Welcome to

Loudoun County

Featured Listings Market Report Top Schools Around The Area Local Advice

Moving to Loudoun County - Your Ultimate Guide to Living in Loudoun County Virginia

In the fantastic area of Moving to Loudoun County - Your Ultimate Guide to Living in Loudoun County Virginia you’ll be in good company with around 433,076 residents with around 78% of those homeowners. With an average age of 37, the residents of Moving to Loudoun County - Your Ultimate Guide to Living in Loudoun County Virginia are well established, made up of families of all age groups. Though fairly kicked back throughout the week, during weekends and holidays, you can see a lot more activity and excitement. Over the recent months roughly 1,770 homes have been sold with an average sold price of $858,189. That is a decrease of $29,447 from the previous period.

View More Listings

Want the full market report for Loudoun County?

We want to ensure that you have all the information needed to make the best decisions when it comes to your home goals. When you enter your info below you will get instant access to the area's latest market report, complete with sales and demographic trends.

Pros and Cons of Living in Loudoun County

Introduction

When considering a move to a new location, numerous factors exist. If you're considering relocating to Loudoun County, Virginia, you've come to the right place.

Located in the north of the state, Loudoun County has a population of over 400,000, making it the third most populous county in Virginia. The region experienced significant growth in the 1960s when Dulles International Airport was constructed in the southeast, attracting more businesses, workers, and families to the area.

The median household income in Loudoun County is $124,000, and the median home sales price is $642,000. The county has a population of 423,000 residents with a median age of 35.8 years. Although the cost of living in Loudoun County is 47.9% higher than the national average, other expenses such as healthcare and utilities are similar.

Now that you have more information about Loudoun County, let's discuss the pros and cons of living in the region.

Table of Contents - Pros and Cons of Living in Loudoun County, Virginia

🛣️Pro #1: Less Traffic in Loudoun

🕴🏾Pro #2: Loudoun Employment Opportunities

🏫Pro #3: Loudoun Public School System

🚧Pro #4: Loudoun New Construction Homes

🚵🏾‍♀️Pro #5: Things To Do in Loudoun

🚆Con #1: Loudoun Commute and Public Transportation

🌦️ Con #2: Loudoun Weather

🏙️Con #3: No Downtown Loudoun

🤑 Con #4: Loudoun Cost of Living

🛣️Pro #1: Less Traffic in Loudoun

🕴🏾Pro #2: Loudoun Employment Opportunities

🏫Pro #3: Loudoun Public School System

🚧Pro #4: Loudoun New Construction Homes

🚵🏾‍♀️Pro #5: Things To Do in Loudoun

🚆Con #1: Loudoun Commute and Public Transportation

🌦️ Con #2: Loudoun Weather

🏙️Con #3: No Downtown Loudoun

🤑 Con #4: Loudoun Cost of Living

🛣️Pro #1: Less Traffic in Loudoun

Traffic congestion is a common concern for many people considering a move to a new area. Fortunately, Loudoun County offers a reprieve from this issue, at least for now.

As a relatively new and up-and-coming area, the county is located farther away from the major metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C. and Maryland.

This distance means that there is less traffic on the roads, making it easier to get around and reducing the time spent sitting in traffic.

However, it is important to note that this situation may not last forever. As the job market in Loudoun County continues to grow, more people are likely to move to the area in search of employment opportunities.

This influx of new residents will inevitably lead to more traffic on the roads.

While it is difficult to predict exactly how much the traffic situation will change in the future, it is important to keep in mind that living in Loudoun County may not always offer the same level of relief from traffic congestion as it does now.

🕴🏾Pro #2: Loudoun Employment Opportunities

One of the major advantages of living in Loudoun County is the abundance of job opportunities available.

This is partly due to the fact that Virginia has a high concentration of technology workers, making it a great place for those in the tech industry.

Loudoun County is home to many well-known companies, including Verizon Business, Equinix, Telos Corporation, Orbital Sciences Corporation, Paxfire, MCI, Inc. (formerly WorldCom), AOL, Amazon, Microsoft, Fannie Mae, and more.

This is thanks in part to its proximity to the Dulles Technology Corridor.

With such a strong job market, it's not surprising that the unemployment rate in Loudoun County is only 2.1%, lower than the national average of 3.5%.

🏫Pro #3: Loudoun Public School System

Niche.com ranks Loudoun County Public Schools as the 5th best school district in Virginia.

The school system serves over 76,000 students in 70 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, and 13 high schools, as well as several alternative education programs and special education centers.

The school system aims to provide a high-quality education to all students, focusing on academic achievement, social and emotional growth, and citizenship. In addition to traditional academic subjects, the school system offers extracurricular activities such as sports teams, music and art programs, and clubs and organizations.

Several of the county's public high schools rank among the top 25 in Virginia, including Briar Woods High School, Riverside High School, Rock Ridge High School, Freedom High School, Broad Run High School, Stone Bridge High School, and Independence High School.

Loudoun County determines school attendance by residential address.

You can use the School Attendance Zone Maps to find out which schools your children will attend, or you can use the LCPS Attendance Boundary E-Listing to enter your address and find out which schools are specific to your address.

🚧Pro #4: Loudoun New Construction Homes

One of the many benefits of living in Loudoun County is the abundance of new construction options available. Whether you are looking for a single-family home, townhouse, or condo, you will find a wide range of options in the county.

Some new home communities in the area include: Metro Walk at Moorefield Station Flats, Metro Walk at Moorefield Station Lofts, Metro Walk at Moorefield Station Towns, The Flats at Waxpool Crossing, Waxpool Crossing, Hillside, Trail View, The Towns at Weller's Corner, Weller's Corner, Ashbrook Place, Regency at Belmont, Montebello, The Flats at Montebello, Loudoun View Condo Flats, Loudoun View Townhomes, and Regal Chase.

