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Best places to raise a family in Virginia
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Virginia using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Lowes Island
- Population: 10,860
- Median home value: $596,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,351 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $176,830
- Top public schools: Dominion High School (A), Lowes Island Elementary School (A), Algonkian Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool - Great Falls Plaza in Sterling (unavailable)
- Pictured: 20443 Stone Skip Way, Sterling ($840,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $596,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,351 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $176,830
- Top public schools: Dominion High School (A), Lowes Island Elementary School (A), Algonkian Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool - Great Falls Plaza in Sterling (unavailable)
- Pictured: 20443 Stone Skip Way, Sterling ($840,000, 5 bedrooms)
#24. Dranesville
- Population: 11,661
- Median home value: $576,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,901 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $179,031
- Top public schools: Langley High School (A+), Forestville Elementary School (A), Cooper Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Temple Baptist School (A), Guidepost Montessori at Reston (unavailable), The Boyd School-Reston Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11661 Preference Way, Herndon ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $576,100 (95% own)
- Median rent: $2,901 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $179,031
- Top public schools: Langley High School (A+), Forestville Elementary School (A), Cooper Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Temple Baptist School (A), Guidepost Montessori at Reston (unavailable), The Boyd School-Reston Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11661 Preference Way, Herndon ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#23. Vienna
- Population: 16,489
- Median home value: $743,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,081 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $161,196
- Top public schools: James Madison High School (A+), Marshall High School (A+), Westbriar Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Green Hedges School (unavailable), Parkwood School (unavailable), Vienna Adventist Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1532 Crowell Rd, Vienna ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $743,500 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,081 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $161,196
- Top public schools: James Madison High School (A+), Marshall High School (A+), Westbriar Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Green Hedges School (unavailable), Parkwood School (unavailable), Vienna Adventist Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1532 Crowell Rd, Vienna ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#22. Great Falls
- Population: 14,872
- Median home value: $1,142,000 (96% own)
- Median rent: $3,066 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $238,125
- Top public schools: Langley High School (A+), Potomac Elementary School (A), Colvin Run Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Siena Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9410 Piscataway Ln, Great Falls ($5.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,142,000 (96% own)
- Median rent: $3,066 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $238,125
- Top public schools: Langley High School (A+), Potomac Elementary School (A), Colvin Run Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Siena Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9410 Piscataway Ln, Great Falls ($5.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
#21. Floris
- Population: 8,291
- Median home value: $700,900 (88% own)
- Median rent: $2,714 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $197,143
- Top public schools: Chantilly High School (A+), Westfield High School (A), South Lakes High School (A)
- Pictured: 13098 Mares Neck Ln, Oak Hill ($925,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $700,900 (88% own)
- Median rent: $2,714 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $197,143
- Top public schools: Chantilly High School (A+), Westfield High School (A), South Lakes High School (A)
- Pictured: 13098 Mares Neck Ln, Oak Hill ($925,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Loudoun Valley Estates
- Population: 8,020
- Median home value: $597,800 (92% own)
- Median rent: $3,053 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $184,950
- Top public schools: Rock Ridge High School (A+), Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School (A), Legacy Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 43188 Tandridge Way, Ashburn ($849,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $597,800 (92% own)
- Median rent: $3,053 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $184,950
- Top public schools: Rock Ridge High School (A+), Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School (A), Legacy Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 43188 Tandridge Way, Ashburn ($849,900, 5 bedrooms)
#19. Long Branch
- Population: 8,381
- Median home value: $623,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,250 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $162,169
- Top public schools: W. T. Woodson High School (A+), Frost Middle School (A), Wakefield Forest Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Braddock Road KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9113 Joyce St, Fairfax ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $623,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,250 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $162,169
- Top public schools: W. T. Woodson High School (A+), Frost Middle School (A), Wakefield Forest Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Braddock Road KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9113 Joyce St, Fairfax ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#18. Innsbrook
- Population: 8,888
- Median home value: $363,600 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,185 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $91,457
- Top public schools: Glen Allen High School (A), Rivers Edge Elementary School (A), Holman Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Primrose School at Westerre Commons (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11486 Dublin Rd, Glen Allen ($649,500, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $363,600 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,185 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $91,457
- Top public schools: Glen Allen High School (A), Rivers Edge Elementary School (A), Holman Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Primrose School at Westerre Commons (unavailable)
- Pictured: 11486 Dublin Rd, Glen Allen ($649,500, 4 bedrooms)
#17. Wolf Trap
- Population: 16,436
- Median home value: $912,900 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,434 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $227,022
- Top public schools: McLean High School (A+), Langley High School (A+), James Madison High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Oakcrest School (A+)
- Pictured: 526 Nelson Dr NE, Vienna ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $912,900 (95% own)
- Median rent: $3,434 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $227,022
