"NoVA." That's what they call it. Or "NoVA," if you're feeling particularly… casual. It’s a region, you see, a collection of counties and cities clinging to the western and southern edges of Washington, D.C.. Not that it needs my approval. It's already established.
Look at the pictures. The top left, that's Tysons station on the Silver Line. Cold, functional. Then there's The Pentagon, a monument to organized paranoia. Reston is there, a planned community, all neat lines and enforced pleasantries, bisected by the Dulles Toll Road. And Old Town Alexandria, trying to look historic, I suppose. Finally, Mount Vernon, of course. Everyone knows Mount Vernon.
They call it the "New Dominion." A rather optimistic moniker, wouldn't you say? As if anything truly new can arise from such predictable soil.
Geography
The counties that make up this… entity… they’re part of the larger Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area. A sprawling, interconnected mess. The population, as of 2023, is a staggering 3,257,133. Over a third of Virginia's entire population. It's the most populous region in Virginia, and in the entire Washington metropolitan area. Go figure.
The communities here are woven into the fabric of the Washington metropolitan area, and by extension, the wider Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area. It’s curious, isn't it, how the job base here dwarfs even that of Washington, D.C. itself, and the Maryland suburbs. And the income levels? Astronomical. Three of the top ten highest-income counties in the nation, according to some survey. Makes you wonder what they're doing all day.
Transportation. They’ve got the essentials: two major airports, Ronald Reagan Washington National and Dulles International Airport. The Washington Metro snakes through it, a metallic serpent. The Virginia Railway Express tries to connect the scattered populace. Transit buses lumber along. They’ve even got bicycles, for those who enjoy the illusion of personal freedom. And, of course, an endless web of Interstate highways and expressways.
And The Pentagon. Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. The second-largest office building in the world. A testament to bureaucracy and the art of looking busy. Then there's the George Bush Center for Intelligence in Langley, the nerve center of the Central Intelligence Agency. The United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria. And a constellation of aerospace manufacturing, consulting firms, and defense industry companies, all feeding at the trough of the U.S. federal government.
As for tourism? Arlington National Cemetery. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Manassas National Battlefield Park. Mount Vernon. The National Museum of the Marine Corps. The National Museum of the United States Army. The Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum. The Marine Corps War Memorial. And, naturally, bits of the Appalachian Trail, Great Falls Park, Old Town Alexandria, Prince William Forest Park, and the edges of Shenandoah National Park. A rather grim collection, if you ask me.
Etymology
They capitalize the "N" in "Northern Virginia." Apparently, it's a proper noun, not just a direction. How quaint.
The term "Northern Virginia" wasn't always in use. In the early days, it was the "Northern Neck of Virginia." A vast tract of land between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, stretching west to some arbitrary line. The Fairfax line, they called it. Surveyed in 1746, marking the boundary between the springs of the Potomac and Rappahannock. This Northern Neck encompassed 5,282,000 acres. Larger than some entire states.
History
Colonial period
The initial settlement at Jamestown in 1607 was a distant precursor. The land that would become "Northern Virginia" was part of a grant from King Charles II of England in 1649, while he was still in exile. Loyal supporters were named, among them Thomas Culpeper.
Later, in 1673, a new charter was issued to Thomas Lord Culpeper and Henry Earl of Arlington. Culpeper, appointed Royal Governor of Virginia from 1677 to 1683, was more interested in his land holdings than governing. He arrived late, left early, and apparently had a penchant for misappropriating funds. His descendants, and others, eventually managed the properties.
It wasn't until 1736 that Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron – "Lord Fairfax" to the colonists – solidified his claim. His lands, the "Northern Neck," were defined by the rivers. By 1746, the western boundary was surveyed, creating a grant of 5,282,000 acres. This included what are now 22 counties in Virginia and West Virginia.
Lord Fairfax, a bachelor, became a notable figure. Fairfax County was named for him in 1742. He resided at "Belvoir" and later built a hunting lodge, "Greenway Court," near the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was there he met a young, energetic George Washington, whom he employed to survey his western lands. Fairfax remained neutral during the American Revolutionary War and died in 1781.
