Think Silicon Valley is the only place where nerds thrive? Think again. A new study has just revealed that Virginia—yes, Virginia—is quietly climbing the ranks as one of the geekiest, most tech-savvy, fandom-loving states in the country.
And while it may not have the flash of San Francisco or the cosplay conventions of San Diego, Virginia is proving it’s a powerhouse in all things nerd.
So, What’s in the Study?
The report, conducted by a national data analytics firm, crunched numbers from a range of nerd-friendly categories—think comic book shop density, video game sales, science museum visits, STEM job growth, and interest in sci-fi, fantasy, and anime. It turns out, Virginia scored consistently high across the board.
Surprised? You’re not alone. But for those who live here, this validation is long overdue.
A Nerdy Economy
Part of Virginia’s geek cred comes from its strong presence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. With a booming tech corridor in Northern Virginia (think Reston, Tysons, and Arlington), the state is home to a huge number of data centers, software firms, cybersecurity companies, and government contractors.
Virginia’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. also makes it a hub for highly educated professionals—many of whom are proud nerds working in fields like AI, space exploration, and environmental science.
Combine all that with tech-focused universities like Virginia Tech, George Mason, and the University of Virginia, and you’ve got the ideal nerd ecosystem.
Fandom Runs Deep
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While tech jobs might explain the “brainy” side of Virginia’s nerdiness, the state also has a deeply rooted fandom culture. From packed Comic Cons in Richmond and Virginia Beach to thriving Dungeons & Dragons communities in Charlottesville, geek culture is alive and well.
There’s also a growing number of specialty cafés, board game shops, anime clubs, and cosplay groups across the state. Whether you’re into Marvel, manga, Middle-earth, or Magic: The Gathering, Virginia’s got a place for you.
And let’s not forget the historical nerds—Virginia has a long-standing love for history buffs, Civil War reenactors, and museum-goers. So whether your interests lie in Star Wars or the Revolutionary War, there’s something nerdy here for everyone.
Education + Culture = Geek Paradise
Another reason Virginia is climbing the geek ladder is its focus on education and cultural access. The state is full of public libraries, museums, and science centers that encourage curiosity and lifelong learning. Cities like Alexandria and Norfolk host science festivals, astronomy nights, and maker fairs that draw families, students, and self-declared nerds of all ages.
Even smaller towns are getting in on the action, with local libraries hosting coding camps, 3D printing workshops, and retro gaming nights.
It’s Not Loud—It’s Smart
What makes Virginia unique in this study is that it isn’t loud about its nerdiness. While other states might have bigger conventions or flashier tech campuses, Virginia is quietly building a deeply rooted, multi-dimensional nerd culture. It’s not just about what’s trending—it’s about curiosity, innovation, and community.
In other words, Virginia isn’t trying to win the nerd game with hype. It’s winning it with substance.
Nerds, Rejoice
So if you’re a proud nerd living in Virginia, take a moment to celebrate—you’re in one of the most geek-friendly places in the nation. Whether your passion is tech, comics, science, gaming, or a bit of everything, you’re not alone. You’re part of a quiet, powerful movement that’s redefining what it means to be a nerd in 2025.
And if you’re not in Virginia? Well, maybe it’s time to reconsider your zip code.