- Top public schools: McLean High School (A+), Langley High School (A+), James Madison High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Oakcrest School (A+)
- Pictured: 526 Nelson Dr NE, Vienna ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Dunn Loring
- Population: 9,158
- Median home value: $741,600 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,870 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $190,694
- Top public schools: James Madison High School (A+), Marshall High School (A+), Vienna Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School (unavailable), Lorien Wood School (unavailable), Holly Brook Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8545 Electric Ave, Vienna ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $741,600 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,870 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $190,694
- Top public schools: James Madison High School (A+), Marshall High School (A+), Vienna Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School (unavailable), Lorien Wood School (unavailable), Holly Brook Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8545 Electric Ave, Vienna ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. Ashburn
- Population: 49,848
- Median home value: $493,400 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,897 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $132,331
- Top public schools: Briar Woods High School (A+), Stone Bridge High School (A+), Broad Run High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Loudoun School for Advanced Studies (A+), Virginia Academy (A), St. Theresa School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22391 Conservancy Dr, Ashburn ($2.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $493,400 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,897 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $132,331
- Top public schools: Briar Woods High School (A+), Stone Bridge High School (A+), Broad Run High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Loudoun School for Advanced Studies (A+), Virginia Academy (A), St. Theresa School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22391 Conservancy Dr, Ashburn ($2.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
#14. Cascades
- Population: 11,389
- Median home value: $486,000 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,944 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $151,111
- Top public schools: Dominion High School (A), Algonkian Elementary School (A), Potomac Falls High School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Hope Catholic School (unavailable), Lola's Place - Cascades (unavailable), Cascades KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 46839 Willowood Pl, Sterling ($729,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $486,000 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,944 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $151,111
- Top public schools: Dominion High School (A), Algonkian Elementary School (A), Potomac Falls High School (A)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Hope Catholic School (unavailable), Lola's Place - Cascades (unavailable), Cascades KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 46839 Willowood Pl, Sterling ($729,000, 4 bedrooms)
#13. McLean
- Population: 47,682
- Median home value: $1,031,200 (87% own)
- Median rent: $3,065 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $207,184
- Top public schools: McLean High School (A+), Langley High School (A+), George Mason High School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Potomac School (A+), The Madeira School (A+), Ambleside School (A)
- Pictured: 658 Live Oak Dr, McLean ($12.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,031,200 (87% own)
- Median rent: $3,065 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $207,184
- Top public schools: McLean High School (A+), Langley High School (A+), George Mason High School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Potomac School (A+), The Madeira School (A+), Ambleside School (A)
- Pictured: 658 Live Oak Dr, McLean ($12.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
#12. Oakton
- Population: 36,997
- Median home value: $631,700 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,923 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $132,256
- Top public schools: Oakton High School (A+), James Madison High School (A+), Fairfax High School (A)
- Top private schools: Flint Hill School (A+), St. Mark Catholic School (unavailable), Appletree School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2368 Hunter Mill Rd, Vienna ($3.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $631,700 (68% own)
- Median rent: $1,923 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $132,256
- Top public schools: Oakton High School (A+), James Madison High School (A+), Fairfax High School (A)
- Top private schools: Flint Hill School (A+), St. Mark Catholic School (unavailable), Appletree School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2368 Hunter Mill Rd, Vienna ($3.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#11. Mantua
- Population: 7,342
- Median home value: $780,000 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,959 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $172,357
- Top public schools: W. T. Woodson High School (A+), Frost Middle School (A), Mantua Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Merritt Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3524 Barkley Dr, Fairfax ($950,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $780,000 (69% own)
- Median rent: $1,959 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $172,357
- Top public schools: W. T. Woodson High School (A+), Frost Middle School (A), Mantua Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Merritt Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3524 Barkley Dr, Fairfax ($950,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. Belmont
- Population: 6,632
- Median home value: $711,400 (92% own)
- Median rent: $3,229 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $220,750
- Top public schools: Stone Bridge High School (A+), Belmont Station Elementary School (A), Newton-Lee Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 19759 Willowdale Pl, Ashburn ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $711,400 (92% own)
- Median rent: $3,229 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $220,750
- Top public schools: Stone Bridge High School (A+), Belmont Station Elementary School (A), Newton-Lee Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 19759 Willowdale Pl, Ashburn ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#9. Arlington
- Population: 233,464
- Median home value: $705,400 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,970 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $120,071
- Top public schools: Yorktown High School (A+), Washington Liberty High School (A+), George Mason High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bishop O'Connell High School (A+), Our Savior Lutheran School (A+), St. Thomas More Cathedral School (A)
- Pictured: 4503 32nd Rd N, Arlington ($3.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $705,400 (43% own)
- Median rent: $1,970 (57% rent)
- Median household income: $120,071
- Top public schools: Yorktown High School (A+), Washington Liberty High School (A+), George Mason High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bishop O'Connell High School (A+), Our Savior Lutheran School (A+), St. Thomas More Cathedral School (A)
- Pictured: 4503 32nd Rd N, Arlington ($3.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#8. Wyndham
- Population: 10,578
