Nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Coast, Virginia offers a unique mix of natural beauty, historical prominence, and a bustling economy. Every element has enticed travelers seeking adventures and families searching for a new place to call home.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is known by many names. The most popular, “Old Dominion,” comes from King Charles II in recognition of Virginia as the first permanent English colony in the New World. Established in 1607, it is also called the Mother of States because of the many American pioneers born in Virginia. Lastly, it is also called the “Mother of Presidents” as eight US presidents, and four of the first five, were born in the Commonwealth.
From being the first and the most prosperous British colony in the United States, Virginia today is still at the center of the nation’s political, economical, and cultural institutions. Its close proximity to Washington, D.C. allows its residents to work in the capital and reside in relaxed Virginia communities at the same time. Some of the federal agencies headquartered in Virginia are the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense.
Whatever reason draws you to Virginia, know that the state is definitely one of the country’s best places to visit and permanently reside in. Its breathtaking sights, strong sense of community, and robust economy are more than enough reasons to consider Virginia as your place to start anew, flourish with your family, or enjoy retirement.
Read on to learn more about the places you’ll love in the Old Dominion and the luxury real estate Virginia is known for.
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LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT VIRGINIA’S REAL ESTATE MARKET
Virginia’s housing options are diverse. There are brick-lined Victorian homes in historic districts, Mid-Century family homes close to the capital’s business hubs, and Colonial single-family homes with access to excellent schools.
There are new condominium developments for those in need of quick access to transport and government sectors. When it comes to gated communities, Virginia offers an array of neighborhoods for those seeking luxurious amenities and a vacation lifestyle.
Virginia’s real estate remains highly coveted. Consistently through the years, there have been more buyers of Virginia luxury homes than there have been sellers. This has resulted in the slowing down of property sales, but the average sold-to-list price ratio in Virginia remains high at 101.4%. At the closing table, home sellers are still getting more than their initial asking prices.
Indeed, when it comes to luxury real estate, Virginia has some of the most amazing properties in the market. If you’re looking to invest in a home close to competitive areas like central Richmond, Shenandoah Valley, the coastal Hampton Roads area, and Washington, D.C., check out the best places to find high-end homes in Virginia.
LET’S REVEAL VIRGINIA’S PREMIUM LUXURY HOME HOTSPOTS
There are a lot of Virginia communities with highly sought-after luxury real estate. The list that follows offers:
- An overview of each community
- An overview of affluent neighborhoods
- Their attractions and amenities
- Available luxury homes and their price range
This can help you consider options and narrow down your choices.
Alexandria, VA
Hailed as one of the most romantic cities in the US, Alexandria, VA is truly an enchanting place. Its scenic location along the Potamac’s western bank gives the city a dramatic ambience even if it lies close to the nation’s bustling capital. The market for luxury homes is strongly competitive, with properties usually being sold at about 102% of the sale-to-list price and with a median list price of $807,500.
Here are some of Alexandria’s most affluent neighborhoods:
OLD TOWN. Located right on the Potomac River, Old Town is one of the finest neighborhoods in Alexandria. Its cobblestone streets and century-old buildings have earned the neighborhood a place in the list of National Historic Districts. Old Town draws around 500,000 visitors annually and has been voted as one of the best cities in the country.
Set in the heart of Alexandria, Old Town offers residents exceptional access to shopping, dining, business, and cultural destinations. You can spend the day wandering along the coffee shops and art galleries on the waterfront. There are more than 200 locally owned boutiques along King Street Mile. After exploring Carlyle House Historic Park and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, and the famous Torpedo Factory Art Center, have a refreshing Irish drink by the fire at Daniel O’Connell’s.
From Colonial wood-frame and red-bricked Georgian to ornate Victorian and sleeker Mid-Century Modern, the architectural styles of Old Town homes will bring you back to Virginia’s early years. Properties in Old Town sell from $1.5 million to $6.7 million. For more options, inquire here.
BEVERLY HILLS. Situated on a hill above Rosemont and Del Ray, Beverly Hills is a mostly residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a quiet ambience. If you like walks and sledding, the rolling hills of this neighborhood will delight you. While the neighborhood is residential, Beverly Hills is just a 10-minute drive to the Pentagon and the National Airport.
