Oakton

Homes for Sale in Oakton, VA

Source: Realtor

Oakton, VA is a residential community located at the center of Fairfax County. One of the best places to live in Virginia, you’ll find that the area is beautiful and lush. There are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in Oakton and the area is well known for its fantastic schooling system. This affluent area is highly sought after by home buyers and investors even though real estate is priced at the higher end of the spectrum.

Here we’ll take a closer look at homes for sale in Oakton, VA, and delve into what living in Oakton provides for its residents. We’ll explore what attracts such interest in this area to see if this beautiful community is the right place for you to set up home.

Oakton: An Overview

Location

Oakton is flanked by the city of Fairfax to the south, by Fair Oaks CDP to the west, and by Difficult Run (a 15.9-mile-long tributary stream of the Potomac River) to the northwest. The town of Vienna is to the east, and Washington DC is 18 miles (29 km) away. While Oakton has its own charming attractions, being in such a great central location means that entertainment, shopping, and work opportunities are vastly increased. Buying a home in Oakton is to live in a beautiful suburban area while having easy access to whatever amenities you need or want.

A Brief History of Oakton

Oakton is a historic town that has witnessed momentous events in the history of the US. The area was a crucial battlefield during the American Civil War. It was here where Union and Confederate armies repeatedly fought. Those who fell are immortalized through walking tours, historical markers, and preserved battle sites.

In 1912, The Great Falls Raceway opened near Oakton. This had a notable impact on auto racing in the early 20th century. By the 1950s, however, the track ultimately closed. Nonetheless, vestiges of those glory days of motor racing are still evident in the nearby forests.

A few miles from Oakton is the headquarters of The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Created in 1947, its purpose was then to improve national security and coordinate intelligence-gathering efforts. The rest is history and today, the CIA is renowned for being one of the most effective, prominent, and influential government agencies in the world.

Vienna-Oakton Telephone Exchange
As early as 1904, The Vienna-Oakton Telephone Exchange had already facilitated reliable telephone communication between the two towns. Later, it was bought by C&P Telephone Company, continuing its crucial role in the development of modern communications technology.

The Real Estate Landscape in Oakton

The real estate market in Oakton offers impressive homes for sale. Early developers planned houses on generous lots, with sizes ranging from a-half-acre to five-acre plots. These homes are typically extensive, well-maintained, and often well-appointed. There are larger estates available, though naturally, these come with a price tag to match.

Some of the best neighborhoods in Oakton are also the ones with some of the highest appreciation rates. If you’re looking for a beautiful home in a fantastic neighborhood and also have an eye on how your investment will appreciate, these neighborhoods might catch your eye.

Lakevale Estates/Mosbys Landing

This neighborhood is very popular with families because of its proximity to good schools as well as its closeness to downtown Vienna. A private pool and a lake mean there are ample opportunities for kids and adults to enjoy an active life. There’s a real community feel in Lakevale Estate and housing here is much sought after. Housing options in Lakevale Estates / Mosbys Landing are primarily made up of large (four, five, or more bedroom) to medium-sized (three or four-bedroom) single-family homes and apartment complexes/high-rise apartments.

Fairfax Acres

Here you’ll find some beautiful properties, many of which were built in the mid-20th century. Fairfax Actes is where you can find large homes nestled in spacious lots. Nearby, there are plenty of green spaces and parkland, and the area is known for the tranquility it provides its residents. The suburban real estate of Fairfax Acres is primarily made up of large (four, five or more bedroom) to medium-sized (three or four-bedroom) single-family homes and townhomes.

Money’s Corner

This neighborhood is built close to a small shopping center and is also close to many local professional services. Real estate in Moneys Corner is primarily made up of large (four, five or more bedroom) to medium-sized (three or four bedroom) single-family homes and townhomes.

Flint Hill Manor/Rosehaven Estates

This affluent neighborhood has a mix of relatively recently built homes and some that date back to the 1970s. The urban real estate of Flint Hill Manor/Rosehaven Estates real estate is primarily made up of small (studio to two bedroom) to medium-sized (three or four bedroom) apartment complexes/high-rise apartments and townhomes.

Living in Oakton

In 2023, a prominent site that reviews locations and assesses their livability rated Oakton as #11 of 162 in Best Suburbs to Live in Virginia, #11 of 161 in Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Virginia, and #13 of 279 in Places with the Best Public Schools in Virginia. Simply put Oakton ticks many of the boxes on the list of discerning home hunters.

Quality education in Oakton

Oakton’s public schools are some of the most highly esteemed in the state. In 2024, Niche listed the best public elementary and high schools in Oakton, in the following categories and rankings:

Oakton Elementary School Rankings
Best Public Elementary Schools in Virginia #76 of 1,124
Best Public Elementary School Teachers in Virginia #227 of 1,113
Most Diverse Public Elementary Schools in Virginia #439 of 1,156
Mosaic Elementary School: #16 in Best Public Elementary Schools in Virginia
Oakton Elementary School: #76 in Best Public Elementary Schools in Virginia

Several private schools in Oakton have also been recognized for their excellence, including Flint Hill School, Dominion Christian School, Hunter Mill Montessori School, Northern Virginia Friends School, and Vale Umc-Pre-School. There are many more, a testament to the strength of the schooling system in the area.

