December 1, 2025
Moving Across the Country? Here’s How to Plan
Moving across the country is exciting: a new job, a new city, a new chapter. But it’s also a challenge that tests your planning skills (an...
Washington, DC, is a magnet for people at every stage of their careers. Professionals, interns, and government workers arrive year after year for new opportunities, often choosing to live just outside the city in nearby DC suburbs.
These cities close to DC range from bustling Arlington to family-friendly Bethesda. However, they share one thing in common: they each offer the opportunity to find a more flexible housing market, better leases, and a path to finding balance while navigating the DC Metro lifestyle.
If you’re moving to what’s called the “DMV area” (District of Maryland and Virginia, or the Washington, DC, metropolitan area), the decision often comes down to lifestyle, commute time, and budget.
Should you compare the cost of living in Virginia vs. the cost of living in Maryland? Do you want one of the best Virginia or Maryland suburbs for young professionals near DC, or are you looking for more family-friendly DC suburbs with great schools?
Below are seven top picks to help you decide.
Just across the Potomac from DC, the Arlington, Virginia, neighborhoods rank among the most popular picks for commuters. The Metro’s Orange, Silver, and Blue lines alone make Arlington a commuter’s dream; they can get you downtown in 15 to 20 minutes. Its high-rise apartments, modern coffee shops, and nightlife make it one of the best suburbs for young professionals in DC.
Why it works: Walkability, a quick commute, and plenty of urban energy without living in the heart of DC.
Alexandria and its historic Old Town area offer a unique blend of character and easy access to DC. Old Town’s cobblestone streets and waterfront dining are balanced with reliable Metro service on the Yellow and Blue lines. Plus, the cost of living in Virginia here can be a bit gentler than in central DC, especially if you look beyond Old Town into surrounding neighborhoods.
Who it fits: Commuters who want style, history, and strong public transit in a DC suburb, without losing that small-town feel.
Bethesda is known for its sophistication. Picture tree-lined streets, high-end dining, and a thriving cultural scene. That’s Bethesda. With the Red Line connecting directly to downtown DC, no wonder it’s a top choice for professionals. Bethesda is also one of the most family-friendly DC suburbs, thanks in large part to excellent schools in DC suburbs, including those in Bethesda, which are part of the Montgomery County Public Schools.
Bottom line: If you’re researching Bethesda, you’ll find a mix of chic apartments near downtown as well as quieter residential areas perfect for families.
Silver Spring offers an urban-suburban mix that attracts a wide range of renters. Its downtown area is bustling with international restaurants, live music, and entertainment venues. Compared to Virginia, the cost of living in Maryland, and especially in Silver Spring, is often more approachable, making it popular with interns and entry-level professionals.
Best for: Anyone starting out in the city or seeking diversity and affordability without sacrificing access to the DC Metro lifestyle.
Falls Church has a cozy, small-city vibe, while still keeping you close to DC. Its proximity to East and West Falls Church Metro stops makes commuting straightforward, and the town itself is known for community events and farmers’ markets. For families, the schools in this area have a strong reputation.
Why it works: Suburban calm paired with easy connections into downtown.
For DC commuters seeking culture on a budget, look to Hyattsville. It’s become known for its murals, breweries, and artsy vibe, while only minutes from DC on the Green Line. This makes it one of the best suburbs for young professionals in DC who want creative energy without paying top-tier rent.
Bonus: Hyattsville is one of the more affordable Washington, DC, suburbs and continues to grow in popularity among commuters.
Reston is farther out from downtown DC, but the tradeoff is that it offers space that’s hard to find closer to the city. The Silver Line connects Reston Town Center to downtown, and its location near the tech corridor draws plenty of professionals balancing careers between DC and Northern Virginia.
Not just a suburb: Reston is a great example of how the comparison between Northern Virginia vs. Maryland cost of living can play out. In Reston, you often get more square footage for your rent, plus access to trails, parks, and lakes that make the weekends feel like a retreat.
Relocating to the DC area means adjusting to new routines and sometimes adjusting to temporary leases. Between long hours at work and the demands of commuting (even short commutes), you don’t want to waste weekends furniture shopping or dealing with delivery delays. That’s where CORT Furniture Rental comes in.
With flexible packages covering everything from sofas and beds to home office essentials, you can walk into your new space and settle in immediately. For busy commuters, young professionals, and families alike, opting to rent your home furnishings is the simplest way to make a short-term space feel like home.
If your DC life is more “weekdays in the city, weekends elsewhere,” you might even consider setting up a pied-à-terre designed for convenience and comfort.
Commuting to DC? Whether you’re renting in Arlington or downtown, CORT Furniture Rental has everything you need to feel at home fast. With delivery and setup included, you can move in without the time or hassles of furniture shopping. You also won’t be locked into long-term commitments.
Start online or visit your local CORT Furniture showroom today to make your DC move stress-free and straightforward.
