Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $668K |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $165K |
| Highest Price | $2.4M |
| Total Listings | 177 |
| Avg. Days On Market | 31 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $381 |
Property Types (active listings)
Reston
Why Reston captures hearts and investment dollars
When I first started showing homes in Reston back in the early 2000s, buyers were drawn to its unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban sophistication. Today, with median home prices at $625,000 and the Silver Line Metro connecting directly to DC and Dulles Airport, Reston has become the gold standard for planned communities nationwide. What makes this place special isn't just the 55 miles of trails or the four man-made lakes – it's how Robert Simon's original 1964 vision of an integrated, inclusive community continues to shape daily life here.
I recently helped a tech executive relocate from Seattle to Reston for Microsoft's expanded presence at Two Freedom Square. As we toured the community, he kept remarking how Reston felt like a city within nature – where else can you paddleboard on Lake Anne in the morning, walk to a Fortune 500 headquarters for work, and catch a show at CenterStage that evening? That's the Reston magic that keeps property values climbing 5.7% year-over-year even as other markets cool.
Location and accessibility define Reston's appeal
Sitting just 21 miles west of Washington DC and a mere 5 miles from Dulles International Airport, Reston occupies prime real estate in Fairfax County. The game-changer came in November 2022 when the Reston Town Center Metro station opened, completing the Silver Line Phase 2. Now residents reach downtown DC in 45-60 minutes via Metro while Dulles Airport is just three stops and 10 minutes away.
Over at Reston Station (the Wiehle Metro station){:target="_blank"}, the construction boom is absolutely mind-blowing – massive mixed-use developments are transforming what was once just a Metro stop into a true downtown. Watching these towers rise month by month shows how seriously developers take Reston's future.
The Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) serves as Reston's main artery, with HOV lanes providing faster commutes during rush hour. When showing properties to clients, I always emphasize Reston's multiple commuting options – whether you're driving to Tysons Corner (15-25 minutes), taking the Silver Line to Arlington (25-35 minutes), or working remotely from one of the many co-working spaces sprouting up around the Metro stations. The 30.2% of Reston workers now telecommuting has actually made the community more vibrant during weekdays, with local cafes and restaurants bustling throughout the day.
Neighborhoods showcase architectural diversity and price points
Lake Anne Village Center: Where it all began
Lake Anne holds a special place in my heart – it's where Simon's vision first took physical form in 1965. Designed by James Rossant with Brutalist architecture inspired by the Italian town of Portofino, this waterfront village offers everything from affordable condos starting around $230,000 to lakefront townhomes pushing $999,000. The Saturday farmers market here draws crowds from across Northern Virginia, and the recent addition of a microbrewery has brought new energy to the plaza.
Reston Town Center: Urban living in the suburbs
When clients want that city vibe without DC prices, I show them Reston Town Center. This 20-acre downtown features high-rise condos like The Savoy and Stratford House (popular with empty nesters), along with over 2,500 residential units within walking distance of 50+ shops and restaurants. The new Skymark tower, completing in 2025, will be one of the tallest residential buildings in the Capital Region. With direct Metro access and validated parking that's free after 5 PM, RTC offers true walkable urban living.
South Lakes: Established charm with water views
South Lakes delivers that classic suburban feel with a twist – many homes back to Lake Thoreau or Lake Audubon. Built primarily in the 1980s-90s during Mobil's ownership, this village offers more spacious lots and mature trees. It's home to Walker Nature Center and Reston National Golf Club, making it perfect for families wanting space and nature access.
North Point: Value and convenience
For first-time buyers, I often recommend North Point. This village offers townhomes at lower price points than waterfront areas while maintaining easy access to both Reston Town Center and Lake Anne. The village center provides everyday conveniences, and the community pools here are some of the best-maintained in Reston.
Hunters Woods: The established favorite
One of Reston's original villages from the late 1960s, Hunters Woods attracts long-term residents who've aged in place. The Reston Community Center here hosts CenterStage theater, and the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center offers year-round swimming. Tree-lined streets and a mix of housing styles from townhomes to single-family homes make this a perennial favorite.
