A recent article on nerdwallet.com, an online source for consumer-driven advice about personal finance, named Gainesville the number one best city for young families in Virginia, and we have to say, we agree whole-heartedly! The article cites that about 40 percent of households are families with children, which is the highest percentage of any city in the state. Pair that with fabulous schools, lots of family-friendly activities and beautiful scenery, and you’ve got a recipe for a great place to raise your family.

Gainesville District Supervisor Peter Candland commented for Bristow Beat on the nerdwallet.com findings, saying he isn’t surprised:

“Gainesville is a great place to live, work, and play. We have parks, schools, churches, and shopping so conveniently located that families can spend more time together and less time traveling to and from various events. Part of what makes Gainesville so great is a real sense of community within our neighborhoods and schools. Families can find a place to belong and become actively involved in the community. With the scenic Bull Run Mountains and the beauty of the Rural Crescent as backdrops, Gainesville combines the best of suburbia and wide open spaces. It is an idyllic slice of heaven right here in northern Virginia.”

Here are just a few reasons to bring your family to Gainesville:

Affordability – According to the nerdwallet.com survey, the median home value is $408,100, but when you compare that to the median annual family income for 2013 of $138,125 you are looking at an affordable equation for homeowners.

Growth and prosperity – According to the nerdwallet.com survey, family income has grown over 67 percent in the past 14 years. Though this community still provides a smaller-town community feel, it has definitely experienced significant growth in the past decade. According to bestplaces.net, Gainesville has grown183.53 percent since 2000!

Family friendliness – Gainesville and the surrounding area offer many family-friendly activities. You’re just an hour drive from the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains where you can experience the natural beauty of Virginia as you travel through the rolling hills, camp in the crisp mountain air or hike the beginner- and kid-friendly Old Rag. Teach your kids to golf at one of the area’s scenic golf clubs (or get a sitter and unwind on your own). Enjoy great food at one of Gainesville’s many family-friendly restaurants like Pizza NY Margherita or Grafton Street Irish Restaurant and Pub.

Educational quality – GreatSchools ranked Gainesville schools with an 8 out of 10, while the state average is 5.7. Gainesville schools are part of the Prince William County Public School District, which was also ranked in the top 8 percent in the U.S. (by Washington Post High School Challenge). Given those numbers, there’s no wonder why families with young children are flocking to this community! Find more information by visiting the Prince William County Public Schools website.

Beautiful communities – With nice houses come perks like great community amenities. Gainesville communities offer beautify scenery, landscaping and trees, walking paths, playgrounds, pools, golf courses and more.

We’re proud of Gainesville’s number one status and its many attractions. If you would like to know more about the area’s neighborhoods, call Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today at 703-338-9678, or emailBelinda@JacobsonRealty1.com.