Popular Neighborhoods for Young Families in VA

If you have a young family and are looking to relocate to a nice neighborhood that has wonderful schools, parks, possible ocean views, beach towns, sandy beaches, coastal cities, and other attractions do consider moving to the great state of Virginia.

Here are some of the best places and neighborhoods for young families -- whether it's a newborn or a set of twins -- in your brood to make your nest complete.

Rosslyn

For an urban oasis, families can't do much better than Rosslyn, a walkable town in Virginia and if you like to be at the center of the excitement, hate your commute, and want to ensure your kids have easy city access while they're growing up. Plus, it's not all urban fervor as Rosslyn sits on the Potomac River, with beautiful beach views, and taking a boat out for exercise or leisure is a popular pastime. Heck, you might even find some amusement park fun at a nearby amusement park.

Arlington Neighborhoods

Thinking about moving to Arlington with your family? This Virginia area has plenty to offer families—like its highly-rated school system, ideal location near the nation's capital, and access to a variety of family-friendly activities. Places like Arlington Ridge are a great option and crime is safer than in 48% of Arlington neighborhoods.

With its access to national landmarks and historical sites like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and The Pentagon, Arlington Ridge is the perfect place for families to call home. This safe, affordable neighborhood gets its name from Arlington Ridge Road, which runs through the area. Since this family-friendly place to live in Arlington is one of the closest neighborhoods to Washington, families can quickly commute to the Ronald Reagan Washington  National Airport and Downtown DC. Plus, parents will love being close to great schools like Oakridge Elementary School and Gunston Middle School, and nearby parks like Prospect Hill Park and Virginia Highlands Park.

Cherrydale

This city is as sweet as its name and is wonderful for families. Also, the crime rate here is safer than in 67% of Arlington neighborhoods.

With its close-knit community and proximity to great parks and schools, a to-do-for culinary scene, and plenty of retail therapy, Cherrydale is one of the best neighborhoods in Arlington for families. Residents are conveniently located near some of Arlington's top schools like Glebe Elementary School, Arlington Science Focus School, and Washington-Liberty High School. Plus, families can spend time outdoors at Cherry Valley Park for safe, local outdoor recreation. This established neighborhood offers older Craftsman bungalows and Victorian homes mixed with contemporary houses. There are also plenty of fun activities to enjoy in Cherrydale, with the Cherrydale Citizens Association hosting a 4th of July block party, yard sales, and other events throughout the year. Plus, the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire Department serves as a point of community pride.

Dominion Hills

Another fun place to call home in Virginia is Dominion Hills which is safer than 43% of Arlington neighborhoods.

Dominion Hills is known for its tree-lined streets, historical atmosphere, and unique housing options like Colonial Revival and Cape Cod homes dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. This quiet Arlington neighborhood has great opportunities for outdoor recreation in its beautiful parks nearby like Dominion Hills Park and the Bon Air and Park Rose Garden, which provide plenty of fun for families in Arlington. Dominion Hills is also close to excellent schools within the Arlington school system, like Arlington Traditional Elementary School and Ashlawn Elementary School.

Lyon Village

Check out Lyon Village where the crime rate that's safer than 90% of Arlington neighborhoods. One of Arlington's most walkable neighborhoods, Lyon Village is located near the bustling Clarendon area. This Arlington neighborhood has a strong sense of community of the local organization that sponsors family-friendly activities all year long like an Easter Egg Hunt and July 4th Parade. As for housing, growing families can find options like Colonial and Tudor-style homes in this top Arlington neighborhood. Lyon Village also offers great opportunities for education with access to world-class bilingual and bi-literate schools like Early Steps Bilingual Preschool and Escuela Key Elementary School.

There are also plenty of excellent restaurants and bars, high-caliber schools, and a breezy commute to downtown D.C. of course, those perks come at a price as this is an expensive place to live.

Bluemont

Located just an hour from Washington, D.C., Bluemont is perfect for families who crave the outdoorsy lifestyle but require access to the jobs and schools provided by proximity to an urban center. Bluemont is a popular day trip destination, but anyone who chooses to put down permanent roots there will find instant gratification with scenic hikes, mountain views, and a wealth of breweries, cideries, and wineries. Many hikes intersect with the famed Appalachian Trail, making it a perfect town for a family of weekend warriors.

Tysons Corner

Families looking for an urban feel without the price point that more central towns require might do well to consider the city of Tysons Corner. Local industry has brought in excellent shops and restaurants, and its location also means more access to wine country and museums alike. For commuters worried about the distance from the city, fear not: four different Metro stations help you reach both D.C. and Maryland without a single transfer.

