One of the smallest cities in Virginia with a total footprint of just 2.2 square miles, the urban village of Falls Church, Virginia, lives up to its nickname “The Little City.” While it may be small in size, this suburb offers enormous appeal for those who want to experience peaceful, small-town living just outside the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. Here, we’ll dig into all of the things to do in Falls Church, Virginia, that make Falls Church a good place to live.
A Prime Location and Great Schools
Falls Church is conveniently located just miles from Washington, D.C., making it an attractive suburb for approximately 14,000 residents. Falls Church is rated an A-plus by Niche.com on livability factors such as public schools, health and fitness, outdoor activities, commute, and nightlife. In a ranking of the best Virginia suburbs, Falls Church was ranked 30th out of 162!
Falls Church is easily accessible by major thoroughfares like Interstate 66, Route 50, and I-495 (a.k.a. the Beltway). The East and West Falls Church Metro Stations on the Orange Line are serviced by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metrobus and Metrorail systems, as are a number of bus routes.
Another reason Falls Church is a good place to live is the public school system, which is consistently ranked the best in Virginia. In fact, U.S. News & World Report has rated Falls Church High School as number 1 of 30 high schools in Fairfax County Public School System.
Cost of Living in Falls Church
Of course, such a desirable location comes with a price tag. Although on par with the cost of living in nearby Washington, D.C., the cost of living in Falls Church is 51.6% higher than the national average. The most substantial living expenses involve transportation and housing.
While the cost of living is more expensive than some of the other surrounding D.C. and Northern Virginia suburbs, there are still many affordable Falls Church apartments available.
Things to Do in Falls Church, Virginia
In addition to 14 local parks where residents and visitors can walk, run, bike, hike, and play, the city has numerous cultural and historical attractions that reflect the city’s diversity. Here are a few things to do in Falls Church:
- Farmer’s Market: Open every Saturday, year-round at City Hall.
- Cherry Hill Farmhouse: Historic house museum dating back to 1845 that also hosts annual community events including an Easter Egg Hunt and Ice Cream Social, Halloween Literary Evening and a Very Victorian Christmas.
- The State Theater: Opened in 1936 and operated as a popular movie house until the late 1980s, The State Theater underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration in the late 1990s. Now it’s a venue for live music and private events.
- ArtSpace Falls Church: The city’s center for the arts housing a 95-seat theater and an art gallery.
- Eden Center: Located at the city’s eastern tip, the Eden Center is the largest Vietnamese shopping center on the East Coast, with more than 120 stores inside.
Best Restaurants in Falls Church
Falls Church offers an incredible representation of worldwide cuisine, offering everything from Afghan specialties to Salvadoran delights. All told, Falls Church is home to over 125 restaurants, bakeries, take-outs, convenience, and quick-serve food establishments, including 30 featuring Vietnamese cuisine.
Whether you’re craving locally-crafted beer and brats from Audacious Aleworks or Thai bubble tea from Vivi Bubble Tea, there is a dine-in or takeout option for everyone in Falls Church. In fact, visitors come from all over the region to experience the unique tastes and cuisines this Virginia suburb has to offer.
Where to Live in Falls Church
Anyone moving to Falls Church will find plenty of real estate options, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartment communities conveniently located near the city’s two Metro stations.
One of the best rental values in the area is Cavalier Club. Set on nine beautiful acres, this 12-story high-rise offers amazing views and spacious studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Just a short walk from the East Falls Church Metro, as well as shopping and restaurants, Cavalier Club is the ultimate in convenience with flexible lease terms and fully furnished options available. They even have an on-site dental office and hair salon. Cavalier Club also boasts some amazing amenities you don’t often find in the D.C. area, including a tennis court, putting green, outdoor swimming pool, and a heated indoor pool.
Vienna Park is just a short metro ride from Falls Church on the Orange Line and offers residents a community pool, playground, business center, and a convenient location near Tysons Corner. Featuring balconies, walk-in closets, and on-site management, this apartment community is focused on convenience and comfort.
Historic and charming Annandale, Virginia, lies just five miles south of Falls Church and is the home of The Parliaments apartment community. The Parliaments’ many features include hardwood flooring, walk-in closets, a variety of spacious floorplans, and community perks like guest suites for visitors, a community room, and fitness center.
Fall in Love with Falls Church
Is Falls Church a good place to live? Yes! From great restaurants and shopping to convenient transportation options, there are plenty of things to do in Falls Church, Virginia. And Southern Management is here to help you find your perfect suburban oasis.
If you need help figuring out how to find a place to rent, turn to Southern Management for guidance on navigating your options. Our commitment to our residents and the surrounding communities is what sets us apart from other property management companies.
Tour any of our Northern Virginia apartment communities virtually or contact us for move-in or relocation specials and more information. Our team will happily discuss availability, pricing, amenities, and more!