Top Thriving Havens: Best Places to Live in Northern Virginia for Young Professionals

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Ever found yourself wondering about the best places to live in Northern Virginia for young professionals? You’re not alone. Like you, many are drawn by its perfect blend of history and modernity, a thriving job market, top-rated schools, and a lively cultural scene.

Northern Virginia is more than just close proximity to Washington D.C. It’s where small-town charm meets metropolitan opportunities; it’s enjoying artisanal ice cream on sunny days or catching live music at local bars.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill guide though – we’ve got personal insights into why areas like Arlington County rank among the top spots nationwide for young professionals or how Falls Church offers high incomes coupled with safety.

Craving a suburban vibe without sacrificing top-notch public schools or your earning potential? Let us fill you in on all the details about Sterling.

Arlington County – A Vibrant Urban Hub

best places to live in northern virginia for young professionals

Known for its top-rated schools, low crime rates, and proximity to Washington D.C., Arlington County is often ranked among the best places in Northern Virginia for young professionals. But what makes this area stand out?

The key lies within its thriving job market. Arlington has a wealth of private sector openings and is conveniently close to the DC metro region, making it an attractive spot for those aiming to get their careers off the ground.

Quality education also contributes significantly towards making Arlington a desirable destination. The county boasts some of the top-rated schools, providing peace of mind for those considering starting families while pursuing professional growth.

The Job Market in Arlington

A vibrant economy anchors life in Arlington with numerous career options at your fingertips. It’s not just about government jobs here; sectors like technology, consulting services, and healthcare are also major employers.

Beyond that, living close to our nation’s capital opens doors to federal employment opportunities or roles within international organizations headquartered there—think World Bank or International Monetary Fund.

Safety: An Underrated Aspect Of City Living

No one can overlook safety when choosing where they want their home base—and rightly so. Fortunately, you can rest easy knowing that Arlington’s crime rates are below the national average, so even after dark it is safe to walk around. That’s another point chalked up favoring a move into the lovely locale known as ‘Arlington’.

So why wait? Whether it be promising career prospects, excellent educational facilities, or a less worrisome environment due to decreased risk of criminal activities—all these factors make a compelling case for anyone mulling over potential relocation options. Go ahead and give serious thought to setting roots right in the heart of Northern Virginia cities—you won’t regret it.

Key Takeaway: Choose Arlington County for Your Next Move: It’s more than just a spot near DC. Its vibrant job market, top-rated schools, and low crime rates make it an ideal home base for young professionals. Plus, you’re close to big opportunities in the nation’s capital. No need to wait—consider planting your roots here.

Falls Church – High Incomes and Low Crime Rates

When it comes to Northern Virginia cities, Falls Church stands out as a gem for young professionals. Why? Let’s have a gander at this vibrant city.

This compact independent city boasts some of the highest incomes in the state. It isn’t just about making money though, you get to keep more of it too. Living in this city might be pricey, but the salary will help balance out that expenditure.

Safety is paramount wherever you decide to live and Falls Church excels here as well. With crime rates significantly lower than the national average, residents sleep easy knowing they’re safe and secure.

A Thriving Job Market & Top-Rated Schools

Job opportunities are plentiful here with many private sector companies offering exciting roles perfect for fresh-faced graduates or experienced hands looking to level up their career game.

If lifelong learning is on your agenda (as it should be.), Falls Church won’t disappoint. Home to some top-rated schools, continuing education while working full-time becomes less daunting when everything’s within arm’s reach.

Cultural Richness & Outdoor Recreation

The richness doesn’t stop at paychecks – there’s rich history too. Being near George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate provides endless chances for weekend historical exploration trips.

You don’t need an invitation from Mother Nature herself to enjoy outdoor activities around here either. Great parks offer green spaces where one can unwind after a busy day at work or spend leisurely weekends soaking in nature’s bounty all year long.

Lively Social Scene

Falls Church is not all work and no play. For the young professionals who love living in a city with an active social scene, there’s live music to enjoy at local coffee shops, craft beers to taste test at nearby breweries, and even artisanal ice cream for those sweet tooth moments.

opportunities, and a great quality of life, you’ve hit the jackpot with Virginia. It’s an ideal spot for those wishing to achieve something noteworthy.

