Great falls

Great Falls, VA homes for sale

Source: Realtor (9/27/2023)

Nestled in the heart of northern Fairfax County, Great Falls is a close-knit community in a scenic setting surrounded by nature. The community boasts a prime location with its proximity to Washington, DC, the Dulles Technology Corridor, highly rated public schools, and an array of recreational options.

Great Falls offers an unparalleled quality of life for residents with its perfect combination of natural beauty and accessibility. The community is less than 30 minutes away from the Washington, DC metro area yet maintains a tranquil, idyllic charm with many hiking and horseback riding trails, picturesque parks, and breathtaking views of the Potomac River and the West Virginia mountains.

Are you interested in luxury homes for sale in Great Falls, VA? Here, we’ll shine the spotlight on this sought-after community. We’ll take a look at the lifestyle, the real estate options, the attractions and destinations, and all of the things that make Great Falls an outstanding place to call home.

GREAT FALLS AT A GLANCE

Location

Great Falls sits on the Piedmont upland region, flanked by the Potomac River on its northern and eastern boundaries. Encompassing roughly 25 square miles, the census-designated place is within both the Washington and Baltimore-Washington metropolitan areas, surrounded on all sides by suburbs including Darnestown, Potomac, McLean, Wolf Trap, Reston, and Dranesville.

Great Falls is a quick 20-minute drive away from the Dulles International Airport. Tysons Corner – Virginia’s premier shopping destination – is less than 15 minutes away, offering easy access to a wealth of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

A quick look at Great Falls’ history

• According to the Great Falls Historical Society, evidence of Native American life dating as far back as 9,000 years was found in a section of the Potomac River bordering Great Falls.
• Great Falls is made up of a town (Dranesville) and three villages (Colvin Run, Springvale, and Forestville), all of which were settled during the 1800s.
• The village was originally known as Forestville and was served by the Great Falls Post Office in 1878. Its post office could not use the village name because another Forestville Post Office already existed in a section of Shenandoah County.
• The fire department that was built in the village in 1942 was named Forestville Fire Department as it was located within village boundaries. In 1945, a member of the department proposed renaming it to Great Falls to become consistent with the post office. Although no actions were initiated at the time, the department name was eventually changed to Great Falls in 1955.
• A second Great Falls Post Office was opened in 1959 in the Forestville School House. The new post office served Forestville, Dranesville, Springvale, and Colvin Run, merging all of the communities into a single community which is known today as Great Falls.
• Many dairy farms mushroomed throughout Great Falls after the Civil War. The village was also the site of the terminus of the Great Falls and Old Dominion electric railroad that was used to transport dairy products to Georgetown.

Climate

Great Falls experiences pleasant, mild weather year-round with an average of 196 sunny days a year, providing countless opportunities to spend time outdoors and enjoy a vast array of activities.

The spring and fall seasons bring forth a stunning landscape bursting with color. Verdant pastures and lush meadows punctuated with blooming wildflowers blanket the town in the spring, while the changing colors of the foliage during the fall are always a sight to behold. In the winter, the town transforms into a snowy playground that’s perfect for activities like cross-country skiing, sledding, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow tubing.

The warmest month in Great Falls is July, with average high temperatures of 86°F. January is typically the coldest month, with temperatures hovering in the low 20s.

Education

Great Falls is a fantastic choice for families, with its easy access to top-ranked schools. Schools in Great Falls and in surrounding communities are served by the award-winning Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) system, one of the most highly rated school systems not only in the state but in the entire country.

One of the largest school divisions in the US, FCPS serves a diverse population of more than 181,000 students across 199 schools and centers. FCPS schools are known for nurturing a culture of caring and fostering creative thinking, allowing students to develop into compassionate, lifelong learners.

Some of the best public schools serving Great Falls include:

• Great Falls Elementary School
• Forestville Elementary School
• Colvin Run Elementary School
• Cooper Middle School
• Langley High School

Great Falls offers easy access to several top-quality private schools, as well, such as:

• Mina’s School of Great Falls
• Edlin School
• BASIS Independent McLean
• Green Hedges School

REAL ESTATE OPTIONS AND LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE IN GREAT FALLS, VA

Those relocating to Great Falls will be able to choose from a diverse selection of excellent real estate options that can suit any type of preference or requirement. Great Falls’ real estate market consists almost entirely of single-family homes, along with premium lots for those who are planning to build a custom home from the ground up.

