Reston

| Attribute | Detail | | --- | --- | | Official Name | Reston | | Common Name | Reston | | Native Name(s) | _Data not readily available for this location._ | | Nicknames | The Planned Community | | Motto | Live, Work, Play | | Geographic Level | Census-Designated Place (CDP) | | Country | United States | | State/Province | Virginia | | Capital | Richmond (State) | | Government Type | Unincorporated (Governed by Fairfax County & Reston Association) | | Date Founded | 1964 | | Time Zone | Eastern Time (EST/EDT) | | Latitude | 38.9687° N | | Longitude | 77.3411° W | | Elevation | ~348 ft (106 m) | | Total Area | 15.7 sq mi (40.6 km²) | | Population | ~63,226 (2020 Census) | | Population Density | ~4,034/sq mi (1,557/km²) | | ZIP/Postal Codes | 20190, 20191, 20194, 20195 | | Area Codes | 703, 571 | | Official Languages | English | | Currency | US Dollar (USD) | | Demonym | Restonian |

Nestled in the rolling, wooded landscape of Northern Virginia, Reston stands as one of the most successful and internationally recognized planned communities of the 20th century. Founded in 1964 by visionary developer Robert E. Simon (whose initials form the first three letters of its name), Reston was deliberately designed to revolutionize the American suburb. Rejecting the endless sprawl of post-World War II development, Simon prioritized nature, walkability, high-density mixed-use spaces, and, crucially, social and economic integration.

Today, Reston is a vibrant, thriving hub that perfectly balances dense, urban-style amenities with an abundance of natural beauty. It is widely celebrated for its network of man-made lakes, miles of tree-canopied trails, and its distinct "village" concept. At its heart lies the Reston Town Center, an acclaimed downtown district that draws visitors from across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for its dining, retail, and seasonal events.

Beyond its residential appeal, Reston serves as a major economic engine within the Dulles Technology Corridor. Home to numerous corporate headquarters, tech giants, and defense contractors, the community honors Simon's original motto: "Live, Work, Play." It remains a testament to thoughtful urban planning, offering a warm, inclusive, and highly engaged community spirit.

Long before Reston was conceived, the land in Northern Virginia was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Doeg and Tauxenent, who hunted and fished along the local waterways. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the area was primarily agricultural, passing through the hands of Lord Fairfax and later functioning as farmland and a distillery. In the 1890s, Dr. Carl Adolph Max Wiehle attempted to build a planned town here, though it ultimately remained a rural outpost known as Sunset Hills, famous for the A. Smith Bowman distillery.

The modern history of Reston began in 1961 when Robert E. Simon purchased 4,000 acres of this land using funds from his family's sale of Carnegie Hall in New York. Simon worked to change Fairfax County zoning laws to allow for a high-density, mixed-use environment. In 1964, Lake Anne Plaza opened as Reston's first village center. Its mid-century modern architecture and European plaza style were highly innovative. More importantly, Simon insisted that Reston be racially integrated from day one, a bold and historic stance in a Virginia that was still grappling with segregation.

Financial struggles led to Gulf Oil taking over the project in late 1967, but development continued largely according to Simon's master plan. The 1970s and 1980s saw the addition of new villages like Hunters Woods, South Lakes, and North Point. In 1990, the Reston Town Center opened, providing a centralized urban core that has been widely studied by urban planners.

In recent years, the arrival of the Washington Metro's Silver Line has spurred a new era of transit-oriented development, transforming Reston's industrial and office corridors into dense, walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods while fiercely protecting the community's historic green spaces.

Located in Fairfax County, Virginia, Reston sits roughly 20 miles west of Washington, D.C., and immediately east of Washington Dulles International Airport. The community is situated in the Piedmont region, characterized by gently rolling terrain, dense deciduous forests, and a network of small streams and creeks.

Water is a central feature of Reston's geography, largely by design. The community contains four major man-made lakes: Lake Anne, Lake Thoreau, Lake Audubon, and Lake Newport. These water bodies not only provide aesthetic beauty and recreational opportunities but also serve as vital storm-water management systems.

