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Cascades, VA

Cascades, VA

Center of the Cascades Marketplace · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0

A town of about 12,357 people in Loudoun County, part of the Washington area. Resident comments and photos are about Cascades; job numbers cover the wider area.

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What kind of place it is

Big-city feel, Outdoorsy, Historic

Scored the same way as the quiz, against 382 U.S. metro areas. A feel is listed when Cascades scores 70 or higher out of 100.

Big-city feel
98 / 100
Big-city feel: 5.6 million people in the metro, 57 buildings 20+ stories, 6,424 bus and train stops
"Area is very green and you can access Rock Creek Park" A resident, Reddit
Outdoorsy
95 / 100
Outdoorsy: more trails, campgrounds and paddling spots than most
"In general the Arlington Loop (which consists of the Custis Trail, Mt Vernon Trail, and the Four Mile Run/W&OD Trail) is pretty good" A resident, Reddit
Historic
87 / 100
259 places on the National Register of Historic Places nearby
"I've been to a few libraries (MLK Jr, Woodridge, LoC) and a couple of cafes" A resident, Reddit

Less so: cozy.

Everyday life
Shops, cafes, and daily routines
Hobbies & activities
Trails, parks, and pastimes
Nearby scenery
Lakes, overlooks, and drives

Photos and reviews come from Google Maps and show single places, not the whole area. Reviews are the most relevant ones Google returns for each place. We show the longest highly rated review under 400 characters and, when there is one, the longest low-rated review. Google doesn't verify reviews but removes fake ones when it finds them.

Around Cascades

The entrance to Algonkian Regional Park
The entrance to Algonkian Regional Park · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
The Potomac River at Algonkian Regional Park
The Potomac River at Algonkian Regional Park · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
Location: Cascades Parkway and Palisade Parkway in Sterling, VA USA
Location: Cascades Parkway and Palisade Parkway in Sterling, VA USA · Photo: Photo by Jim Northrup., CC BY-SA 3.0
Leaving Cascades along Cascades Parkway toward Virginia State Route 7
Leaving Cascades along Cascades Parkway toward Virginia State Route 7 · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
The Cascades fire station of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department
The Cascades fire station of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
The main office of the Cascades, VA homeowners association
The main office of the Cascades, VA homeowners association · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
Center of the Cascades Marketplace
Center of the Cascades Marketplace · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
Cascades branch of the Loudoun County Public Library as seen from Cascades Marketplace
Cascades branch of the Loudoun County Public Library as seen from Cascades Marketplace · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
Stone House, one of five community centers in Cascades
Stone House, one of five community centers in Cascades · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
Paved walking trail in the Cascades community
Paved walking trail in the Cascades community · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
The entrance to the Lowes Island subdivision in Cascades, VA
The entrance to the Lowes Island subdivision in Cascades, VA · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
One corner of the Cascades Marketplace
One corner of the Cascades Marketplace · Photo: Truejim ( talk ) ( Uploads ), CC BY-SA 3.0
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Around Cascades

Where it is, what's close by, and trails.
Where it is
Cascades
Cascades in Virginia
Virginia in the U.S.
State outlines: U.S. Census Bureau.

What's nearby

Within 5 miles of Cascades's center.

16
grocery stores
123
restaurants
16
coffee shops
43
parks
200+
playgrounds
3
libraries
2
movie theaters
1
museum
5
bookstores
1
comic shop
24
gyms
8
bars
6
pharmacies

None found within 5 miles: hospitals.

Counts from OpenStreetMap, a volunteer map, so small or new places can be missing. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Biking and trails

Within 5 miles of the center of Cascades.

Bike lanes and bike paths
37 miles
more than most U.S. towns
Walking and hiking trails
313 miles
more than almost all U.S. towns

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Counts depend on how well local volunteers have mapped the area, so treat them as a rough guide.

Costs of moving here

Rent, the move itself, and getting set up.

What rent costs

Of about 1,341 rented homes in Cascades, 26% rent for under $2,000 a month and 69% for under $3,000.

Under $1,000: 4%
$1,000 to $1,499: 5%
$1,500 to $1,999: 17%
$2,000 to $2,499: 22%
$2,500 to $2,999: 21%
$3,000 or more: 31%

Census American Community Survey 2019 to 2023 (table B25063). Gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Today's asking rents for open apartments usually run higher.