Schools rank among Fairfax County's finest
As a parent myself, I know schools drive many real estate decisions. Reston benefits from Fairfax County Public Schools, ranked #6 in Virginia by Niche. Let me break down what matters most:
South Lakes High School serves most of Reston with 2,473 students and an impressive 93% graduation rate. The International Baccalaureate program here sees 53% participation, and their boys basketball team just won back-to-back state championships in 2024 and 2025. For those in northern Reston, Herndon High School offers strong programs despite more diverse demographics.
Langston Hughes Middle School stands out with its magnet programs for gifted students and International Baccalaureate offerings. With a new principal in 2024-2025, the school maintains 75% reading proficiency rates.
Elementary options excel too – Sunrise Valley Elementary ranks #34 statewide, while the unique underground Terraset Elementary recently underwent renovations. For families seeking private options, Ideaventions Academy ranks #8 among Virginia private schools with a 5:1 student-teacher ratio focusing on STEM.
Northern Virginia Community College operates a Reston center, while George Mason University sits just 20 miles away. This educational infrastructure explains why Reston attracts highly educated professionals – and maintains property values.
Economy and job market thrive despite headwinds
While Virginia faces economic challenges in 2025 with projected job losses from federal cuts, Reston's private sector strength provides resilience. Leidos Holdings anchors Reston Town Center with 47,000 global employees and $16.7 billion in revenue. Microsoft's expansion brought 1,500 jobs to their 400,000-square-foot campus at Two Freedom Square. Google maintains 115,000 square feet at Reston Station, part of their $300+ million Virginia investment.
Median household income of $139,515 reflects this concentration of high-paying tech and defense jobs. With Oracle, SAIC, General Dynamics, and dozens of other major employers, Reston sits at the heart of the Dulles Technology Corridor – often called the "Silicon Valley of the East." The 5.43% poverty rate ranks among the lowest in the region.
For entrepreneurs, co-working spaces like Carr Workplaces and Regus offer flexible options starting at $100/month for open workspace. The Fairfax Founders Fund provides up to $50,000 for early-stage startups, making Reston attractive for both established companies and innovators.
Things to do rival any major city
After showing homes all day, I often meet clients at Reston Town Center for dinner – and they're amazed by the options. Sixty Vines brings a wine country experience with their eco-friendly tap program, while new additions like Shake Shack and the upcoming Clarity (expanding from their award-winning Vienna location) keep the dining scene fresh. CraftHouse pours 50 beers on tap, and Open Road Distilling operates a full distillery with tasting room.
The Reston Trail Network connects all five village centers via 55 miles of paved paths – I regularly bike from Lake Anne to RTC for lunch meetings. Four lakes offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing (though no swimming), with rental equipment available seasonally. The Reston National Golf Club, designed by Ed Ault in 1970, provides a championship 18-hole course that's also an Audubon sanctuary.
Cultural offerings rival larger cities. The newly renamed Leila Gordon Theater at Reston Community Center hosts national touring acts – past performers include Mandy Patinkin and Sweet Honey in the Rock. The Reston Community Players, entering their 59th season, stages everything from Fiddler on the Roof to The Producers. Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art brings cutting-edge exhibitions to multiple venues.
Dining scene delivers variety and sophistication
Beyond Reston Town Center's 30+ restaurants, hidden gems dot the community. Lake Anne Coffee House offers waterfront dining with live music, while Kalypso's Sports Tavern at Lake Anne Plaza serves exceptional seafood. Plaza America hosts Whole Foods (moving to a new 43,000-square-foot location in 2025) and the new Wonder Food Hall featuring celebrity chef concepts.
For special occasions, PassionFish and Morton's The Steakhouse in RTC deliver fine dining, while Barcelona Wine Bar brings Spanish tapas culture to Northern Virginia. Fast-casual favorites like sweetgreen, Chipotle, and &pizza handle weeknight dinners. And let me tell you about Founding Farmers – their weekend brunch draws lines, but it's worth the wait for their from-scratch cooking and those famous monkey bread biscuits.
Here's a quirky RTC insider tip: the movie theater popcorn at Bow Tie Cinemas is legitimately some of the best I've ever had. Clients always ask me about the best date night spots, and I tell them to catch a movie there and grab that popcorn – it's become somewhat of a local obsession. The weekend farmers markets at Lake Anne (April-December) showcase local producers and prepared foods.