The overarching geographical ethos of Reston is the preservation of nature. Large swaths of land were set aside during development to remain as undisturbed woodland, ensuring that residents are never far from nature. The community is bordered by the Difficult Run stream valley to the east and the Sugarland Run valley to the west.

Reston's topography features the classic rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont. Elevations range from approximately 200 feet in the stream valleys to nearly 400 feet on the higher ridges. The landscape is deeply carved by small tributaries feeding into the Potomac River watershed.

The town's design works harmoniously with this topography. Rather than flattening the land, original architects built earth-bermed structures (most notably Terraset Elementary School, which is built into a hillside) and terraced townhomes that step down toward the lakes. The valleys are generally preserved as wooded parkland and natural drainage areas, while the ridges host the community's arterial roads and commercial centers.

Reston experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification *Cfa*), typical of the Mid-Atlantic United States. This brings four distinct seasons, each offering a different way to enjoy the community's extensive outdoor amenities.

Summers are generally hot and humid, with July highs averaging around 87°F (30°C). Thunderstorms are common in the late afternoons. Winters are cool to moderately cold. January lows average around 29°F (-1°C). Snowfall is variable; some winters see significant snowstorms (Nor'easters), while others experience mostly rain or light flurries. Spring and Autumn are widely considered the best times to visit. Spring brings a spectacular bloom of cherry blossoms, dogwoods, and azaleas, while autumn offers crisp air and vibrant, fiery foliage across the community's dense tree canopy.

Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging about 43 inches annually.

As of the 2020 United States Census, Reston boasts a population of approximately 63,226 residents. The community has experienced steady growth, particularly with recent high-density residential construction near the Silver Line Metro stations.

Reston is renowned for its highly educated populace, with a significant majority of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, driven by the local technology and government contracting sectors. The median household income is quite high, routinely exceeding $125,000, reflecting the professional nature of the local workforce.

Demographically, Reston is diverse and international, a legacy of Robert E. Simon's founding principles of inclusion. The population is approximately 60% White, 15% Asian, 10% Black or African American, and 10% Hispanic or Latino. A wide variety of languages are spoken at home, and the community supports a rich tapestry of cultural and religious institutions.

Because Reston is not an incorporated city or town, it does not have a mayor or a traditional city council. Instead, local governance operates on two distinct tracks.

Civically, Reston is governed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. It falls primarily within the Hunter Mill District. The county provides essential municipal services, including police, fire, public schools, and road maintenance.

At the community level, the Reston Association (RA) plays a massive role. The RA is one of the largest homeowners' associations in the United States. It is responsible for maintaining the community's extensive network of 55+ miles of trails, 15 community pools, 50+ tennis and pickleball courts, and numerous lakes and parks. The RA also enforces architectural design covenants to maintain the community's aesthetic standards. A Board of Directors, elected by the residents, oversees the organization.

Reston is a major economic powerhouse within Northern Virginia. It is a cornerstone of the Dulles Technology Corridor, frequently referred to as the "Silicon Valley of the East."

The local economy is deeply intertwined with the federal government, defense, and the global technology sector. Reston provides a highly favorable business climate with proximity to the nation's capital and a major international airport. The cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, driven primarily by housing costs, but this is offset by high median incomes.

In recent years, the expansion of the Reston Town Center and the addition of mixed-use developments around the Metro stations (such as Reston Station) have further bolstered the economy, creating a vibrant ecosystem of corporate offices, high-end retail, and luxury residential spaces.

* Technology & Cloud Computing: A massive sector in Reston, home to major hubs for Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft. * Defense & Aerospace: Numerous top-tier government contractors maintain headquarters or large presences here, including Leidos, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman. * Professional Services & Consulting: A heavy concentration of management consulting, accounting, and legal firms serving the tech and government sectors. * Telecommunications: Historically the headquarters for Sprint/Nextel, the area remains a critical node for internet backbone and telecommunications infrastructure. * Retail & Hospitality: The Reston Town Center and surrounding village centers support a robust retail, dining, and hotel industry, catering to both residents and business travelers.

