homes. The city of Alexandria contains all that is needed to live a happy and healthy life.
Read 286 Reviews

• A

• B+

• A+

• 154,710 Population

Tysons

• Suburb in Virginia
• 20 reviews

Current Resident: Close to the city, with good transportation there and back with the nearby metro. Traffic is bad, but the town itself and amenities are good. Excellent education system, though highly competitive and stressful.
Read 20 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 23,008 Population

Idylwood

• Suburb in Virginia
• 12 reviews

Niche User: Great location within 10 miles of DC (jobs, culture, nightlife) Diverse population, beautiful natural landscape, mild winters.
Read 12 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A+

• 18,678 Population

Seven Corners

• Suburb in Virginia
• 6 reviews

• A

• B-

• A+

• 8,498 Population

McNair

• Suburb in Virginia
• 9 reviews

Niche User: Ever since I moved here, I have stopped worrying about dangerous activities ensuing in the environment. The crime rate here is low an unfrequent. I moved from West Virginia, where drug activities are substantially higher. In Virginia, the police have a stronger authority and are generally more respected for doing their jobs properly. It is overall peaceful and more active, as the first thing I noticed was the amount of people jogging and playing outdoors. The citizens are friendly, and potential crime threats are minimum.
Read 9 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A+

• 21,183 Population

Fair Oaks

• Suburb in Virginia
• 34 reviews

Current Resident: This area is wonderful to live in, although a bit on the pricey side for rent. I love that I have so much around me to do.
Read 34 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A+

• 33,789 Population

Lake Barcroft

• Suburb in Virginia
• 12 reviews

• A

• B-

• A+

• 9,918 Population

Occoquan

• Suburb in Virginia
• 2 reviews

Current Resident: The actual small town of Occoquan on the river is wonderful! There are three foodie-type restaurants, and then Madigans on the water with a TiKi bar, and lots of cute shops with nit-knacks as well as fudge and ice cream! We now have a park and a walking bridge across the falls! I am thrilled most people don't know about this place! It makes it a safe and wonderful place to live and play!
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• B+

• A+

• 1,070 Population

Huntington

• Suburb in Virginia
• 8 reviews

Current Resident: It’s acrually really safe, great neighbors, kids everywhere and drivers listen to the signs, there are stores that you can simple walk to and get daily needs and wants, they have a laundry mat which is convenient. Many food places which is easy to get too.
Read 8 Reviews

• A+

• B

• A+

• 12,992 Population

Fair Lakes

• Suburb in Virginia
• 1 review

Current Resident: I have lived in Fair Lakes for 18 years and it has been the best experience. The community is so kind and giving all houses and shopping centers are up to date and modern. There is a wide range of age groups. There are many paths to walk and ride bikes on. I got a great education from the Fairfax county public Schools. I have never felt unsafe growing up here.
Read 1 Review

• A+

• A

• A+

• 8,066 Population

Innsbrook

• Town in Virginia
• 2 reviews

• A+

• B+

• A+

• 8,271 Population

Falls Church

• Suburb in Virginia
• 105 reviews

Current Resident: It is very safe here compared to some of the surrounding areas. This is one of those places where you can walk safely home in the night and expect nothing to happen to you. The area is generally well-maintained and clean and most shared living spaces offer a recycling program. The living spaces(houses, apartments, condominiums, etc.) are all located conveniently near shopping and food...specifically in the area I live in, I can walk downstairs to a gym, hair and nail salon, bookstore, smoothie bar and seafood restaurant or walk a block over for even more options.
Read 105 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 13,843 Population

University Center

• Suburb in Virginia
• 3 reviews

Current Resident: Lived in University Center for 10 years and love it! Our neighborhood sits within the George Washington University Science and Technology campus and is walking distance to the restaurants and shops of One Loudoun. We are just off route 7 for an easy commute to DC and schools are good. Neighbors are friendly and have settled here from all of the country/world.
Read 3 Reviews

• A

• A+

• A+

• 4,199 Population

Oakton

• Suburb in Virginia
• 46 reviews

Current Resident: Oakton is a very safe, diverse city. Surrounded by all the best places and only about a 30 minutes drive to the capital. There's a lot to do around here. Everyone is extremely friendly and caring, it's very easy to fit in and it to feel like home. Students in Oakton go to Fairfax Country Public Schools, which is one of the top-ranked in the United States. FCPS is a very diverse, safe school county. You never have to worry about anything. Although living here can be very expensive.
Read 46 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 37,166 Population

