Folks hoping to move to a thriving city in northern Virginia with an easy commute to Washington, D.C., should consider moving to Reston, Virginia. 

Founded by Robert E. Simon in 1964, Reston, VA, was one of the nation's earliest planned communities. Simon’s vision is evident in Reston's 250 acres of woodlands, its bustling downtown, and its lakeside neighborhoods, all intertwined by 55 miles of trails. 

In 2018, Reston was declared the "Best Place to Live in Virginia" by Money magazine. Below, the team at Prevu Real Estate will break down the top reasons why Reston is an incredible place to live. 

Top reasons to move to Reston

• Easy access to the Washington D.C. metro area

• A blend of home styles

• Cultivate your career

• Reston Town Center

• Lakeside fun

• Easy access to outdoor recreation

Easy access to the Washington D.C. metro area

Washington, D.C., is about 30 minutes from Reston on Route 267, making the drive ideal for commuters or weekend explorers. This route includes the Dulles Toll Road, which connects I-495 to Dulles International Airport and simplifies travel within Fairfax County.

The D.C. Metrorail Silver line makes two stops in Reston; the Wiehle-Reston Station and the Reston Town Center making public transportation a viable option. The train ride into Downtown D.C. takes around 40 minutes along the Silver Line, depending on your destination. Luckily, the Silver Line also runs directly into the Metro Center station. There, commuters can easily transfer to the Red, Orange, or Blue lines. 

Finally, Reston is only six miles from Dulles International Airport (IAD). Depending on traffic, the drive only takes 15 minutes on Route 267. Or, the Metrorail Silver Line travels directly to IAD, so you won't need to transfer trains or find a place to park. Whether you're traveling for work or visiting loved ones, the airport is easy to reach. 

A blend of home styles

For a small city, Reston offers a surprising variety of single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, and condos. Whether you’re mindful of the cost of living, or hoping to upgrade your square footage, Reston accommodates a wide range of buyers. 

North Point's tree-lined streets have a mixture of single-family homes and townhouses. Conveniently, the North Point Village Center has its own Starbucks, Wells Fargo, and Chick-fil-A. More townhouses and single-family homes can be found in the Tall Oaks and Upland neighborhoods. Both communities are located near golf courses, tennis courts, and pools. 

In the Lake Anne neighborhood, homes range from contemporary single-family homes to condominiums. Lake Anne's shores often offer waterfront homes with personal docks and picturesque vistas. To make life easier, the nearby Lake Anne Plaza offers residents a place to grab coffee, dinner, and groceries. 

Reston Town Center might be the ideal area for would-be buyers searching for luxury condos and apartments. On New Dominion Parkway, Midtown North Condominiums offers a community rooftop, artist's workshop, and gym. Similarly, The Avant Apartments on Town Square Street features a resort-style pool, coworking lounge, and game room. As you widen your search, you'll find many high-end homes within two miles of Reston Town Center. 

Cultivate your career

Reston boasts a thriving landscape for career professionals, catering to diverse industries. 

Reston's technology scene features prominent companies like IBM and Leidos, and provides tech professionals with exciting prospects. Even Google has a corporate office next to the Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. 

Moreover, Reston boasts a growing tech startup culture, with companies like Infrascale and LookingGlass specializing in cybersecurity. Due to the town's proximity to D.C., government-related work opportunities should continue to expand as the city grows.

For those in the medical field, Oracle Health Sciences and Reston Hospital Center present rewarding paths to make a difference in healthcare. The Town Center is also home to multiple financial planning and wealth management offices for those seeking work in the finance sector. 

Reston Town Center

Reston Town Center (RTC) achieves a vibrant downtown ambiance, hosting a mixture of upscale retail, newly-constructed condos, fabulous restaurants, and lively entertainment. Plus, with a dedicated Metrorail station in RTC, it's possible to live, work, and play right there. 

Reston Town Center is a shopper's haven thanks to big brands like J. Crew, Athleta, and the Apple Store clustered together. You can also explore local shops like Mayflowers Floral Studio or make your own candles at the Paddywax Candle Bar. 

Folks searching for a lunch spot can opt for a Starbucks, Chipotle, or Potbelly Sandwich Shop. Or, if you're looking for nightlife, check out Crafthouse Reston, which hosts an impressive lineup of live bands, trivia, and karaoke. Later in the evening, you can test the tapas on Barcelona Wine Bar's Outdoor patio. 

During the winter, the RTC Pavilion transforms into an ice skating rink that's even available for private rental on an hourly basis. The warmer months aren't without their own entertainment, as Reston Town Center hosts Second Saturdays from May to October. At this event, locals explore downtown, refilling libations at participating restaurants while live bands fill the streets with tunes. 

Lakeside fun

Reston is home to five lakes that provide residents with ample opportunities for fishing, boating, stand-up paddle boarding, and waterfront picnics. 

Anglers will have their best luck on Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau, which have high Bass, Bluegill, and Sunfish populations. However, Lake Anne is also a good option, as residents can freely fish from the dock at the Lake Anne Plaza.

The Lake Anne Plaza features a small promenade if you're looking for a quiet alternative to the Reston Town Center. You can enjoy lakeside views at the Lake Anne Coffee House and Lake Anne Brewery. The Plaza parking lot is also where Reston's Farmers Market is held from April to December, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Farmers Market hosts local farmers, bakers, florists, and musicians. 

At Lake Fairfax Park, residents can cool off at the western-themed Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole, a water park that features a lazy river, spiraling slides, and a wave pool. 

Easy access to outdoor recreation

Reston was thoughtfully designed with a 55-mile network of multi-use, paved trails. Scenic routes wind through open spaces, neighborhoods, and shopping centers. So whether you're out with your pets or commuting to work, these paths provide scenic routes to help vary your daily routine. 

In addition to trails, Reston has 52 outdoor tennis courts and 15 pools available to residents who purchase passes with the Restonian Association. If you work during the day, 26 tennis courts are illuminated for nighttime play. Considering Reston's quaint nature, there's a good chance a tennis court or pool is near your house. 

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at Hidden Creek Country Club or Reston Golf Course. The Herndon Centennial Golf Course also offers a third option just three miles outside Reston city limits. 

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