Best places to live in Virginia
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Virginia
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live 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. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Idylwood
- Population: 18,273
- Median home value: $571,900 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,796 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $113,481
- Top public schools: McLean High School (A+), George Mason High School (A+), Marshall High School (A+)
- Pictured: 7307 Allan Ave, Falls Church ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $571,900 (52% own)
- Median rent: $1,796 (48% rent)
- Median household income: $113,481
- Top public schools: McLean High School (A+), George Mason High School (A+), Marshall High School (A+)
- Pictured: 7307 Allan Ave, Falls Church ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#24. 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: 2124 Polo Pointe Dr, Vienna ($3.4 million, 6 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: 2124 Polo Pointe Dr, Vienna ($3.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#23. 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: 22646 Taylorstown Hunt Ct, Ashburn ($1.3 million, 6 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: 22646 Taylorstown Hunt Ct, Ashburn ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#22. 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: 3802 Ridgelea Dr, Fairfax ($985,000, 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: 3802 Ridgelea Dr, Fairfax ($985,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#21. 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: 19808 Rothschild Ct, Ashburn ($1.6 million, 7 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: 19808 Rothschild Ct, Ashburn ($1.6 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#20. Fair Lakes
- Population: 8,399
- Median home value: $536,000 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,918 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $119,967
- Top public schools: Fairfax High School (A), Greenbriar West Elementary School (A), Powell Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool - Fairfax (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13096 Monica Ct, Fairfax ($715,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $536,000 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,918 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $119,967
- Top public schools: Fairfax High School (A), Greenbriar West Elementary School (A), Powell Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool - Fairfax (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13096 Monica Ct, Fairfax ($715,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#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: 4105 Hunt Rd, Fairfax ($1.7 million, 7 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: 4105 Hunt Rd, Fairfax ($1.7 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#18. Reston
- Population: 61,147
- Median home value: $499,200 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,859 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $120,396
- Top public schools: Langley High School (A+), James Madison High School (A+), Westfield High School (A)
- Top private schools: Al Fatih Academy (unavailable), Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten (unavailable), Reston Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1635 Admirals Hill Ct, Vienna ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $499,200 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,859 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $120,396
- Top public schools: Langley High School (A+), James Madison High School (A+), Westfield High School (A)
- Top private schools: Al Fatih Academy (unavailable), Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten (unavailable), Reston Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1635 Admirals Hill Ct, Vienna ($2.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#17. 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: 2416 Cedar Ln, Vienna ($2.0 million, 6 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: 2416 Cedar Ln, Vienna ($2.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#16. Merrifield
- Population: 18,291
- Median home value: $494,700 (35% own)
- Median rent: $2,021 (65% rent)
- Median household income: $114,219
- Top public schools: Oakton High School (A+), James Madison High School (A+), Marshall High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Veritas Collegiate Academy (A+), Montessori School of Cedar Lane (unavailable), Way of Faith Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8609 Cherry Dr, Fairfax ($930,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $494,700 (35% own)
- Median rent: $2,021 (65% rent)
- Median household income: $114,219
- Top public schools: Oakton High School (A+), James Madison High School (A+), Marshall High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Veritas Collegiate Academy (A+), Montessori School of Cedar Lane (unavailable), Way of Faith Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8609 Cherry Dr, Fairfax ($930,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. McNair
- Population: 21,485
- Median home value: $432,400 (23% own)
- Median rent: $1,888 (77% rent)
- Median household income: $104,761
- Top public schools: Westfield High School (A), Carson Middle School (A), Herndon High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Cortona Academy (A+), Oak Hill Christian School (A), Guidepost Montessori at Herndon (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2506 Deer Wood Ct, Herndon ($839,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $432,400 (23% own)
- Median rent: $1,888 (77% rent)
- Median household income: $104,761
- Top public schools: Westfield High School (A), Carson Middle School (A), Herndon High School (A-)
- Top private schools: Cortona Academy (A+), Oak Hill Christian School (A), Guidepost Montessori at Herndon (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2506 Deer Wood Ct, Herndon ($839,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#14. 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: 6309 Ellington Woods Dr, 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: 6309 Ellington Woods Dr, Glen Allen ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#13. 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)
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#12. 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: 22412 Belle Terra Dr, Ashburn ($1.2 million, 5 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: 22412 Belle Terra Dr, Ashburn ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#11. 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: 10610 Vale Rd, Oakton ($4.2 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: 10610 Vale Rd, Oakton ($4.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#10. 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: 9113 Cascus Dr, Annandale ($800,000, 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: 9113 Cascus Dr, Annandale ($800,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#9. Lansdowne
- Population: 12,354
- Median home value: $527,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,873 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $131,165
- Top public schools: Riverside High School (A+), Seldens Landing Elementary School (A), Belmont Ridge Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Fusion Academy Loudoun (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18788 Ridgeback Ct, Leesburg ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $527,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,873 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $131,165
- Top public schools: Riverside High School (A+), Seldens Landing Elementary School (A), Belmont Ridge Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Fusion Academy Loudoun (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18788 Ridgeback Ct, Leesburg ($1.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#8. 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: 3020 Jonquilla Ct, Oak Hill ($2.0 million, 4 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: 3020 Jonquilla Ct, Oak Hill ($2.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#7. 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: 42268 Providence Ridge Dr, Chantilly ($1.0 million, 5 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: 42268 Providence Ridge Dr, Chantilly ($1.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. 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: 22015 Auction Barn Dr, Ashburn ($1.6 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: 22015 Auction Barn Dr, Ashburn ($1.6 million, 6 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: 12331 Liesfeld Farm Dr, Glen Allen ($1.1 million, 8 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: 12331 Liesfeld Farm Dr, Glen Allen ($1.1 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#4. 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: 5520 31st St N, Arlington ($4.3 million, 7 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: 5520 31st St N, Arlington ($4.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#3. 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: 4529 Thorncroft Dr, Glen Allen ($729,500, 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: 4529 Thorncroft Dr, Glen Allen ($729,500, 4 bedrooms)
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#2. 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: 47133 Kentwell Pl, Sterling ($850,000, 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: 47133 Kentwell Pl, Sterling ($850,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#1. 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: 41832 Cordgrass Cir, Aldie ($824,500, 5 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: 41832 Cordgrass Cir, Aldie ($824,500, 5 bedrooms)
