Best AI Data Centers in Virginia (2026)

Northern Virginia — specifically Loudoun County and the Ashburn corridor — is the undisputed capital of the world's data center industry. With over 3 GW of power capacity and more under construction, it's also becoming the premier destination for AI infrastructure. Here's our guide to the best AI-ready facilities in the region.

Why Virginia for AI Data Centers?

• Unmatched connectivity: Home to over 70% of the world's internet traffic, with massive fiber infrastructure
• Power availability: Despite grid constraints, major utility investments are expanding capacity
• Ecosystem density: Cloud on-ramps for AWS, Azure, GCP, and Oracle all within miles
• Talent pool: Proximity to DC metro and major tech employers
• Tax incentives: Virginia offers sales tax exemptions on data center equipment

Top AI-Ready Facilities

Key Considerations for AI Workloads in Virginia

Power Constraints

The Northern Virginia market has faced power delivery challenges as demand outpaces utility infrastructure buildout. Dominion Energy is investing billions in grid upgrades, but lead times for new power can extend 3-5 years. Plan ahead and secure power commitments early.

Cooling Requirements

AI GPU racks can draw 40-100+ kW per rack, far exceeding traditional 5-15 kW density. Look for facilities with liquid cooling, rear-door heat exchangers, or immersion cooling to handle these densities efficiently.

Connectivity

For distributed AI training, you'll want facilities with multiple dark fiber paths, direct cloud on-ramps, and low-latency connections to other data centers in the corridor. Look for carriers like Zayo, Lumen, and Crown Castle.