Herndon Apartments and Rentals

Located about 25 miles west of Washington, D.C., Herndon, Va., is home to a population of nearly 23,300 people. Although it has an obvious small-town vibe, this quiet and family-friendly area is actually the third largest town in Virginia. Part of desirable Fairfax County, Herndon offers its residents a variety of suburban amenities, from public libraries to recreational services. Residents appreciate Herndon's high quality of life, average population density and historic structures.

Herndon's first European settlement came after the creation of a small mill brought industry to the area in the early 1800s. Circa 1850, the railroad came to Herndon, bringing with it a plethora of new opportunities for settlers to enjoy. The Town of Herndon finally incorporated in 1879 and communities formed around the rail and agriculture industries. Herndon residents suffered a blow in 1917 when an uncontrolled fire destroyed a large portion of the downtown area, but residents rebuilt the town and continued to expand their homes and businesses. After World War II, suburbanization brought additional growth to the area. Those searching for Herndon apartments for rent  should keep in mind the city's past, present and future, as locals are proud of their heritage as one of the country's most well-preserved historic towns.

Don't accuse Herndon of offering typical suburban life - this town has some serious cultural clout. Offering more than 100 restaurants in and around its downtown area, Herndon offers a level of entertainment and amenities that is unprecedented in other small towns. Herndon sees a decent amount of tourism throughout the year, which adds variety and charm to its local businesses and downtown dining establishments. Herndon is also the closest town to the National Air and Space Museum's Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Other amenities include an award-winning community center, 11 recreational parks and the Herndon Centennial Golf Course.

Herndon's median age is 32.7 years, making it a fairly young town. Many young families call Herndon home, as almost 72 percent of households are family households and almost 40 percent contain children younger than 19. However, singles and young professionals also enjoy Herndon for its charming downtown and quiet lifestyle: About 21 percent of households are comprised of singles, and 28.3 percent are comprised of roommates and other non-family structures.

Herndon is home to Potomac College, a small, private college. However, numerous larger colleges and universities are located within 20 miles of Herndon in Washington, D.C. George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, Marymount University, Montgomery College, American University and University of the District of Columbia are all located within commutable distance of Herndon.

Herndon is home to numerous businesses and serves as an employment center for surrounding communities. The city's population grows by about 37 percent on workdays; however, only about 16 percent of the workforce lives and works in Herndon. This means that the majority of Herndon residents commute elsewhere, while workers from other communities commute to Herndon for work. Within Fairfax County, the top employers are Fairfax County Public Schools, the Federal Government, Fairfax County Government, Booz-Allen Hamilton, Inova Health System, Science Applications International Corporation and Federal Home Loan Mortgage.

According to City-Data, the cost of living index in Herndon is 133.6, which is 33.6 percent higher than the U.S. average. High living costs are generally associated with the Washington, D.C., metro area. Those searching for Herndon rentals will be happy to note that the town has a healthy rental market: About 40 percent of homes in Herndon are renter-occupied units.

Herndon's charming atmosphere attracts many residents and visitors, allowing the community to host numerous special events. Local favorites include the Herndon Festival, farmers markets, local artist exhibits, National Night Out, golf tournaments, Paint Herndon Day, NatureFest, Spooktacular and numerous races and run/walks. Most events are located in historic downtown Herndon.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Herndon, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.