 

Key Takeaway: Falls Church is a goldmine for young professionals in Northern Virginia. High incomes, low crime rates, and a thriving job market make it an attractive spot. Plus, its top-rated schools support lifelong learning.

Its rich history and outdoor activities offer balance to the bustling work life. And with lively social scenes from live music to artisanal ice cream shops – there’s always something exciting around every corner.

Chantilly – Small Town Charm Meets Metropolitan Opportunities

If you’re a young professional seeking the charm of small-town life with big-city opportunities, then Chantilly in Fairfax County might be your perfect fit. Nestled within the bustling Washington metropolitan area, this town offers an appealing blend of past and present.

History buffs will find joy in exploring Chantilly’s rich Civil War heritage. The green spaces provide ample room for outdoor activities or simply unwinding after a long day at work.

However, don’t be deceived by its past; Chantilly offers plenty of job opportunities across a range of industries for those looking to make their mark, as well as excellent public schools for families planning ahead.

The job market here is thriving with plenty of opportunities across various sectors, making it attractive to young professionals eager to make their mark. It also boasts excellent public schools which makes it great if you are planning for future family needs too.

The crime rate is pretty low compared to other Northern Virginia cities; this contributes significantly towards making Chantilly one such place where safety isn’t constantly on your mind. This aspect alone gives residents peace of mind and adds up positively to overall quality of life.

In terms of recreation options, Chantilly doesn’t disappoint – from live music at local coffee shops that create vibrant evenings, delectable ice cream spots serving artisanal flavors year-long (yes even during winter.), golf courses for those who prefer quietude over hustle-bustle- there’s something for everyone.

To top it all off, despite being part-and-parcel of the greater Washington D.C metro area — notorious for traffic snarls — commute times in Chantilly aren’t excessive by any means thanks largely to strategic city planning and well-connected transportation infrastructure.

When it comes to finding a great place for young professionals in Northern Virginia, Chantilly ticks all the boxes: historical charm, safety, good schools and plenty of job opportunities. It truly is a small town with metropolitan opportunities.

 

Key Takeaway: Chantilly in Northern Virginia offers young professionals a winning mix of small-town charm and big-city opportunities. It’s got history, low crime rates, great schools, abundant job options, and plenty to do for fun. And don’t worry about the commute – Chantilly keeps it manageable.

Sterling – Suburban Feel with Excellent Public Schools

Located in the heart of Loudoun County, Sterling is a great place for young professionals who crave a suburban feel while still being near all the action. It’s nestled among Virginia cities that boast high median household incomes and some of the most excellent public schools.

The town offers its residents an array of green spaces to explore during year-long, contributing to a quality lifestyle away from city living. Sterling, one of Northern Virginia’s gems, combines peaceful suburban charm with easy access to bustling job opportunities within the DC metro area.

A Peek into Education Excellence

Sterling takes pride in providing top-notch education through its public school system. Young professionals planning on starting families can rest assured their children will receive high-quality learning experiences here. Fairfax County boasts sterling records when it comes to educational excellence and commitment toward students’ growth.

A Mix of Charm & Convenience

The life you lead as a current resident in Sterling allows you more than just work-life balance—it lets you thrive amidst convenience. With nearby golf courses for recreation, delicious ice cream parlors satisfying your sweet tooth cravings, or coffee shops brewing perfect morning pick-me-ups—life at Sterling feels complete.

Career Opportunities Galore

Besides giving off small-town vibes coupled with serene outdoor activities options such as hiking trails and picnic spots by beautiful lakeside parks; this quaint suburb also hosts several thriving businesses that provide ample job opportunities making it quite attractive for young professionals.

In short: if an engaging community vibe mixed with career development prospects sounds appealing-Welcome home.

Alexandria – A Blend of History and Modern Amenities

Settled on the banks of the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria is a city that young professionals love. This Virginia city has found its sweet spot in balancing old-world charm with new-age amenities.

