Moving to Burke Guide | 🎣 What’s It Like Living in Burke VA?
Have you been searching for a peaceful, family-friendly area with easy access to the Nation's Capital? Then you might like living in Burke VA. This unincorporated area in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a haven for growing families and young professionals who work in DC. Burke is known for its strong housing market, excellent schools, and abundance of green space.
It's named after Silas Burke, a farmer and politician who built a house on a hill overlooking Pohick Creek in 1824. In the 1840's, a station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad was constructed in the area and named Burke Station. It soon grew into a prosperous settlement.
Although never officially incorporated, Burke includes two census-designated places: Burke CDP and Burke Centre CDP. Today, Burke, VA, is a good place to live for those seeking a safe community with plenty of amenities. Looking to determine whether this is the right place to live for you? Here is everything you need to know before moving to Burke.
Where Is Burke Virginia?
Burke VA is in Fairfax County, within the Washington DC metro area of Northern Virginia. It's bordered by Burke Lake Park to the southwest, which contains a golf course and woodlands surrounding Burke Lake. The Burke CDP has a total area of 8.7 square miles, of which 1.22% is water — primarily artificial ponds and lakes.
Commuters living in Burke VA will find access to several major highways. VA-620 runs along the northern border of the CDP, while VA-286 (aka the Fairfax County Parkway) runs along the southern border. Public transportation is provided by Virginia Railway Express, which stops at the Burke Center Station.
It's bordered by Burke Centre to the West, Kings Park West to the northeast, Long Branch and Wakefield to the north, Kings Park and Fairfax Station to the northeast, West Springfield to the east, Newington Forest to the south, and South Run to the southwest.
It's about 20 miles or a 40-minute drive from Burke VA to Washington DC.
Burke Population & Demographics
The Burke VA population is 42,312 as of the 2020 census. The number of people living in Burke has fluctuated considerably over the past few decades. Following a period of rapid expansion in the 70's and 80's, the Burke Virginia population flatlined in the 90's before declining by nearly 30% in the 2000s due to rising housing costs and limited new development.
The number of people living in Burke VA has remained relatively stable ever since, although it increased by 3.1% between 2010 and 2020. It maintains a relatively dense suburban atmosphere with a population density of 5,034 people per square mile.
Burke is an affluent area that is very popular among families. In Burke, 27% of residents are under 18, and 37% are in their 30s and 40s. The median household income is $179,063, roughly double the state median.
It's also a relatively diverse area with growing Hispanic and Asian communities. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 54% white, 17% Asian, 16% Hispanic or Latino, 6% Black or African American, and 5% two or more races.
Notable residents who have enjoyed the benefits of living in Burke VA include soccer player and Olympic gold medalist Mia Hamm and singer-songwriter Nikki Hornsby.
Other Burke VA demographics:
- The median age is 40.3 years old
- 51% of people living in Burke VA are men, and 49% are women
- 95.7% of people living in Burke VA have a high school diploma, and 68.3% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 25.3%
Living in Burke VA is safe, which is a major reason it attracts so many growing families. In fact, it's considered one of the safer places to live in the region because crime rates are lower than both the statewide and national average.
Here is a look at how the Burke VA crime rate compares to the rest of the state and country:
- Total crime rate: 772 crimes per 100,000 people, 56% lower than the Virginia rate and 64% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime rate: 218 crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Virginia crime rate, 74% lower than the Virginia crime rate.
- Property crime rate: 678 crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Virginia rate and 61% lower than the national average.
The Fairfax County Police Department handles crime in the community with the assistance of over 1500 officers, making it one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Virginia. The West Springfield District Station specifically is responsible for keeping residents living in Burke VA safe.
Cost of Living in Burke VA
The cost of living in Burke VA is higher than the national average. However, it tends to attract affluent residents and isn't as expensive as some comparable DC suburbs. A great way to assess a community's cost of living is to examine its cost-of-living index.
