Reston Virginia town center and lakes — modern planned community living

Reston, Virginia

Virginia's original master-planned community — where four lakes, 55 miles of trails, Silver Line Metro, a vibrant Town Center, and the Dulles Tech Corridor come together in one extraordinary package.

Fairfax County, VA $450K – $1.5M+ 4 Lakes · 55 Miles of Trails · Metro
Community Overview

A Planned Community That Got Everything Right

Reston was founded in 1964 as one of the first planned communities in the United States — and more than 60 years later, it remains one of the most successful. The vision was simple and radical for its time: people should be able to live, work, and play in the same community, surrounded by nature. Today, Reston delivers that vision with remarkable fidelity: four man-made lakes (Lake Anne, Lake Thoreau, Lake Audubon, and Lake Newport), 55 miles of paved trails, over 1,300 acres of open space, and a diverse mix of housing integrated into the landscape rather than paved over it.

At the community's heart sits Reston Town Center — a vibrant, walkable downtown with national retailers, chef-driven restaurants, a pavilion that hosts concerts and ice skating, and office towers housing major employers including Google, Microsoft, Leidos, and Volkswagen Group of America. The arrival of the Silver Line Metro (Wiehle-Reston East and Reston Town Center stations) has transformed Reston into one of Northern Virginia's most connected suburbs — 40 minutes to downtown DC without a car.

Reston's location in the Dulles Tech Corridor means thousands of tech, defense, and professional services jobs are within a 10–15 minute drive — or a short walk from home. For professionals who want to minimize their commute without sacrificing green space and community amenities, Reston is in a league of its own.

Reston at a Glance

Location
Fairfax County, VA — Dulles Tech Corridor
Price Range
$450K – $1.5M+
Housing Types
Condos, townhomes, single-family, lakefront estates
Schools
South Lakes HS · Langston Hughes MS · top-ranked pyramid
Commute
~40 min Metro to DC · 10 min to Dulles · Toll Rd access
Best For
Tech professionals, Metro commuters, families, nature lovers
Who It Suits Best

The Ideal Reston Buyer

Tech Professionals

With Google, Microsoft, Oracle, and hundreds of tech companies within minutes, Reston is the Dulles Tech Corridor's residential heart. Walk or bike to work, enjoy lakeside lunch breaks.

Nature & Outdoor Enthusiasts

Four lakes for kayaking and fishing, 55 miles of trails for running and cycling, 1,300+ acres of open space. Reston's access to nature is unparalleled among DC suburbs.

Families Seeking Balance

Strong schools, 15 community pools, endless youth programs, and a community designed for walking and biking. Reston offers a balanced, healthy family lifestyle.

Schools

What Schools Serve Reston?

Reston is part of Fairfax County Public Schools and primarily feeds into the South Lakes High School pyramid — a well-regarded school with a strong International Baccalaureate program and improving performance metrics. Feeder schools include Langston Hughes Middle School and several elementary schools including Terraset, Lake Anne, and Forest Edge.

A portion of Reston north of the Dulles Toll Road is served by the Herndon High School pyramid. Both pyramids offer strong academic programs, and FCPS as a district consistently ranks among the best in the nation. As always, verify specific school assignments through FCPS or by contacting me.

Housing Market

The Reston Real Estate Market

Reston offers one of Fairfax County's most diverse housing markets. The spectrum runs from condos and apartments starting around $300K–$450K near the Metro stations to lakefront single-family homes exceeding $1.5 million. This diversity makes Reston accessible to first-time buyers, move-up families, and downsizers alike — a rarity in Northern Virginia.

Lakefront properties on Lake Anne, Lake Thoreau, Lake Audubon, and Lake Newport are Reston's most coveted homes, offering private docks, water views, and direct trail access. These premium properties command a significant premium and sell quickly when they come to market. Mid-range single-family homes in Reston's clusters typically range from $600K–$900K, while luxury townhomes near Reston Town Center can reach $1M+.

The Reston Association governs community amenities with an annual assessment that covers pool access, trail maintenance, lake management, and open space preservation — one of the best values in Northern Virginia given the breadth of amenities.

Price Range$450K – $1.5M+
$450K$900K$1.5M+
Reston Highlights
4 lakes with boating & fishing
55 miles of paved trails
Reston Town Center dining & retail
Silver Line Metro — 2 stations
15 community pools (RA membership)
Barbara Jennings — Fairfax County REALTOR specializing in Reston VA real estate
Work With a Local Expert

Find Your Reston Home

I'm Barbara Jennings, and I've guided buyers and sellers across Fairfax County for over 20 years with 90+ homes sold. Reston's unique cluster associations, lakefront properties, and RA governance require an agent who knows the nuances — and I do. Whether you want a lakefront estate, a Metro-adjacent condo, or a family home near the trails, my 100-Point Marketing Plan and deep local knowledge give you the edge.

Community Market Snapshot

Fairfax County, VA Real Estate — Current Market Data

Updated July 13, 2026
Active Listings
~1,478
Pending / Under Contract
~1,601
Avg. Days on Market
25 days
Median Sale Price
$813,000
Price Range: Condos and townhomes from the $300Ks–$600Ks; single-family homes from the $600Ks to $2M+; luxury properties in Great Falls, McLean, and Vienna well above $1M

Fairfax County remains one of Northern Virginia's most competitive real estate markets with homes selling in just 25 days on average. The median sale price of $813,000 — up 3.4% year-over-year — reflects the county's proximity to Washington, D.C. and strong employment base, while approximately 1,478 active listings and 1,601 pending sales indicate sustained high demand across all price points.

30-Year Fixed Rate: ~6.49% (Freddie Mac, July 2026)

Area-level data. Median sale price from Redfin (May 2026, $813K, +3.4% YoY); active listings from regional reports (~1,478); pending sales from Redfin (1,601 homes); days on market from Redfin (25 days avg). Fairfax County is part of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) market area.

Want neighborhood-specific insights for Fairfax County, VA?

Contact Barbara Jennings at eXp Realty for the latest market data, comparable sales, and personalized advice on buying or selling in this community.