WASHINGTON — People moving to the D.C. area typically look at the city first and the suburbs second. But if you’re looking for a spot in the area, you might want to consider Virginia.

New Census data indicates that population growth has slowed drastically in the Commonwealth, most notably in Alexandria, Fairfax and Arlington counties, according to a Washington Post report. After years of rapid population growth, the Post says, slowed job gains caused by federal spending cuts are sending potential government employees out of those communities.

In the District, net migration went down last year, the Post reports. And Fairfax County — once a hub for growth — lost 7,500 residents in 2014.