Short Pump

• Town in Virginia
• 47 reviews

Current Resident: Short Pump is friendly and a beautiful area to live in. It’s a peaceful and safe town to start a family and make friends. There are great quality schools from elementary to high schools. In addition, Short Pump is a lively community filled with a mixture of enjoyable activities, distinguished restaurants, and well-known stores. Most, if not all, neighborhoods are very family-friendly and have extremely low crime rates. If I had to name one flaw of the town it would be the lack of diversity; its, not the best place for meeting a variety of people and witnessing different aspects of life. However, Richmond City is only about a 20-minute drive from Short Pump, and the city is a growing area with an abundance of diversity. Overall, I enjoy living in Short Pump and there is never a dull moment.
Read 47 Reviews

• A+

• A-

• A+

• 26,624 Population

Dulles Town Center

• Suburb in Virginia
• 5 reviews

Visitor: As I visit Dulles, Virginia, I love it there! The people, the food, the stores, everything is great. Not being a resident of Virginia saddens me because this truly is the place to be. I hope to attend university nearby!
Read 5 Reviews

• A

• A

• A+

• 4,393 Population

Fairfax

• Suburb in Virginia
• 110 reviews

Current Resident: There are several excellent suburban communities within Fairfax that are family-oriented, host plenty of activities and events throughout the week, and are easy to get around without driving. While this encourages an active lifestyle (walking, biking, or taking the scooter for a spin), aggressive drivers are difficult to get around as the area is incredibly congested. Creating better scooter laws, safer paths, and more docking stations would help significantly and perhaps encourage more active modes of transportation over driving.
Read 110 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A+

• 23,580 Population

West Falls Church

• Suburb in Virginia
• 66 reviews

Current Resident: I like how the community in West Falls Church is very diversified and there are many places to visit and do such as Tysons Corner, Washington DC, and the Mosiac District. There are also many cultural areas nearby too such as the Vietnamese Eden Center and the Korean community in Annandale.
Read 66 Reviews

• A

• B+

• A+

• 29,150 Population

Moorefield Station

• Suburb in Virginia

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 1,300 Population

Reston

• Town in Virginia
• 78 reviews

Current Resident: I’ve lived in Reston all my life and it is a spectacular place to live!

Not so long ago Reston was a suburban town with a thriving town center that feels like a small city. Now with multiple metro stops, the town is growing and feels like a small city with high rises, retail, many restaurants, and office buildings. The town also has a very suburban feel to it with many woodsy areas and a couple of lakes. The only downside to this town is the horrid DC area traffic.
Read 78 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A+

• 60,352 Population

Stone Ridge

• Suburb in Virginia
• 13 reviews

Current Resident: Loudoun County is rapidly growing and is easily the nation's highest income county. I've lived here for 13 years now and it's changed so much during that time and only continues to grow. It's clean, quiet, and safe--the perfect place to raise a family. Schools are being built left and right to account for the growing population, and although I moved here during my teenage years, I can easily see myself starting a family here and staying here. I see no reason to relocate and I'm extremely happy here.
Read 13 Reviews

• A+

• A+

• A+

• 11,803 Population

Herndon

• Suburb in Virginia
• 74 reviews

Current Resident: The school district in Herndon, Fairfax County Public schools, includes some of the most highly rated schools. Teachers help students not only prepare for college, but also guide them through their studies to ensure they will be prepared for when they leave their homes and move into the real world. The suburb itself is fairly wealthy, so many families have access to well-kept public services, varying from parks to malls to public pools. Families are willing to help each other out with simple tasks, and the community is very well connected through social media groups, clubs, and activities for all ages. Sports and academic extracurriculars are highly encouraged in the community for school-age children, so almost every kid has connections outside of school. Overall, the community is very well connected and educated.
Read 74 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A+

• 24,545 Population

Kingstowne

• Suburb in Virginia
• 23 reviews

Current Resident: A wonderful community full of lively, positive spirited people. I like that this community is maintained to high standards. There're always community events that take place, everyone in this community is friendly!
Read 23 Reviews

• A+

• B

• A+

• 16,332 Population