The Ultimate Guide to Housing Options When Relocating to Northern Virginia

After living in Northern Virginia since my college days, I have come to love everything about this area and have experienced it in every season of life. From living in condos, townhouses, and single-family homes, I have found just how enjoyable each style of living is in NOVA.

Northern Virginia is one of the most popular regions for relocating, with proximity to Washington, DC. The area has a thriving economy and excellent schools, making it an ideal place for families who want to live in or near a major city.

Northern Virginia is home to many different towns and cities, including Alexandria, Arlington County, Falls Church City, Fairfax County, Prince William, and Loudoun County. There is a wide variety of housing options in Northern Virginia. If you’re buying a new home, you can choose from the list of home styles mentioned above in addition to new construction homes and senior living communities – which we have quite a few of!

But what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Throughout this article, I will discuss each home style and the pros and cons that go along with them.

New Construction Homes Vs. Existing Homes

If you’re buying a new home, you can choose from single-family homes, townhouses, and condos; all built new for you. These properties are often built by the developer, who will also handle sales and marketing of the property. This means that they may offer more amenities than other types of properties in your desired area, and there’s less uncertainty about the overall condition of the property, like with existing resale homes.

However, this also means that prices may be higher with new construction homes than those found elsewhere due to additional costs associated with building in today’s market.  Those costs are passed onto buyers through higher asking prices on new homes compared to existing ones in Northern Virginia neighborhoods nearby.

Condos, Townhouses and Single Family Homes in NOVA

Townhouses are one of the most popular options for housing in NOVA. Most townhouses that you will find during your search in NOVA will often be three levels and come with or without a garage, allowing you to have that typical “homey” feel without the maintenance of a home on the exterior. The wide range of garage options that accompany townhouses is also something to note. Common garage options include front-loading and rear-loading garages and either one or two-car garage spaces.

As for condos, you will typically see one-level units in a garden, mid-rise, or high-rise building setting- more like an apartment that you own instead of rent.

Townhouses come as both fee simple and condo ownership, allowing you to choose which option is better for you. While condos and townhouses typically mean less exterior upkeep, it also means that you will have close neighbors and oftentimes shared walls.

Single-family homes are the next step up in space and privacy for many on their housing journey. Single-family homes can be in suburban neighborhoods close together or in wide open spaces on lots of acreage – for which Loudoun County is a favorite choice. 

Move West for the Acreage

If you are looking for a home with acreage you may want to consider Western Loudoun or Western Prince William County.  Be prepared to deal with well water and septic systems but most of my clients say the privacy and peace on a larger lot is well (no pun intended) worth it.

Senior Communities are Popular in NOVA

Seniors prefer this type of group-like housing because it offers a sense of community and security, as well as amenities that can be tailored to your specific needs. Senior communities are often located in areas with easy access to shopping and healthcare, so you won’t have to worry about transportation if you need medical attention or groceries. However, these communities tend to be expensive, and you might miss the sounds of kids playing in your neighborhood.

Additionally, many senior communities provide activities such as exercise classes or social gatherings. Here is a comprehensive list of our 55+ adult retirement communities.

If you’re moving to Northern Virginia, you can see that there are many housing options available. But what option is right for you? I suggest making a list of what is most important to you and your family, not only today but for the next five years, and then reaching out for a free consultation, where I can help you figure out exactly where you and your family fit into our beautiful NOVA community.

I hope this guide has been helpful in your quest to find the perfect home in Northern Virginia and settle into your perfect community.