While historically rooted in agriculture and distilling (most notably the A. Smith Bowman farm and distillery prior to the 1960s), modern Reston has no commercial agriculture.

However, the community spirit of agriculture lives on through community gardening. The Reston Association manages several community garden plots where residents grow their own vegetables and flowers. Additionally, the Lake Anne Village Center hosts a highly popular seasonal Farmers Market, allowing local regional farmers to sell fresh, organic produce, baked goods, and artisanal foods directly to the community.

Reston's housing market is diverse, reflecting the founder's original goal to provide housing for all ages and income levels, though modern market forces have made affordability a challenge.

The community features a unique blend of architectural styles. You will find mid-century modern townhomes clustering around Lake Anne, contemporary single-family detached homes nestled deep in the woods of Hunters Woods and North Point, and ultra-modern luxury high-rise condominiums in the Reston Town Center.

Average home prices generally range from $500,000 for smaller townhomes and condos to well over $1 million for larger detached homes or premium lakefront properties. Renting is also highly popular, with numerous apartment complexes ranging from garden-style units to luxury transit-oriented high-rises. Fairfax County and local non-profits continue to work on initiatives to maintain and expand affordable workforce housing within the community.

Reston is uniquely organized into "Villages," each with its own commercial center designed to be walkable for nearby residents:

* Lake Anne: The historic heart of Reston. Known for its iconic mid-century modern architecture, European-style plaza, and vibrant local businesses right on the water. * Hunters Woods: A heavily wooded, mature village featuring the Reston Community Center, an indoor pool, and a large local shopping plaza. * South Lakes: Centered around Lake Thoreau and Lake Audubon, offering beautiful water views, a bustling village center, and easy access to the Silver Line. * Tall Oaks: The smallest village, currently undergoing redevelopment to transition into a more residential-focused, mixed-use space. * North Point: The newest of the traditional villages, located in the northernmost part of Reston, featuring larger homes and a highly active retail center. * Reston Town Center: The urban downtown of the community. High-density, highly walkable, and packed with offices, high-end apartments, shops, and restaurants.

Reston boasts exceptional transportation infrastructure, integrating automotive, transit, and pedestrian networks.

* Roads: The community is bisected by the Dulles Toll Road (VA-267), providing rapid access to D.C. and Dulles Airport. The Fairfax County Parkway and Reston Parkway serve as major local arteries. * Public Transit: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Silver Line serves the community with multiple stops, including Wiehle-Reston East and Reston Town Center. The Fairfax Connector provides extensive local bus service. * Air Travel: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is immediately adjacent to Reston's western border. * Bicycle & Pedestrian: Reston is a walker's paradise. The community contains over 55 miles of paved and unpaved pathways connecting neighborhoods to village centers, deliberately routed under and over major roads to prioritize pedestrian safety. The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail, a 45-mile paved regional park, runs directly through the center of Reston.

Reston benefits from high-quality, modern infrastructure befitting a major tech hub.

* Electricity: Power is provided by Dominion Energy, with extensive underground utility lines to preserve the community's aesthetic and tree canopy. * Water & Sewer: Managed by Fairfax Water and Fairfax County Wastewater Management, drawing high-quality municipal water from the Potomac River. * Telecommunications: Reston is heavily wired. Residents and businesses enjoy access to multiple gigabit-speed fiber and broadband providers, including Verizon Fios and Xfinity, along with comprehensive 5G cellular coverage. * Green Infrastructure: The community's lakes double as advanced storm-water management systems, reflecting early, pioneering environmental engineering.

Education is highly valued in Reston, which is served by the acclaimed Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) system, alongside excellent private and higher education options.