As one of the most affluent communities in Fairfax County, Great Falls is a highly sought-after market for high-end home buyers. There’s an impressive selection of luxury homes for sale in Great Falls, VA that are ideal for any lifestyle, including custom homes equipped with state-of-the-art features, magnificent estates surrounded by lush greenery, and equestrian properties set on multi-acre lots. Homes in Great Falls are available in varying sizes and architectural styles such as Craftsman, Tudor, Georgian Revival, French Manor, Colonial, Ranch, Contemporary, Farmhouse, and Mid-century Modern.

Home buyers seeking their very own slice of paradise in this historic community are spoiled for choice when it comes to location. The luxury homes that often command the highest prices are situated right on the Potomac River and adjacent to the riverside park. Then again, you’re still bound to find many exquisite properties scattered throughout the entire community. You’ll be able to find residences nestled among rolling hills, along serene tree-canopied streets, or tucked away within tranquil forested acres, creating a peaceful, idyllic setting.

Luxury homes for sale in Great Falls, VA offer a perfect balance of privacy, comfort, and livability. Many homes take full advantage of the breathtaking natural surroundings with features such as seamless indoor-outdoor layouts, expansive living spaces with walls of windows, and oversized patios and pavilions overlooking lush, meticulously maintained grounds.

Top neighborhoods in Great Falls

Those looking for luxury homes for sale in Great Falls, VA will be able to choose from an enticing selection of neighborhoods and subdivisions, each with its own charm and exclusive amenities. Some of the top-rated residential communities are:

• Autumn Wood
• Carrwood Estates
• Cornwell Farm
• Eight Oaks
• Falcon Ridge
• Gouldman Acres
• Great Falls Heights
• Putnam Farm Estates
• Seneca
• Springvale Forest Estates

Ready to browse the finest selection of luxury homes for sale in Great Falls, VA? Head to this page to view some of our featured listings.

LIVING IN GREAT FALLS

From breathtaking green spaces to fascinating historical attractions, unforgettable community events to one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences, there’s a lot to love about living in Great Falls.

Here are just some of the many activities, destinations, and events you can enjoy in Great Falls.

Outdoor destinations

Whether you want to unwind with a relaxing hike, plan a picnic with the family, stay active, or just get some fresh air, it’s easy to find a perfect spot in Great Falls.

Among its most-visited natural attractions is Great Falls Park, which features over 15 miles of trails that are ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trails are highlighted by scenic overlooks offering stunning views of the Great Falls of the Potomac as it crashes over jagged rocks to create a series of churning rapids that are perfect for whitewater rafting.

Great Falls Park is also a popular destination for anglers. The most common types of fish you can reel in from the park’s waters include blue catfish, bluegill, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. Take note that all visitors above 16 need to have a fishing license from either Virginia or Maryland and fishing is permitted only on the shore of the Potomac River.

Another top-tier outdoor destination in Great Falls is Riverbend Park, a dazzling expanse covering more than 400 acres of forest, ponds, and meadows. It is the only riverfront park managed by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Riverbend Park offers a myriad of exciting recreational activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. For hikers, there’s a 2.5-mile section that’s part of the Potomac Heritage Trail which leads to national and regional parkland. The park is a launching point for anglers looking forward to fishing in the shady riverbanks and kayakers who want to explore islands throughout the Potomac River.

Retail

The Great Falls Village Centre is the heart of the community and home to a vibrant mix of stores selling great finds from houseware to decor, jewelry shops, art galleries, restaurants, and specialized services. The community center’s proximity to Great Falls Park, Riverbend Park, and the River Bend Golf and Country Club makes it the perfect place to relax, grab a bite, and check out the latest merchandise after spending time outdoors.

Great Falls Village Centre hosts many of the community’s signature events, including the Great Falls Farmers Market where you can shop for a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, handcrafted gift items, and artisanal products.

A quick 15-minute drive from Great Falls takes you to Tysons Corner Center, one of the premier shopping destinations in Virginia. The world-class shopping center features more than two million square feet of space that’s home to over 300 shops, top-rated restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues.

Dining

Don’t let the town’s sleepy, laid-back atmosphere fool you – Great Falls features an eclectic dining scene that’s guaranteed to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re looking for the perfect brunch spot, dining out with the family, celebrating a milestone, or just in the mood for a tasty treat, the restaurants around the area are sure to delight.

Below are several dining destinations for you to check out around Great Falls.