Alexandria is home to 158,309 people and ranks as the 11th best city for young professionals in the US. Why? Well, it’s simple; this gem combines history with modernity seamlessly.

The Culinary Scene in Alexandria

In recent times, Alexandria has become a haven for foodies to experience an array of flavors while savoring handcrafted ice cream or sipping craft beer from various local breweries.

Beyond food and drink, there are countless reasons why young professionals flock here year after year. Visit Northern Virginia to discover more about what makes this place tick.

Culture vultures will appreciate rich historical sites such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. Meanwhile, those who enjoy green spaces have an array of parks to choose from for outdoor recreation activities.

Safety First.

Safety often tops the list when choosing a place to live. In terms of crime rate compared to other northern Virginia cities like Arlington VA or Fairfax County, Alexandria fares pretty well making it safer than most cities nationwide.

This ensures residents feel secure whether they’re exploring charming cobblestone streets lined with boutiques during the daytime or grabbing dinner at great restaurants after sunset.

Economic Opportunities Abound

No discussion about living locations would be complete without talking about job opportunities. Alexandria, part of the larger Washington metropolitan area, boasts a strong private sector.

Young professionals can find exciting career prospects here and enjoy an above-average median household income which is pretty high compared to the national average.

In short, its unique mix of history and contemporary comforts, together with economic opportunities make Northern Virginia an enticing place to live or visit.

 

Key Takeaway: Living the Dream in Alexandria: A city where history meets modernity, offering a safe environment with plenty of economic opportunities. Food lovers can revel in its burgeoning culinary scene, while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant parks. Plus, it’s one of the safest cities around and boasts an above-average income – making it a top choice for young professionals.

Leesburg – Business Conferences and Leisure Activities

Welcome to Leesburg, a dynamic city where business conferences meet leisure activities. With about 50,000 residents calling it home, this Northern Virginia gem has something for everyone.

The town’s vibrant atmosphere is ideal for young professionals seeking growth opportunities in an environment that doesn’t forget the importance of work-life balance. Leesburg is a great spot for meeting and connecting with top businesspeople, providing many opportunities to advance professionally.

But there’s more to life than just work. For those moments when you need some downtime from all the networking and professional development sessions, Leesburg offers a range of leisure activities sure to please even the most discerning tastes.

Diverse Dining Scene

If you’re anything like me who enjoys good food after a long day’s work or conference meeting, then prepare yourself for culinary heaven. From upscale restaurants serving gourmet dishes that tickle your taste buds to casual cafes perfect for brunch meetings – eating out here never gets old.

Parks Galore.

We can’t talk about Leesburg without mentioning its beautiful parks. Leesburg boasts a wealth of lush, verdant areas for taking part in outdoor activities like hiking and having picnics. Perfect places if nature therapy is what helps relax your mind before another productive week starts again.

A Nightlife Worth Experiencing

No matter how hard we work during weekdays, weekends are always worth waiting for. And trust me; weekend nights in Leesburg are nothing short of amazing. Its bar scene will give night owls reasons not only to stay up late but also to have a good time while they’re at it.

So, whether you’re here for a business conference or looking to relocate permanently, Leesburg has the perfect mix of professional and leisure opportunities. This Northern Virginia city proves that having fun doesn’t mean compromising on your career growth.

 

Key Takeaway: Leesburg offers the perfect blend of professional growth and leisure for young professionals. It’s not just about business conferences, it’s also about enjoying diverse dining options, relaxing in beautiful parks, and indulging in exciting nightlife.

So if you’re seeking a city that values work-life balance as much as career advancement, Leesburg could be your ideal destination.

Ashburn – The Data Center Capital of The World

Young professionals seeking a tech-savvy city should consider Ashburn, often hailed as the Data center capital of the world. This title isn’t just for show. In fact, it’s home to some of the largest data centers globally.

In this buzzing Northern Virginia hub, young professionals find themselves surrounded by opportunities in the thriving tech industry. Think about it; if you’re working in or aspiring to break into fields like cloud computing or cybersecurity, wouldn’t being close to where all that internet magic happens to give your career an extra boost?