* High Schools: South Lakes High School serves the entirety of Reston and is noted for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program. * Middle Schools: Langston Hughes Middle School is the primary middle school for the community. * Elementary Schools: Reston is home to numerous elementary schools, including Aldrin, Sunrise Valley, Lake Anne, and Hunters Woods (a county-wide magnet school for the arts and sciences). Terraset Elementary is internationally famous for its earth-bermed, energy-saving architectural design. * Higher Education: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) maintains a presence in the area, and several major universities have satellite campuses in the nearby Dulles corridor. * Libraries: The Reston Regional Library, part of the Fairfax County Public Library system, is a vibrant community hub offering extensive educational resources, children's programs, and public meeting spaces.

Reston is well-equipped with comprehensive medical facilities. The primary facility is Reston Hospital Center (operated by HCA Virginia), a 237-bed acute care hospital featuring a Level II Trauma Center, a dedicated women's and children's pavilion, and advanced cardiac care. The community is also served by the Kaiser Permanente Reston Medical Center and multiple urgent care clinics, such as Patient First. A variety of specialized private practices, dental clinics, and mental health counseling services operate throughout the local village centers and commercial districts.

Emergency services in Reston are managed by Fairfax County.

* Police: The Fairfax County Police Department operates the Reston District Station, which serves the community and surrounding areas. * Fire and Rescue: The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services, primarily out of Station 25 (Reston) and Station 36 (Frying Pan). * Emergency Number: For all police, fire, and medical emergencies, dial 911.

Situated at the heart of Northern Virginia's Dulles Technology Corridor, Reston is a major hub for the technology, defense, and consulting sectors. The focal point of local commerce is the Reston Town Center, a vibrant mixed-use development featuring high-rise office buildings, retail storefronts, and restaurants. The community is heavily driven by the tech and aerospace industries, supported by a dense ecosystem of small local businesses, startups, and co-working spaces. Reston's original "village centers" (such as Lake Anne, Hunters Woods, and South Lakes) also provide localized commercial hubs that serve neighborhood residents.

Reston offers a cosmopolitan culinary landscape. Reston Town Center serves as a premier dining destination, featuring upscale establishments like PassionFish and Barcelona Wine Bar, alongside popular bistros and cafes.

For a more historic and community-focused experience, Lake Anne Plaza offers local favorites such as the Lake Anne Coffee House & Wine Bar and Kalypso's Sports Tavern, where diners can eat overlooking the water. The community strongly supports local food networks; the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne is a weekend staple from spring to autumn, providing fresh regional produce, artisanal baked goods, and street food.

Tourism in Reston uniquely blends modern retail experiences with mid-century urban planning history. Key attractions include:

* Lake Anne Plaza: The historic heart of Reston, known for its distinctive Brutalist architecture and European-inspired pedestrian plaza. * Reston Historic Trust & Museum: Located at Lake Anne, this museum documents the founding and evolution of the community. * Reston Town Center: A major regional draw for shopping, dining, and community gathering, featuring seasonal outdoor ice skating in the pavilion. * Public Art: Visitors often take walking tours to see the extensive network of public art installations woven into the community's pathways and underpasses.

Reston was intentionally designed with recreation at its core. The Reston Association manages an impressive array of amenities for residents, including over 1,300 acres of open space, 15 swimming pools, and more than 50 tennis and pickleball courts.

The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail, a regional paved multi-use path, bisects the community and is heavily used for cycling, jogging, and walking. Golfers frequent the Reston National Golf Course, while SkateQuest provides a popular twin-rink indoor ice skating and hockey facility.

Nature is seamlessly integrated into Reston's residential areas.

* Vernon J. Walker Nature Education Center: The environmental heart of Reston, featuring 72 acres of wooded trails, streams, and a LEED Gold-certified nature house. * Lake Fairfax Park: Operated by Fairfax County, this 476-acre park offers hiking trails, athletic fields, a carousel, campgrounds, and the popular Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole. * Baron Cameron Park: A large community park known for its extensive athletic fields and a highly frequented off-leash dog park.

Reston is famous for its four picturesque man-made lakes, which were created to serve as scenic focal points and manage stormwater: * Lake Anne * Lake Thoreau * Lake Audubon * Lake Newport

These lakes offer residents opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and catch-and-release fishing (though swimming is prohibited). The local watershed also includes numerous connecting streams, such as Snakeden Branch and Colvin Run, which flow through the community's wooded parklands.

