Living in Great Falls, VA
A quiet wooded community in western Fairfax County, VA,Great Falls is home to more than 15,000 people. It’s a mostly residential area filled with single-family homes of varying styles and sizes, from Tudor mansions and Craftsman homes to expansive horse farms and luxurious estates. The area’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and the Northern Virginia tech corridor, as well as its high-ranking school systems, add to its popularity, and that has led it to being recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the most expensive zip codes in the country.
Enjoy the Outdoors in Great Falls
Great Falls, Virginia, is also known for its wealth of hiking and horse trails, as well as its sprawling parkland. Thousands of visitors flock to the community each year to visit Great Falls Park, Riverbend Park, and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, among others. The 800-acre Great Falls Park has been a popular outdoor attraction for many decades for boaters, fishers, hikers, cyclers, horseback riders, and picnickers.
The community also features retail shops, local businesses, and restaurants throughout its about 25 square miles. Residents enjoy a mix of both casual and upscale dining establishments, including the top-rated French restaurant L’Auberge Chez Francois. The Great Falls Village Centre is home to many shops, restaurants, health and fitness services, and financial institutions, as well as many other smaller shopping centers that populate the community.
From History to Holidays, Great Falls Has Plenty to Offer
Weekends and holidays bring together Great Falls residents for family-friendly events, from the summertime Concerts on the Green to annual holiday festivities. Cars & Coffee—an antiques car show at the local coffee shop—attracts car enthusiasts of all ages, as does the Great Falls farmer’s market most Saturday mornings. The historic Colvin Run Mill and Great Falls Grange are two other local attractions for Great Falls residents looking for something to do with their friends and family on weekends.
Located in Fairfax County, Great Falls borders parts of Loudoun County, as well as the Potomac River. It’s also conveniently positioned near the Capitol Beltway (495) and the George Washington Parkway, providing its residents with easy access to Washington, D.C., and nearby communities likeMcLean and Tysons Corner. Great Falls is fairly spread out, however, so you need a car or other mode of transportation to live here and get around the community.