Woodbridge, VA, United States

With a population of 44,668 as of 2020, Woodbridge is a sprawling suburban enclave south of Washington, D.C. that has experienced rapid development in recent decades. While the area offers a variety of amenities like the Potomac Mills shopping mall and Leesylvania State Park, the bureaucratic headaches can be a persistent frustration for residents. Commuters and government workers have flocked here to take advantage of lower housing costs, though the hybrid vehicle HOV lane privilege was revoked in 2006. Overall, Woodbridge provides a more affordable suburban lifestyle within reach of the nation's capital, but the tradeoffs in red tape and limited transit options may not suit everyone.