A vibrant cultural scene is anchored by the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (formerly the Greater Reston Arts Center), which curates innovative exhibitions. The Reston Community Center (RCC) operates CenterStage, a theater that hosts music, dance, and theatrical performances throughout the year. Reston's founder, Robert E. Simon, mandated that art be integrated into daily life, a philosophy reflected in the numerous public sculptures, murals, and architectural details found throughout the plazas and greenways.

Reflecting its diverse and inclusive population, Reston is home to a wide variety of faith communities. Notable institutions include the Washington Plaza Baptist Church, St. Thomas à Becket Catholic Church, Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, and the Heritage Fellowship Church. The nearby ADAMS Center serves the region's large Muslim population. True to the community's founding vision, local religious institutions frequently collaborate on interfaith dialogues and community service initiatives.

While Reston does not host professional sports franchises, youth and amateur athletics are deeply ingrained in the local culture. The Reston Soccer Association and Reston Swim Team Association (RSTA) are large, community-driven organizations. The community features numerous baseball diamonds, soccer pitches, and basketball courts. For professional sports, residents look toward nearby Washington, D.C. (Commanders, Nationals, Capitals, Wizards) or regional college athletic programs.

The local calendar is filled with events that foster community spirit and regional tourism:

* Tephra ICA Arts Festival: (Formerly the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival) A major regional event held at the Reston Town Center, drawing artists and patrons from across the country. * Reston Concerts on the Town: A popular summer series offering free live music at the Reston Town Center pavilion. * Reston Multicultural Festival: An annual celebration of the area's diverse heritage, featuring music, dance, and food. * Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta: A quirky, beloved summer tradition where locals race homemade cardboard boats across Lake Anne.

Local news is primarily covered by digital outlets such as Reston Now (part of the FFXnow network) and regional publications like The Connection newspapers. As part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Reston is also heavily covered by the *Washington Post* and is served by all major D.C. broadcast television and radio stations.

* Robert E. Simon — Real estate developer and the visionary founder of Reston, whose initials (RES) form the name of the community. * Christian Siriano — Renowned fashion designer and winner of *Project Runway*, who grew up in Reston. * Grant Hill — Hall of Fame NBA player who attended South Lakes High School. * Maame Biney — Olympic short-track speed skater who was raised in Reston. * Alan Webb — American record holder in the mile run, also a graduate of South Lakes High School.

Reston is a corporate powerhouse, serving as the global or regional headquarters for major corporations in defense, technology, and civil engineering. Notable companies headquartered here include Leidos, General Dynamics, Bechtel, Carahsoft, Comscore, NVR, and Maximus. Furthermore, the area hosts massive regional campuses for technology giants such as Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft, cementing its status as a critical node in the global internet infrastructure.

_Data not readily available for this location._ (As a census-designated place rather than an incorporated city, Reston does not independently maintain official Sister City relationships, though it shares in the international partnerships maintained by Fairfax County.)

Local Organizations

Reston boasts a highly engaged community with numerous organizations supporting civic life, commerce, and those in need.

* Reston Association (RA): One of the largest community associations in the United States, responsible for maintaining Reston's extensive network of trails, pools, tennis courts, and open spaces. * Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce: A prominent business organization fostering economic growth and networking in the Dulles Technology Corridor. * Cornerstones: A well-respected local nonprofit organization that promotes self-sufficiency by providing support and advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, and childcare. * Reston Community Center (RCC): Funded by a special tax district, RCC offers positive, educational, and entertaining programs, and operates facilities including a theater (CenterStage) and an aquatics center. * Reston Historic Trust & Museum: Located at Lake Anne Plaza, this organization preserves and shares the unique history of Reston as a pioneering planned community. * Rotary Club of Reston & Reston Lions Club: Active local chapters of international service organizations that fundraise for local charities and provide volunteer services.

Education Statistics

Reston is served by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), one of the largest and most highly regarded school systems in the United States.