What moving costs

Hiring movers

Average cost: $1,946

From a 2025 survey of 1,000 people who hired movers. This Old House. Your quote depends on your stuff, stairs and the time of year.

Moving in as a renter

The middle rented home in Cascades rents for $2,500 to $2,999 a month. Before you get the keys, expect about $5,000 to $5,998 for first month plus a deposit, or up to $7,500 to $8,997 where landlords also ask for last month.

Many landlords want your income to be about 3 times the rent. For $2,500 to $2,999, that's a yearly income of about $90,000 to $107,964.

Estimate from Census rent data (2019 to 2023, rent plus tenant-paid utilities). Deposits and fees vary by landlord and state law.

Moving to Virginia: before and after

  • Forward your mail: USPS change of address. It costs about $1 online to confirm who you are.
  • Switch your driver's license and car registration. Each state sets its own deadline, often somewhere between 10 days and a few months after you move. Find the Virginia DMV.
  • Register to vote at your new address: Virginia voter registration.
  • Set up power, gas, water and trash. Some cities bill water and trash together, and some ask new customers for a deposit.
  • Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance and the IRS (Form 8822 if you're not filing soon).
  • Find a doctor and dentist early. New-patient waits can be weeks, even in big cities.

Schools and childcare

Schools

One public school district serves this county, with about 81,678 students. The county also has 2 public charter schools and 44 private schools. Which public school serves a home depends on its address.

Ashburn ElementaryAldie ElementaryBanneker ElementaryBlue Ridge MiddleBroad Run HighCatoctin ElementaryEmerick ElementaryGuilford ElementaryHamilton ElementaryJ. Lupton Simpson MiddleLincoln ElementaryLoudoun County HighLoudoun Valley HighLovettsville ElementaryLucketts ElementaryPark View HighRolling Ridge ElementaryRound Hill ElementarySeneca Ridge MiddleSterling ElementarySterling MiddleSugarland ElementarySully ElementaryWaterford ElementaryFarmwell Station MiddleBall'S Bluff ElementarySanders Corner ElementaryPotowmack ElementaryPotomac Falls HighDominion Trail ElementaryLowes Island ElementaryEvergreen Mill ElementaryLeesburg ElementaryMeadowland ElementaryHillside ElementaryHarper Park MiddleHorizon ElementaryCedar Lane ElementaryAlgonkian ElementaryCool Spring ElementaryEagle Ridge MiddleForest Grove ElementaryHeritage HighHutchison Farm ElementaryJohn W. Tolbert Jr. ElementaryRiver Bend MiddleSeldens Landing ElementaryDominion HighFrances Hazel Reid ElementaryCountryside ElementaryBelmont Ridge MiddleMountain View ElementarySmart'S Mill MiddleFreedom HighNewton-Lee ElementaryBelmont Station ElementaryMercer MiddleBriar Woods HighLegacy ElementaryPinebrook ElementaryStone Bridge HighLittle River ElementaryMill Run ElementaryRosa Lee Carter ElementarySycolin Creek ElementaryArcola ElementaryStone Hill MiddleCreighton'S Corner ElementaryLiberty ElementarySteuart W. Weller ElementaryKenneth W.Culbert ElementaryWoodgrove HighTuscarora HighHarmony MiddleBuffalo Trail ElementaryJ. Michael Lunsford MiddleFrederick Douglass ElementaryJohn Champe HighMoorefield Station ElementaryDiscovery ElementaryTrailside MiddleRock Ridge HighMiddleburg Community CharterCardinal Ridge ElementaryRiverside HighMadison'S Trust ElementaryHillsboro Charter AcademyBrambleton MiddleGoshen Post ElementaryWillard MiddleWaxpool ElementaryIndependence HighLightridge HighW.O. Robey HighHovatter ElementaryElaine E. Thompson ElementaryPreschool Child FindLoudoun Country Day School (private)Foxcroft School (private)The Hill School (private)St Paul Vi Catholic High School (private)Montessori Academy at Belmont Greene (private)Montessori School of Leesburg (private)Fairfax Christian School (private)Guidepost Montesori Broadlands (private)Verizon Media Child Development Center (private)Golden Pond School (private)Montessori of Chantilly - Casa Dei Bambini (private)Montessori School of South Riding (private)Bean Tree Learning (private)Virginia Academy (private)The Goddard School (private)Goddard School-Ashburn (private)Goddard School of Leesburg (private)Our Lady of Hope Catholic School (private)Guidepost Montessori (private)The Aurora School (private)Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick (private)Village Montessori School at Bluemont (private)Providence Academy (private)The Newton School (private)Phillips Programs ~ Building Futures Loudon (private)Loudoun School for the Advanced Studies (private)Nextide Academy (private)Open Arms Christian Child Development Center (private)Villa Montessori Stone Ridge (private)Fusion Academy Loudoun (private)Good Beginnings School (private)Kids R Kids of South Riding (private)Primrose School of Ashburn (private)Primrose School of Ashburn at Broadlands (private)Primrose School of South Riding (private)Guidepost Montessori at Broadlands (private)Guidepost Montessori at Broadlands (private)Loudoun School for Advanced Studies (private)Hidayah Academy (private)Karter School of Cascades (private)Loudoun Montessori School (private)Phillips Building Futures - Loudoun (private)The Goddard School - Chantilly II - East Gate (private)Playful Platos Montessori (private)LOUDOUN COUNTYCLARKE COUNTYWARREN COUNTYFAUQUIER COUNTYFREDERICK COUNTYPRINCE WILLIAM COUNTYFAIRFAX COUNTYCascades
Public Public charter Private County line District that covers the center of Cascades: Loudoun County Public Schools
District and county lines: U.S. Census Bureau. Tap a dot for details. A home's assigned school depends on its address; check with the district before you buy or rent.

