Reston in Fairfax County, VA

Founded in 1964, Reston is a planned community designed to follow ‘guiding principles” in its development that stress quality of life. Citizens are able to work and live in the same area and are able to go through different life cycles with different housing needs as they age. People are able to live, work and play in their own community with ample common grounds to share regardless of income level.  The area focuses on land preservation and residents being tied to their community.  At the center of it all is the Reston Town Center which offers retail and office space as well as restaurants and entertainment. Reston was the first post-war community in the U.S. to use clustered townhouse development in order to preserve open space while still providing higher density housing. Other key features are access to public transportation and extensive walking paths connecting areas. Along with the town center there are 5 main village centers that cater to the denser developments of apartments and townhomes in Lake Anne, Hunters Woods, Tall Oaks, South Lakes and North Point.

Originally owned by Lord Fairfax, the land was bought by C. A. Wiehle (for whom Wiehle Ave. is named) in the 1880’s.  After his death, his sons sold the land to A. Smith Bowman who built a bourbon distillery and maintaining a farm on the rest of the acreage. The distillery continued to operate until 1987.  In 1961 Robert E. Simon bought all of the land except for the distillery and envisioned a planned community. Reston, named by Simon’s initials RES, was founded in 1964 and was the first modern post-war planned community in America.  The purchase of the land was funded by the Simon family’s sale of Carnegie Hall. Simon reached out to major architects to master plan and design the different neighborhoods.  The careful planning and zoning allowed for the maximum amount of common grounds, parks and large wooded areas to remain undeveloped for the use of citizens. It’s progressive design and philosophy continues to attract residents and the area continues to grow and develop.

Reston, VA Homes and Subdivisions

See Homes For Sale in Reston, VA

Reston Association – The main property owners association in Reston. (703) 435-6530 www.reston.org

The Savoy at Reston Town Center – a premier condominium community presented by Crescent Heights Condominiums at Reston Town Center with luxury amenities. (571) 262-8000 www.savoyreston.com

Midtown North Reston – a 7-story loft inspired building in Reston Town Center with homes up 2,500 sq. ft. with amenities. (703) 927-5520 www.kettler.com/condominiums/midtown_north_reston_town_center

Villa Ridge – a community of 215 one and two bedroom condos near Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau. Managed by TWC Management (703) 437-5800 www.villaridgereston.com

Mercer Condominium – a luxury condo building located in south Reston on the same property as the Westin Reston Heights Hotel and the Sheraton Reston comprised of 300 one, two and three bedroom units with amenities. (703) 391-2099 www.themercercondo.org

The Stratford Condominiums – comprised of 5 buildings, 338 units, in Reston Town Center.  (703) 638-6755 www.stratfordcondominiums.net

Oak Park Condominiums – a community of 180 garden style condominiums located at Reston Town Center with amenities. (703) 787-6643 www.oakpark-reston.org

Reston, VA Schools

Elementary Schools:  Aldrin Elementary, Armstrong Elementary, Dogwood Elementary, Forest Edge Elementary, Hunters Woods Elementary, Lake Anne Elementary, Sunrise Valley Elementary and Terraset Elementary

Middle Schools:  Hughes Middle

High Schools:  South Lakes High