Northern Virginia saw some of the nation's highest growth last year, despite the recession.

• Alexandria added 5,400 residents last year, a 3.8% increase
• Arlington County gained 7,300, a 3.5% increase
• Fairfax County added 18,000 more people, a 1.8% increase
• Loudoun County added 11,000 residents, a 3.8% increase
• Prince William County grew by 13,000 new residents, a 3.6% increase

"There's a high quality of urban life in this area," said William H. Frey, a demographer for the Brookings Institution.

Homeowners benefit from population growth, which grows the economy and promotes a healthy real estate market.

Read more in The Washington Post....