10 Things to Know Before Moving to Leesburg, VA
Leesburg, Virginia, is a lovely suburban town about 45 miles west of the nation’s capital. Leesburg is popular with people who commute from DC because of its laid-back atmosphere.
Many people previously commuted into the city for employment, but this is no longer necessary because of the rapid expansion of tech and contracting firms in the area. Leesburg is no longer a sleepy small town thanks to the influx of exciting new dining, entertainment, and recreation opportunities.
Keep reading to find out ten things to know before moving to Leesburg, VA!
1. Living costs are 50% higher than the national average
When compared to the rest of Virginia, the cost of living in Leesburg is higher than the state average. Compared to the country’s average, Leesburg is 50% more expensive, while within Virginia it is 46% more expensive.
However, the inflated cost of living in Leesburg can be directly attributed to the city’s housing market. Leesburg has a very competitive real estate market, with the average home selling in just 19 days. In this city, a typical house will set you back $762,520. Houses in Leesburg are selling for an average of 1% more than they were listed for, and that premium is expected to grow in the near future, so now is a great time to buy one of the many homes currently on the market in Leesburg.
2. The city has a wet climate
Leesburg’s climate is ideal if you’re after a conventional four-season environment. The average high in Leesburg during the summer is 89 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low is 68. Leesburg’s winters are somewhat frigid, with highs of 47 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
With 42 inches of rain and 21 inches of snow every year, Leesburg has a very wet climate. The weather in Leesburg is considered just right, earning it the nickname “Goldilocks Climate” from its residents.
3. Live in Raspberry Falls, River Creek, Beacon Hill or Beauregard Estates
You can pick a lovely area in Leesburg that meets your needs and budget from the many available. Beacon Hill, Beauregard Estates, River Creek, and Raspberry Falls are some of the finest areas in all of Leesburg.
Beacon Hill, one of Leesburg’s largest neighborhoods, enjoys a spectacular location above Catoctin Mountain. There are many multi-million dollar mansions in this community.
Beauregard Estates has bigger houses than Beacon Hill but at a much more reasonable price. Beautiful landscaping and well-maintained sidewalks make this a desirable place to live.
Many seniors and small families have settled in the River Creek neighborhood of Leesburg because of the spacious townhomes available there. Having a private country club with a world-class golf course so close to one’s property is a major selling point for many buyers.
About 200 single-family houses make up the neighborhood of Raspberry Falls in northern Leesburg, where large homes sit on even larger lots. As a result, large families are drawn to the area.
4. Have fun with the family at Leesburg Animal Park or Ida Lee Park Recreation Center
On the lookout for a kid-friendly destination? Then, a visit to Leesburg Animal Park is a must! Fun for the whole family, this outdoor zoo features a petting farm, a feeding area for the animals, pony rides, wagon rides, and a “Jungle” play area indoors. You can see many rare and unusual animals here.
The people of Leesburg enjoy visiting Ida Lee Park Recreation Center because of the fitness facility, indoor pools, basketball court, racquetball court, and various classes available. Get in touch with them to join for a whole year and participate in all the fun stuff going on here!
Other fun spots in Leesburg include Morven Park, Stone Tower Winery, and Olde Izaak Walton Park.
5. Eat at Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers or The Blue Ridge Grill
Are you feeling hungry and not sure where to go? We’ve done the legwork and identified the best Leesburg restaurants that are sure to please any palate.
Love eating burgers? Your search for the best burger in Leesburg ends at Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers. This restaurant has earned a reputation for its gourmet burgers, which range from beef to lamb to seafood to vegetarian.
The Blue Ridge Grill is a booth-filled, kid-friendly restaurant. The menu at this grill has something for everyone, with options like handmade soups, burgers, chicken, seafood, and more. The restaurant has received hundreds of positive ratings on Google, so you know it must be good.
Traditional American fare is served in a relaxed setting at Tuscarora Mill Restaurant. A large selection of Italian beers, wines, and cocktails can be found at Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Other great restaurants in Leesburg include Fabbioli Cellars, Lightfoot Restaurant, Leesburg Public House, and Fireworks.
6. Work in the education, science, and medicine sectors
In Leesburg, the average family earns $109,176 a year. There are 29,472 people working in the city, and employment in education, science, and medicine make up the bulk of Leesburg’s economy. Company/enterprise management, professional services, and the information sector are the highest-paying sectors.
Naturally, Leesburg’s retail industry is thriving. The retail sector provides some of the area’s largest jobs. Notable stores, including Costco, Target, and Wegmans, can be found in the vicinity.
The local economy relies on more than just the retail industry, though. Leesburg has earned a reputation as a manufacturing and automotive hub due to its innovative mindset. There is also a Stryker office, which employs more than 350 people.
The average commute time for a resident of Leesburg is 28.9 minutes, which is greater than the average across the US. This is primarily because of Leesburg’s isolation from major urban centers. However, Washington, DC, is only an hour away, and that’s where all the best career prospects are.
7. Leesburg is home to excellent public and private schools
Excellent educational opportunities are one of the many draws of Leesburg. Riverside High School, Belmont Ridge Middle School, Harper Park Middle School, Sycolin Creek Elementary School, Ball’s Bluff Elementary School, and Seldens Landing Elementary School are some of the most well-attended schools in Leesburg.
In addition to the public schools, Leesburg is home to some excellent private institutions such as Loudoun Country Day School, Leesburg Christian School, Graydon Manor, and Open Door Learning Center.
8. Loudoun County Transit manages the city’s bus system
Leesburg and eastern Loudoun’s bus system is managed by Loudoun County Transit. The Leesburg County Government Center serves as the hub for all four routes serving the city, including the 7-to-7-on-7 that links Leesburg and Sterling. Most routes run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Greater Loudoun Bicycling Meetup is just one example of the many activist groups in Leesburg dedicated to expanding opportunities for and knowledge about bicycle commuting.
It will cost you $11 for a single ride on one of Loudoun County Transit’s buses if you want to get about town. Those who want to use the Metro’s SmarTrip plastic card rather than cash will pay only $10.
9. Stay ahead of traffic with The Loudoun County Traffic Incident Activity Map
Leesburg is no exception to the rule when it comes to traffic jams in major cities. The Loudoun County Traffic Incident Activity Map provides drivers with the most up-to-date information on road conditions.
They can also sign up for Alert Loudoun, the county’s emergency alert system that sends people emails and texts about things like traffic incidents, weather forecasts, and other urgent matters.
10. Take in the culture at the Flower & Garden Festival
We’ll skip over the water parks and resorts and jump straight to the Flower & Garden Festival, one of the state’s most well-attended celebrations. Over 150 vendors, including garden centers, landscapers, gardening supply stores, and more, will be present at the downtown fair.
Tally Ho Theatre and Dance King Studios are two venues that are open all year round for theatrical performances. About 13.3 miles west of Leesburg, Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Centre has been putting on shows since 1989.
Final Thoughts
Residents of Leesburg enjoy a thriving economy, amazing weather, great schools, a stellar cuisine scene, and endless fun activities for the whole family. However, the city has a high cost of living, and there’s the occasional traffic to deal with.
