Northern Virginia, commonly shortened to NoVA, spans a large region that includes Loudoun, Prince William, Fairfax, and Arlington counties, plus the cities of Falls Church, Alexandria, and Fairfax. The region carefully blends historic charm, fast-paced tech development, and scenic suburbs.
If you’re planning a move here, having local knowledge can help you save time, money, and frustration later on.
Housing Costs Are High & Market Moves Quickly
In May 2025, the median home sale price across Northern Virginia was $664,000, which continues to climb. In popular hubs such as Arlington and Fairfax, pre-approval is nearly mandatory before beginning a home search.
Single-family homes with larger lots are common in Vienna, Great Falls, and McLean. However, prospective buyers should prepare for strict HOA rules and architectural guidelines in many of these neighborhoods.
For those renting, Arlington’s one-bedroom apartments average around $2,405 per month, while two-bedrooms hover at $3,179. Security deposits often equal two months of rent, and pet fees can raise move-in costs even further.
Condo buildings in areas such as Rosslyn, Ballston, and Clarendon typically require elevator reservations and proof of insurance from your moving company when moving.
Living Expenses Stack Up Quickly
If you’re considering a move to Arlington, expect to pay roughly 35% more than the national cost of living baseline.
Housing drives most of that increase, but groceries cost roughly 12% more. Utilities and healthcare costs stay relatively close to national norms, so daily living is manageable for many, though monthly expenses require careful planning.
Taxes are another factor worth planning around. Arlington charges $1.033 per $100 of assessed value on real estate, so a home assessed at $800,000 would generate an annual tax bill of roughly $8,264.
If you’re bringing a vehicle, Fairfax County charges a personal property tax of $4.57 per $100 of assessed value, and many new residents are caught off guard by the October 5 payment deadline.
The Job Market Is Packed With Opportunities
Northern Virginia is proudly home to a strong labor market. As of April 2025, the state’s unemployment rate was just 3.4%.
Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington alone employed more than 8,300 workers by the end of last year, and it continues to hire for roles in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and public policy.
Along the Route 28 corridor and I-95, defense contractors, federal agencies, and tech firms dominate the employment scene. Loudoun County alone brought in $875 million in tax revenue from data centers in 2024, highlighting the significance of this booming sector.
Public Schools Receive Top Marks
Education is a major draw for prospective families moving to NoVA. According to Niche’s 2025 rankings, Loudoun County Public Schools placed 4th out of 130 districts statewide, while Fairfax County Public Schools came in at 6th.
Private schools cluster in areas such as McLean and Alexandria, providing additional choices for families seeking alternatives.
Commuting Means Planning Ahead
Daily travel can be a mixed bag. The average one-way commute in Fairfax County is around 29.5 minutes, while in Loudoun County, it stretches to 31.1 minutes on average.
Traffic during peak hours can be heavy, but toll roads help reduce drive times for those willing to pay. I-495, I-395, I-95, and I-66 feature express lanes with variable tolls, often ranging from $0.20 to $1.50 per mile during rush hour. Carpools with three or more riders can travel these lanes free of charge with an E-ZPass Flex.
The Metro’s Silver Line now extends to Ashburn, making life easier for Loudoun residents working in D.C. Opening an E-ZPass account requires a $35 prepaid balance, which many new residents handle during their first week.
Vehicle Setup Should Happen Quickly
After arriving in Virginia, you’ll have 60 days to secure a state driver’s license. Vehicle title and registration must be handled within 30 days, or you could have to pay fines for out-of-state plates.
Annual safety inspections are required statewide, and a biennial emissions test is also mandatory if your car will be garaged in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford.
Don’t Overlook The Fine Print On Moving Day
Many local jurisdictions have specific moving truck rules. For instance, Arlington requires a moving van permit that must be filed at least three business days before the move; it allows up to two consecutive days of street space. In Alexandria, the process is similar, with reservations needing to be made by noon, three business days in advance.
Many condo buildings will ask for proof of liability insurance from your movers and may require an elevator deposit.
For older neighborhoods, especially in parts of Alexandria and Falls Church, large trucks can struggle to maneuver through narrow streets. In those cases, a smaller shuttle truck might be needed to ferry items from a larger vehicle parked nearby.
Starting Fresh In Northern Virginia? Reach Out To MG Moving Today!
Relocating to Northern Virginia involves much planning, from housing costs and taxes to school rankings and commute times. The area is rich with potential, and those who come prepared benefit the most.
At MG Moving Services, we know what it takes to move in and around Northern Virginia because this is where we started. Contact us today for a free moving quote, or call (888) 707-7709, and let’s get your move underway.