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Moving to Reston

Reston, Virginia is one of America's great planned communities — and it keeps getting better. Founded in 1964 by developer Robert E. Simon (whose initials give the town its name), Reston was designed around the then-radical idea that people of all backgrounds could live, work, and play in a single, thoughtfully planned community. Today, with the Silver Line Metro finally connecting Reston to D.C., the community's mix of walkable town center living, lakeside trails, and a booming tech economy makes it one of the most desirable places in Northern Virginia.

Here's what we'll cover:

Why is Everyone Moving to Reston, VA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Reston, VA

The Pros and Cons of Living in Reston, VA

Moving to Reston, VA FAQ's

Thinking About Moving to Reston, VA?

Things to Know Before Moving to Reston

Before moving to Reston, VA, understand that this community has two distinct personalities. Reston Town Center is a genuine walkable mini-downtown — office towers, restaurants, shops, a movie theater, an ice rink, and high-rise residential buildings all within a pedestrian-friendly grid. It's the kind of urban village that suburban planners dream about, and it actually works. Then there's the rest of Reston: four man-made lakes (Lake Anne, Lake Thoreau, Lake Audubon, and Lake Newport), 55 miles of trails, and clusters of townhouses and garden apartments woven through mature trees.

Lake Anne Plaza deserves special mention — it was Reston's original village center, designed in a modernist style inspired by Italian lakeside towns. It's now a designated historic district with galleries, a farmers market, and a quirky, artistic character. Housing in Reston varies widely: a one-bedroom near Town Center runs $1,700 to $2,300 per month, while older apartments and garden-style units further out start around $1,400. Splitting with a roommate brings costs to $1,000 to $1,400.

The Silver Line Metro (Reston Town Center and Wiehle-Reston East stations) now connects Reston to Tysons, Arlington, and D.C. — a game-changer that has supercharged development. The Dulles Toll Road provides highway access, and Dulles International Airport is about 10 minutes away. The tech economy is strong: numerous companies, including government contractors and IT firms, are headquartered along the Dulles corridor.

Pros & Cons of Living in Reston

Reston is that rare suburban community that genuinely delivers on its promise — walkable town center living, beautiful lakes and trails, Silver Line Metro access, and a strong tech-driven job market. The original planned-community vision from 1964 has aged remarkably well, and the Metro extension has only made it better. The trade-offs are higher rents near Town Center, car dependence in parts of the community away from Metro, and a polished feel that some find lacking in grit. For anyone who wants suburban livability with genuine urban pockets, Reston is one of the best options in the D.C. metro area.

Pros of Living in Reston

Reston Town Center: A Real Walkable Downtown

Reston Town Center is one of the most successful suburban town centers in America. A genuine street grid with restaurants, shops, a movie theater, seasonal ice rink, and high-rise residential buildings creates a walkable urban experience that most suburbs can only dream about. It's not a lifestyle center pretending to be a downtown — it actually functions as one.

Silver Line Metro Access

The Silver Line's extension to Reston has been transformative. The Reston Town Center and Wiehle-Reston East stations connect the community to Tysons, Arlington, and downtown D.C. The commute to Rosslyn takes about 35 minutes, and to Metro Center about 45 minutes. This rail access has turned Reston from a car-dependent suburb into a genuine transit-connected community.

Lakes, Trails, and Outdoor Living

Reston's four man-made lakes and 55 miles of paved and natural trails create an outdoor lifestyle that's unusual for a community this close to a major city. Kayaking on Lake Anne, running the trails through the woods, or walking around Lake Thoreau at sunset — the natural amenities are genuinely integrated into daily life, not just promotional talking points.

Strong Tech and Government Contractor Economy

The Dulles corridor is a major employment hub for technology companies, government contractors, and IT firms. Companies like Leidos, SAIC, and numerous cybersecurity and defense firms have offices in and around Reston. Many residents work locally, avoiding the D.C. commute entirely. The tech economy gives Reston a professional energy and strong household incomes.

Lake Anne Plaza's Unique Character

Lake Anne Plaza is Reston's original village center, built in a modernist style inspired by Italian lakeside towns. Now a historic district, it has art galleries, a Saturday farmers market, quirky shops, and waterfront dining. It's a completely different vibe from Town Center — artsy, community-driven, and full of character that most planned communities lack.

Cons of Moving to Reston

High Rents Near Town Center

Living in or near Reston Town Center comes at a premium. One-bedroom apartments run $1,700 to $2,300 per month in the walkable core. Older and further-out options are cheaper, but they trade walkability for car dependence. The Metro stations have only pushed nearby rents higher as new development clusters around them.

Car Dependence Outside the Core

Reston Town Center and the areas near Metro stations are walkable, but much of the community — particularly the garden apartment complexes and townhouse neighborhoods — still requires a car for groceries, dining, and daily errands. The trail system is great for recreation but doesn't replace the need to drive to a grocery store.

Toll Road Costs

The Dulles Toll Road, which runs through Reston, charges tolls that add up for daily commuters. If your route to work uses the Toll Road, budget an extra $100-$200 per month in tolls. The Silver Line Metro avoids this cost, which is another reason rail commuting makes financial sense.

Can Feel Insular and Corporate

Reston's planned-community structure and Town Center's corporate polish can feel sanitized compared to the organic character of older cities. The social scene near Town Center skews professional and can feel like an after-work networking event. If you want gritty urban character or diverse nightlife, you'll need to venture to D.C. or Arlington.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Reston

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Thinking About Moving to Reston?

If you're considering a move to Reston, VA, think about which experience you want. Reston Town Center offers walkable urban living with restaurants and shops at your doorstep — at higher rents. Lake Anne Plaza has artistic character and a unique waterfront setting. The neighborhoods around the four lakes offer a more residential, nature-oriented experience with trail access. South Reston near the Wiehle station is convenient for Metro commuters. Using Roommates.com will help you connect with people already living in Reston and find a roommate who matches your lifestyle and budget.

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