What to know when moving to Leesburg, VA
TL;DR: Leesburg at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 63.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 25.7% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $168,035, reflecting a robust economic environment.
- The Reality Check:
- High median home values at $717,700 might be a hurdle for prospective buyers.
- Commute:
- Only 1.4% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $2,039 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Leesburg attracts a well-educated demographic, with over half of its population holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community has a relatively low poverty rate of 5.9%, indicating economic stability. However, the housing market poses challenges, with a median home value of $717,700 making ownership a significant investment. With only 25.7% of residents renting, this area may appeal more to homeowners than to renters.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking affordable rental options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,039, which could strain budgets, especially compared to local incomes.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $717,700, suggesting that homeownership requires substantial investment.
- 63.7% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the area's educated profile.
- The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, reflecting a generally affluent community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Virginia, as a whole, has seen a positive trend in crime reduction, particularly in violent and property crimes. The state reported a violent crime rate of 203.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 37.5% lower than the national average. Property crime rates also show a decrease, coming in at 1,346.3 per 100,000, which is 13% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 203.3 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 15.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,346.3 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 22% since 2022.
- 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
Leesburg has access to several educational institutions, primarily in Loudoun County.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- With College Scorecard data: 2
- Nearby institutions include Divine Mercy University, Patrick Henry College, and Strayer University-Loudoun Campus.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Loudoun County experiences an average annual precipitation of 33.1 inches, with about 104 rainy days each year. The winters are mild with minimal snowfall, averaging just 1.2 inches annually. This climate supports various outdoor activities.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Morven Park Grounds - Rating: 4.8 (907 reviews)
- Ida Lee Park Recreation Center - Rating: 4.7 (1,044 reviews)
- Leesburg Animal Park - Rating: 4.4 (1,467 reviews)
- Philip A. Bolen Memorial Regional Park - Rating: 4.6 (510 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.