* High School Graduation Rate: Fairfax County boasts a graduation rate exceeding 94%, with Reston's South Lakes High School performing consistently well in state and national metrics. * Higher Education: While data for the Reston CDP specifically is bundled with Fairfax County, the community is highly educated. Over 65% of adult residents hold a Bachelor's degree or higher, and a significant portion holds graduate or professional degrees. * Literacy Rate: As part of Fairfax County, the functional adult literacy rate is near 99%. * Local Institutions: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) operates a nearby campus in Reston, and several major universities (like George Mason University and Virginia Tech) have satellite facilities or research centers in the broader Dulles technology corridor.

Public Utilities

As an unincorporated area within Fairfax County, Reston's utilities are managed by large regional providers and the county government.

* Electricity: Provided predominantly by Dominion Energy, which services Northern Virginia. * Water and Sewer: Managed by Fairfax Water, which draws and treats water from the Potomac River and the Occoquan Reservoir. Wastewater services are managed by Fairfax County. * Natural Gas: Provided by Washington Gas. * Waste Management & Recycling: Trash collection is handled either by Fairfax County Solid Waste Management or through private companies contracted by local subdivisions and the Reston Association (such as Republic Services or Bates Trucking). * Internet & Telecommunications: Highly connected, with services provided by Verizon (Fios), Comcast (Xfinity), and Cox Communications. Reston is a major hub for global internet traffic.

Safety

Reston is generally considered a very safe community with crime rates lower than both the national and state averages.

* Law Enforcement: Reston is patrolled by the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). The Reston District Station is located locally on Cameron Glen Drive. * Fire and Rescue: Services are provided by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. * Emergency Number: 911 (for police, fire, and medical emergencies). * Non-Emergency Police: (703) 691-2131. * Safety Tips for Visitors: * Reston's 55 miles of pathways are beautiful but can be poorly lit at night; if walking or cycling after dark, bring a flashlight and wear reflective clothing. * Be mindful of wildlife (deer, foxes) when driving near wooded areas, particularly at dawn and dusk. * Lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables in plain sight, as crimes of opportunity (like theft from autos) do occasionally occur.

Environment

Environmental stewardship was one of founder Robert E. Simon's core principles for Reston, and it remains a defining feature of the community today.

* Green Space: The Reston Association manages over 1,350 acres of open space, including four man-made lakes (Anne, Thoreau, Audubon, and Newport), ponds, and streams. * Tree Canopy: Reston is heavily wooded, boasting a tree canopy coverage that is diligently protected by local zoning and community guidelines. * Air and Water Quality: Air quality generally mirrors the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area (mostly good, with occasional summer ozone alerts). Water quality in the local lakes is actively monitored and managed by the Reston Association for recreational safety and ecological health. * The Walker Nature Center: Serves as the hub for environmental education in Reston, featuring a LEED Gold-certified nature house and miles of interpretive trails. * Sustainability: The community actively promotes recycling, composting, and native plant landscaping. Reston has numerous EV charging stations, particularly in the Reston Town Center and near Metro stations.

Future Development

Reston is undergoing a massive transformation, primarily driven by the arrival of the Washington Metro's Silver Line.

* Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): High-density, mixed-use developments are aggressively expanding around the Wiehle-Reston East, Reston Town Center, and Herndon Metro stations. * Halley Rise: A massive $1.4 billion mixed-use neighborhood development near the Reston Town Center Metro station, integrating office space, residential units, retail, and public parks. * Reston Comprehensive Plan: Fairfax County continually updates its Master Plan for Reston, balancing the intense growth in the Dulles Toll Road corridor with the preservation of the suburban "village centers" and natural spaces originally envisioned in the 1960s. * Infrastructure: Ongoing improvements include expansions to the local street grid, new pedestrian and bicycle bridges crossing the Dulles Toll Road, and continued upgrades to the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail.

