Living in Woodbridge

Young love and, as a struggling college student, affordable housing options brought me to the Woodbridge, VA area in 2003. I’ve been here since.
As my life and personal journey underwent development and change for the better, so did the Woodbridge area. 

 

What is the cost of living in Woodbridge? 

One word: Affordable! 
According to Livability the median income in Woodbridge,VA is $106,818 and the median home value is $340,100!!!
I have successfully purchased two homes in Woodbridge. I would recommend purchasing property in the area especially if you are looking for a starter home. 
There are also many growing communities with luxurious new development plans that I suggest you check out. Go to www.Zillow.com and search Woodbridge VA New Construction. The prices are incredible! 

 

Is Woodbridge a good place to live? 

When I moved here the running joke was that I lived in “Hoodbridge”. Sure, that’s funny, but this place is far from “Hood”. Anyone who calls Woodbridge “Hood” has definitely never been to The Hood
Good old Woodbridge is not your typical Northern Virginia Suburb, but like any place, there are some parts that are better and/or preferred than others. 
With that said, Woodbridge is home to many strong family units and young professionals, such as myself, and is absolutely a good place to live. 
According to NeighborhoodScout, the top safest woodbridge neighborhoods are: 
  1. Mohican Rd / Farrabow Ln
  2. Springs Rd / Holly Forest Dr
  3. Jefferson Davis Hwy / Neabsco Rd
  4. Asdee Ln
  5. Lindendale Rd / Mapledale Ave
  6. Old Bridge Rd / Smoketown Rd
  7. Hoadly Rd
  8. Cardinal Dr / Knickerbocker Dr
  9. Asdee Ln / Prince William Pkwy
  10. Lake Ridge
 

What is the crime rate in Woodbridge? 

Per NeighborhoodScout, the crime index is 42 (1 point below Arlington, VA might I add). With 100 being the safest, Woodbridge, VA is safer than 42% of U.S. cities
I can work with that…
A major crime that I’ve witnessed in this area is the traffic!
 

Why is traffic always so bad around Woodbridge? 

You mean, besides the high population density and the land developers/planners being unprepared for this area’s growth???

 

#1 – There’s three main ways to get across the river. 
I-95, Route 1, and Route 123; all of which stay jammed. 

 

#2 – The bottleneck at route 123 exit (southbound). 
It’s poor design has created a major headache for locals and travelers alike. 

 

#3 – Nothing is walkable. 
You need a car to get around. Everyone in a car = traffic. 

 

#4 – Poor alternative transit choices. 
We lack the metro and sufficient public transportation. No, the OmniLink is not cutting it.  
 
With this area’s traffic, I figured I’d better start enjoying life closer to home! 
 

So what do you think?

Woodbridge is comprised of a large outlet mall, chain and family-owned restaurants, strip malls, farmer’s markets, town centers, kid-friendly spots, golf courses, horses, low-cost to million-dollar homes, and hidden gems…
There’s plenty to do, right? >Insert nervous chuckle, lol!<
In efforts to make the most out of it, I plan to discover a bit more about what’s right here in my own backyard! Care to join me? 
Please comment below and share your own personal experiences in Woodbridge, VA. Feel free any tips and tricks you may have for getting in and around these parts. I do love a good short-cut! 

 

Photo Cred: IG @ttinphotography