Closest public schools to the center of Cascades

Elementary
Horizon Elementary0.2 mi
Public
grades Pre-K to 5 · 480 students · 13 per teacher
Potowmack Elementary0.7 mi
Public
grades Pre-K to 5 · 582 students · 12.4 per teacher
Sugarland Elementary0.8 mi
Public
grades Pre-K to 5 · 472 students · 8.9 per teacher
Middle
River Bend Middle0.7 mi
Public
grades 6 to 8 · 1,201 students · 12.4 per teacher
Seneca Ridge Middle1.5 mi
Public
grades 6 to 8 · 868 students · 11.4 per teacher
Dominion High1.6 mi
Public
grades Pre-K to 12 · 1,482 students · 10.6 per teacher
High school
Potomac Falls High0.4 mi
Public
grades 9 to 12 · 1,685 students · 12.8 per teacher
Dominion High1.6 mi
Public
grades Pre-K to 12 · 1,482 students · 10.6 per teacher
W.O. Robey High1.6 mi
Public
grades 9 to 12 · 51 students · 5.1 per teacher
Private
Our Lady of Hope Catholic School0.3 mi
Private
grades K to 8 · 217 students · 16.3 per teacher
Karter School of Cascades1.7 mi
Private
grades K to 1 · 20 students · 6.9 per teacher
The Newton School2.2 mi
Private
grades K to 8 · 111 students · 4.7 per teacher

Straight-line miles from the center of Cascades, nearest first. Being closest doesn't mean a school serves a given home. The U.S. Department of Education's 2021-22 file has no school test results for Virginia; see the state's school report card.

Public school districts in the county

Loudoun County Public Schools · Ashburn
81,678 students · 12.5 students per teacher · 99 schools · grades Pre-K to 12

School choice and pre-K in Virginia

Going to school in another district
State law doesn't set an open enrollment rule between districts. Transfers, where allowed, are up to the districts.
Picking a different school in your district
State law lets each district decide whether families can pick a different school within the district.
Free state pre-K
22% of 4-year-olds and 3% of 3-year-olds in Virginia attend state-funded pre-K (U.S.: 37% and 9%). Spots, hours and who qualifies vary by district.

School choice: state law as summarized by the Education Commission of the States, 50-State Comparison: Open Enrollment Policies (2022). Pre-K: share of children in state-funded pre-K, National Institute for Early Education Research, State of Preschool 2025 Yearbook (2024-25 school year).

NCES Common Core of Data 2022-23, National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools: NCES Private School Survey, 2021-22. Varro doesn't rate or rank schools. For programs and newer results, see each district's site and the state's school report card.

Childcare and colleges

Daycare and preschool

Virginia keeps an official list of licensed childcare, with inspection reports and openings in many states. In a lot of towns, infant spots fill up months ahead, so it helps to get on waitlists before you move.