Lorton

The suburb of Lorton is one of the most diverse in Virginia. Add to that its many public parks, scenic trails, and top-tier public schooling system and you've got a peaceful and accessible enclave where kids can walk to neighborhood schools and families can take boats out on the Potomac River on temperate weekends. Housing here can be a bit more affordable than in some other, tony Virginia towns. Consider Lorton if you can do without nightlife -- what it lacks in “hip” it makes up for in parks and trails.

Leesburg

Leesburg tags itself as being hip and historic and locals aren't wrong to boast those two seemingly contrasting qualities, with lively bars and music venues inhabiting restored mills and depots. There's a little bit of everything here. A short walk downtown will take you to no fewer than five craft breweries, and a quick drive gets the whole family to several historic homes, courthouses, and gardens. The jocks in the family will get a thrill out of the ION International Skating Arena, one of the top ice rinks in the country.

Chantilly

Easygoing and central, Chantilly can be considered a sweet spot for any house-hunting Goldilocks who can't choose between town and country. Hiking trails and golf courses offer residents the chance to stretch their legs, but worker bees can also rest easy knowing Dulles International Airport is just seven miles away. Of course, this much serenity comes at a price: there aren't convenient train lines from Chantilly to D.C., so it would behoove you to have a car and brace yourself for the commute.

Vienna

Vienna is a fantastic place to put down roots for families. A Metro line gets commuters to D.C., but there's plenty to do in town, both on long weekends and nights out. One of the main attractions here is the renowned Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, which draws huge acts from around the world. By day, the Meadowlark Gardens Regional Park is a draw, with its winding paths and lakes. Children will benefit from the highly-ranked schools and enjoy the trails that cut right through the center of town.

Clarendon

Clarendon, a village in Arlington, is a popular choice for young professionals with kids. With an exciting nightlife, a bustling shopping district (known as The Crossing), and a long list of restaurants spanning all types of cuisine, Clarendon has so much to offer that even D.C. residents make the trip to Virginia to partake. A wide range of housing options keeps the population mixed -- if you choose to stay here for the long haul, the transition from central condo to single-family home should be seamless. The town's walkability means you'll likely even be able to preserve your daily routine.

Del Ray

With its small-town vibe, Del Ray might not seem like the go-to spot for young professionals, but its residents insist otherwise. Folks with young families who work in the city and need a bit of respite after clocking out will feel cozy relief when they return to the artsy, eclectic Del Ray, which is home to parks, independent businesses, and coffee shops. The commute is quick and takes you a world away. Plus, there is a range of housing options here, from adorable bungalows to brick apartment buildings. Del Ray doesn't have “something for everyone,” the way many more bustling Virginia towns do, but it has enough character to be everything to someone.

Crystal City

For years, Crystal City had a reputation as a sort of government super-office. Full of tall, glassy buildings, it was a hub for military contractors and government agencies. However, in the last 20 years, Crystal City has slowly shifted its identity. Public art, restaurants, and transit improvements are popping up, as well as community engagement efforts like 5Ks and food festivals for young families. If you're a worker bee who doesn't mind the high-rise life, Crystal City could be an exciting place to call home. More improvements and changes are on the horizon, and you could be a piece of that movement.

Aldie

If you see a 40-mile distance to the heart of D.C. as a blessing, not a curse, then the village of Aldie is your hidden gem and great for young families. This gorgeous hamlet offers leaf-peeping in the autumn, visits to historical sites in the winter, antiquing in the spring, and hikes come summer. Frequent festivals keep the community engaged, but having a car here is handy so that you can jaunt to D.C. or Baltimore (75 miles away), or scoot to a new trailhead. Keep an eye out for charming period details on the homes dotting the neighborhoods here, such as chimneys and extra-wide porches.

Old Town

Old Town, a village in Alexandria, lines the west bank of the Potomac River. As the name suggests, history is at the town's core. The cobblestone streets and historic 18th-century townhomes turn any quick errand run into a leap back in time. From jazz to boating, shopping to museums, Old Town has so much to offer anyone who has the time to take it all in especially young families. This is to say nothing of the easy access to downtown D.C. -- a quick ride on the Metro takes you to the heart of the city and back home in no time. Of course, the many cyclists in town will scoff at that suggestion: just ride your bike! A pricey place to settle down, Old Town might be better for retirees looking for a walkable, active neighborhood with plenty of activities or those with young families who have good-paying jobs.

Relocating

Are you ready to relocate to Virginia with your young family? There are plenty of options to stay at when you visit Virginia from coastal hotels & suites to other popular hotels and even a few cheap hotels if you're on a budget.

Do hire a professional Realtor to show you these above communities or wherever you think you might find your dream location.

Also, check out Blog.thedigitalrealtors.com, the Digital Realtors blog where we share everything going on inside the real estate world. And if you're having a hard time finding a Realtor who knows the ins and outs of the market contact Tein Hlwa who can help you find your dream home, building, or whatever you're looking for in the real estate market.

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