Beltway suburb with a thriving Koreatown dining center
Annandale is a modern suburb right off the Capitol Beltway in Fairfax County. With two metro stations within a 6-mile radius, Annandale appeals to those seeking a commuter-friendly area with larger lot sizes than cities like Arlington and Falls Church. It’s also well known for having one of the largest “Koreatown” districts in the greater Washington, D.C., region. “My office has been in town for 20 years. The big appeal in Annandale is the restaurants,” says Bradley Wisley, a Realtor with Century 21 New Millennium and a longtime Northern Virginia local. A variety of parks and local businesses give the city a community-oriented feel, and locals are committed to maintaining its atmosphere. “Over fresh-roasted coffee, we get to hear what our neighbors care about: supporting small businesses, strengthening schools and enjoying their homes and proximity to green space and so many activities,” says Jason Llorenz, one of the owners of local coffee shop Beanetics Coffee Roasters.
According to the U.S. Census, Annandale's population grew 5.7% from 2010 to 2020, reaching just over 43,000. That trend is expected to continue as the town undergoes more new development and the jobs market remains strong in the region, whether that's the mass of data centers in Fairfax County, corporate employers like Amazon in neighboring Arlington County, or Federal jobs in D.C.
West Falls Church Metro Station serves as a convenient transportation hub for residents.
Indulge in authentic Asian cuisine at the heart of Annandale.
1/2
A mix of postwar homes, townhouses and condos
Many single-family homes in Annandale were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, but newly built properties continue to pop up. Three-bedroom ramblers and split-level homes with less than 1,000 square feet often cost around $600,000, while five to six-bedroom Craftsman mansions can exceed $2 million. The median cost of a single-family home is $780,000. Townhouses vary in price depending on the subdivision and their amenities, but the median cost is around $585,000. While the occasional condo is less than $200,000, most one- and two-bedroom options exceed $225,000. The Pinecrest condo community boasts the highest price point, close to $400,000, because of its proximity to the public golf course.
Noise levels throughout Annandale’s suburban neighborhoods are primarily low; however, highway traffic volume impacts properties along the Capital Beltway and near the intersection of Little River Turnpike, Columbia Pike and Annandale Road — especially during peak travel hours. Annandale experiences four distinct seasons, with humid Virginia summers.
Brick, two-story homes add a classic charm to the Annandale residential area.
Ranch homes are an additional style option for homes found in Annandale, VA.
1/2
A foodie hotspot in Northern Virginia
Restaurants and shops line Columbia Pike and Little River Turnpike. Annandale has national grocery chains but is best known for its diverse spread of eateries and global markets. “Kogiya is our favorite for a spicy Galbi soup,” says Llorenz. “We love everything from Balo Kitchen, and we often head over to Caboose at Merrifield and love the Thai from Duangrat’s just up Columbia Pike.” Nearby Merrifield is home to Mosaic District, a popular new mixed-use development where low-rise condos sit on top of retailers and fast-casual spots. “Mosaic is more popular with the restaurants; you can park and shop, eat, do whatever, while Annandale is becoming the foodie capital of NOVA [Northern Virginia].” According to the Annandale Chamber of Commerce, 23% of the business community in the town is Korean American. The town center is nicknamed “Koreatown” and features several K-barbecue and Korean fried chicken restaurants, as well as a global supermarket.
The Gom Shabu restaurant can only be found in the Annandale neighborhood in Annandale, VA.
The Lidl Food Market in Annandale, VA is a common grocery store favorite for good deals.
1/2
Nature hikes at Annandale Community Park
Parks border major roads and act as the backdrop for many communities throughout the city. Locals can play tennis or climb the playground at Wakefield Park, a green space bordering Little River Turnpike and the Capital Beltway. About 2 miles north, Annandale Community Park’s grounds extend over 50 acres, and the park features forested trails for hiking, tennis courts and the Hidden Oaks Nature Center, which has animal exhibits and monthly events for all ages.
Take a ride along the bike trails in the Annandale neighborhood.
Wakefield Chapel Park is a great park to explore and to be one with nature in Annandale.
1/2
Commutes to the capital by car, bus or train
Little River Turnpike links locals to Interstate 395, one of the main routes to Washington. Interstate 66 also heads to the capital and connects to the Capital Beltway. Annandale residents can reach Inova Fairfax Hospital off Route 650. The West Falls Church Metro station is 6 miles from Annandale to the north, while the Franconia-Springfield Metro station is the same distance to the south. For those relying solely on public transit, WMATA lines run along main roads and stop at the Metro stations and other points of interest around the region.
FCPS for grade school, NOVA Community College for higher education
Students can attend Fairfax County Public Schools, which earn an A rating from Niche. According to FCPS, graduation rates in 2023 averaged 93.4% across the county, and almost 19% of the student population is learning English as a second language. Niche also ranks Fairfax County as the second-best district in the state for athletics. Immanuel Christian School and Westminster School are within a mile of Annandale for those seeking private options. For higher education, Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale campus serves around 18,000 students each year, and its offerings include American Sign Language programs and STEM degrees.
For those who want to work towards a degree, the Northern Virginia Community College is nearby.
Thomas Jefferson High School is ranked one of the top schools in the nation in Annandale.
1/2
Annual celebrations in Annandale
In addition to regular community activities, Annandale features annual and seasonal events. In the summer, Spotlight by Starlight draws locals for live music at Mason District Park and Ossian Hall Park, and in October, classic cars and marching bands make their way down Columbia Pike in the Annandale Parade. The George Mason Regional Library is a gathering space where residents can enjoy hobby groups and movies in the meeting room. At Hidden Oaks Nature Center, residents can sit around a campfire and learn about local wildlife, participate in Pi Day festivities, or enjoy dinosaur-themed egg hunts in the spring.
Annandale Parade
Fall Book Sale at George Mason Regional Library
1/2
Growth and development across the city
The city's Comprehensive Plan for Annandale predicts continued population growth across the Washington Metropolitan area. High-traffic commuter routes like the Capital Beltway and Little River Turnpike are set to undergo lane expansion in the coming years, and the inclusion of affordable housing aims to keep price points varied throughout the city. Other ongoing efforts to revamp downtown are underway. Annandale Civic Space is one of the newest revitalization projects, and upcoming developments include mixed-use projects like Eastgate and residential housing like the Towns at Little River Crossing.
Annandale does not have many detailed crime statistics, but the Major Cities Chiefs Association ranked the larger Fairfax County area as the safest jurisdiction of its size in the country as of 2023. Fairfax County Police data also shows a 42% drop in auto thefts from 2022 to 2023, though there was an 8.7% increase in violent crime through the same period.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