- Median home value: $493,200 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,696 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $182,803
- Top public schools: Deep Run High School (A+), Rivers Edge Elementary School (A), Shady Grove Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Thales Academy Glen Allen K-3 (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6304 Ellington Woods Ter, Glen Allen ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $493,200 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,696 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $182,803
- Top public schools: Deep Run High School (A+), Rivers Edge Elementary School (A), Shady Grove Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Thales Academy Glen Allen K-3 (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6304 Ellington Woods Ter, Glen Allen ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
#7. Franklin Farm
- Population: 18,321
- Median home value: $633,600 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,662 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $183,247
- Top public schools: Oakton High School (A+), Chantilly High School (A+), Westfield High School (A)
- Top private schools: Reston Day School (unavailable), Franklin Farm Campus KinderCare (unavailable), McLearen Square KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3019 Jonquilla Ct, Oak Hill ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $633,600 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,662 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $183,247
- Top public schools: Oakton High School (A+), Chantilly High School (A+), Westfield High School (A)
- Top private schools: Reston Day School (unavailable), Franklin Farm Campus KinderCare (unavailable), McLearen Square KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3019 Jonquilla Ct, Oak Hill ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Wakefield
- Population: 11,554
- Median home value: $632,600 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $155,729
- Top public schools: W. T. Woodson High School (A+), Canterbury Woods Elementary School (A), Frost Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Spirit School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8303 Beaverdam Ct, Annandale ($997,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $632,600 (94% own)
- Median rent: $2,877 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $155,729
- Top public schools: W. T. Woodson High School (A+), Canterbury Woods Elementary School (A), Frost Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Holy Spirit School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8303 Beaverdam Ct, Annandale ($997,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Short Pump
- Population: 28,328
- Median home value: $413,900 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,434 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $107,321
- Top public schools: Deep Run High School (A+), Mills E. Godwin High School (A+), Short Pump Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Henrico (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Short Pump (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12334 Hawksgate Landing Ct, Glen Allen ($1.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $413,900 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,434 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $107,321
- Top public schools: Deep Run High School (A+), Mills E. Godwin High School (A+), Short Pump Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Henrico (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Short Pump (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12334 Hawksgate Landing Ct, Glen Allen ($1.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
#4. Stone Ridge
- Population: 14,220
- Median home value: $473,800 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,592 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $153,628
- Top public schools: John Champe High School (A+), Mercer Middle School (A), Pinebrook Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Guidepost Montessori at Aldie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25241 Oribi Pl, Aldie ($825,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $473,800 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,592 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $153,628
- Top public schools: John Champe High School (A+), Mercer Middle School (A), Pinebrook Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Guidepost Montessori at Aldie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 25241 Oribi Pl, Aldie ($825,000, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Brambleton
- Population: 21,358
- Median home value: $600,700 (80% own)
- Median rent: $2,292 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $181,905
- Top public schools: Briar Woods High School (A+), John Champe High School (A+), Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool Brambleton (unavailable), Chesterbrook Academy Preschool Brambleton II (unavailable), Winwood Children's Center - Brambleton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 42173 Bunker Woods Pl, Ashburn ($999,999, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $600,700 (80% own)
- Median rent: $2,292 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $181,905
- Top public schools: Briar Woods High School (A+), John Champe High School (A+), Rosa Lee Carter Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool Brambleton (unavailable), Chesterbrook Academy Preschool Brambleton II (unavailable), Winwood Children's Center - Brambleton (unavailable)
- Pictured: 42173 Bunker Woods Pl, Ashburn ($999,999, 6 bedrooms)
#2. South Riding
- Population: 31,515
- Median home value: $528,400 (85% own)
- Median rent: $2,256 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $158,996
- Top public schools: John Champe High School (A+), Freedom High School (A+), Little River Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of South Riding (unavailable), Everbrook Academy of South Riding (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of South Riding (unavailable)
- Pictured: 43288 Clarecastle Dr, Chantilly ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $528,400 (85% own)
- Median rent: $2,256 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $158,996
- Top public schools: John Champe High School (A+), Freedom High School (A+), Little River Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of South Riding (unavailable), Everbrook Academy of South Riding (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of South Riding (unavailable)
- Pictured: 43288 Clarecastle Dr, Chantilly ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#1. Broadlands
- Population: 13,576
- Median home value: $618,400 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,975 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $184,475
- Top public schools: Briar Woods High School (A+), Broad Run High School (A+), Mill Run Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Guidepost Montessori at Broadlands (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22051 Stone Hollow Dr, Broadlands ($1.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $618,400 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,975 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $184,475
- Top public schools: Briar Woods High School (A+), Broad Run High School (A+), Mill Run Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Guidepost Montessori at Broadlands (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22051 Stone Hollow Dr, Broadlands ($1.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