One way to assess the cost of living in Burke VA an area is to examine the cost-of-living index. It compares the cost of living in the Washington DC area to the rest of the United States, which is represented by 100. According to data from the Economic Research Institute, the cost of living in Burke VA is about 15% higher than the typical US city.
The Economic Policy Institute also has a helpful tool called the Family Budget Calculator. It indicates that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $144,138 to afford the cost of living in Burke VA.
Typical expenses of living in Burke VA:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $17.00
- Regular cappuccino: $5.60
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $5.46
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $14.00
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.40
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $0.83
- Average Burke monthly utility bill: $103.63
Source: Numbeo
*numbers reflect the neighboring city of Fairfax but will be similar for those living in Burke VA
Burke VA real estate is more expensive than the typical US city, but not unreasonable for all the community offers residents. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Burke VA is $660,000. While that's 53% higher than the US median,it's 7.3% lower than the Washington, DC median. The median price per square foot of Burke VA homes for sale is $321.
Although the majority of Burke Virginia real estate is owner-occupied, renters will still find some options. Census data shows that 90% of people living in Burke VA are homeowners, while 10% are tenants. The Burke Centre Conservancy is a local homeowners' association serving residents of the community.
RentCafe suggests that rent in Burke VA starts around $750 for a 1-bedroom and goes up to $4900 for four or more bedrooms.
Burke Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Burke
Burke is full of fantastic neighborhoods, each offering something interesting and unique. Here are a few of the best areas to check out if you plan on moving to Burke.
Burke Centre | An Award-Winning Master Planned Community With an Attentive HOA
Burke Centre is a master planned community and census-designated place within Burke that features an attentive HOA, clusters of residential housing including single-family homes and townhomes, plus upscale amenities like a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Cherry Run | A Highly Respected, Family-Oriented Neighborhood
Cherry Run is a well-established residential neighborhood, popular among families living in Burke VA, featuring top-rated schools, beautiful parks, and well-priced homes.
Burke Station Square | A Residential Community With a Private Swim Club
Burke Station Square is a community of 500+ residences featuring its own member's only swim club, a community park, and easy access to transportation at Rolling Road station.
Burke Weather & Climate
Burke VA weather tends to be fairly mild year-round. It has a humid subtropical climate according to the Köppen climate classification. That means Burke Virginia weather is typically characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
The temperature usually ranges from 26°F to 87°F, though winter can get as cold as 13°F and summer as hot as 95°F. You'll want to plan to visit a friend living in Burke VA any time from June to July, or from August to September.
Those thinking about moving to Burke should prepare for precipitation. It gets about 44 inches of rain and 21 inches of snow every year. So make sure to bring a jacket and an umbrella.
Things to Do in Burke
Although recreational activities in the community itself are somewhat limited, you will find plenty in the surrounding areas. Residents living in Burke VA can find plenty of shopping options at Burke Centre Shopping Center, Burke Village Center, and Burke Town Centre. You'll also find plenty of boutiques and local businesses in Old Town Fairfax. Besides shopping, here are a few of the best things to do in Burke.
Burke Lake Park
Surrounding the lake of the same name, Burke Lake Park is an 888-acre public park offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including a miniature train and carousel, mini-golf and disc golf, fishing, boating, hiking trails, mountain biking, and more. It’s a popular spot for outdoor adventurers living in Burke VA.
7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 (703) 323-6600
Eagle Bank Arena
Located just up the road in Fairfax, VA, Eagle Bank Arena is an indoor sports facility on the George Mason University Campus that hosts concerts, sporting events, and other fun activities.
Eagle Bank Arena, 4500 Patriot Cir, Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 993-3000
Bowl America Burke
Bowl America is a bowling alley chain with a location in Burke that offers recurring leagues, party rentals, arcade games, concessions, and more. It’s great for families living in Burke looking for weekend activities.
5615 Guinea Rd, Burke, VA 22015 (571) 328-7121
Additional Burke Attractions
Looking for more fun things to do in Burke VA? The Burke Lake Park Authority has more info on recurring events and activities open to the public.
