Reston : Virginia

Reston was one of the first modern planned communities built in the United States.  Started in 1964, the population was 58,000 in the 2010 Census.  Reston is part of the New Town movement where the guiding principles are a dedication to the quality of life. The integration of business, shopping, recreation, and residential is key. The Metro's Silver Line which opened in July 2014, makes this community even more desirable as residents can now get to DC via train, and eventually the line will extend to Dulles International Airport.  For recreation residents enjoy Lake Fairfax Park which features boat rentals from a new marina, and  large outdoor pool complex called "The Water Mine". Photo of the Metro's new Silver Line station in Reston courtesy of Ben Duca.

Reston has a number of interesting residential options including high rise condominiums in its center.  There are many clustered town homes, one of the first examples of this type of housing. See our Virginia Directory under "Find a Community". Zillow reports the median price to be lower at $499,250 in late 2020.

Reston's planning and zoning provides common grounds, parks, wooded areas with streams, wildflower meadows, two golf courses, nearly 20 public swimming pools, bridle paths, a bike path, four lakes, tennis courts, and extensive foot pathways.  It is one of the first modern planned communities in the world, built as a reaction to urban/suburban sprawl and the preeminence of the automobile.

it is somewhat expensive.

People who want to live in a planned community near Washington, D.C.

There are big corporations and government agencies within and nearby Reston.

The average Jan. temperature is about 30, while the average July temp is in the mid 70's.  The town is located west of I 495 near Vienna and Dulles International Airport.

Reston has a center with shopping and restaurants. Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts is nearby. There are frequent concerts and events near Lake Anne and in various parks.  There is community theater and art galleries.