Reston, VA is an unincorporated area and census-designated place located in Fairfax County, about 20 miles west of Washington, DC. Founded by Robert E. Simon in 1964 with the goal of building a town that would radically change post-World War II land use concepts and residential and corporate development in suburban America. The motto of the city, “Live, Work, Play” was first articulated by Simon as well as his seven guiding principles that focus on quality of life and developing a community in which residents can live, work, and play equally regardless of income level. Money magazine ranked Reston as the Best Place to Live in Virginia in 2018 due to its expansive parks, lakes, bridle paths, golf courses, and the growing number of shopping and dining establishments in Reston Town Center.
A special tax district within Fairfax County funds recreational, cultural, and educational activities in Reston, including the Reston Community Center. The Community Center offers a theater, ballroom, hot tub, indoor heated swimming pool, meeting rooms, and classroom space.
Today, Reston is known for its melting pot culture, world-class businesses, and extensive tourism. Reston is home to numerous events from May to November, including the North Virginia Fine Arts Festival, Taste of Reston Food Festival, the Reston Triathlon, Flavors of Fall, and Reston Holiday Parade.
Several famous people are known for living in Reston at some point, including American record producer, Benny Blanco, professional basketball player Grant Hill, and mystery writer, Donna Andrews.
Reston, VA Population & Demographics
Reston, VA has a population of 61,147 people, with 3,989 people per square mile, and the census designated place covers a total of 15 square miles. The racial composition of the area includes 73% white, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 9% African American, 9% Asian, and 3% from two or more races. The median age of Reston’s population is 39.8 years old.
Reston’s population has a median age of 36 years and a high proportion of college-educated adults with nearly 67% completing at least some college. The residents enjoy a median household income of $120,396 which is 1.5 times more than the rest of Virginia.
Is Reston a safe place to live?. The area overall is safer than 34% of US cities and considered one of the safer Washington, DC suburbs with just 1 violent crime per 1,000 residents. Some neighborhoods are safer than others within Reston, including Sunrise Valley Drive, Lawyers Road, Grooms Court and Sunset Hills Road. Overall Reston VA IS a safe place to live.
Since Reston is unincorporated, the area is served by the Fairfax County police department. The 56 square miles of the Reston District is staffed with 137 sworn officers, auxiliary officers, administrative support staff, police citizen aides, and school crossing guards.
Cost of Living in Reston, VA
The extensive list of amenities and benefits of Reston come at a cost of living that is 50% higher than the national average. Reston, VA is expensive for lower middle class families with the average rent prices of $2,068 for a one bedroom apartment in the city center and $1860 outside. The Reston median home price is $462,000 and home spend an average of 33 days on the market before selling.
Typical Living Expenses & Costs in Reston (Numbeo.com)
- Inexpensive restaurant meal, $14.50
- Cappuccino, $4.67
- 1 gallon of milk, $3.19
- Dozen eggs, $2.03
- Loaf of bread, $2.76
Reston Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Reston
All of Reston is considered middle to upper class. It would to most be considered affluent and an expensive area. There is very little variation among the sectors when it comes to cost of living, but many people moving to Reston choose their neighborhood based on the safest places to live and proximity to most desirable restaurants and area parks. Reston also has a metro station to serve its residents.
Reston has 134 cluster associations consisting of townhomes and patio home-style neighborhoods, 30 condominium associates, and 4,800 single-family homes. Some of the best Reston neighborhoods include:
Lake Anne
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Most homes in Lake Anne were built in the 1960s with a variety of architectural styles ranging from colonial-style townhomes to contemporary single-family homes. All homes are within walking distance of the Lake Anne Village Center, and some offer waterfront locations near Lake Anne, Lake Audubon, lake Newport, or Lake Thoreau.
North Point
The North Point neighborhood is the newest addition to Reston, with homes built in the 1980s. North Point is home to the only 50-meter pool in Reston, the Lake Newport pool.
Tall Oaks and the Uplands
Much of the Tall Oaks area is bounded by Lake Fairfax Park. The neighborhood is right of Wiehle Avenue and easily accessible to the Metro and Route 7.
South Lakes
The South Lakes neighborhood is close to Lake Thoreau and Lake Audubon. It’s also closest to South Lakes High School, which makes it good for families, and the students often walk to the village center after school.
Reston Town Center
The Reston Town Center is an urban neighborhood but also where all of Reston’s walking paths are accessed. There are several luxury condos in the neighborhood, along with restaurants, and shops.
