Can you still find homes under $1M in Northern Virginia?

Northern Virginia is known for its high cost of living, but it is still possible to find homes under $1 million, especially if you're open to different housing types (condos, townhouses) or are willing to look a bit further out from the most central areas.

Here are some areas in Northern Virginia where you're more likely to find homes under $1 million, based on current market trends and information:

Fairfax County (outside of the most expensive pockets): While Fairfax County has many highly priced areas, you can still find options in:

• Fairfax City: Often has a mix of housing types, including townhouses and some single-family homes that fall under $1M, especially smaller or older ones.
• Fairfax (unincorporated areas, certain zip codes): Zip codes like 22033 and 22032 tend to have more homes under $1M than more affluent areas like Mantua (22031).
• Burke: Known for its good schools and community feel, Burke often has single-family homes and townhouses that come in under $1M.
   
• West Springfield: Similar to Burke, it's popular with families and offers more affordability than areas closer to DC.
• Reston: While some parts of Reston can be quite pricey, especially near the Metro, you can find condos and townhouses, and sometimes even smaller single-family homes, under $1M. The southern part of Reston tends to be more affordable than the northern part.
• Centreville/Chantilly: These areas generally offer more value for single-family homes and townhouses compared to areas closer in, with a good inventory often available under $1M.
• Lorton/Springfield (some areas): You can find townhouses and condos, and occasionally smaller single-family homes, within this price range.

Loudoun County: As you move further west in Loudoun County, prices tend to become more affordable.

• Sterling: Offers a good variety of townhouses and condos, and some single-family homes, under $1M, especially in neighborhoods further from the Loudoun County Parkway corridor.
• Leesburg: The county seat, Leesburg offers a mix of historic homes, newer construction, townhouses, and condos that can be found under $1M, particularly outside of the most sought-after historic district.
• Ashburn (some areas): While Ashburn can be expensive, you can still find townhouses and condos, and occasionally smaller single-family homes, under $1M, especially in older sections or specific communities.
   

Prince William County: Generally more affordable than Fairfax or Loudoun Counties, offering more single-family home options within the $1M budget.

• Manassas/Manassas Park: These areas often have a wide range of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos well under $1M.
• Dumfries: Offers more affordable single-family homes and townhouses, especially as you go further south.
• Woodbridge/Dale City: Large, diverse areas with many housing types, often providing options under $1M.
• Gainesville/Bristow (some areas): While newer, larger homes here can exceed $1M, you can still find some single-family homes and a good selection of townhouses in this price range.

Other Areas to Consider:

• Falls Church (certain neighborhoods/types): While Falls Church City can be very expensive, some areas of unincorporated Falls Church (Fairfax County) or certain condo/townhouse communities can have options under $1M, though they are harder to find.
• Stafford County: While technically just south of "Northern Virginia" for some definitions, it's a popular choice for commuters and offers significantly more affordable single-family homes.
   

Important Considerations:

• Housing Type: Your budget of under $1M will generally get you more square footage and land in a townhouse or condo, especially closer to DC, than it would for a single-family home.
• Condition: Homes at the lower end of the price range in these areas might require some updates or repairs.
• Commute: Consider your commute to work or other frequently visited areas, as the more affordable homes are often further out from the major employment centers.
• Market Fluctuations: Real estate markets are always changing. What's available today might differ next month.

The best way to find a home that fits your budget and needs is to work with a local real estate agent who has up-to-date knowledge of the inventory and can set up targeted searches for you directly from the MLS.