Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia is a major center for commerce that delivers a diverse, top-ranked workforce coupled with an integrated transportation network that facilitates continued business growth and access to global markets. One of the country’s most diverse and international regions, Northern Virginia offers ready access to wide-ranging cultural and recreational amenities and several best-in-class K-12 school districts.

Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance

 

Tysons Corner, Fairfax County

Key Companies in Northern Virginia

The area is home to the federal government; more than 100 U.S. and global corporate headquarters, including the 6th highest number of Fortune 500 company headquarters and the 8th highest number of Fortune 1000 company headquarters in the U.S. in 2020; technical and service firms; trade and professional organizations; and strong industry clusters in government contracting, defense electronics, IT, data centers, biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Location

Northern Virginia is located in the northeastern corner of Virginia, just west of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. Its transportation network includes major international airports, a suburban commuter rail system, several lines of the Washington, D.C., Metro subway system, transit bus services, and an extensive network of interstate highways and expressways.

  • I-395, I-495, I-66, and I-95 run through Northern Virginia, and eight additional interstates offer direct access to major U.S. markets: I-295 (0.8 miles), I-695 (1 mile), I-270 (3 miles), I-370 (7 miles), I-70 (8 miles), I-595 (10 miles), I-81 (13 miles), and I-64 (36 miles).
  • CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway Company provide freight rail service.
  • Passenger rail service is provided by Virginia Railway Express and the Metro system.
  • The Virginia Inland Port, an intermodal container transfer facility, is 30 miles west, and The Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads is 171 miles southeast.
  • A true international gateway, Northern Virginia is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI).
MITRE, Fairfax County
MITRE, Fairfax County

World-Class Talent at a Competitive Cost

Tech companies can hire high-quality tech talent in Virginia at salaries that compare favorably with other major tech hubs. Salaries in Northern Virginia, one of the world’s leading tech hubs, average less than most major tech hubs, and salaries for tech talent in other parts of the state are competitive with smaller markets in other states, enabling tech firms to choose the best market, talent mix, and budget for their particular needs.

We believe that diversity and inclusion leads to a more innovative environment. Our site in Virginia is represented with 55 different nationalities. This diversity of talent promotes a culture of innovation and is a key contributor to our success, and we love that.

Sanjay Mehrotra President and CEO, Micron Technology
Thomas Jefferson High School For Science & Technology, Fairfax County
Northern Virginia Community College
George Mason University

K-12 school system

Virginia has long been recognized as a national leader in providing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Computer Science education for students at the K-12 level, being the first state in the nation to adopt Computer Science standards across the K-12 curriculum and integrating these disciplines into Standards of Learning (SOLs) in 2016.

Higher Ed - Community College

In 2019, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) offered over 1,300 associate degrees and 500+ certificates in areas relevant to the tech industry. VCCS is uniquely positioned to deliver custom training to tech industry partners and work closely with private industry to develop courses and certifications that align with industry needs.

Universities

Virginia is recognized as having one of the best higher education systems in the nation (ranked No. 2 Top State in the U.S. for Higher Education), offering outstanding value and quality through an array of public and private universities developing tech talent across the state (SmartAsset).

Appian, Fairfax County
Appian, Fairfax County

A Place to Call Home

Northern Virginia and the broader Washington, D.C., metro area provide recreational opportunities for a wide range of interests and lifestyles. From sports teams in all major leagues to historic landmarks, national and state parks, rivers, ample retail options, and cultural offerings, the region boasts a quality of life that attracts residents and visitors.

Historic sites include Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The National Park Service operates Great Falls Park, the site of America’s first canal system, and 15,000-acre Prince William Forest Park provides 37 miles of year-round hiking trails, 21 miles of bike-accessible roads, and welcomes campers and picnickers.

An award-winning restaurant and craft cocktail scene in bustling urban settings, as well as renowned wineries and sprawling horse farms in its rural areas, round out Northern Virginia’s varied recreational and cultural opportunities.

Del Ray, Alexandria
Burke Lake Park, Fairfax County
Torpedo Art Factory, Alexandria
Filene Center Venue at Wolf Trap, Fairfax
Filene Center Venue at Wolf Trap, Fairfax

Unique Opportunities to Experience the Arts

Wolf Trap Farm National Park for the Performing Arts is America’s only such venue, and it features a full range of musical entertainment, as well as educational programs offered both locally and nationally. Just across the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Symphony Orchestra, Warner and Ford’s Theatres, the Corcoran Gallery, the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Zoo are easily accessible.