These Are The Top 25 Places To Raise A Family In Virginia

As kids head back to school this year, parents won't need to worry if they're getting a quality education in many Virginia communities, according to a list that ranks the state's best places for families.

The quality of public schools was just one of many factors Niche took into consideration when compiling 2025's list of Best Places to Raise a Family in America.

To determine which places topped the list, Niche analyzed data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Education and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers also took into consideration millions of reviews from students, parents and residents.

Report cards for each place were then compiled based on factors including public schools, higher education rate, cost of living, crime and safety, housing and family amenities.

In Virginia, the best place to raise a family is Waycroft/Woodlawn, a neighborhood in Arlington.

According to Niche, Waycroft/Woodlawn is also among the best places to live in Virginia. With a population of just over 1,400 people, the neighborhood boasts many restaurants, coffee shops and parks, and the public schools are highly rated.

The second-best place to raise a family in Virginia is Brambleton, a town of just under 24,000 people in Loudoun County.

According to Niche, living in Fulton offers residents a sparse suburban feel. The town also earned high marks from the publication for its schools, job opportunities, housing and outdoor activities.

"I love living in Brambleton. It's a beautiful community decorated with landscape, but also has a modern hint to it," one reviewer wrote on Niche. "The people in Brambleton look out for each other and are friendly and connected."

Rounding out the top three best places to raise a family is Broadlands, another Loudoun County community with a population of just under 14,700.

"Broadlands is an incredible place to grow up," another reviewer wrote. "I have lived in Broadlands for 17 years (and) couldn't imagine growing up in any other place. The schools are nationally ranked, the neighborhoods are beautiful and (the) location is perfect."

Here are the top 25 places in Virginia to raise a family:

1. Waycroft/Woodlawn, Arlington County
2. Brambleton, Loudoun County
3. Broadlands, Loudoun County
4. South Riding, Loudoun County
5. Colonial Village, Arlington County
6. Loudoun Valley Estates, Loudoun County
7. Stone Ridge, Loudoun County
8. Dominion Hills, Arlington County
9. Bluemont, Loudoun County
10. Donaldson Run, Arlington County
11. Wyndham, Henrico County
12. Vienna, Fairfax County
13. Arlington/East Falls Church, Arlington County
14. Belmont, Loudoun County
15. Cherrydale, Arlington County
16. Madison Manor, Arlington County
17. Wakefield, Sussex County
18. Albemarle Glebe, Arlington County
19. Maywood, Arlington County
20. Waverly Hills, Arlington County
21. Highview Park, Arlington County
22. Arlington Forest, Arlington County
23. Oakton, Fairfax County
24. Innsbrook, Henrico County
25. Short Pump, Henrico County

See Niche's full ranking online.

READ MORE:

• These Virginia Cities Among Best Places To Raise A Family
• Best States To Raise A Family: Here's How VA Ranked
• Best Places to Live In America: VA Community Ranks First In U.S.