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Ashburn, VA, known famously as the epicenter of Data Alley and nicknamed, the ‘Data Center Capital of the World,’ is one of the finest suburban areas to live in Virginia
While the town’s employment rate had soared since Ashburn was still called ‘Farmville,’ and lots of people have moved here for ‘tech jobs,’ there’s still a lot more about this area that’s undiscovered.
So, let’s take a tour through this town!
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just someone thinking of moving to Ashburn, you’ll need to know how to navigate this unique location, through which about 70% of the world’s internet traffic flows.
Need-to-Knows Before Planning Your Move to Ashburn, VA
To truly find your in and understand your way around the different neighborhoods, your knowledge about its divisions and subdivisions should be solid.
What this highlights is that before you pack up and start moving to Ashburn, there are some details you need to know.
So, what are the key considerations when planning a move to Ashburn? Things like the cost of living, nice neighborhoods, and transportation options are important information to have.
Is Ashburn, VA, the traveler’s dream spot cost-wise?
Being just about 30 miles from Washington, D.C., and a short drive from the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Ashburn is perfect for those who love weekend getaways and spontaneous road trips.
But all these great qualities come at a cost!
Moving to Ashburn, VA, will raise your cost of living 39% above the national average. If you don’t have one of those high-paying tech jobs, you might find your savings feeling the heat of things, especially when it comes to housing.
- Average House Rent: $2,270
- Median Home Value: $720,000
The plus is that you get some of the fastest internet speeds in the country and easy access to a hiking trail for your adventure-hungry soul.
The perfect neighborhoods: Where should you call home?
Knowing where to settle after the Ashburn movers unload your belongings is key to unlocking a pleasant experience in the town.
For the locals of Ashburn, they are already used to the many divisions and subdivisions. But, your job as a newbie here is to understand that each neighborhood in these divisions has its unique feelings and vibe, and you would want one that’s right for you.
Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Ashburn you may want to explore before moving here.
- Ashburn Village:
Ideal if you love waterfront views. This neighborhood boasts stunning lakes and is perfect for evening walks or weekend paddleboarding.
- Brambleton:
If you’re more into a trendy, urban feel, Brambleton has hip eateries, a town center, and even a movie theater. It’s a great area for a night out without having to travel far.
- Broadlands:
For nature lovers, Broadlands’ prime location to many nearby green spaces and parks might just be its biggest selling point. Plus, starting a family here is often a common trait among the locals — it’s incredibly family-friendly.
Pro tip:
If possible, stay in Ashburn for a few days before you choose your neighborhood. This will allow you to test the waters, explore local coffee spots, and see what vibe fits you best.
Transportation — A traveler’s quagmire in Ashburn?
Believe it or not, transportation is one part of your move you will need to have on lockdown.
Many people get fooled into thinking proximity to the nation’s capital means a well-developed public transportation system for Ashburn.
Well, not exactly! Don’t get it wrong though, Ashburn has the Silver Line extension of the Washington D.C. Metro servicing some parts of Ashburn, but it’s just not like the capital city.
Average Commute Time: 32.0 minutes
Then, there’s also the Loudoun County Transit, which is a bus service linking the town to nearby places. Still, it’s not as extensive as you would expect in most cities.
Note:
Ashburn residents mostly rely on driving themselves around. You will need to bring your car when moving here or plan/budget to buy one when you do move here.
Navigating Moving — What You Need to Know
Clearly, Ashburn is not a place you just wake up on a Sunday morning and decide to move to. You need to plan and plan way better than the government when moving.
Unlike government budgeting, you can’t just “borrow” a bit more space in the moving truck when you overpack.
Planning your Move: timing is everything
Now, let’s get practical. How far in advance should I book moving services for a seamless transition to Ashburn?
If you have this question burning at the back of your mind and you are looking to secure the best moving services, aim to book your movers at least 2-3 months in advance.
Ashburn is a hot spot for movers, especially during summer and weekends. You don’t want to be left with no alternative at the last minute.
So, here are a few basic guiding principles:
- Check reviews or ask for recommendations from Ashburn locals before hiring any mover.
- Compare multiple quotes to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
- Rent a moving truck if you want to save money on your move.
Making the most of Your Ashburn move — the traveler’s approach
If you are a traveler, you already know the art of packing light. Apply the same logic when moving to Ashburn.
Take this opportunity to declutter and donate what you don’t need. Plus, moving costs are often based on the weight or volume of your belongings, so the lighter your load, the cheaper it gets.
Here are a few other things worthy of note for a pleasant experience when moving to Ashburn:
- Treat it like a new destination:
Before the boxes take over, explore your new neighborhood as a traveler would. Visit Ashburn’s local attractions like The W&OD Trail for a scenic bike ride or the Old Ox Brewery for a craft beer tasting.
- Meet the locals:
If there’s one thing travelers love, it’s connecting with locals to learn insider tips—Ashburn is no different. Check out local events at One Loudoun (the social hub of the area) or join a community group.
- Get to Know Commuting Options:
Plan your route ahead if you will be commuting to D.C. or nearby towns. Ashburn is close to Route 7, Dulles Greenway, and Dulles Airport. Consider getting a toll pass if you will be using the Greenway frequently.
Top Tips for a Seamless Ashburn Move
Ashburn’s popularity has grown with families and professionals. So, if you happen to be moving during peak times like summer, expect higher demand for moving services.
But, what are some insider tips for making the most of my move to Ashburn as a traveler?
Here are some top tips that will be useful to you:
- When setting up utilities, research local internet providers like Verizon Fios or Xfinity to get blazing speeds perfect for work-from-home setups.
- Many Ashburn neighborhoods like Brambleton and Ashburn Village have active Homeowners Associations (HOAs).
- Before moving to Ashburn, familiarize yourself with the HOA rules on moving trucks, parking, and exterior changes to avoid fines.
- Visit One Loudoun for essentials. The area’s social and shopping hub offers everything from groceries to dining.
- While Ashburn generally enjoys all four seasons, winter can bring snow. Stay prepared with snow removal plans or check HOA guidelines to see if snow clearing is part of your services.
Life in Ashburn, VA — Endnote
Moving to Ashburn means saying yes to one of Virginia’s most exciting and traveler-friendly towns.
The truth is Ashburn is a delightful blend of comfort, adventure, and suburban charm. While you may spend what seems like a fortune living here, the quality of life is truly life-giving.
Map out the neighborhood you want to live in, book your movers early, and you will be set for one heck of an adventure in Ashburn, VA.
Remember one key fact: most residents are car-dependent, so you might want to determine just how easy moving around here will be.
Good luck!
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