Herndon

About Herndon

Herndon is one of the largest towns in Virginia's Fairfax County, featuring a mix of transit hubs, industrial complexes, office buildings and residential communities. It's conveniently located about 25 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., putting the nation's capital within an easy drive for both work and play. Herndon has been named one of the nation's friendliest towns, and is a popular home base for young families and professionals alike.

The History of Herndon

Established in the early 19th century, the town of Herndon received a major boost when the railroad arrived in the 1850s. For many years, it was a fairly rural community in the shadow of Washington, D.C., eventually becoming a major center for both dairy farming and tourism. Herndon became a town of more than 4 square miles in 1879, and although the railroad ceased to stop at Herndon in 1968, the town continued to expand. The railroad was converted into a hike-and-bike trail, and the city elected to convert the station into a museum and town visitor center.

Jobs in Herndon

Herndon has some of northern Virginia's top office and retail spaces, and the downtown area features a desirable mix of restaurants, retail and business. With two major highways connecting Herndon with Washington, D.C., and the rest of northern Virginia, the town is easy to access for businesses and consumers alike, which has helped supplement its healthy economy. The largest employers in the area include Boeing, Verizon, Air Line Pilots Association, Northwest Federal Credit Union and the federal government.

The surrounding Fairfax County welcomes several booming industries, including professional and business services, education and health services, trade and transportation and government. Thanks to a varied economy, Herndon provides a well-rounded job market.

Herndon Schools

Fairfax County Schools is a large district that includes almost 200 schools throughout the county, including those in the town of Herndon. It manages the elementary, middle and high schools throughout Herndon, and also offers several special education centers and alternative high schools throughout the county.

Resources for Moving to Herndon

You will find the following information useful when planning your move to Herndon:

• Utilities: The main utilities providers in Herndon are Dominion Power, Columbia Gas and the town utilities department.
• Garbage and Recycling: The town provides weekly collection of trash and recyclables.
• Transportation: The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority operates a network of public transit routes throughout the region.
• Pets: All dogs are required to be licensed with the county.
  
• Personal Vehicles: You have 30 days from your move-in day to register your vehicle.
  

Herndon Housing

Herndon is divided fairly equally between homeowners and renters, so you should be able to find properties no matter which route you're planning to take. Because it's a very desirable suburb of the D.C. metro area, Herndon is an expensive place to live, with a median home price that's more than double the national average. However, a mix of town houses and single-family properties provide options at varying price points, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget.