Sterling

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Sterling, VA

Area Guide

Cozy suburban city just a stone’s throw from Washington, D.C.

Commuter D.C. Suburb Beltway

Located in Northern Virginia's technology corridor, Sterling combines suburban living with convenient access to Washington D.C. The area offers various housing options throughout neighborhoods like Sterling Park, Cascades, and Countryside. One-bedroom apartments rent for $2,025 per month, while two-bedroom units average $2,436.

Claude Moore Park spans 357 acres, featuring an indoor pool, hiking trails, and athletic facilities. History buffs can explore Vestal's Gap Road within the park, a historic route dating to colonial times.

Sterling's proximity to Dulles International Airport has established it as a commercial center. The area is served by multiple public schools, and Northern Virginia Community College maintains a nearby campus. Residents have access to shopping at Dulles Town Center, while Algonkian Regional Park offers riverside recreation along the Potomac.

Sterling has evolved significantly since its dairy farming days of the 1960s, developing into a well-connected suburb that maintains its sense of community. The median household income stands at $113,808, with a population that includes 47.1% Hispanic residents.

Rent Trends

As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Sterling, VA is $1,944 for a studio, $1,924 for one bedroom, $2,384 for two bedrooms, and $3,064 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Sterling has decreased by -3.5% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,924/month
787 Sq Ft
House
$3,631/month
1,967 Sq Ft
Townhome
$3,109/month
1,577 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Sterling, VA

Transportation

39

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

1

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

38

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Algonkian Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

462 Students

Lowes Island Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

513 Students

Horizon Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

487 Students

Dominion High

Public

Grades PK-12

1,505 Students

Countryside Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

636 Students

Seneca Ridge Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

915 Students

Dominion High

Public

Grades PK-12

1,505 Students

River Bend Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

1,160 Students

Sterling Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

1,037 Students

Dominion High

Public

Grades PK-12

1,505 Students

Park View High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,455 Students

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Sterling

Houses for Rent in Sterling

Property Management Companies in Sterling, VA

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.