Statehood and Civil War
After the Revolution, George Washington, a Virginian, became the first president of the new United States. He was a proponent of Alexandria, a port city on the Potomac River.
The nation's capital, initially in Philadelphia, moved to Washington, D.C. in 1800. The federal district included territory ceded by Maryland and Virginia. Alexandria, on the Virginia side, felt disenfranchised. In 1846, the U.S. Congress retroceded the land south of the Potomac back to Virginia. This area became Alexandria County, later renamed Arlington County.
The growing divide between the North and South over slavery, states' rights, and economic issues culminated in the American Civil War. Virginia seceded and joined the Confederate States of America, with its capital in Richmond. Maryland remained with the Union.
Northern Virginia, situated between the two capitals, became a battleground. The Army of Northern Virginia was the Confederacy's primary eastern force. Numerous battles were fought here. John Singleton Mosby, a Confederate partisan, operated in the region, engaging Union forces.
The war's aftermath saw many schools, roads, and parks named for Confederate figures.
Virginia itself fractured during the war. Western counties, largely opposed to secession, formed the new state of West Virginia in 1863. This region, geographically separated from Richmond by the Appalachian Mountains, had little in common with the eastern, slave-dependent areas. A provisional government of Virginia was headquartered in Union-controlled Alexandria. Counties like Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Frederick, Loudoun, Shenandoah, and Warren, though voting to remain in the Union, eventually became part of West Virginia.
The formation of West Virginia meant a portion of Lord Fairfax's original land grant, the area now known as the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, was ceded.
20th century
The region's economy was profoundly shaped by the Cold War. The Department of Defense's reliance on technology companies fueled growth and urban development. After 1991, it rebranded itself as the "Silicon Valley" of the Eastern United States. It was here that the Internet was first commercialized, with many early Internet service providers establishing headquarters.
MAE-East, a crucial early Internet interconnection point, was established in Ashburn in the 1990s. This infrastructure laid the groundwork for the current data center boom.
21st century
The early 2000s saw the merger of AOL and Time Warner, a late gasp of the dot-com bubble. The bubble's burst led to a significant increase in office vacancy rates. However, post-September 11 attacks, defense spending surged, revitalizing the region. The Afghanistan and Iraq wars further boosted growth as federal contracts multiplied.
Regional organizations
The Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) is a council of thirteen local governments. It provides services and coordinates regional efforts on environmental, transportation, housing, planning, military, and human services matters. It operates as Virginia's Planning District 8.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is another significant regional body, comprising 22 local governments and legislative representatives. It serves as a forum for discussing and addressing regional issues like the environment, transportation, public safety, housing, planning, and economic development. Its Transportation Planning Board is the federally designated metropolitan planning organization for the area.
Demographics
As of April 2020, Northern Virginia had a population of 3,197,076, representing about 37 percent of Virginia's total. The region forms a significant portion of the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA Combined Statistical Area.
The "central" counties and independent cities – Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg – housed the majority of the population. The more exurban or developing counties – Clarke, Culpeper, Frederick, Madison, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Warren, and Winchester – contained the remainder. Some definitions also include King George and Orange counties, though they are not officially part of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
The racial and ethnic composition, according to the 2020 U.S. census, shows a diverse population. White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, makes up the largest group across most jurisdictions, but significant Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, and Asian populations are present, particularly in the more urbanized areas. Overall, Northern Virginia is approximately 51.2% White, 17.4% Hispanic, 16.3% Asian, 14.1% Black, and 2.4% Other.
The region is home to substantial communities of Korean Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Bangladeshi Americans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Russian Americans, Arab Americans, Palestinian Americans, Uzbek Americans, Afghan Americans, Ethiopian Americans, Indian Americans, Iranian Americans, Thai Americans, and Pakistani Americans. Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, and Fairfax City are notable for their large Korean American populations. Falls Church has a significant Vietnamese American community, and there's a small Tibetan American presence.