The local job market isn’t all that Ashburn has going for it though. Young professionals love spending their free time exploring top-notch breweries and enjoying outdoor activities right on their doorstep.

Breweries: More Than Just Beer.

No matter how passionate one might be about work-life balance is key. And let’s face it; nothing quite says “work hard play hard” like kicking back at a brewery after putting in hours at those nearby data centers. Whether you’re an IPA enthusiast or stout lover, there’s no shortage of craft beers waiting to be discovered around here.

These aren’t just places serving great beer either – they’re also social hubs providing networking opportunities outside office walls. Many host events such as trivia nights and live music performances making them popular hangouts among locals and visitors alike.

Nature Calling All Outdoor Enthusiasts

After spending long hours indoors harnessing technology’s power (yes even with flexible remote working), most folks are itching for fresh air and sunshine when off duty—another reason why young pros are smitten with Ashburn.

Green spaces, trails for hiking and biking, plus numerous parks make this city a haven for those craving outdoor recreation. So whether you’re an avid hiker or someone who simply enjoys leisurely walks amidst nature, the variety of options here won’t disappoint.

Not only is Ashburn a hub for technological advancement, but it also boasts plenty of recreational activities. A perfect balance.

 

Key Takeaway: Young tech professionals will find a career boost in Ashburn, the world’s Data Center Capital, offering ample opportunities in fields like cloud computing and cybersecurity. But work isn’t all this city offers – kick back at top-notch breweries or embrace nature with numerous outdoor activities right on your doorstep.

Nomadic Real Estate: Best Places to Live in Northern Virginia for Young Professionals

So, you’ve been on a journey through some of the best places to live in Northern Virginia for young professionals. You’ve discovered Arlington County with its vibrant urban hub and top-rated schools. But that’s not all.

You learned about Falls Church, known for high incomes and safety. We then whisked you away to Chantilly where small-town charm meets metropolitan opportunities.

We showed Sterling’s suburban feel without sacrificing excellent public education or income potential. And who could forget Alexandria’s rich history paired with modern amenities?

In Leesburg, we found an ideal mix of business conferences and leisure activities. Finally, Ashburn revealed itself as the Data Center Capital of The World offering exciting tech job opportunities.

Choosing your perfect spot may still be tricky – but armed with this knowledge, you’re well on your way! Contact Nomadic Real Estate today!

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Enhanced Reporting

Your portal includes a selection of extremely useful reports. Reports are available in the “Reports” section, and are distinct from the financial statements. Unlike financial statements which are static records, Reports are dynamic real-time records that will update with current data every time you view them. 

Scroll down to learn more about Reports:

Navigate to the "Reports" module in your portal:

Owner Portal Reports
  • Keep in mind, these reports are dynamic records. They will refresh to display current information every time you view them. 

Enhanced Rent Roll Report:

Enhanced Rent Roll Report
  • The Enhanced Rent Roll Report will show the rent amount, last payment date, move-in date, lease expiration date, and security deposit amount for each of your tenants. 
  • It will also show a portfolio summary with occupancy percentage, vacancy loss, and more!

Unit Comparison Report:

Unit Comparison Report
  • If you own multiple units (or buildings) with Nomadic, you’ll get access to the Unit Comparison Report. 
  • This report enables you to quickly compare financial performance between your units at a glance without toggling between individual reports. 

Income Statement Month-Over-Month:

Income Statement by Month Report
  • The Income Statement Detail – Monthly Report serves as a month-over-month record of portfolio performance. You’ll see itemized income and expense categories and can track monthly. This report will update with fresh data every time you view it. 

Financial Statements

Financial statements will be published to your portal on a monthly basis. The statements are found in your Documents library, and provide a historical record of all financial performance. The statements serve as a snapshot of financial performance over a given period, and are static documents (unlike Reports, the statements do not update/change in real-time). 

Scroll down for more info about the Financial Statements in your Documents library:

The Documents area contains monthly financial statements:

Owner Portal Documents
  • The statements in the Documents are are static documents. They are posted to the portal once a month to serve as a historical record of financial performance. 

