The region lovingly dubbed ‘the DMV’ is made up of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. The region’s footprint of roughly 50 miles checks many boxes for people looking for a new area to call home: major cities nearby, quaint suburbs, multiple transportation options and endless entertainment for all tastes and styles.
Northern Virginia, in particular, has seen incredible growth in recent years, making it a hub for major corporations and a great place to live and work. Inner-city living may not be for everyone, but there are many beautiful housing options outside the city to consider.
Suburbs like Woodbridge, VA provide apartment hunters with an array of housing options and easy access to all the wonderful benefits the region has to offer. Here’s everything you need to know about living in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Where is Woodbridge, Virginia
Woodbridge is located along the Potomac River in northeastern Virginia. The town is approximately 23 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. It is conveniently located just off I-95, which is one of northern Virginia’s biggest highways. It is also located approximately 10 miles north of Quantico, making it very convenient for military members stationed there.
Woodbridge, VA Demographics and Statistics
As of 2020, the population of Woodbridge, VA was 44,668 people. Woodbridge is a rapidly growing area with plenty of new residential and commercial development.
Woodbridge is a very diverse area full of residents from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. As of the 2020 census, the racial makeup of the town was:
- 42.3% Hispanic or Latino
- 23% Black or African-American
- 21.2% White
- 9.4% Asian
- 11.4% Two or more races
- 0.6% Native American or Alaska Native
- 0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
Woodbridge residents are also fairly evenly distributed by age. Roughly one-quarter of the population are under the age of 18, and nearly one-quarter of residents are over the age of 65.
The median household income in Woodbridge was $80,820 in 2021 according to the US Census Bureau. Of residents older than 25, 81.5% have a high school education and 29.6% of have a Bachelor’s degree.
Four Reasons to Love Woodbridge, VA
1. It’s an Ideal Location for Commuters
Where is Woodbridge, Virginia? This town is located directly off I-95 and Route 1. Commuting toward Alexandria, Arlington or Washington, D.C. is a breeze because of the easy access to major highways. After working in a fast-paced city, you can retreat to the quieter Woodbridge suburb without hassle.
Military members can easily access Washington, D.C., Quantico, Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon and other nearby bases. If you’re looking for military housing in the Virginia, Baltimore or Washington, D.C. area, Woodbridge is among many great options for all ages.
Anyone looking for an alternative to driving will be pleased to find a commuter rail and Amtrak stop in Woodbridge. The trip from Woodbridge, Virginia to Washington, D.C. is approximately one hour by train. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train also connects Woodbridge with other major cities and towns throughout the northeast corridor.
2. There Are so Many Things To Do
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you won’t want to skip the attractions you can only experience in the Woodbridge area. The borders of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers make Woodbridge a haven for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Leesylvania State Park: Leesylvania State Park offers more than 500 acres of camping, fishing, boating and historical sites, providing plenty of entertainment for a weekend visit.
- Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge: This destination is made up of wetlands, grasslands and forests, creating an ideal habitat for hundreds of species of fish, birds and butterflies. Visitors can enjoy hiking and cycling on miles of designated trails.
- Potomac Mills Mall: Virginia’s largest and only indoor outlet mall with more than 200 shops and restaurants.
- Battlefields and History: Prince William County, Virginia is steeped in history. Neighboring towns to Woodbridge offer historic sites, trails and reenactments.
- Fun for All Ages: Activities like bowling, escape rooms, laser tag, mini-golf and ice skating to name a few are readily available in Woodbridge.
3. You Get the Best of Cities and Nature
Easy access to other cities and towns isn’t just important for commuting to and from work. When you’re not exploring your own backyard in Woodbridge, consider the attractions that are just a short drive away. Living in Woodbridge, VA allows you to easily explore other cities and suburbs nearby.
Old Town Alexandria has historic charm with a modern twist. Visitors can experience more than 200 boutiques and restaurants in the heart of Old Town. A few miles down the Potomac is George Washington’s Mount Vernon, a must-see for tourists and residents alike.
Living in Woodbridge, VA makes you an official resident of the DMV region. Exploring Washington, D.C. and the National Mall and Memorial Parks is a rite of passage. The trip from Woodbridge, Virginia to Washington, D.C. is approximately 45 minutes by car. The city is rich in history and culinary innovation and is worth multiple visits. Consider adding some of the most treasured Washington, D.C. restaurants to your list.
4. There are Plenty of Beautiful Communities to Choose From
There are beautiful options for apartments in Woodbridge, VA.
Longview Apartments offers a serene setting with lots of living space. Convenient access to the Interstate, the Virginia Railway Express and nearby schools makes this a perfect home for all ages. Some necessities are walkable, and larger destinations like Potomac Mills Mall are just a quick drive away. These apartments and townhomes offer spacious floor plans and modern eat-in kitchens.
Bayvue Apartments is the poster child for convenient, suburban living with modern amenities. Gorgeous views overlooking the Potomac River and easy access to state parks makes this a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Woodbridge Forest offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re looking for a relaxing oasis with nearby recreation areas, Woodbridge Forest is the place. Take your pick from fully renovated one- and two-bedroom apartments and 3-bedroom townhomes.
Towns Near Woodbridge, Virginia
Not only is there plenty to do in Woodbridge proper, but there are also many fun areas within driving distance. Some fun towns near Woodbridge to visit include:
- Occoquan: Just minutes from Woodbridge is the Occoquan Historic District, which is home to some of the area’s best independent restaurants and shops. Occoquan also hosts concerts and other events in their waterfront park during the summer.
- Mt. Vernon: History buffs will want to visit nearby Mt. Vernon, which is home to George and Martha Washington’s colonial-era estate as well as beautiful waterfront parks and trails.
- Manassas: Located 17 miles west of Woodbridge, Manassas is a town known for its Civil War history. In addition to historic battlefields and estates, Manassas is known for its large performing arts center and charming downtown.
- Alexandria: Alexandria is one of the most popular shopping and dining destinations in Northern Virginia, and it’s just a short drive from Woodbridge. The town’s sophisticated historic district provides a big-city experience without having to go all the way into Washington, D.C.
- Fredericksburg: For those willing to travel a little further, Fredericksburg is a charming town located just 30 miles south of Woodbridge. This town is chock-full of things to do, ranging from historic battlefields and innovative restaurants to stimulating art galleries and museums.
- Strasburg: This is another town that’s great for a weekend trip from Woodbridge. Located just outside of Shenandoah National Park, this town is full of natural beauty. It also has a vibrant local art scene.
Ready to Start Living in Woodbridge, VA?
There are plenty of reasons to embrace Woodbridge, VA as your next home. Living in Woodbridge offers quiet suburban living with easy city access. Southern Management’s Woodbridge communities offer the best of both worlds as well. In these communities, you’ll find affordability without sacrificing quality! What could be better?
If you need to see it to believe it, you’re invited to visit our apartment communities. If one of our Woodbridge apartment communities catches your eye, contact us to speak with a team member today.