These communities feature a variety of sizes and price ranges.

They are built by companies such as Toll Brothers, K. Hovnanian Homes, Dream Finder Homes, Van Metre Homes, DRB Homes, Stanley Martin Homes, Del Webb, and Beazer Homes.

New construction properties offer several advantages, including the opportunity to customize your home to your preferences and the chance to live in a brand-new, modern home with the latest appliances and amenities.

Additionally, new construction properties often come with warranties that protect you from unexpected repairs, providing peace of mind and financial security.

If you are considering a move to Loudoun County and are interested in new construction properties, you will have many options to choose from, with new developments and communities popping up all over the county.

🚵🏾‍♀️Pro #5: Things To Do in Loudoun

Loudoun County, Virginia offers a wide range of activities and destinations for those looking to experience the local culture and scenery. The county is home to numerous parks, recreation centers, and outdoor areas that allow residents and visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Some of these places include Ashburn Park, Ashburn Ice House, Trailside Park, Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center, and Algonkian Regional Park. Each of these locations offers a variety of amenities and activities for nature lovers to enjoy.

In addition to its outdoor attractions, Loudoun County also has several shopping destinations for those looking for a great shopping experience. Some of the options include Ashburn Village Center, Broadlands Village Center, Shoppes at Ryan Park, Sterling Village Center, Cascades Overlook Town Center, and Potomac Run Plaza. These centers offer a variety of stores and shops for visitors to browse and purchase from.

Loudoun County is also home to a range of restaurants, wineries, and breweries that offer a variety of cuisine and drinks. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, there are options to suit every taste and budget.

Some of the popular restaurants, wineries, and breweries in the county include Lightfoot Restaurant, Tarara Winery, and Old Ox Brewery. These establishments provide a great opportunity to try new flavors and sample local specialties. Overall, Loudoun County has something to offer for everyone, whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, shopping, or dining experiences.

🚆Con #1: Loudoun Commute and Public Transportation

Commuting and public transportation can be a significant concern for residents of Loudoun County, as there is currently only one Metro line servicing the entire region. This can make it difficult for residents to get to various locations, including Washington, D.C., in a timely manner.

The Silver Line Metrorail Service opening in November 2022 has significantly improved commuting options for Loudoun County residents. The Silver Line has trips to and from the Dulles International Airport, Loudoun Gateway, and Ashburn Metro Stations, providing convenient access to these critical locations.

Residents of Loudoun County do have alternative options for getting around. One option is to travel to Fairfax County and take the Fairfax Connector, which offers a range of routes throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. This can be a useful option for those looking to travel to different parts of the region.

Overall, while commuting and public transportation can be a challenge for Loudoun County residents at the moment, the upcoming opening of the Silver Line Metrorail Service will significantly improve the situation. In the meantime, alternative options such as the Fairfax Connector can help residents get around and access different parts of the region.

Con #1 Loudoun Commute and Public Transportation

🌦️ Con #2: Loudoun Weather

The weather in Loudoun County, Virginia, can be unpredictable and varied, with all four seasons bringing unique weather conditions. As you experience the beauty of the fall season, be prepared for the possibility of warm, sunny days followed by sudden, heavy rain showers.

Snow is common during this time, so don't be caught off guard if you see a few flakes before Christmas.

During the winter months, expect a mix of sunny days, strong winds, snow, heavy rain, and even the occasional ice storm. These varying weather conditions can be inconvenient, but they are part of this region's living conditions.

As the spring season arrives, be prepared for a mix of sunny and rainy weather. Snow showers are not uncommon during this time, so it's always a good idea to be prepared for cold weather. And while the summer brings hot and sunny weather, don't be surprised if you experience a heavy rain shower.

Overall, staying prepared for any weather in Loudoun County is essential. Make sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly, as the climate here can be pretty unpredictable.

Whether you're enjoying the beauty of the four seasons or braving the sometimes-unpredictable weather, Loudoun County has something for everyone.

🏙️Con #3: Loudoun No Downtown

Living in Loudoun County may not be for everyone, especially for those who are used to the bustling city life with a vibrant nightlife. One of the main drawbacks of living in Loudoun County is the lack of a central downtown area where residents can go for a fun night out.

Instead, residents must travel to neighboring counties like Fairfax or Arlington to enjoy a nightlife scene. However, the county still has commercial areas.

In fact, each community within Loudoun County has its own "downtown hub" with shopping centers that offer a variety of entertainment, dining, and leisure options for residents. These hubs provide a convenient and accessible way for residents to enjoy local amenities without having to travel too far.

While it may not have the same level of excitement as a big city, Loudoun County offers its own unique charms and benefits. From the peaceful rural and suburban landscapes to the tight-knit sense of community, there is a lot to love about living in Loudoun County.

And with its proximity to nearby counties, residents can always take a short trip to enjoy the city life if they desire.

Overall, the lack of a central downtown area in Loudoun County may be a drawback for some. Still, it is not a deal breaker for everyone.

With its many other positive attributes and the availability of nearby cities for a night out, Loudoun County can still be a great place to call home.

🤑 Con #4: Loudoun Cost of Living

Our last con is the cost of living in Loudoun County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is the wealthiest county in America, with a median household income of $147,000.

However, the cost of living in Loudoun County is also 48% higher than in the rest of the country, according to Best Places dot net. This means that you can expect to spend a lot of money on housing in particular.

The median sales price of a single-family home in Loudoun County is currently $890,000.

Overall, the high cost of living in Loudoun County is definitely something to consider if you are considering moving there. Be sure to read our article about the cost of living in Loudoun County for more information about this topic.