Moving to Northern Virginia: Should You Live in Fairfax County or Prince William County?
By Abraham Walker | Ask A Walker Real Estate Team
Thinking of relocating to Northern Virginia? Two of the most common places buyers compare are Fairfax County and Prince William County — and for good reason.
As a local real estate expert, I’ve guided many families through this exact decision. And while both counties have a lot to offer, they cater to different lifestyles, budgets, and priorities.
This guide will break down the key differences so you can choose with confidence.
💬 Not sure which area fits your needs? Schedule your perfect home consultation today and let’s talk through it together.
📍 Location & Commute Times: City Proximity or Peaceful Retreat?
Location is almost always the starting point in any relocation conversation. And when it comes to proximity to DC metro area employment hubs, Fairfax and Prince William counties offer two very different experiences.
Fairfax County is located immediately west of D.C., putting you as close as 7 miles or as far as 30 miles from downtown, depending on the neighborhood. If you’re working in the city or want easy access to Arlington, Tysons, or Amazon HQ2, the location can’t be beat.
Popular communities in Fairfax include:
- Alexandria – a charming historic city with strong transit access and walkability
- Reston – a planned community with town center living, trails, and a Metro stop
- Springfield – affordable and suburban, with major highway connections
- Herndon – offers developments and solid schools
Prince William County sits just south of Fairfax and stretches all the way from the Potomac River to the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While it’s farther from D.C., it offers a more relaxed pace of life, larger homesites, and even some semi-rural communities.
Notable areas in Prince William include:
- Gainesville – booming with new construction and shopping centers
- Bristow – wooded and peaceful, with a mix of older homes and new developments
- Woodbridge – close to I-95 and great for commuters heading to Fort Belvoir or Quantico
🚗 TIP: If access to D.C. is your top priority, Fairfax makes life easier. But if you’re willing to trade a longer commute for more space and affordability, Prince William could be a better fit.
🌄 Density & Living Environment: Vibrant vs. Spacious
While both counties offer suburban living, they differ significantly in how they feel day to day.
Fairfax County covers 406 square miles and is home to over 1.1 million people — making it one of the most densely populated areas in Virginia. It has a mix of city-like areas (Tysons), suburban neighborhoods (Burke, Oakton), and even some rural pockets (Clifton and Great Falls).
Because of the density, you’re never far from shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s ideal for those who prefer a fast-paced, convenience-driven lifestyle.
Prince William County, by contrast, has about 487,000 residents spread across 348 square miles. That’s nearly half the population in roughly the same space — which translates into quieter neighborhoods, more open land, and fewer crowds.
You’ll find peaceful planned communities like Lake Ridge, which hugs the Occoquan River and offers marina access and nature trails. In western Prince William, towns like Gainesville and Bristow are still growing, giving you that “just far enough” feeling from the city buzz.
🏡 Want to get a feel for both? Book a home tour and we’ll explore communities side by side so you can compare firsthand.
💵 Income, Home Prices & Property Taxes: More Home for Your Money?
Budget is always a major factor when choosing where to live — and here’s where we start to see clear financial differences.
Fairfax County has a median household income of $148,000, one of the highest in the nation. With that comes higher home prices. As of 2023:
- Median home price: $680,000
- Average single-family home: $1,065,000
Prince William County has a median household income of $131,000, and the housing market is significantly more affordable:
- Median home price: $530,000
- Average single-family home: $665,000
💡 That’s a $150,000+ price difference on average. Prince William gives you more square footage and yard space for the same or less money.
Property Taxes:
- Fairfax: ~$7,875/year on a $700K home
- Prince William: ~$8,405/year on a $700K home (about 7.5% higher)
📊 Slightly higher taxes in Prince William, but the lower purchase price often makes up for it in the long run.
🏗️ New Construction: Built-Out vs. Booming
If you’re dreaming of a brand-new home, Prince William County is the clear winner.
With more undeveloped land and active builders, you’ll find everything from entry-level townhomes to luxury single-family homes. Communities in Dumfries, Gainesville, and Nokesville are expanding quickly with modern designs, shared amenities, and smart home features.
Fairfax County, on the other hand, is mostly built out. You’ll still see the occasional new condo or townhouse project, but brand-new single-family homes are rare — and usually expensive. Most new homes are either infill developments or tear-down rebuilds.
🛠️ Check out our model home tours to explore your options — or schedule a visit to see them in person.
🚆 Transportation & Commutes: Metro or VRE?
Let’s talk about something that can make or break your day: the commute.
Fairfax County has the edge in both distance and transportation infrastructure. It offers:
- 14 Metro stations across 4 lines (Blue, Yellow, Orange, Silver)
- Access to I-66, I-495, Route 50, and GW Parkway
- Major bus routes via Fairfax Connector and Metrobus
While traffic can be rough (especially near Tysons, Route 66, or 495), you have more options — including public transit — to get around.
Prince William County commuters often face longer drive times:
- I-95, Route 1, and Route 28 are major corridors — and often congested
- No Metro stations in the county
- Public options include OmniRide buses and the VRE (Virginia Railway Express)
🚙 TIP: If you work from home or don’t mind a long commute, Prince William can offer you a quieter retreat. But if you need daily access to the city, Fairfax is likely the better match.
🎓 Schools: Reputation, Rankings & Resources
If you have school-aged kids, this section is likely top of mind.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is one of the most highly regarded districts in the country. Known for academic excellence, it offers:
- AP, IB, STEM, and foreign language immersion programs
- Nationally ranked schools like Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
- 11 high schools among U.S. News’ top 20 in Virginia
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is steadily improving and offers solid choices, especially in newer areas like Gainesville and Bristow. Programs include:
- AP and IB courses
- Specialized academies and career training
- Investments in school renovations and new builds
According to Niche.com:
- Fairfax County ranks #6 in Virginia
- Prince William County ranks #17 in Virginia
🧠 TIP: Always check individual school ratings and boundaries when home shopping. We can help you filter your search based on school preferences.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Which County Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — both Fairfax and Prince William Counties offer incredible communities, but each serves a different type of buyer.
Choose Fairfax County if you want:
- Shorter commutes and more transit options
- Top-ranked schools and academic programs
- A vibrant, well-developed environment
Choose Prince William County if you want:
- More home for your money
- Quieter neighborhoods and green space
- More opportunities for new construction
🗓️ Still deciding? Book your complimentary relocation consultation and let’s map out your priorities.
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
- Have questions? Drop them in the comments.
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Where to Live in Northern Virginia
- Watch our full video breakdown on YouTube for more insight.
- Share this post with anyone considering a move!
Thanks for reading — see you in your dream home soon!