The Hispanic population is diverse, including Salvadorans, Peruvians, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Bolivians, Mexicans, and Colombians. Arlington is a center for the largest Bolivian community in North America. These immigrants contribute to various sectors like transportation, small businesses, hospitality, construction, and cleaning.
For those born in the U.S. within the four largest counties, a significant portion (60.5%) originate from the South, with 21.0% from the Northeast, 11.5% from the Midwest, and 7.0% from the West. Virginia itself, categorized as part of the Southern United States, accounts for 33.7% of these native-born residents.
Educational attainment
The core jurisdictions of Northern Virginia – Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William – boast a highly educated populace. Over 55.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This statistic is comparable to Seattle, a city known for its educated population. Arlington, in particular, has a high percentage of graduate/professional degree holders (34.3%), significantly exceeding the national average.
Affluence
Reston, a planned community, exemplifies the region's affluence. Northern Virginia is recognized for its relative wealth within the Washington metropolitan area. Notably, Stafford County is one of the few counties nationwide where Black households have a higher median income than White households. Several counties and cities here exceed a median household income of $100,000.
However, this affluence comes with a high cost of living, diminishing the actual purchasing power. Loudoun County and Arlington County consistently rank high for the concentration of 25- to 34-year-olds earning $100,000+.
The region's retail landscape reflects this affluence. Tysons Galleria and Tysons Corner Center are prominent shopping destinations. Tysons Galleria, in particular, has been described as the "Rodeo Drive" of the East Coast. Luxury real estate firms, like Sotheby's International Realty, have established offices here to cater to the high-end market.
Crime
Despite its affluence, Northern Virginia maintains relatively low homicide rates compared to the state average. The "Crime in Virginia 2021" report indicates this trend. However, a 2009 report highlighted concerns about anti-gang measures potentially displacing gang members to less stringent areas. While violent crime rates have decreased, the region has also been identified as an emerging hub for teen sex trafficking, with gangs finding it more profitable than drug or weapons sales. Fairfax County, in particular, is noted for having one of the lowest crime rates among the nation's largest jurisdictions.
Economy
Former Governor Bob McDonnell famously dubbed Northern Virginia the "economic engine of the state." As of 2007, the region's office market was substantial, exceeding that of Washington, D.C., and its Maryland suburbs in square footage. Construction continued, particularly in the Dulles Corridor.
The unemployment rate in Northern Virginia has consistently been lower than the national average. Even during economic downturns, the region has shown resilience, creating jobs while other areas lost them. Fairfax County, for instance, has been a magnet for creative-class workers.
Internet
Northern Virginia is a critical nexus for the nation's Internet traffic. Loudoun County, in particular, is a global hub for data centers, handling a significant portion of internet traffic. It boasts the world's largest data center market by capacity and is experiencing rapid growth. This concentration of data centers has a substantial impact on energy consumption. Major cloud providers, like Amazon, have a significant presence here, with a large percentage of their servers located in the region.
Federal government
The federal government is a dominant employer. Northern Virginia hosts the headquarters of key intelligence agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense at the Pentagon. Other significant federal facilities include Fort Myer, Fort Belvoir, Marine Corps Base Quantico, the FBI Academy, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Government contracting is a vital component of the regional economy, with Arlington noted for its high weekly wages for federal contractors.
Several agencies with substantial budgets or employee numbers are located here, including the Defense Logistics Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and the Transportation Security Administration.
Notable companies
Northern Virginia is home to numerous major corporations. Capital One Financial has its headquarters in Tysons, Virginia. AES Corporation, a global power company, is based in Arlington County, Virginia. Boeing has a significant presence, with its headquarters now in Crystal City, Virginia. Booz Allen Hamilton and CACI International are major players in information technology services. General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman are prominent in the aerospace and defense sector. Hilton Worldwide has its global headquarters in Tysons, Virginia.
The region is also a hub for major private companies. Bechtel, a global engineering and construction giant, is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. Mars, Incorporated, the confectionery and pet food conglomerate, has its headquarters in McLean, Virginia. Verisign, responsible for managing the .com and .net top-level domains, is also based here.