Getting around

With easy access to neighboring towns and cities, and the nation’s capital being just a short distance away, many Oakton residents commute to the city for work. Should they opt not to drive, the Fairfax Connector bus can shuttle them to the nearby Vienna Metro station. Oakton is only three miles away from Fairfax City via Chain Bridge Rd. and just five miles from Tysons Corner and its array of shopping and entertainment options.

Do note that within Oakton itself, there are limited public transport options, and living here will likely mean that you have your own private vehicle. This being said Uber and Lyft do operate in the area, so there’s always an option should you find you’re not able to use your vehicle.

How much does it cost to live in Oakton?

As mentioned, this is a beautiful area, and there are some fantastic homes for sale in Oakton. It’s prime real estate and it comes with a cost of living that matches.

In an index where the overall cost of living for the whole of the US was set at 100, Oakton scored 149. This makes it almost 50% more expensive than most other places in the US and also other parts of Virginia which scored 104.2.

However, if we break down the numbers into categories a more nuanced picture emerges. Groceries here will set you back 16% more than on average, a cost that you’ll want to be aware of. Health costs are pretty much on par with the US average coming in at 102.1 and utility costs are actually cheaper, coming in at 95.7.

Where you’ll pay the most is for the most important investment, a home. Set at 309, this number is high, but it has not deterred those who are looking for that perfect home in the perfect location. For residents, the expense is very much worth it.

Oakton’s Culinary Scene

Residents and visitors are spoiled for choice with a vast array of options for every taste or craving, not only in Oakton itself but also in the nearby towns and cities.

Chima Steakhouse

In nearby Tyson's Corner, there’s a high-end steak house where the ambiance is refined and sophisticated and the food excellent. Chima Steakhouse specializes in the finest cuts of beef but there’s also a great grill for chicken lamb and pork. Fish options are just as good. If you want an elevated dining experience, Chima is a great option.

Kob Kun

Kob Kun serves Asian and Thai cuisine. The menu has an assortment of tasty dishes which also has options for vegetarians and vegans, as well as those who are gluten-free. This is a family-owned and run restaurant and the service reflects that dedication to what they love doing. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous and ask about what to try.

Luciano Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

This local favorite is the go-to place, when in the mood for some delicious pizza. The restaurant features classic Italian pies, pasta, fresh calzones, sub sandwiches, paninis, and more.

Luciano Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria has been serving fresh Southern Italian food with real homemade flavor in Northern Virginia since 1973, and in Oakton since 1995.

Oakton Grill & Kabob

Oakton Grill & Kabob is a Middle Eastern restaurant serving a range of Middle Eastern comfort food, from falafel to shawarma. This is not fine dining, but if you’re looking for authentic Middle Eastern flavors, this place is hard to beat.

Shopping

Oakton Shopping Center is Oakton’s main shopping mall that hosts many different chain stores and restaurants. Some of the residents’ favorite establishments include Tropical Café, Food Giant, and Hallmark.

Tyson’s Corner

Only a few minute's drive away from Oakton is Tyson’s Corner, a premier shopping area in Virginia. There are a host of different restaurants, services, an AMC Theatre, and a full range of brand stores including Apple and Nordstrom. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it at Tyson’s Corner.

FRESHFARM Oakton Farmers Market

In operation for over 10 years, FRESHFARM Oakton Farmers Market has been providing residents with fresh produce, with local vendors selling fruits, honey, bread, and baked goods.

Indoor and Outdoor Fun

Oakmont Golf Center
Oakmont Golf Center is popular with locals for its fantastic views and challenging holes. The course includes a large, newly renovated driving range with state-of-the-art lighting and heated tees.

Oakmont Miniature Golf Course
Giving younger golfers a chance to practice their strokes, Oakmont Miniature Golf Course is right next to the larger Oakmont Golf Center. The whole course can be rented for private use and events.

Oakmont Rec Center
Oakmont Rec Center features an exercise facility, sauna, and racquetball courts. It also offers different classes for residents of all ages. It’s a great place for keeping in shape and socializing with others in the community.

Nottoway Park
Nottoway Park is a spacious community park that features sports fields and courts, picnic space, and Hunter House, a historic property. People living in Oakton can enjoy walking along the fitness trail, having picnics, and even enjoying free public music concerts which are sometimes held on the grounds.

Museums

While Oakton is very much a modern neighborhood, the past is cherished and celebrated, and Oakton residents can learn about the history of the area in the museums that are in or close to Oakton.

The National Firearms Museum

The National Firearms Museum promotes the appreciation, understanding, and participation in gun collecting, as well as the preservation of the heritage of firearms through conservation, exhibition, and research.

National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center

The National Air and Space Museum commemorates the nation’s aviation and space heritage. See exhibits that showcase US prowess in the exploration of the skies and space. From the early days of flight to modern military aircraft that seemingly defy physics, there’s so much to wonder at here.

Find Your Home in Oakton with The Circadian Team

Life in Oakton strikes the perfect balance between being vibrant and relaxed. Here you can have it all.

To help navigate the real estate market and see the best homes for sale in Oakton, VA, and the surrounding areas, turn to The Circadian Tea, helmed by Lauryn Eadie. One of the top-selling Realtor teams in Virginia, the entire team’s experience, deep local knowledge, innovative strategies, and unsurpassed client service, will pave the way to a seamless and stress-free home-buying experience.

Get in touch with the elite Realtors from The Circadian Team today by calling 703.898.4771 or sending an email. You can also leave a message here. We’d love to hear from you.