The best places to live near Amazon HQ2, Fort Belvoir and Quantico are Northern Virginia suburbs that balance drive time, transit access, housing costs and daily life. For many commuters, that short list includes Arlington and Alexandria for Amazon HQ2, Springfield and Lorton for Fort Belvoir, and Woodbridge, Dumfries and Stafford for Quantico. The “right” town for you depends on where you work most days, your budget and how much commute you’re willing to trade for space.

What Are the Best DC-Area Commuter Towns for Amazon HQ2, Fort Belvoir & Quantico?

• Amazon HQ2: Arlington (Crystal City, Pentagon City), Alexandria and nearby Fairfax County corridors.
• Fort Belvoir: Springfield, Kingstowne, Lorton and select Fairfax County neighborhoods along I-95 and Route 1.
• Quantico: Woodbridge, Dumfries, Triangle and Stafford along the I-95 corridor and VRE line.
• Split-commute families: Woodbridge, Lorton and Springfield often balance multiple job locations.
• Urban vs. suburban: Closer-in locations trade space for convenience; farther out adds square footage but also drive time.

When you work for Amazon HQ2, are stationed at Fort Belvoir or have orders to Quantico, the first question is simple: “How much commute can my family realistically handle every day?” From there, you reverse-engineer the best town.

For Amazon HQ2 in National Landing, the most practical options are usually Arlington and Alexandria. Crystal City and Pentagon City offer the shortest door-to-door commute, strong Metro access and walkability, but at a higher price per square foot. Nearby Alexandria and parts of Fairfax County provide a slight increase in commute for a bit more living space.

Fort Belvoir commuters often gravitate to Springfield, Kingstowne, Lorton and nearby Fairfax neighborhoods. These areas offer good access to I-95, the Fairfax County Parkway and Route 1, with a mix of townhomes, single-family homes and condos. You can usually find a reasonable balance between drive time, school options and neighborhood feel without feeling “deep” into the suburbs.

Quantico is farther south along the I-95 corridor, so most people look toward Woodbridge, Dumfries, Triangle and Stafford. Here, you’ll typically trade a longer DC commute for more house, larger lots and often lower prices than closer-in suburbs. For those who need to reach DC occasionally, the VRE (Virginia Railway Express) can be a useful backup to heavy traffic days.

For families where one person works near Amazon HQ2 and another at Belvoir or Quantico, compromise towns like Lorton, Woodbridge or Springfield can be helpful. No one gets a “perfect” commute, but both avoid extremes. Telework flexibility, school priorities and budget all play into which town rises to the top of your list.

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Common Misconceptions About Amazon HQ2, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Commutes

One common misconception is that you must live as close as physically possible to your work site. In reality, a small amount of extra drive time can dramatically improve your home options, but only if you stay near major routes or transit.

Another misconception is that all I-95 commutes are equally bad. While traffic can be heavy, timing matters. Early shifts, staggered schedules, HOV lanes and VRE can all change what “commutable” looks like for your household.

Important Considerations When Choosing a Northern Virginia Commuter Town

• Your primary work location: Is Amazon HQ2, Fort Belvoir or Quantico the main driver, or are you splitting between sites?
• Telework flexibility: Fewer in-office days can expand your geographic options.
• Budget vs. commute: Decide how much you’re willing to trade monthly payment for daily drive time.
• Schools and amenities: Some towns may add 10–15 minutes but provide the neighborhood feel you want.
• Transit options: Metro, VRE, slug lines and HOV lanes all shape realistic commute patterns.

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FAQ

Q: If I work at Amazon HQ2, do I have to live in Arlington?
A: No. Arlington is the closest and most convenient, but many employees choose Alexandria or parts of Fairfax County to gain more space while keeping a manageable commute.

Q: What’s a good middle ground for Belvoir and DC commutes?
A: Springfield and Lorton are common choices for people who need access to both Fort Belvoir and downtown DC, especially when combined with flexible schedules.

Q: Can military families stationed at Quantico still consider DC-area suburbs?
A: Yes, but it requires careful planning. Some families choose Woodbridge or Stafford and rely on a mix of driving, VRE and telework to keep commutes manageable.

Q: Should I prioritize commute time or school district?
A: Most families weigh both and then decide where the “good enough” line is for each. It often comes down to what matters most in day-to-day life for your household.

Next Steps

If you’re weighing Amazon HQ2, Fort Belvoir or Quantico and want help matching the right Northern Virginia town to your lifestyle and commute, call 703-400-9660 or visit contactjohnny.com to talk through your options in plain language.