Most properties in the area were developed in the 1900s and lie on moderately sized lots along established streets. Split-level homes, bungalow, Colonial, and Ranch are the prevalent home styles in Beverly Hills. The value of midsize homes range from $800,000 to $1.5 million. For more options, inquire here.
ROSEMONT. This idyllic neighborhood sits west of Old Town Alexandria and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most convenient neighborhoods to live in, Rosemont has great access to the boutiques and restaurants of Old Town. Going around the metro is easy as residents can walk to King Street Metro and Braddock Road Metro Stations.
This historic neighborhood is the city’s oldest planned residential expansion and highlights 20th century architectural styles. While walking along its tree-lined avenues, you will see porch swings and the well-maintained lawns of cozy-looking houses with an urban flair. Most properties are single-family homes and townhomes, with 3- to 4-bedroom options. The property prices in Rosemont typically range between $450,000 and $5 million. For more options, inquire here.
Browse homes for sale in Alexandria, VA now
Arlington, VA
If you’re searching for gated communities, Virginia has numerous private neighborhoods such as Arlington in the north. Arlington’s location on the Potomac River directly facing Washington, D.C. is nothing short of enviable. One of the most educated communities in the country, Arlington is populated by young, artistic, and diverse residents. Real estate properties in this affluent county are not only one of the most expensive in the state, but also in the entire U.S. The market is more competitive than it was in the previous years, with homes typically selling after 28 days with a median price of $912,000.
The following are just some of Arlington’s most high-end neighborhoods:
COUNTRY CLUB HILLS. One of the most exclusive Virginia communities, Country Club Hills is named after the adjacent Washington Golf and Country Club. Home to legendary athletes, celebrities, and politicians, Country Club Hills is the community of choice for premier living. This exclusive neighborhood comprises about 500 houses on the former Grunwell Estate.
While the newly built homes here are very impressive, the real architectural stars in this neighborhood feature the Old Arlington style – an elegant mix of Colonial, English Tudor, and Spanish influences. The median list price of Virginia luxury homes in this neighborhood is $3.25 million, with some new construction homes commanding a multi-million price tag. For more options, inquire here.
WOODLAND ACRES. Dating back to 1949, Woodland Acres is a high-end community bordered by Old Dominion Drive. It’s picturesque, with well-manicured lawns and tree-lined streets, making it a popular choice among families looking for a primary residence. Woodland Acres is adjacent to the Williamsburg Middle School and the Discovery Elementary School.
At Woodland Acres, you’ll find homes in traditional Craftsman and Colonial Revival, and the more modern Mid-Century architectural styles. All take advantage of the neighborhood’s panoramic vistas. Single-family homes usually feature 4 to 7 bedrooms and have plenty of space for expansion. Luxury homes for sale in Woodland Acres range from a little over $2 million to just under $4 million. For more options, inquire here.
WILLIAMSBURG VILLAGE. Home to one of the boundary markers of the original District of Columbia, Williamsburg Village is a tranquil area in historic Arlington. This neighborhood has a college-town feel due to its proximity to the prestigious William & Mary University and its flourishing arts community. Most of its residents are young families and retirees.
While most of the original homes dating back to the 1940s are still standing today, the neighborhood also features new construction featuring the same elegant style. The median home value in Williamsburg Village is $1.1 million. For more options, inquire here.
Browse homes for sale in Arlington, VA now
Loudoun, VA
Loudoun is famous as the Wine Country of Virginia and the DC area. This idyllic county in Northern Virginia is filled with towns and areas dating back to the 18th century and beckons to those with a penchant for history. One of the best counties to live in the state, Loudoun is a mix of top-rated rural and suburban communities. Home prices have steadily increased with the median price now at around $570,000. Properties usually sell after 24 days on the market.
Here are two of Loudoun’s most prominent neighborhoods:
THE RESERVE AT WATERFORD MANOR. Wake up to astounding views of Loudoun’s countryside at the Reserve at Waterford Manor. This neighborhood’s expedient Leesburg location brings residents close to For options, inquire here.
CADENCE AT LANSDOWNE. One of the unique Virginia communities, Cadence at Lansdowne is an active 55+ community within a laid-back environment. Residents enjoy amenities geared toward an active lifestyle such as scenic trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, and picnic areas. While the surrounding urban hub has plenty of restaurants and shops, trailheads and riverfront parks are also close by for outdoor enthusiasts.
