10 Things To Know Before Moving to Vienna, VA
Vienna, a charming town in northeastern Virginia, is home to about 16,000 people. The original inhabitants of Vienna dubbed the area Ayr Hill when they arrived in the mid-1700s before it was renamed Vienna in the 1850s by another settler who took inspiration from his homeland in New York. Vienna still has numerous Civil War history markers, including the site of one of the war’s first battles in June 1861.
There are surprisingly many exciting things to do for a town this small. Let’s check out ten things to know before moving to Vienna, VA.
1. Vienna is in a convenient location
Vienna has the charm of a tiny Midwest town while being conveniently close to Washington, D.C., and all the other attractions that one might desire. The city is conveniently located within a five-minute drive of Tyson’s Corner, making it an ideal shopping destination. Whenever you need to shop, everything you could possibly want will be within easy reach.
The closeness to both airports is an additional remarkable feature. Dulles International Airport is the more easily accessible of the two, however, both bRonald Reagan and Washington Dulles International Airport are within a 20 and 25-minute drive respectively. You can easily reach anywhere from any of these airports because they are both international.
2. The city is walkable
Redesigns in Vienna’s public spaces have prioritized walking during the past decade or so. Everything you could ever want to see or do is conveniently located within a short stroll. You don’t need a car to go to bakeries, cafes, and exciting events like Oktoberfest.
You can enjoy walking and riding around Vienna just as much. A great way to make trips around town is on a bike, as there are so many places to go and things to do. In this town, you have the option to ride your own bike or rent one of many various kinds. The convenience of being able to walk or ride a bike most of the time allows Vienna residents to save money on gas and car maintenance.
3. Shop at the Vienna Shopping Center or in nearby cities
Nestled just off Maple Avenue, the Vienna Shopping Center is home to a multitude of stores, services, and restaurants. On the other hand, you can find an extensive range of jewelry, novelty, home, and garden items at the various privately owned gift stores that dot the town.
The Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia is just approximately seven miles away from Vienna, so it’s worth considering if you have the time to leave the city. Situated about three miles outside of Vienna, Tysons Corner is home to a plethora of restaurants, stores, and entertainment options.
4. Fairfax County Public Schools serves Vienna
The official Vienna school district, Fairfax County Public Schools, is well-known for its excellent academic programs. According to Home by School, Madison High School has won a gold medal and is placed third in the state. Local families also have the option of sending their children to private schools.
In and around Vienna, you will find a number of colleges and universities. About five miles outside of Vienna is Northern Virginia Community College, the biggest community college in the state. It takes around twenty minutes to drive from Vienna to George Mason University.
5. Don’t miss The Vienna Saturday Farmer’s Market
Despite its proximity to a busy metro area, downtown Vienna is teeming with private restaurants and charming boutiques.
The Vienna Saturday Farmer’s Market is a popular destination in the downtown area that is held from May to October. Every Saturday from May through October, you can find this amazing market selling everything from fresh produce to meat, dairy, baked products, and even made-to-order breakfasts.
6. Vienna’s cost of living is 50% higher than the national average
In comparison to the rest of the nation, Vienna has a 50% higher cost of living. The property market, though, is mostly to blame. When compared to the rest of the country, the cost of housing in Vienna is almost thrice the national average; Home prices in Vienna average $1,008,898.
Excluding housing, Vienna’s affordability is quite fair. Compared to the national average, utilities are 2% less. However, the cost of transportation is 6% higher, healthcare is 2% higher, and the cost of groceries is 16% more than the national average.
7. Live in Wolf Trap, Four Corners, or Stonewall Manor
There aren’t many neighborhoods in Vienna because it’s a small town. But Stonewall Manor, Wolf Trap, and Four Corners are among the most sought-after Vienna neighborhoods. Wolf Trap is the leading area in Vienna when it comes to wealth. Many of the houses have undergone renovations, and they are all on larger lots.
There is plenty of room for families with little children at Four Corners. Stonewall Manor is the ideal Vienna community to consider if you are looking for an affordable move. The houses are still rather large, but they’re less expensive.
8. Vienna is one of Virginia’s wettest cities
Winters in Vienna are chilly, and summers are hot and muggy. Vienna often has highs between 42 and 94 degrees Fahrenheit and lows between 25 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
A lot of rain falls in Vienna; it typically rains between six and nine days a month in this city. Vienna receives an average of 43 inches of rainfall and 21 inches of snow every year, thus December through March is likely to be covered in snow. The city gets about 202 days of sunshine.
9. Eat at restaurants like Nostos, Clarity, or Bazin’s Next Door
Vienna is home to a ton of restaurants serving delicious food in a variety of settings, whether your preferred cuisine is Italian, Japanese, or something else entirely.
Two examples are Nostos, a wonderful Greek restaurant, and Clarity, a one-of-a-kind eatery known for its amazing sweets. Local favorites Bazin’s and Bazin’s Next Door are also located on historic Church Street.
10. Take the kids to Meadowlark Botanical Garden or the Roer’s Zoo
Expansive woodlands, lovely lakes, and hiking paths surround the exquisite gardens and stunning plants at the Meadowlark Botanical Garden. Additionally, they provide a range of events, such as camps specifically designed for kids.
In addition to sheltering an impressive array of exotic animals, the Roer’s Zoo also provides visitors with the chance to feed and observe all sorts of wildlife on open-air bus trips.
To Sum it All Up
If you choose to move to Vienna, you get to benefit from its great shopping options, opportunities for entertainment, high-standard schools, and proximity to other major cities.
However, the cost of living in Vienna is 50% higher than the national average, and that’s definitely something to consider before making the big move.