Demographics

Reston is a diverse and affluent community within Fairfax County.

| Demographic Category | Approximate Percentage/Value | | :--- | :--- | | Population | ~61,000 | | Median Age | 39 years | | White (Non-Hispanic) | 59% | | Asian | 15% | | Hispanic or Latino | 12% | | Black or African American | 9% | | Two or More Races | 5% | | Median Household Income| ~$125,000+ |

_Note: Data is approximate based on recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates for the Reston Census-Designated Place (CDP)._

Interesting Facts

1. Reston was founded in April 1964 by Robert E. Simon Jr.
2. The name "Reston" is derived from the founder's initials (R.E.S.) combined with "ton" (meaning town).
3. It was the first modern, post-war planned community in the United States, sparking a national movement in urban planning.
4. Reston was designed with a "Live, Work, Play" philosophy long before the phrase became a real estate industry standard.
5. Lake Anne Plaza was the very first village center built in Reston and its architecture was inspired by the coastal towns of Italy.
6. Reston is not an incorporated city or town; it is a Census-Designated Place (CDP) governed by Fairfax County.
7. There are five distinct "Village Centers" in Reston: Lake Anne, Hunters Woods, Tall Oaks, South Lakes, and North Point.
8. The Reston Association is one of the largest homeowner associations in the United States.
9. Reston is home to four man-made lakes: Lake Anne, Lake Thoreau, Lake Audubon, and Lake Newport.
10. The community boasts 55 miles of paved and natural surface pathways, designed so residents could walk to village centers without crossing major roads.
11. The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail, a 45-mile paved park on an abandoned rail bed, runs straight through the heart of Reston.
12. Reston is a major hub of the Dulles Technology Corridor, sometimes referred to as the "Silicon Valley of the East."
13. Major corporations headquartered in Reston include General Dynamics, Leidos, Verisign, and Carahsoft.
14. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has its national headquarters located in Reston.
15. Reston Town Center, opened in 1990, was a pioneering project in creating a dense, walkable, suburban downtown from scratch.
16. The community is deeply connected to transit, featuring two dedicated stops on the Washington Metro's Silver Line.
17. Former NBA superstar Grant Hill is a notable alumnus of Reston's South Lakes High School.
18. The community has a Bronze-level designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.
19. In 2018, Money Magazine ranked Reston as the #1 Best Place to Live in Virginia.
20. Founder Robert E. Simon lived in Reston until his death in 2015 at the age of 101.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Reston a city? A: No, Reston is an unincorporated Census-Designated Place (CDP) located within Fairfax County.

Q: Who founded Reston? A: Robert E. Simon Jr. founded Reston in 1964.

Q: What county is Reston located in? A: Fairfax County, Virginia.

Q: How far is Reston from Washington, D.C.? A: Reston is approximately 20 miles west of downtown Washington, D.C.

Q: Does Reston have a Metro station? A: Yes, Reston is served by the Silver Line, with stations at Wiehle-Reston East and Reston Town Center.

Q: How close is the nearest major airport? A: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located just minutes west of Reston.

Q: What is the Reston Association? A: It is a massive community association that maintains the open spaces, lakes, pools, tennis courts, and pathways for the majority of Reston's residential properties.

Q: Are the lakes in Reston open to the public? A: Generally, the lakes are private and for the use of Reston Association members and their guests, though Lake Anne Plaza offers public waterfront access, dining, and boat rentals.

Q: Can I swim in the lakes? A: No, swimming is prohibited in all Reston lakes, but boating (non-motorized) and fishing are allowed for RA members.

Q: What are the five village centers? A: Lake Anne, Hunters Woods, South Lakes, North Point, and Tall Oaks.

Q: What is Reston Town Center? A: A high-density, mixed-use commercial and residential district featuring high-end retail, dining, office buildings, and a seasonal ice skating pavilion.

Q: What school district serves Reston? A: Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Q: Is Reston safe? A: Yes, Reston enjoys a low crime rate and is considered a very safe place to live and visit.

Q: What is the local hospital? A: Reston Hospital Center, an HCA Virginia facility, is the primary hospital in the community.