Speaking of RTC quirks, you'll quickly notice the security presence there is pretty intense – like Vegas-casino level. The guards are everywhere, which keeps things safe but can feel a bit much when you're just trying to grab dinner. My clients from other cities always comment on it, but hey, crime rates are basically zero!
Outdoor recreation defines daily life
The Reston Association's $848 annual assessment (2025) delivers incredible value: access to 15 outdoor pools, 52 tennis courts, and those 55 miles of trails. As someone who's lived across Fairfax County, I can tell you no other community matches this amenity package.
Walker Nature Center's 72 acres provide environmental education with a LEED Gold nature house. Lake Fairfax Park adds 12+ miles of mountain biking trails. The W&OD Trail runs through Reston, connecting to the 45-mile regional network – perfect for long weekend rides.
The four lakes – Anne, Thoreau, Audubon, and Newport – each offer distinct experiences. Lake Anne bustles with activity and events, while Lake Thoreau provides peaceful morning paddle sessions. The no-swimming rule maintains water quality and aesthetics, though the 15 community pools more than compensate during summer.
Shopping balances chains with local character
Reston Town Center anchors retail with an Apple Store, Anthropologie, lululemon, and Sephora, plus local boutiques like Scrawl Books (independent bookstore) and Scout & Molly's. Plaza America offers big-box convenience with Michaels, Total Wine, and the relocating Whole Foods.
For everyday needs, Trader Joe's sits 0.4 miles from Plaza America, while Wegmans serves the broader area. The 7,000+ parking spaces in RTC, with the first hour free and evenings/weekends free, make shopping convenient without urban parking hassles.
Real estate market trends favor patient buyers
Here's what my latest market analysis reveals for 2025: Reston's median home price of $625,000 represents 5.7% year-over-year growth, outpacing Northern Virginia's 3.9% average. Yet the market's shifting in buyers' favor – inventory jumped 58% compared to last year, with homes sitting 33 days on market versus just 11 days in 2024.
This transition from extreme seller's market to balanced conditions creates opportunities. Single-family homes range widely based on location and lot size. Townhomes, Reston's most common housing type, run $650,000-$700,000+ depending on amenities. Condos offer entry points from $230,000 for older units to $1.6 million for luxury waterfront properties.
The Reston Association fee of $848 annually covers extensive amenities – a bargain compared to similar communities. Individual cluster associations add their own fees for snow removal and local maintenance, typically $30-100 monthly.
For investors, Reston's 39% rental housing indicates strong demand. Studio apartments average $1,859/month, while 2-bedrooms command $3,664. The proximity to major employers and Metro access ensures consistent rental demand, though high purchase prices compress returns to 3-4% cash-on-cash.
Pros and cons: An honest assessment
Pros:
- Unmatched amenities through Reston Association membership
- Two Metro stations providing regional connectivity
- Top employers within walking/biking distance
- Architectural diversity from Brutalist to contemporary
- Strong schools and educated population
- Four seasons of programming and community events
- Environmental preservation with 1,350 acres of open space
Cons:
- HOA restrictions can limit property modifications
- Multiple fee structures (RA plus cluster associations)
- Limited nightlife compared to Arlington or DC
- Car dependency in many neighborhoods despite trail network
- Premium pricing versus outer suburbs like Loudoun County
- Parking challenges during major RTC events
- Modest Metro ridership means service frequency limitations
Insider tips from a local expert
After years of helping families navigate Reston, here are my insider secrets:
Hidden gems: The Lake Anne Brew House offers craft beer with lake views away from RTC crowds. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens nearby provides gorgeous photo opportunities. The Sunrise Valley Wetlands trail offers solitude minutes from busy Reston.
Seasonal highlights: October's Reston Oktoberfest draws thousands for authentic German food and beer. The Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta in summer showcases community creativity. December's Jingle on Lake Anne features Santa arriving by boat.
Local knowledge: Validate parking at RTC restaurants for up to 4 hours free. The linkRTC shuttle runs every 15 minutes connecting Metro to offices. Tuesday mornings at Lake Anne Farmers Market offer the best produce selection.
School strategy: Apply early for language immersion programs – the lottery opens January 22. Consider Thomas Jefferson High School for STEM-focused students, though admission is highly competitive.
