Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the high cost of living in Northern Virginia? If so, you’re not alone. But, before you give up on your dreams of owning a home in this beautiful region, let me introduce you to Stafford County – the hidden gem of Northern Virginia!
In this article, we’ll explore the true cost of living in Stafford County, comparing home prices, property taxes, income potential, and much more. You’ll soon see why this area offers a high-quality, affordable lifestyle that’s perfect for you and your family.
The first thing you’ll notice about Stafford County is the relatively low cost of homes compared to other areas in Northern Virginia. When you look at cities like Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax, you’ll see that Stafford County has the lowest costs by far for single-family homes.
The average sales price of a single-family home in Alexandria is $1.2 million, Arlington is $1.3 million, Fairfax is $1 million, and Stafford is just $550,000. Not only will you spend less on your home in Stafford, but you’ll also save on property taxes because the tax rate is only 70 cents per $100 assessed value.
Now, let’s talk about income potential. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four will spend about $106,000 each year living in Stafford County. Conversely, the average household income in Stafford comes in just under $124,000.
As you age and become more valuable in the job market, you can expect your income to increase over time. Data shows that residents between the ages of 25 to 44 make an average of $111,000, and $148,000 when they are between the ages of 45 and 64.
Of course, one of the essential factors to consider when moving to a new area is commuting. With the region’s largest concentration of VA transactions, living in Stafford means you’ll likely be commuting to Fort Belvoir, The Pentagon, or into the city.
The cost of transportation, including owning and maintaining your vehicle and any transit cost, can add up to around $16,000 a year. However, there are various commuting options like the VRE and the pretty reliable commuter bus service through Omniride to help you save money on your daily travels.
Childcare is another significant expense to factor in when deciding on a new place to call home. In Stafford County, the average monthly cost for full-time childcare is just over $1,000. However, you’ll find many options for childcare, including home-based programs, traditional daycare centers, and even drop-in services, making it easier to find the right fit for your family’s needs.
When it comes to food costs, Stafford County is on par with the rest of the country. You’ll spend roughly the same amount here for Starbucks coffee and a casual dining experience at one of the local chains.
Healthcare costs are also relatively insignificant, with Stafford County’s healthcare costs being only about 4% higher than the national average.
So, now that you’re aware of the amazing value of living in Stafford County, are you ready to make a move? If so, I’m here to help! My name is Abraham Walker, and I’m a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty. My team and I at Ask A Walker are dedicated to helping you find the perfect home in Northern Virginia, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in real estate.
To get started, simply click on this link to fill out the Perfect Home Questionnaire: https://askaw.us/m/link-in-bio. After you complete the form, we will schedule a time to meet online via Zoom to answer any and all of your real estate questions.
I’ll walk you through the home buying process, provide personalized advice, and help you make an informed decision. Together, we can find the perfect home for you and your family in beautiful Stafford County, Northern Virginia.
In conclusion, don’t let the high cost of living in Northern Virginia deter you from your dream of owning a home in this gorgeous region. With its affordable homes, attractive property taxes, and overall high-quality lifestyle, Stafford County is the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.
Take advantage of this opportunity to discover a better way of living and secure a bright future for you and your loved ones.
Remember, if you’re ready to start your real estate journey in Stafford County or the surrounding areas, I’m here to help. Reach out to me, Abraham Walker, and the Ask A Walker team at Keller Williams Realty today.
Let us guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Let’s make your dream of owning a home in Northern Virginia a reality!
