What to know when moving to Herndon, VA
TL;DR: Herndon at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 56.6% hold a bachelor's degree and 30.9% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $157,875, providing strong financial footing for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $2,224, housing costs can be significant.
- Commute:
- Only 3.1% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Plan for an annual rainfall of 36.2 inches and around 125 rainy days each year.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Herndon features a community with a high education level, as reflected in the 56.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a mix of renters and owners, with about 30.9% of the population renting their homes, which can create a dynamic housing market. The median household income stands at $157,875, suggesting a relatively affluent population. However, the median gross rent is $2,224, which may be a barrier for some potential residents.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for lower housing costs, as the rental prices are notably high.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,224, which can be quite steep.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $625,600, indicating a pricey housing market.
- 56.6% of residents have a bachelor's degree, reflecting a well-educated community.
- Poverty rate is 8.5%, showing relatively low economic distress.
- Only 3.1% use public transit, suggesting most residents rely on cars for commuting.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Virginia's crime statistics show a downward trend in both property and violent crime, which may reassure potential residents.
- Violent crime: 203.3 per 100k residents, which is 37.5% lower than the national average.
- Property crime: 1,346.3 per 100k residents, 13% lower than the national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 43.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Herndon has access to a variety of educational institutions, primarily in Fairfax County, which enhances the community's educational landscape.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 16.
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 13.
- Nearby notable schools include George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Fairfax County experiences an annual precipitation of 36.2 inches, with around 125 rainy days each year. Residents can enjoy the outdoors despite the rain, thanks to several parks nearby.
- Lake Fairfax Park - 4.6 stars from 2,279 reviews.
- Algonkian Regional Park - 4.7 stars from 1,608 reviews.
- Ellanor C. Lawrence Park - 4.6 stars from 1,602 reviews.
- Frying Pan Farm Park - 4.7 stars from 507 reviews.
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.