FAQ: Your Reston questions answered
What's the average commute time from Reston to Washington DC?
Via Metro Silver Line, expect 45-60 minutes to downtown DC. Driving takes 45-75 minutes depending on traffic and destination. Many residents use the HOV lanes on Route 267 during rush hour, or take Fairfax Connector express buses for alternative routes.
How much are HOA fees in Reston?
The Reston Association charges $848 annually (2025), covering pools, tennis courts, trails, and common area maintenance. Individual cluster associations add $30-100 monthly for local services like trash and snow removal. Condo buildings have separate fees ranging from $300-800 monthly depending on amenities.
Is Reston good for families with children?
Absolutely. With Fairfax County Public Schools ranking #6 statewide, 15 community pools, extensive youth sports programs, and nature camps at Walker Nature Center, Reston excels for families. The planned community design creates safe neighborhoods where kids bike to friends' houses and walk to schools.
What's the job market like in Reston?
Despite Virginia's broader economic challenges, Reston thrives with major employers like Leidos, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. The median household income of $139,515 reflects abundant high-paying tech and defense jobs. The Dulles Technology Corridor continues attracting companies despite remote work trends.
Can you live in Reston without a car?
While possible near Metro stations and Reston Town Center, most residents need cars. The 55-mile trail network and linkRTC shuttle help, but grocery shopping and reaching many neighborhoods requires driving. That said, many families manage with one car using Metro and trails for commuting.
What makes Reston different from other Northern Virginia communities?
Reston's planned community design preserves 1,350 acres of open space while integrating housing, employment, and recreation. Unlike sprawling suburbs or dense urban areas like Arlington, Reston balances nature access with urban amenities. The Reston Association's governance ensures consistent community standards and world-class amenities.
How's the dining and nightlife scene?
Reston Town Center offers 30+ restaurants from casual to fine dining, with new additions like Shake Shack and Clarity enhancing options. While nightlife doesn't match Arlington's bar scene, CraftHouse, Barcelona Wine Bar, and Open Road Distilling provide sophisticated evening options. Most nightlife centers on RTC, with limited options elsewhere.
What are the best neighborhoods for first-time buyers?
North Point and Hunters Woods offer more affordable townhomes while maintaining Reston amenities access. Look for older condos near Lake Anne for entry-level prices around $230,000-300,000. The key is buying into the Reston Association to access all community benefits regardless of specific neighborhood.
Is Reston good for retirees?
Very much so. The Savoy and Stratford House condos in RTC attract active retirees, while 45+ senior living communities provide care options. The trails, pools, and cultural programming suit active aging, though the $848 RA fee adds to fixed-income budgets. Many original residents have successfully aged in place here.
How does Reston handle snow removal?
The Reston Association clears 55 miles of pathways and maintains facilities, while individual cluster associations handle neighborhood streets. Fairfax County manages main roads. This multi-layered system generally works well, though coordination occasionally causes delays. Most clusters contract professional services ensuring prompt clearing.
Your next steps in Reston real estate
After analyzing thousands of Northern Virginia properties over my career, I can confidently say Reston offers unmatched value for those seeking community, convenience, and quality of life. Whether you're drawn to lakefront living in Lake Anne, urban energy in Reston Town Center, or established neighborhoods like South Lakes, this planned community delivers on Robert Simon's original vision while evolving for modern needs.
The current market transition creates opportunities for prepared buyers. With inventory up 58% and homes sitting longer, you have negotiating power absent during the pandemic frenzy. Yet with 5.7% appreciation and strong fundamentals from Metro access and major employers, Reston remains a smart long-term investment.
Ready to explore Reston homes for sale? Visit www.realnovarealestate.com for exclusive listings and market insights. Follow our journey helping families find their perfect Northern Virginia home on YouTube at YouTube.com/ChrisColgan and Instagram @ChrisColganTeam. Join thousands of subscribers to our newsletter at www.realnovanetwork.com for weekly market updates and insider tips.
Remember, in real estate as in life, timing matters – but community matters more. Reston offers both, making it Northern Virginia's premier planned community for those who refuse to compromise on their lifestyle. Let's find your perfect Reston home together.
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