Attractions
The region offers a variety of attractions, from shopping to historical sites. Large malls like Potomac Mills and Tysons Corner Center draw visitors. Civil War battlefields, such as those at Manassas and Fredericksburg, are significant historical sites. Old Town Alexandria charms with its historic architecture, shops, and restaurants.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Washington and Old Dominion Rail Trail, the Mount Vernon Trail, and activities along the Potomac River, including kayaking and rock climbing at Great Falls Park. Mount Vernon, George Washington's plantation, remains a popular destination. Stafford County holds historical significance with Ferry Farm, George Washington's boyhood home, and Chatham Manor, a Civil War-era site.
Arlington National Cemetery offers a solemn tribute. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the National Air and Space Museum, houses aviation and space artifacts. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is a venue for concerts and performances.
Politics
Northern Virginia has undergone a significant political transformation. Historically dominated by Conservative Democrats and the Byrd Organization, the region has increasingly shifted towards the Democratic Party in the 21st century.
21st-century politics
The region's voting patterns in presidential elections show a clear Democratic trend. Fairfax County, the state's most populous county, has voted Democratic in recent presidential elections, a departure from its historical leanings. This shift has been crucial in tipping statewide elections for Democrats like Barack Obama, Jim Webb, and Tim Kaine. The growing suburban and exurban areas, once reliably Republican, have become more competitive, with Democrats making gains.
The 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th congressional districts are located within Northern Virginia, and are currently represented by Democrats.
The region's closer proximity to Washington, D.C., a higher concentration of transplants from other regions, and growing ethnic diversity contribute to its more liberal political landscape compared to the rest of Virginia, which is often perceived as more traditionally Southern. This has led to debates and rhetoric about "real Virginia" versus the "new Virginia" of the suburbs.
Social issues, such as same-sex marriage, also show a divide, with Northern Virginia demonstrating significantly higher support for legalization compared to the rest of the state.
Culture
Given its proximity to the capital, many Northern Virginians engage with the cultural offerings of Washington, D.C.. The Kennedy Center is a popular venue. Locally, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts hosts concerts. Other popular venues include Jiffy Lube Live, EagleBank Arena, and Capital One Arena in D.C. The Smithsonian museums are easily accessible.
Shopping is a significant cultural activity. Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria are major retail hubs. Tysons itself is a substantial business district. Other malls like Springfield Mall, Fair Oaks Mall, and outlet malls like Potomac Mills cater to various consumer needs.
Recreation
Northern Virginia offers a range of recreational activities, including extensive biking and walking trails like the Washington and Old Dominion Rail Trail and the Mount Vernon Trail. The Northern Virginia Swim League is a prominent youth sports organization. The National Capital Area Council and the National Capital Soccer League serve local communities.
Transportation
Northern Virginia's transportation infrastructure is complex and often strained.
Airports
The region is served by Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the busiest in the metropolitan area, and Dulles International Airport, a major international gateway and hub for United Airlines.
Subway and passenger trains
The Washington Metro subway system, the second-busiest in the nation, provides transit, with an expansion reaching Dulles International Airport. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) offers commuter rail service. Local transit bus services are also available.
Highways
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, with Northern Virginia hosting several of the nation's worst bottlenecks. Major highways include I-495 (the Capital Beltway), I-95, I-395, and I-66. High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are implemented on several routes. The region is also developing Express Lanes requiring an E-ZPass for toll payment.
Major infrastructure projects like the reconstruction of the Springfield Interchange and [Woodrow Wilson Bridge](/Woodrow_Wilson_Bridge] have been completed, but Potomac River crossings remain choke points. High housing costs contribute to long commutes from outer counties and neighboring states, exacerbating traffic. Restrictive zoning in some areas also forces development into outer counties, increasing travel distances.
Education
Northern Virginia boasts a strong educational system.
Primary education
Fairfax County Public Schools is highly regarded, particularly its Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, consistently ranked among the nation's best.
Colleges and universities
George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia is the largest public university in the state by enrollment. Other institutions include Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Patrick Henry College in western Loudoun County, and Marymount University in Arlington. Satellite campuses of University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and George Washington University are also present.