Best Neighborhoods In Fairfax Virginia — Oakton
Fairfax Virginia hosts some of the best neighborhoods in Northern Virginia. Oakton Virginia simply has so much to offer and has become a highly desirable location for anyone considering a move to Northern Virginia. Let’s see why Oakton deserves the title as one of the best neighborhoods in Fairfax Virginia.
Of course, what is a valuable feature in one neighborhood may not be important to others. This assessment is completely subjective and offers only an opinion of popular neighborhood features that are highly sought after when choosing a place to live and moving to Northern Virginia.
OAKTON LOCATION
Oakton Virginia is a leafy green suburb located centrally within Fairfax County. It is situated north of Fairfax City and west of Vienna Virginia.
OAKTON MAPS
OAKTON TRANSPORTATION
Oakton is only 16 miles from the Washington D.C. metro area, with an average commute time of 34 minutes. This is marginally higher than the national average commute of 26 minutes.
Oakton Virginia commuters are served by two major arterial roads that funnel traffic to the Washington D.C. — Arlington VA — Alexandria VA metro area. Interstate 66 is the major east /west route and most direct corridor into the metro. State Hwy 123, better known as Chain Bridge Rd carries traffic north east/south west to Vienna, Tysons Corner, McLean and then into the District of Columbia.
Vienna Metro station is the terminating node on the orange line, and is only 5 minutes from Oakton Virginia. The metro system offers an efficient, reliable, and affordable commuting alternative to driving. It’s very easy and accessible to walk, bike, or drive to the Vienna metro and then get into the city in around 30 minutes and not have the headache of parking. It’s a great way travel.
There are two major airports within easy reach of Oakton. Dulles International is located north west and Reagan National is south east. Oakton is equidistant from both and is not significantly impacted by aviation noise.
OAKTON DEMOGRAPHICS
Around 37,000 people reside within the 10 square miles that Oakton encompass. This population density can be described as moderate.
OAKTON HOUSING
There are around 12,000 hosing units, with 61% owner occupancy. Owner occupancy in Oakton is lower than the national average of 67%.
Median home values are around $750,000. Don’t be startled by this number! While there are many luxury homes in this market, Oakton offers a good mix of urban and suburban housing units covering the breadth of the market. It is possible to purchase or rent single family detached houses, condominiums, and townhouses at a wide range of price points.
OAKTON COST OF LIVING
The cost of living in Oakton Virginia is 82% higher than the United States average. The overwhelming reason for this is the elevated cost of housing in this market.
Not all expense categories will cost you more Oakton. Utilities and healthcare are both marginally lower than the United States average.
The good news is that the strong housing market is supported by the robust local economy and jobs market.
OAKTON EDUCATION
Fairfax County Public Schools are a major factor drawing families to move to Northern Virginia. Oakton is well served with strong public and private schools, including the highly rated James Madison High School.
Oakton Virginia has it own public library and is only ten (10) minutes from George Mason University.
OAKTON WEATHER
Oakton weather is variable. The outdoors are best enjoyed in April and May, with January and February the most challenging — experiencing brutally cold conditions at times. The mid to late summer humidity can be difficult to deal with for some, so access to powerful air conditioning is highly recommended to increase your comfort level.
OAKTON GREEN SPACE
In my view the best part of Oakton, aside from its proximity to the Nations Capital, are the green spaces. Green spaces sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, connected by sidewalks and bicycles lanes. It makes it easy to get outside to stretch your legs, walk a pet, relax, and enjoy your surroundings.
Plus, Oakton is the mid point for the Cross County Trail. This is a 40 mile mixed surface bike trail stretching from the Potomac River in the north, to Occoquan Reservoir in the south. The Oakton trailhead offers free parking and is open year round.
This Rails To Trails Conservancy resource opens up many other recreational opportunities. Users can access walking, running, skating, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and more, along different parts of the trail. It’s a wonderful resource right at your doorstep.
