L oudoun County, Virginia is one of those rare places in America with a foundation deeply rooted in community and family. While many of us may engage the world from the comfort of our homes via television or the world wide web, Loudoun County provides almost constant activities to bring its residents together. This is truly a gentile and relaxed lifestyle; a tribute to the area's history and its people.

The area currently has a population of 221,746, whose median age is 32. Loudoun County was ranked number six in the nation for its rate of population growth in the past decade, which nearly doubled. The main employment sectors here are retail, professional/technical services, administrative support, manufacturing, health care and hospitality. Median household income is above the national average, at $71,482. Rents average around $865, while the median home value is approximately $250,000.

Equestrian activities are incredibly popular in this area, and locals are able to attend significant races throughout the year. Many of these have become institutions in the community, drawing thousands together from neighboring counties for a day of family fun. One of these is the Virginia Fall Races, held on the first weekend of every October. This is a fall tradition, where families turn out to sit on a blanket under the shade of a hundred-year old oak to watch competitors ride an aggressive steeplechase.

For an overnight activity, join in the Great Arcola Camp Out. Under the canopy of a starry sky, the entire family can take part in scavenger hunts, astronomy, flashlight games and marshmallow roasts. Or take part in a grand old tradition at the Bluemont Oldtime Country Dance. Honoring the county's rich history, this potluck dinner dance is right out of the pioneer days. First-timers can arrive early to take an informal class on the basic steps.

For more living history, the annual Purcellville Heritage Day actually lasts for an entire weekend. To kick off the festivities, locals meet up at the train station on North 21st Street to listen to several of the town's "elite seniors" discuss the history of the area. Saturday and Sunday are festival days, with a parade, live music, crafts, and a 5k run, all located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. During summertime, the region again pays tribute to storytelling with Loudoun's Annual Unforgettable Gigantic Hilarious Storyfest, also known as L.A.U.G.H.S. Master storytellers gather to spin yarns about personal escapades, wisdom and perform adaptations from American literature.

Loudoun also has some terrific wineries. For a relaxing afternoon, take your pick from ten different producers, each nestled amongst the classic Virginia scenery. These wineries have been honing their craft for twenty-five years and have set a gold standard for the production of Chardonnay, Cabernet, Chambourcin, Norton and Merlot. The wine makers here are gracious hosts, and will invite you to explore their unique wine caves and barns, where their wines are nurtured to maturity. You will want to match some of these premier wines with the local specialty foods offered, while you relax on a hillside with an unparalleled view of the Potomac and Blue Ridge Mountains. Many of the wineries offer unique dinners and events, and have become immensely popular with locals. Tartara, for example, organizes leisurely afternoon rafting floats down the Potomac, followed by a home made country barbecue, live music, and of course wines, at their picnic pavilion.

Finally, it just wouldn't be Virginia without those stunning antebellum mansions. The Governor Westmoreland Davis Mansion is one of the better known attractions in the region. This impressive 1,200 acre Greek Revival mansion draws thousands of guests to its grounds each year. The estate showcases boxwood gardens, an antique carriage collection, and the Museum of Hounds and Hunting. The adjacent Morven Park International Equestrian Center hosts year-round special events. And during the Christmas holidays, guests can tour the stately home and grounds by candlelight, complete with its period-correct decorations and furnishings.

Loudoun County, Virginia encompasses a set of family values that any American would be proud to incorporate into their lives. It is an area that honors its elders, showcasing their knowledge and importance, allowing younger generations to learn from their wisdom. It is antebellum mansions, rolling hills, horse races and sack races. It is simply the best of the old world and the new, and its residents are proud to call it home. If you are thinking of moving to Loudoun County, Virginia, our relocation packet is yours for the asking!