5 Reasons Why Northern Virginia’s Tech Scene is Unmatched
- Leading the Nation in Tech Hiring – This year Virginia had more tech job posting growth than California and New York according to a recent report by Dice.com, making it one of the few states in the nation to experience job growth despite a pandemic. All in all, the Capital Region expects to add more than 130,000 tech jobs in the next five years. Who is leading Virginia’s tech job growth according to the report? Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics and Leidos – all headquartered in Northern Virginia, which brings us to our next point…
- Employers that Support Your Entire Career – One of the reasons Northern Virginia’s tech scene has not just been resilient, but thriving, despite a national economic crisis? A diverse economy. While other tech scenes depend on the success of a few big names or industries, Northern Virginia’s tech scene supports just about every industry. Tech employers here fuel government agencies, major financial institutions, retail and more. That means across your career you can work for one of the 20+ Fortune 500 companies here or one of the hundreds of Inc. 5000 startups taking off.
- A Diverse and Welcoming Community – We are one of the country’s most racially, ethnically and internationally diverse regions. Women are twice as likely and African Americans five times as likely to work in tech in Northern Virginia than in Silicon Valley; and our communities are ranked among the most LGBTQ-friendly nationwide. The region’s population includes 27 percent international residents, representing more than 120 countries. It is no wonder why 15 Northern Virginia-based companies are among Forbes’ “Best Employers for Diversity 2020” in America.
- Your Work Here Makes an Impact – While startups in Boston and San Francisco meet consumer demands, tech companies in Northern Virginia are solving the country’s most pressing needs. Case in point: technology developed in Northern Virginia became the foundation for the Internet and the digital revolution. On a daily basis, Northern Virginia cybersecurity heroes are warding off attacks on national security and tech firms are hacking solutions for the environment, education and more.
- Variety and Amenities That You Can Afford – There’s a reason Northern Virginia’s communities have been ranked among the best in the U.S. for young professionals and millennials. In addition to our booming economy, Northern Virginia offers high-value living that other metros can’t. Cost of living in Northern Virginia is 34 percent lower than Manhattan and 19 percent lower than San Francisco. That means you can reap more square footage (and if you choose to own, save huge on property taxes) whether you choose a new high-rise apartment with luxury amenities or a home with acreage – all just minutes from D.C. and next to natural beauty. Plus, you’ll have access to some of the nation’s best public schools: Fairfax County Public Schools — the nation’s 10th largest school system — consistently ranks among the top districts in the US and includes Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, the number one public high school according to US News & World Report’s ranking. You can read more in The Verge on why Northern Virginia is so livable.
Ready to relocate to continue your tech career in Northern Virginia? View more job opportunities in the area, a cost of living calculator and take our community quiz. You can also secure your free spot at our Cyber and Cloud Virtual Career Fair on January 28 where you’ll get to interview in real time with top tech employers.
This blog was originally written by FCEDA for Women in Technology (WIT) to help promote WIT’s virtual career fair on Nov. 5, 2020. The FCEDA served as the workforce development sponsor of the virtual event.