One Of Virginia's Richest Suburbs Is A Charming Escape Packed With Botanical Gardens And Live Music

Not all suburbs in the United States are created equal, and some stand out for their ability to combine wealth, charm, and a pervasive sense of well-being. Three of the 50 wealthiest communities are — not coincidentally — clustered in Northern Virginia, just a short drive from the political and cultural heartbeat of the national capital, Washington, D.C.

Based on GOBankingRates' 2025 analysis of suburbs with at least 5,000 households in a metropolitan area, McLean, an underrated town boasting river charm, green spaces, and lively community festivals, tops the state's rankings with the highest average household income of $364,591. Wolf Trap, a charming gem with a gorgeous arts and culture park, follows closely with a respectable $316,271.

However, it is in Vienna — home to about 16,000 residents, with a mean annual household income of $273,768 in 2023 — that the appeal of the "Mother of States" takes on a distinctly picturesque yet discreetly affluent character. Originally founded as Ayr Hill in the 18th century and renamed Vienna in the 1850s (perhaps surprisingly, not in tribute to the breathtaking Austrian capital known for its coffee culture, but to a small town in upstate New York), the town still retains its historic roots. Think quaint roads like Church Street, where Victorian-era homes now sit alongside modern boutiques, specialty shops, and cozy cafés.

At the same time, its well-developed community infrastructure supports a high quality of life, with awarded public schools such as James Madison High School and Dorothy Hamm Middle School just a short drive away. A network of neighborhood parks and green spaces provides year-round fun and relaxation. Both the 95-acre Meadowlark Botanical Garden and the picturesque Korean Bell Garden are open January to December, except major public holidays.

Though Vienna might appear — and feel — like a quiet, tucked-away upscale enclave, it is exceptionally well connected to major regional and travel hubs. Downtown Washington, D.C. lies just 17 miles away, or a leisurely 25-minute drive on good traffic days, while Arlington and Alexandria are reachable in 20 and 30 minutes, respectively. Both Dulles International Airport (11 miles away) and Reagan National Airport (18 miles away) keep domestic and international travel within easy reach, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the town's charm without ever feeling distant from the region's cultural, business, and social opportunities.

Music injects further life into the suburb's community. You might learn the basics of jazz at The Jazz Workshop on Tyco Road or stumble upon a rock 'n' roll performance at Jammin' Java on the central Maple Avenue. Just a short drive away, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts hosts orchestral evenings, pop concerts, and even musical theater shows. Vienna's summer life is marked by festivals such as ViVa! Vienna!, which has taken place over Memorial Day weekend for more than four decades, and the free "Summer on the Green" concert series at the Town Green.

Not far from downtown, the Mosaic District features a modern, urban contrast to the town's historic charm. This vibrant shopping and entertainment hub blends boutique stores, trendy restaurants, cafés, and cinemas with open-air gathering spaces, creating a social nucleus for locals and visitors alike. Beyond its everyday bustle, the district comes alive with curated events. The free "Mosaic Live" summer concert series runs every Saturday from mid-June to mid-August along District Avenue, featuring reggae, pop, jazz, and even DJ sets.

When it comes to filling a day in Vienna, the options are wide-ranging. Begin your morning wandering a stretch of the scenic Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail (W&OD Trail), a 45‑mile paved path that passes right through town and offers a lush corridor for cycling or walking. You can access it from two sides of town: from the east via Park Street and the Vienna Community Center parking lot, and from the west via Ayr Hill Road and the train station parking lot.

After a morning on the trail, wander over to the Freeman Store & Museum, tucked along Church Street in the heart of town. This historic institution, open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (except January and February, and during major public holidays), offers a fascinating window into the town's past, complete with quirky souvenirs and locally crafted keepsakes. Come afternoon, sharpen your focus on boutique browsing and café culture, with local gems like Cherry Lane Gifts & Home on Church Street and Magnolia Dessert Bar & Coffee on Maple Avenue, featuring everything from unique home decor and artisanal gifts to specialty teas, coffees, and pastries.

Dinnertime options range from American classics to international flavors. Maple Ave Restaurant is a cozy bistro offering modern European‑inspired dishes — from wild mushroom risotto, to truffled scrambled eggs, and Lithuanian‑style donuts — with dinner service from Wednesday to Sunday, and brunch on weekends. For over 150 years, Roberto's Ristorante Italiano has brought the elegance of Italy to the heart of Vienna. The menu centers around authentic dishes like hand-crafted tortelloni, mezzelune, and pappardelle, but also includes stuffed and fried fiori di zucchini, and the unmissable tiramisù.