Moving to Northern Virginia brings a mix of excitement and adaptation to new surroundings. The region blends urban convenience, suburban comfort, and unmatched access to the nation’s capital.
However, before unpacking boxes or setting up utilities, it helps to understand how the area functions, from transportation and housing to taxes, schools, and services.
What Makes Northern Virginia so Special
Northern Virginia, often called NOVA, is a region comprising several counties and independent cities that operate in close coordination with Washington, D.C. Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties anchor the area, while the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park add their own distinct flavor.
These localities share resources and planning efforts through the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, creating a connected region that functions almost as one community.
Getting Around the Region
Commuting is a defining part of life in Northern Virginia, where highways, rail lines, and airports connect to the nation’s capital. Knowing how each system works can help you choose the best way to travel, whether you rely on public transit, carpooling, or quick highway routes that depend on electronic tolling.
Metro and Rail Access
Public transportation has expanded steadily in recent years. Metro’s Silver Line now runs to Ashburn, with stations serving Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County.
The extension, completed in late 2022, made commuting between the outer suburbs and downtown Washington much easier. Metro’s current system map reflects these new connections, offering flexibility to those who prefer to avoid highway congestion.
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) offers another way to reach the city, running two commuter lines from places such as Manassas, Woodbridge, and Fredericksburg directly to Union Station. For many professionals, this rail system provides a practical balance between suburban living and city employment.
Highways, Express Lanes, and Tolling
Driving in NOVA often involves toll roads and managed express lanes. Most major interstates have express options where toll rates rise or fall based on real-time traffic levels.
Carpoolers with three or more people can usually ride toll-free using an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode, while solo drivers pay variable rates through an E-ZPass or the GoToll app.
Interstate 66 deserves special attention. Inside the Capital Beltway, tolling applies only during weekday rush hours, and vehicles must either pay electronically or qualify as HOV-3+ to travel free.
Outside the Beltway, express lanes operate around the clock, and all vehicles using them require electronic payment. Airport trips are charged if they occur during active tolling hours.
Airports and Regional Connectivity
Washington Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport are two major airports serving the region. In 2024, these airports handled more than 53 million passengers, setting a new record.
Both airports are managed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. It publishes monthly statistics for travelers who want to monitor performance and volume trends.
Variances in Housing and Local Costs
Housing in Northern Virginia reflects its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the wide variety of communities across the region. From real estate prices to vehicle taxes, knowing about local costs early helps you set a realistic budget and settle in with fewer surprises.
Real Estate and Rents
Housing prices fluctuate depending on proximity to D.C., transit access, and school quality. The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors releases monthly data with George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, giving buyers and renters insight into pricing and inventory conditions by county or city.
Those renting can look to federal benchmarks for context. The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2025 Fair Market Rent values for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area list two-bedroom units at roughly $2,300 and three-bedroom units at about $2,900.
Taxes and Local Charges
Most Northern Virginia localities apply a combined 6% sales tax, made up of state, local, and regional transportation portions, which applies to furniture, appliances, and other household items you might buy when settling in. Fairfax County and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership publish helpful breakdowns of these tax components.
Vehicle ownership also carries a local cost. Fairfax County, for example, assesses personal property tax on most cars at $4.57 per $100 of value, and other jurisdictions follow similar practices. Factoring that annual expense into your budget helps avoid surprises later.
Setting Up Essentials
Dominion Energy Virginia typically provides electricity, although NOVEC (the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) serves parts of western and southern areas.
Washington Gas supplies natural gas service across much of the region, while Fairfax Water and Loudoun Water cover the largest water and sewer systems. Most utilities allow residents to start or transfer service online, making setup straightforward.
Trash and recycling services vary widely. Some areas, such as Arlington and Alexandria, manage collection directly, while others, including much of Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, rely on private haulers. Checking your address before move-in helps determine whether local or contracted service applies.
What New Residents Should Handle First
Virginia gives newcomers 60 days to obtain a state driver’s license. Vehicle titling and registration also need to be updated after establishing residency. For anyone who plans to use toll facilities regularly, obtaining an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex transponder early can save time and frustration.
Parking restrictions can catch newcomers off guard. Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax each operate residential permit programs near Metro corridors and dense neighborhoods. Before unloading your moving truck, confirm whether your new block requires a permit to avoid tickets or towing.
Settling in With Confidence
Preparing for a move to Northern Virginia means more than unpacking boxes. Knowledge of how the region’s transportation, housing, and local systems work helps you start your new chapter with confidence and fewer surprises.
Once you’ve planned your commute, set up essential services, and learned the local rules, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything this dynamic region offers.
At MG Moving Services, we make that transition smoother by handling the logistics while you focus on settling into your new community. Our team provides dependable local, long-distance, and office moving solutions across Northern Virginia and beyond. Ready to begin? Reach out online or call (888)-707-7709 for your free, no-obligation quote.