Dranesville, Virginia

With an average household income more than double the national average, Dranesville District is one of the most affluent places on our list. That’s not necessarily surprising: the multi-town Virginia district is known as a Washington, D.C. commuter hub.

A conglomerate of smaller suburbs, Dranesville stands out for its low unemployment rate (2.4%), good schools, and access to all the cultural offerings of Washington, D.C. Located along the southern shore of the Potomac River, the Virginia district offers something for everyone — you can get a small-town feel in the suburb of Herndon or close proximity to D.C. via a 10-mile drive from McLean.

The district’s reputation as an affluent commuter suburb does come with a price. The average home sold for $681,657 in 2018, according to Attom Data, which provides property data for Money's analysis. While that’s well above the national average, it’s not necessarily out of budget for the average Dranesville District resident, who earns about $153,000 annually.

Living near the nation's capital is a clear draw, but the district offers perks of its own. Residents can hike or picnic along the Potomac River at McLean’s Great Falls Park or practice their swing at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course. — Shaina Mishkin