Q: What is the W&OD Trail? A: The Washington & Old Dominion Trail is a 45-mile paved multi-use trail built on an old rail bed that runs through Northern Virginia, including Reston.

Q: Who provides electricity in Reston? A: Dominion Energy.

Q: Is Reston a good place for tech jobs? A: Absolutely. It is centrally located in the Dulles Technology Corridor and is home to numerous defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and IT headquarters.

Q: What is the Walker Nature Center? A: It is a community nature center offering environmental education, guided nature walks, and 72 acres of protected woodland.

Q: Are there community pools? A: Yes, the Reston Association operates 15 community pools for its members during the summer season.

Q: What is the community's founding motto? A: While not an official motto, Robert E. Simon's guiding philosophy was that Reston should be a place where people can "Live, Work, Play, and Get Involved."

Image Search Suggestions

* Reston Town Center pavilion * Lake Anne Plaza Reston * Washington and Old Dominion Trail Reston * Reston aerial view * Walker Nature Center Fairfax * Lake Thoreau Reston sunset * Reston Metro Silver Line station * Reston historic buildings * South Lakes Village Center * Reston fall foliage landscape

Video Search Suggestions

* Reston Virginia walking tour * Reston Town Center holiday parade * Drone footage of Reston lakes * Robert E. Simon Reston documentary * Dulles Technology Corridor Reston overview * Washington & Old Dominion Trail cycling tour * Lake Anne Plaza summer festival * Living in Reston VA real estate guide * Reston Metro Silver Line ride * Walker Nature Center Reston

Map Search Suggestions

* Reston VA political map * Reston Association pathways map * Washington & Old Dominion Trail Reston map * Reston Town Center directory map * WMATA Silver Line Metro map * Fairfax County Reston zoning map

Social Pulse Community

Welcome to the Reston digital community! Connect with your neighbors and local organizations:

* Volunteer Opportunities: Connect with Cornerstones, the Reston Community Center, or the Walker Nature Center to give back. * Community Calendar: Stay updated on events at Lake Anne Plaza, summer concerts at Reston Town Center, and the annual Reston Multicultural Festival. * Local Food & Farmers Markets: Discover the Reston Farmers Market (open seasonally at Lake Anne) and swap local restaurant recommendations. * Real Estate & Classifieds: Moving to Reston? Discuss housing in the village centers versus the new high-rises along the Silver Line. * History Archive: Share memories, vintage photos of early Lake Anne, and stories of founder Robert E. Simon. * Family Tree & Memorials: Celebrate the lives of Restonians who helped shape this unique planned community. * Local Groups: Join sub-groups for W&OD cyclists, Reston Association pool goers, local tech workers, and parents in the South Lakes High School pyramid.

SEO Metadata

* Title: Reston, Virginia | Complete Community Profile & Guide * Description: Explore Reston, VA: America's premier planned community. Discover local stats, history, trails, lakes, Reston Town Center, and the Dulles Tech Corridor. * Keywords: Reston VA, Reston Town Center, Lake Anne, Robert E. Simon, Dulles Tech Corridor, Reston Association, Fairfax County, Silver Line Metro, Northern Virginia * Hashtags: #RestonVA #RestonTownCenter #LakeAnne #NorthernVirginia #NoVa #DullesTechCorridor * Alternate Spellings/Names: Reston CDP * Nearby Locations: Herndon, Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Sterling, Chantilly, Washington D.C. * Categories: Planned Community, Technology Hub, Suburban City * Tags: Live Work Play, Tech Corridor, Nature Trails, W&OD Trail

References

* [Fairfax County Government Official Website](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/) * [U.S. Census Bureau - Reston CDP QuickFacts](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/restoncdpvirginia) * [Reston Association Official Website](https://www.reston.org/) * [Reston Historic Trust & Museum](https://www.restonmuseum.org/) * [Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce](https://www.restonchamber.org/) * [Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)](https://www.fcps.edu/) * [Reston Community Center (RCC)](https://restoncommunitycenter.com/) * [Visit Fairfax (Tourism Board)](https://www.fxva.com/)