Burke Restaurants
Food lovers will be thrilled to hear that there are many delicious restaurants in Burke, Virginia. From Asian cuisine to Italian, here are some of the best restaurants in Burke VA.
Sakura Grill
Sakura Grill is one of the top Burke, VA restaurants if you're in the mood for Japanese cuisine, with elaborate sushi platters, sashimi, Teriyaki dishes, and a selection of beer and wine.
6411 Shiplett Blvd, Burke, VA 22015 (703) 455-6688
Papi's Pollo
Papi's Pollo is a popular Burke Virginia restaurant serving authentic Peruvian dishes, including charbroiled chicken and empanadas.
6030 Burke Commons Rd Suite K, Burke, VA 22015 (571) 404-4188
Rafagino
Rafagino is a neighborhood Italian restaurant serving classic dishes like linguini carbonara and branzino alla lisbona, as well as a full bar and special dessert pairings. It’s great for anyone living in Burke VA planning a date night.
9570 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA 22015 (703) 455-3095
Jobs in Burke
Access to stable employment is another fantastic benefit of living in Burke VA. It's a high-income area with a strong connection to Washington, DC. Most jobs in Burke Virginia are in industries such as military and government, professional and scientific services, and education.
Most people living in Burke VA are employed in management, computer/mathematical operations, and business/finance operations. It's also just a short drive to Washington, DC, for those seeking employment opportunities in politics or related fields.
Major employers in Fairfax County providing jobs in Burke VA:
Payscale estimates the average salary in Fairfax, VA, at $92,000 per year. So those living in Burke VA can anticipate earning that much. From web experience manager to construction foreman, you can find many fantastic Burke jobs available. Fairfax County also offers a wide selection of Burke VA jobs.
Burke Schools
Families living in Burke VA will be pleased to hear that kids will receive an excellent education at top rated schools. It's served by the Fairfax County Public School System. There are four elementary schools in Burke VA; White Oaks, Terra Centre, Fairview, and Cherry Run. However, some students live in Burke elementary schools in nearby communities such as Ravensworth, Kings Park, or Sangster.
Burke is home to Lake Braddock Secondary School, which serves students in grades 7-12. It's a very well-respected school that ranks 18th in Virginia and features a 97% graduation rate and 68% AP Participation rate. While there are no other high schools in Burke VA, students in the community may attend Robinson Secondary School, West Springfield High School, and South County High School.
Nativity Catholic School is also one of the most notable private schools in Burke VA. Residents living in Burke VA also have access to three branches of the Fairfax County Public Library System: Pohick Regional Library, the Burke Centre Library, and Kings Park Library.
Burke Statistics & Information
- Burke County: Fairfax County
- Burke area: 8.7 square miles
- Burke Virginia zip code: 22009 and 22015
- Burke area code: 703 and 571
- Burke elevation: 256 ft
- Burke time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Burke: Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 22 minutes away.
Burke FAQ
What Is the Median Income in Burke?
The median household income in Burke, VA, is $179,063, more than double the median income in the rest of Virginia. The per capita income is $63,528, which is about 30% higher than the rest of the state. So Burke is an affluent area, considered a bedroom community for Washington DC.
Is Living in Burke VA Expensive?
Living in Burke VA is more expensive than the rest of the US, but reasonable for the Washington DC area. The median home value of Burke real estate is $660,000, which is more than 50% higher than the US median but 7% lower than in Washington, DC.
Is Burke VA Diverse?
Yes, Burke is relatively diverse. While most residents living in Burke VA are white, it also has sizable white, Hispanic, and Asian communities as well.
Burke VA Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Burke VA with this map.
Discover What Living in Burke VA Is Really Like
Ready to see for yourself what living in Burke VA is really like? When the time comes to make the transition, you can trust the dependable Burke movers at Express Moving and Storage to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call the best Washington DC moving company at (804) 836-4954 for a free quote.
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