Reston

Welcome to Reston, VA

A vibrant enclave nestled in Northern Fairfax County, Reston was built to redefine the idea of community not just for today, but for tomorrow — and the day after that. Fusing the best of suburban tranquility and urban access, this lively melting pot is home to top-rated schools, diverse neighborhoods, acres of green space, and a progressive economy that shows no signs of slowing down.

Reston, VA at a Glance

Founded in 1964 by Robert E. Simon Jr., Reston was one of the first planned communities in the entire nation. A real estate developer hailing from New York, Simon set out to create a gathering place where residents could live, work, and play. Decades later, his knack for urban planning shines through in the community’s enduring walkability, top-notch amenities, green spaces, and inviting atmosphere — rightfully making Reston one of the most popular residential destinations in all of Virginia.

Getting Around

Whether you’re headed into DC or staying local, residents can easily navigate Reston via three strategically placed Metro stations (Reston Town Center, Herndon Monroe, & Wiehle Reston East) and through the Fairfax Connector, a large network of buses. Heading out of town? The nearest airport is Dulles International, a mere 10-minute drive away.

Homes for Sale in Reston, VA

Looking for the perfect place to call home in Northern Virginia? From waterfront properties to grand estates and high-rise condominiums, the Reston real estate scene has it all. Single-family homes in Reston are usually found in quieter, more secluded neighborhoods, while condos and apartments are typically lodged in the community’s Downtown area. Common architectural styles range from contemporary to traditional to mid-century modern, suiting every preference and lifestyle.

Here are the notable neighborhoods that comprise Reston, each with its own distinct character.

• Reston Town Center: Representing the ultimate urban lifestyle, Reston Town Center offers a selection of high-rise condominium complexes and luxury apartments — all just a short walk away from the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options around.
• Lake Anne Village Center Historic District: This was the first neighborhood built in Reston, and its proximity to the Lake Anne area makes it one of the most scenic places to call home. Here, residents can expect to find a mix of ranch-style homes, wooden cabins, and condominiums.
• Uplands: One of the most tranquil neighborhoods in Reston, Uplands strikes an approachable, laid-back tone — without compromising on main-road access. Featuring coveted amenities such as basketball and tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a recreation center, Uplands offers both single-family homes and townhomes, many of which exude a cozy, cabin-in-the-woods feel.
• South Reston: Popular among both families and young professionals, South Reston has everything you could want in a neighborhood: beautiful residential properties, recreational areas, and easy access to major roads. And since two of Reston’s lakes are located here, buyers are sure to find incredible homes along or near the water.
• North Reston: Regarded for its architectural diversity and wide selection of property types, North Reston features lakefront homes, contemporary-style houses, and condominiums in equal measure.

The Reston, VA Lifestyle:

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, Reston is a welcoming, family-friendly community that has something for everyone. Thanks to its small-town charm, big-city amenities, and high quality of life, Reston stands out from other communities, attracting transplants from near and far.

Employment Opportunities

Don’t let its proximity to Downtown DC fool you: Reston is an employment hub in its own right. Powered by its technology-driven roots, Reston functions as the headquarters for Leidos, a Fortune 500 IT company, and Verisign, a global provider of various tech services. Google, Oracle, Microsoft, and other big-name tech companies also have ties here. Of course, the tech landscape is only one part of the story — other thriving industries in Reston include hospitality and retail.

Schools

Well-known in the world of quality education, Reston is served by the Fairfax County Public Schools system, regarded for its academic excellence and commitment to empowering students to hone their talents through extracurricular activities. The community has eight elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, which notably include:

• Sunrise Valley Elementary School
• Aldrin Elementary School
• Terraset Elementary School
• Armh3 Elementary School
• Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences
• Langston Hughes Middle School
• South Lakes High School

Reston is also home to several private schools like Edlin School, the Academy of Christian Education, and Reston Montessori School.