DANTE RISTORANTE
1148 Walker Road

Open since 1989, Dante Ristorante is an Italian fine dining restaurant located in the historic Leigh House, a masterfully renovated late 1880s Victorian mansion surrounded by sweeping views of the countryside.

This award-winning bistro excels in classic Italian fare, treating guests to a delightful variety of soups, salads, pasta, and entrees. They offer several innovative dishes, as well, for diners looking to try something new.

JACQUES BRASSERIE
332 Springvale Road

Opened in November 2011 at the L’Auberge Chez Francois, Jacques’ Brasserie is a casual, bistro-style French restaurant that celebrates the rich culture and unique flavors of the Alsace region. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the favorite dishes of owner and chef Jacques Haeringer, offering an authentic Alsatian-style dining experience complemented by elegant interiors and a scenic patio overlooking a lush garden.

VILLAGE GRILL
9899 Georgetown Pike

Village Grill is an excellent spot if you’re craving flavorful Mediterranean-style cuisine.

Their kabobs are the stars of the show. They offer an extensive selection of kabobs, including chicken, lamb, ground beef, shrimp, salmon, and filet mignon – all marinated in their signature special sauce and served with your choice of rice, salad, or pita. Remember to leave some room for dessert! Their baklava and pistachio saffron ice cream are absolute must-tries and are the perfect conclusion to your dining experience.

MOOKIE’S BBQ
1141 Walker Road

Sink your teeth into delicious, juicy BBQ dishes at Mookie’s BBQ, a family-owned BBQ joint and favorite hangout spot among many locals.

Mookie’s uses a traditional low-and-slow cooking method with just the right balance of seasoning, smoke, and sauce for their BBQ. A full suite of homemade sides like potato salad, onion rings, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and hand-cut fries round out the BBQ options perfectly to create a satisfying feast.

PIO PIO PERUVIAN CUISINE
762 Walker Road

Treat your taste buds to exotic flavors at Pio Pio, one of the top Peruvian restaurants in Northern Virginia. Created from Chef Danny Pain’s passion for traditional Peruvian cuisine, the restaurant delights diners with its vibrant and diverse menu that reflects Peru’s rich history and multicultural influences.

While every dish is definitely worth a try, their signature dish is the delectable mahi mahi avocado ceviche, a surefire palate pleaser made with fresh mahi mahi cured in lime juice and served with corn, onions, cancha, sweet potato, and a mouthwatering combination of avocado and Aji Amarillo.

Events and festivals

Great Falls residents celebrate a lineup of fun family-friendly events every year! Here’s a quick look at some of the local traditions you can look forward to.

• Winter Gathering at the Grange (February) - Join the community for a special evening with hors d’oeuvres, wine, and craft beer at the historic Great Falls Grange, a Craftsman-style public assembly hall that was built by local farmers in 1929.
• Paint Great Falls (May) - Held in spring, the Paint Great Falls is an annual Plein Air competition that invites artists to paint beautiful landscapes and local landmarks throughout Great Falls. Capping off the competition is an awards ceremony, art exhibit, and art sale held at The Arts of Great Falls.
• Sunday Concerts on the Green (May to September) - Grab a blanket and some tasty snacks and then head to the Village Centre Green to witness local musicians perform every Sunday, from May to September.
• 4th of July Hometown Celebration – Great Falls celebrates the 4th of July with a series of fun-filled events. The Little Patriots Parade kicks things off in the morning, followed by a grand parade around the Village Centre. Be sure to stop by the Village Green after the parade for games, activities, and snacks.
• Halloween Spooktacular (October) - Don a spooky costume and go trick or treating with the community at the Village Centre Green and the Great Falls Shopping Center. Other attractions include a Haunted House from the Boy Scout Troop 55 and spooky music performances courtesy of the Langley High School Band.
• Celebration of Lights (December) - Great Falls welcomes the holidays with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Great Falls Village Field. Enjoy freshly baked cookies and a steaming mug of hot cocoa as local school choirs fill the air with classic holiday tunes.

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN GREAT FALLS!

Choose from the finest selection of luxury homes for sale in Great Falls, VA today, together with The Circadian Team – one of the top-selling Realtor teams in Northern Virginia.

With our team’s experience, deep local knowledge, innovative strategies, and unsurpassed client service, you can look forward to a seamless and stress-free home-buying experience from start to finish.

Get in touch with us today by calling 703.898.4771 or sending an email. You can also leave a message here.