Download a statement to see month and YTD financials:

Owner Portal Property Statement

You'll also find a month-over-month operating statement:

Month over Month Statement

Portal Communication Tool

You can use your owner portal to communicate with our team. Any messages you send through the portal will go straight to your Account Manager. When we reply, you’ll get an email notification and you’ll also see the message in your portal next time you log in. 

Here’s an overview of using the communication platform:

Click "Communications" and navigate to "Conversations":

Commincation Dashboard Screenshot
  • The communications module will contain a record of all messages that you create through the portal. 

Click the "New Message" button and send your message:

Owner Portal New Message Screenshot

Responses will show up in the conversation ticket:

Portal Conversation Response Screenshot
  • You’ll get an email notification whenever you get a response, and you’ll also see the message in your portal next time you log in. 

You can reply in-line using the comment box:

Owner Portal Comment

Each conversation will be logged in its entirety:

Portal Conversation Snapshot

Understanding the Ledger

Your portal includes a ledger with all transactions. The ledger is populated with data in real-time as transactions flow through our accounting software. Much of this information is also available in the Reports area, as well as the Statements in your Documents library, but the ledger is the most comprehensive resource for diving into the details. 

Please scroll through the sections below to get a better understanding of how to interpret the ledger. 

By default, transactions are sorted chronologically:

Owner Ledger Dates
  • The date reflected in the lefthand column is the actual transaction date, not the “bill date”. This is the date the transaction was actually processed. 

If you have multiple properties with Nomadic, you'll see the address for each transaction in the "Location" column:

Ledger Property Column
  • You can filter the ledger to look at just one property, all properties, or specific sets of properties. 
  • If you only have one property with us, you’ll just see the ledger for that property. 

The Description column displays the transaction type:

Owner Ledger Description Column
  • BILL: this is an expense transaction, such as for repair costs or management fees.
  • CHARGE: this is a transaction  billed to the tenant, most typically a rent payment. 
  • NACHA EXPORT: this is a credit we processed to your distribution account. This type of transaction is how you get paid! 

The Amount column shows the dollar value of each transaction:

Owner Ledger Amount Column
  • Positive Amounts: if an amount is positive, it reflects a transaction that is payable to you. Typically, this will be a rent payment that we collected from your tenants. On occasion, a positive number could also signify a journal entry or credit adjustment. 
  • Negative Amounts:  if an amount is negative, this is a transaction that is either payable to Nomadic or is an amount that has already been paid to you. Typically this will be for repair costs or management/leasing fees. Owner draws (net distributions into your checking/savings account) also reflect as negative amounts, since they have already been paid to you. 

The Account Balance column shows a sum of positive/negative transactions at a given point in time:

Owner Ledger Account Balance Column
  • Account Balance should always equal zero after a net distribution has been processed. When the balance is zero, this means that all expenses have been paid and you’ve received the remainder as net operating income, leaving a balance of zero (meaning: no one is due any money, as all funds have been distributed appropriately). 

Navigating the Propertyware Owner Portal

Your portal includes some extremely useful features that help you understand your property’s financial performance at a new level, with real-time transparency into every transaction.

Scroll through the snapshots below for an overview of portal navigation! If you need more help or have specific questions about using the portal, you can reach out to your Account Manager any time for a screen share. 

You can filter all info by date range or property:

PW Portal Filters

View a snapshot of income and expenses on your dashboard:

PW Owner Dashboard View

See every transaction in real-time on your ledger:

Owner Portal Ledger View

Statements and forms will be posted to your documents library:

Owner Portal Document Library

View a suite of real-time financial reports:

Portal Reports View

See a running list of all bills, and drill down for more detail:

Owner Portal Bills View

Under Bill Details, you'll find dates/descriptions/amounts and more:

Portal Bill Details

You can also communicate with your Account Manager through the portal:

Owner Portal Communication Tools

How do net distributions work?

Net distributions keep your accounting clean and simple. Each month we’ll collect rent from the tenants, deduct any repair expenses for the previous month and any management/leasing fees for the current month, and credit the remaining net operating income to your account. 

Net Distribution

You’ll receive a statement via email each time a net distribution is processed, and can view all transaction details in your Propertyware owner portal.