Here’s a list of Reston, VA homes for sale.
Reston, VA Weather & Climate
The Reston area of Virginia experiences all four seasons but none of the extreme highs and lows, with temperatures ranging from a low of 29 degrees in January to a high of 91 in July. If you’re moving to Reston you’ll want to prepare to have clothing for every season, from shorts and tank tops and sunglasses to winter coats, gloves, and hats – so look for homes with ample closet space!
Living in Reston means you can enjoy a couple months of ice skating, sleigh riding, and skiing, followed by comfortable spring temperatures ideal for hiking and walking around the neighborhood. May, June, and September are considered the most comfortable months for outdoor activities.
The climate of Reston makes it a great place for retired people. Reston averages about 43 inches of rain per year which is higher than the US average of 38 inches, so don’t forget your umbrella and raincoat.
Things to Do in Reston
There are so many activities, parks, and entertainment options in Reston whether you’re looking for a solo event or to have fun with the kids. Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Reston:
Reston Town Center
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If Reston only had one place to go, The Reston Town Center would be more than enough to satisfy the needs of everyone in town! The center features more than 35 restaurants, 50 retailers, and a multi-screen theater. Enjoy ice skating in the winter and year round events.
Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St, Reston, VA 20190
The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole
An old west-themed water park for people of all ages. Many slides and activities for elementary school age, with a few bigger slides for older kids and parents. There’s also a lazy river that everyone can enjoy. One of the most affordable and fun attractions for the whole family.
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190, (703) 246-5929
The Reston Association maintains over 1,350 acres of open space for the community, including 55 miles of paved and natural surface trails to connect the neighborhoods, schools, facilities, and shopping centers throughout Reston, 700 acres of forest, 50 meadows, and four lakes.
Other Major Reston Attractions
- Reston Community Center
- Reston Museum
- Lake Fairfax
- Skatequest
There are many events in Reston, click here for a calendar of events.
Reston, VA Restaurants
Whatever food ethnicity you’re craving – you can find it in Reston!
Reston Town Center
If you’re not sure what you feel like eating, head over to the Reston Town Center and let your stomach decide based on the cooking aromas from more than 50 restaurants all in the same area!
Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St, Reston, VA 20190
PassionFish Reston
Serving delicious local cuisine, American, Seafood, Sushi and vegan or vegetarian options, the menu has a little something for everyone. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch available on weekends. You can also enjoy a full service bar throughout the day in the bi-level eatery.
11960 Democracy Dr, Reston, VA 20190-5624
Jobs in Reston
Fairfax County is home to several Fortune 500 companies across a wide variety of industries. Fairfax County has more Fortune 500 headquarters than Washington, DC and 30 states. Many residents of Reston work in Washington, DC. It takes about 30 minutes to drive the 20 mile commute from Reston to DC by car in average traffic.
The Reston area has a growing list of large companies, including:
- General Dynamics
- Serco
- Leidos
- Maximus
- Science Applications International
The median household income of Reston residents is $120,396 whether they’re working in nearby DC or living by the Reston motto and working in the same community in which they live. To find your next career opportunity, click here to search Reston jobs.
Reston, VA Schools
Families in Reston are served by the Fairfax County Public School district, where the county is divided into five regions and each region has two to four high school pyramids with feeder elementary and middle schools.
There are 17 private schools serving 1,635 students from Reston, including Al Fatih Academy, Reston Montessori School, and Edlin School.
Students from both public and private schools along with their families and other residents in Reston enjoy access to the Reston Regional Public Library.
Reston, VA Statistics & Information
Reston is in the Eastern time zone and has six zipcodes ranging from 20170 to 22182. If you’re calling someone in Reston, the area codes are 703 or 571.
Reston sits about 361 feet above sea level and covers a little over 15 square miles.
Map of Reston
Tips for Moving to Reston
- Make sure you have appropriate clothing for all four seasons
- Focus your home search in the safest Reston neighborhoods
- Get ready to meet and get to know your neighbors as everyone is friendly and Reston has a small-town feel!
- Bring your appetite as the variety of ethnic restaurants is astounding
With a motto like “Live, Work, Play” and a commitment to improving the overall quality of life, it’s no wonder so many people want to move to Reston! When you’re ready to relocate, call Reston VA movers, Suburban Solutions at 301-928-8669 for a free quote today.
