What to know when moving to Reston, VA
TL;DR: Reston at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 72.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and over half (52.1%) are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $126,928, which supports a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,241, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- 8.4% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,241/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Reston has a well-educated population, with a notable 72.3% of residents attaining a bachelor's degree or higher. The community sees a mix of homeowners and renters, with 52.1% of the population renting their homes. The median household income is quite high at $126,928, which contributes to the overall comfort of living in the area. However, potential newcomers should be mindful of the median gross rent, which stands at $2,241, indicating a relatively expensive housing market.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for budget-friendly housing options, as the rental prices may be on the higher side for many.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,241, which could be quite steep depending on your budget.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $568,500, indicating a significant investment for homebuyers.
- 72.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a highly educated community.
- The poverty rate in the area is 6.4%, suggesting a relatively stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Virginia, the crime rates indicate a generally safe environment compared to national averages. Over the years, the state has seen a decline in violent crime rates.
- Violent crime rate: 203.3 per 100k, which is 37.5% lower than the national average of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime rate: 1,346.3 per 100k, which is 13% lower than the national rate of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- 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
Reston provides access to a range of educational institutions in the nearby area. The community benefits from a total of 21 postsecondary institutions within reach.
- 21 total postsecondary institutions nearby.
- 16 of these have College Scorecard data available for further insights.
- Notable nearby institutions 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 average annual precipitation of 36.2 inches, with about 125 rainy days each year. Winters are relatively mild, with an annual snowfall of about 1.7 inches spread over 9 snow days.
- Popular outdoor spots include:
- Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts - 4.8 stars from 4,897 reviews
- Clemyjontri Park - 4.8 stars from 2,683 reviews
- Lake Fairfax Park - 4.6 stars from 2,279 reviews
- Algonkian Regional Park - 4.7 stars from 1,608 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.