Al Fresco Appeal

With its plethora of parks and over 55 miles of walking/biking trails, it’s easy to see why people descend on Reston to explore the outdoors. The natural landscape contains four man-made lakes (Lake Anne, Lake Audubon, Lake Newport, and Lake Thoreau), along with myriad parks and nature centers scattered throughout.

Reston’s crown jewel is Lake Fairfax Park, a 476-acre outdoor space that engages visitors of all ages. Centered around a magnificent 20-acre lake, the park plays host to a variety of nautical-themed activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. Outside the water, visitors can explore miles upon miles of hiking trails or pack a picnic to enjoy.

In the mood for a hike? Adventurers often pick up the storied Washington & Old Dominion Trail at Bike Lane Brewing & Café, where they can fuel up for the journey ahead with coffees, teas, pastries, and cold brews.

Another notable outdoor meeting spot in Reston? Baron Cameron Park, where walking paths, basketball courts, soccer fields, and picnic areas offer endless possibilities.

For anyone looking to perfect their swing, the Reston National Golf Course is the backdrop you need. This 166-acre course, which is certified by the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, has 18 championship holes. From hole to hole, golfers will encounter challenging bunkers and lush greens — giving you every opportunity to find the fairway and take your game to the next level.

Shopping and Dining

In Reston, shoppers have a diverse selection of local retailers, high-end stores, and specialty shops at their fingertips. Even when you can’t decide between luxury fashion items or everyday essentials, we’ve got you covered.

Located at the center of the action, Reston Town Center is the community’s premier shopping destination. More than 50 retailers and 35 restaurants have set up shop in the 460-acre mixed-use development, including Apple, Sephora, and L’Occitane. To break up your day, there’s also a movie theater and outdoor ice skating rink stocked for maximum enjoyment.

Another popular shopping area in Reston is Lake Anne Plaza, where shoppers will discover a curated selection of locally-owned businesses and artisan shops.

And when it comes to dining out, Reston serves up a wide range of cuisines to satisfy any palate — whether you’re craving American fare, authentic Japanese cuisine, mouth-watering Spanish food — or anything in between. Some of the neighborhood’s must-try restaurants? Barcelona Wine Bar for tapas and lively vibes, bartaco for bold flavors, North Italia for handcrafted classics, Makers Union for brunch, and Pisco for a twist on Peruvian fare packed with personality.

When your day calls for a more spirited outlet, Lake Anne Brew House is the go-to spot. Come nightfall, hitting the town is seamless with relative newcomers to the scene such as Tiki Thai, Heirloom, and Sixty Vines that encourage you to sip, savor, and socialize.

Attractions

Between its compelling history and contemporary allure, Reston has no shortage of attractions to explore. Here are the headliners:

• NOVA Wild: Embark on a safari from the comfort of home at NOVA Wild, a 30-acre zoo where visitors can see an amazing variety of animals up close, such as deer, llamas, capybaras, kangaroos, rheas, emus, and hornbills (to name just a few).
• Reston Museum: An ode to Reston’s distinct history and culture, this museum spotlights a wide collection of photographs, artifacts, and exhibits, offering a window into the community’s past.
• Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art: Art and innovation collide at the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, where a rotating lineup of exhibits and immersive installations gives visitors something new and different to uncover each time.

Annual Events

This just in: There are always exciting events on tap in Reston, no matter the season. Here are the annual community happenings that deserve a place on your calendar!

• Reston Multicultural Festival: To celebrate the diversity on which Reston was built, the community holds an annual Multicultural Festival, an event complete with food, music, art, and performances from different cultures around the world.
• Tephra ICA Arts Festival: Formerly known as the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, this highly-anticipated event showcases the incredible works of artists from all over the country. Each year, more than 200 contemporary artists and artisans have their masterpieces on display, from handmade ceramics to 3D artworks.
• Reston Triathlon: No matter if you’re a seasoned triathlete or entirely new to the challenge — it’s time to grab your gear and join in the fun at the Reston Triathlon! This annual event is an Olympic-distance triathlon, consisting of a 1,500-meter swim, a 40k bike ride, and a 10k run.