Buying your first home is exciting, overwhelming, and deeply personal, often all at the same time. If you are looking at Northern Virginia, you are considering one of the strongest real estate markets in the country. The job market is anchored by the federal government, major defense contractors, and a growing tech corridor. Home values have been remarkably resilient. And the quality of life, from schools to parks to dining, is genuinely excellent.
But NoVA is also expensive. Median home prices range from $570K to $960K depending on the city. Competition can be fierce, with well-priced homes going under contract in less than two weeks. As a first-time buyer, you need a plan.
This guide walks you through everything: what you can afford, which cities make the most sense at different budgets, the Virginia buying process, and how to find an agent who will advocate for you every step of the way.
Is Northern Virginia a Good Place to Buy Your First Home?
The short answer is yes, but with a clear-eyed understanding of what you are getting into.
The case for buying in NoVA:
- Strong long-term appreciation that has consistently outpaced national averages.
- Economic stability from government and government-adjacent employment.
- Excellent infrastructure including Metro access and major highway corridors.
- Top-tier schools, especially in Fairfax County, Arlington, and Falls Church.
The honest challenges:
- High entry prices, even in the most affordable areas.
- Competition: desirable homes attract multiple offers, especially in spring and early summer.
- Property taxes and HOA fees that add meaningfully to your monthly costs.
None of these are dealbreakers, but they mean you need to go in prepared.
How Much Can You Afford? A City-by-City Breakdown
Before browsing listings, get your finances organized. Talk to a lender and get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. Pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your income, assets, and credit, and will back you up to a specific number. In a competitive market, sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously.
Here is what the Northern Virginia market looks like across major cities:
Affordable Tier
- Reston: Median: $570K, 14 days on market. Lakes, trails, pools, and town center Metro access. Condos and townhomes offer entry points below the median. Explore Reston agents.
Mid-Range Tier
- Fairfax: Median: $640K, 14 days on market. Excellent schools and suburban neighborhoods. A strong choice for families. Explore Fairfax agents.
- Alexandria: Median: $680K, 12 days on market. Historic neighborhoods like Old Town and Del Ray with walkability and character. Explore Alexandria agents or read the Alexandria guide.
Premium Tier
- Arlington: Median: $750K, 10 days on market. The fastest-moving market in the region. Condos near Metro stations offer the most accessible entry. Explore Arlington agents or read the Arlington guide.
- Falls Church: Median: $790K, 11 days on market. Small-town atmosphere, outstanding schools. Explore Falls Church agents.
- Vienna: Median: $960K, 12 days on market. Single-family homes on larger lots with a walkable town center. Explore Vienna agents.
A rough guideline: for a $640K home in Fairfax with 10% down ($64K), expect monthly payments (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) in the range of $4,200 to $4,600. For a $570K home in Reston with similar structure, roughly $3,700 to $4,100. Your actual numbers depend on credit score, loan type, and the specific property.
Best Cities for First-Time Buyers
Best Value: Reston
Reston offers the most accessible entry point in the region. The town center has strong condo inventory, and you get genuine amenities like lakes, trails, community pools, and Silver Line Metro access. At $570K median, it is the lowest among major NoVA markets, and 14 days on market gives you slightly more breathing room.
Best for Families: Fairfax
Fairfax County schools are the draw, and they deserve the reputation. The suburban layout means more square footage for your dollar compared to Arlington or Alexandria. Townhomes throughout Fairfax offer a middle ground between condos and single-family homes. At $640K median, it is within reach for many dual-income households.
Best for Walkability: Alexandria
If walkability matters to you, Alexandria is hard to beat. Del Ray has an almost small-town feel with independent shops along Mount Vernon Avenue. Old Town offers waterfront living and historic architecture. Condos in the West End and Eisenhower corridor bring the entry point below the $680K median. Read more about Alexandria.
Best for Long-Term Investment: Arlington
Arlington moves fast and prices are high, but the appreciation story is strong. Proximity to D.C., Amazon's HQ2, and development along Metro corridors all support sustained demand. First-time buyers often enter through condos in Rosslyn, Ballston, or Columbia Pike, well below the $750K median. Read more about Arlington.
The Virginia Buying Process
Here is a straightforward overview of how it works:
1. Get Pre-Approved. Start with a lender. You will need pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a credit check. This typically takes a few days.
2. Find Your Agent. A good buyer's agent will know the micro-markets, craft competitive offers, and guide you through inspections, appraisals, and closing.
3. Search and Tour Homes. Your agent sets up a search based on your criteria. In fast markets like Arlington (10 days on market), be ready to act quickly.
4. Make an Offer. Your agent helps structure an offer based on comparable sales and market conditions. In competitive situations, you may need to offer above asking price.
5. Home Inspection. In Virginia, you typically have a 7- to 10-day inspection window to evaluate the home's condition and negotiate repairs or credits.
6. Appraisal. Your lender confirms the home's value supports the loan amount. If it comes in low, you may need to renegotiate.
7. Final Walkthrough and Closing. You do a walkthrough to confirm condition, then attend closing at a title company or attorney's office. Expect 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to keys.
Finding the Right Agent as a First-Time Buyer
Your agent is your guide through this entire process, so choosing the right one matters enormously, especially when you have not done this before.
Verified recent activity in your target area. You want an agent actively closing deals in the neighborhoods you are considering. On smover, you can see agents verified by real sales data, so you know who is performing at a high level right now.
Experience with first-time buyers. Some agents specialize in working with newer buyers. They tend to be more patient with questions and more proactive about educating you at each step.
Strong communication. You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident you will get timely answers. If an agent is hard to reach during the interview stage, that pattern is unlikely to improve.
Honest, not just optimistic. The best agents will tell you when a home is overpriced or when a neighborhood does not match your priorities. You want an advocate, not a cheerleader.
Start your agent search here to find verified agents in your target cities.
Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes
Skipping pre-approval. Sellers will not take your offer seriously without a pre-approval letter. You also risk falling in love with homes outside your budget.
Ignoring total monthly costs. Property taxes, HOA fees, insurance, and maintenance all add up. Budget for the full picture, not just the mortgage payment.
Waiting for the perfect home. In a market where homes move in 10 to 14 days, focus on the things that cannot be changed (location, lot, layout) and be flexible on cosmetics.
Underestimating closing costs. In Virginia, expect 2% to 3% of the purchase price. On a $640K home, that is $12,800 to $19,200 on top of your down payment.
Your Next Steps
Buying your first home in Northern Virginia is achievable with the right preparation and the right team. Here is where to start:
- Get pre-approved with a lender so you know your real budget.
- Explore the market city by city using the links above.
- Find a verified agent who knows your target neighborhoods. Start your search on smover to see agents matched by real sales data.
- Create your smover account to save searches and get matched with top-performing agents. Sign up here.
The Northern Virginia market rewards prepared buyers. With verified data, a clear budget, and the right agent by your side, you are already ahead of most first-time buyers in the region.