This well-established neighborhood features 2-story villas with plenty of space to incorporate your personal preferences. Thoughtfully designed townhomes have 3 to 5 bedrooms, with prices ranging from around $600,000 to $740,000. For other options, inquire here.
Those looking for luxury real estate will find Virginia having more than its fair share of high-end neighborhoods. The allure of living in the Old Dominion isn’t just about fancy neighborhoods, as Virginia also has world-class attractions that will impress even the most discerning property buyer.
Ask about available homes for sale in Loudon, VA
LET’S SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE IN VIRGINIA
The Commonwealth of Virginia inspires with sights of both natural and man-made beauty. From the rolling outline of the dreamy Blue Ridge Mountains to the city lights glistening on the Potomac River, you’ll never run out of things to see and do in the Old Dominion.
Top attractions
The best way to start your Virginia adventure is to take a scenic trip along Skyline Drive and witness the magnificent range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. The Old Dominion is steeped in American History and you can experience it firsthand with a visit to Colonial Williamsburg. If you want to bask in the sun, head over to the golden sands of Virginia Beach and spend the day idling on the warm waters of the Atlantic. To wind down at the end of the day, you can take a romantic cruise on the river to Georgetown, Maryland, and the National Harbor.
Fun-filled, family-friendly activities
Keeping the whole family entertained is easier in Virginia. With its kid-friendly parks, zoos, aquariums, and museums, there’s always something to do for the entire family. Here are some of the top things to do for families who want to make the most out of living in Virginia.
- Virginia aquarium. A leader in marine conservation, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a haven for more than 10,000 animals and is regarded as one of the finest aquariums in the country. Aside from observing hundreds of species in the aquarium, you can also go on boat tours and marvel at the animals in their own habitat. Children will love ziplining from tree-to-tree or climbing the course at the center’s Adventure Park.
- Waterparks and amusement parks. Ride on 12 world-class roller coasters or try out the world’s tallest tube slide at Kings Dominion and Soak City Water Park in Kings Dominion in Central Virginia. Rated as one of the top pools in the country, the Great Wolf Lodge is perfect for enjoying water rides with the family. Those who get a buzz from surfing will have plenty of fun at Massanutten’s WaterPark’s FlowRider which is the largest surf simulator in the state. To get the most out of your weekend, you can opt for multi-park passes to Busch Gardens® and Water Country USA.
- Hikes and trails. With the fantastic wilderness of the Appalachian just waiting to be explored, you can easily go on a hiking trip with your loved ones. Riverbend Park has well-marked trails that go through a nature center and the Potomac Heritage Trail. Spend the day fishing or hiking to see waterfowl and raptors at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. When it comes to hiking, the famous Appalachian Trail at Lewis Spring Falls Loop has breathtaking views which will certainly create an unforgettable moment for the whole family.
A “Goldilocks climate”
Virginians love spending time outdoors, and it’s easy to see why. Aside from its awe-inspiring vistas and adventure spots, the weather will also encourage you to spend time outside. While Virginia is a humid, subtropical region, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, making it a “Goldilocks climate.”
Ready to experience Virginia’s scenic wonders, outdoor adventures, and classic lifestyle? If you are looking for luxury real estate, Virginia definitely has the upscale properties suited for living the life and enjoying everything the Old Dominion has to offer.
LET ARIANA LOUCAS FIND YOUR LUXURY HOME IN VIRGINIA
Virginia remains at the forefront of top states to live in or invest in property. With a myriad of options ranging from golf homes, waterfront houses, apartments, and residential independent living properties, Virginia has something to offer for all kinds of lifestyles.
While there may be hundreds of available luxury real estate, Virginia has drawn more and more potential homebuyers to relocate and settle here. Thus, demand often outstrips supply. If you’re determined to move to this historic and gorgeous state and want to find Virginia luxury homes for you and your family, you need the guidance of an experienced real estate professional who can help you achieve your goals.
Meet the award-winning, 5-Star VA Realtor
Whether you are looking for a bayfront house, a condominium close to the capital, or a vacation property in gated communities, Virginia real estate shopping doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated when you work with me, Ariana Loucas. I am a licensed Realtor in DC, MD, and VA and have helped both first-time homebuyers and luxury investors find the property of their dreams.
Get in touch with me, Ariana Loucas, at 301.728.1418 or send me a message. Let’s start exploring Virginia’s best neighborhoods with the best high-end homes in order to achieve your real estate goals.