Typical full-time prices in this county (2022)
AgeDaycare centerHome daycare
Infant (under 2)$366/week
about $19,000 a year
$281/week
about $14,600 a year
Toddler (2)$315/week
about $16,400 a year
Preschool (3 to 4)$335/week
about $17,400 a year
$260/week
about $13,500 a year
School-age$223/week
about $11,600 a year

For an infant at a center: $366/week here, $261 across VA, $259 across the U.S.. Full-time infant care at a center here costs about 10% of a typical family's income. These are 2022 prices, the newest the government has published by county, and prices have gone up since.

U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices, 2022. Middle (median) price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures average the county prices, weighted by population (Census 2024).
Search licensed childcare in Virginia →
Link via childcare.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

7 colleges in the county and the wider metro around Cascades. Prices are yearly tuition and fees for full-time undergrads, before financial aid.

Divine Mercy University · Sterling
Private nonprofit, 4-year · 442 students
Patrick Henry College · Purcellville
Private nonprofit, 4-year · 408 students · $28,425 a year
Northern Virginia Community College · Annandale (metro)
Public, 2-year (community college) · 53,810 students · $5,703 in-state, $11,786 out-of-state
George Mason University · Fairfax (metro)
Public, 4-year · 39,527 students · $13,815 in-state, $37,979 out-of-state
University of Mary Washington · Fredericksburg (metro)
Public, 4-year · 3,808 students · $14,559 in-state, $31,479 out-of-state

Moving for school? Public colleges charge state residents much less, and community colleges often charge even less to people who live in their district. Most states want you to have lived there about 12 months, for reasons other than school, before you count as a resident for tuition. The rules differ by state, so check with the college's registrar.

IPEDS 2023-24, National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS). Degree-granting public and nonprofit schools with 100+ students. Varro doesn't rank colleges.

The facts behind it
Typical home value
$569,857
What a typical home sells for across the Washington area.
Source: Zillow Home Value Index, September 2026
Cost of living
About 9% above the U.S. average
Everyday prices (rent, groceries, services) run about $109 here for what costs $100 nationally.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis price index 108.9 (U.S. = 100), 2024
Drive to the nearest big job hub
About 54 min at rush hour
To downtown Washington, DC, 35 miles. About 45 min with no traffic.
Source: Google traffic estimate for a weekday morning around 8am
Average commute
33 minutes one way
How long residents' trips to work take on average, counting every job and way of getting there. U.S. average: about 27 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey), 2023
Data centers nearby
239 within 15 miles
The nearest is about 2.4 miles from the town center (Centersquare). The largest is about 4,583,000 sq ft.
Source: PNNL IM3 Data Center Atlas, from OpenStreetMap (ODbL), loaded July 2026
Homeowners insurance
About $2,074 a year
The statewide average for a typical policy in VA. Your own quote will depend on the home.
Source: Statewide estimate, 2026
Natural disaster risk
Relatively Low
FEMA's overall rating for the county, covering floods, storms, wildfire, earthquakes and more.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025
Hail risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA's rating for hail damage in the county, compared with other U.S. counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025
Hospitals nearby
None within 5 miles
No hospital is mapped within 5 miles of the center. Check the drive to the nearest one before you move.
Source: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Drug overdose deaths (county)
5 per 100,000 people a year
22 deaths in the 12 months ending March 2026. VA average: 14.3 per 100,000. U.S.: 19.9. Counts are by where people lived, and recent months may still be updated.
Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics, provisional counts through March 2026; Census population estimates 2024
People without housing (local count)
About 5.7 per 10,000 residents
HUD's one-night count in January 2025 found 252 people without housing in the Loudoun County area: 151 in shelters and 101 outside, down from 303 in 2024. VA: 8.2 per 10,000. U.S.: 21.9. One-night counts miss people, and how areas count differs.
Source: HUD Point-in-Time Count, January 2025 (HUD, 2025 report to Congress); Census population estimates 2024
Median household income
$178,707
Half of households in the county earn more than this, half earn less.
Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey), 2023
Property tax
0.88% of home value a year
About $880 a year for every $100,000 of home value.
Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey), 2023
State income tax
Graduated, up to 5.75%
VA's state income tax. Some cities and counties add their own.
Source: 2026

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