4 Northern Virginia Communities with the Best Waterfront Views

Northern Virginia Communities With Amazing Waterfront Views

Northern Virginia is perhaps best known for three things: its deep ties to American history, its proximity to Washington, D.C. for commuters, and its stunning waterfront homes. Waterfront properties in Northern Virginia are some of the country's most coveted real estate. The Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, and the many small lakes tucked away in various communities offer more waterfront views than many other regions in the US. Keep reading for a closer look at four Northern Virginia communities providing homes with the best waterfront views.

Reston

Glancing at a map, the Reston community doesn't look like a place with any waterfront properties, as it's far southwest of the Potomac River. However, Reston has several good-sized and smaller lakes within its boundaries. The community is divided from west to east by the Dulles Toll Road. Locals refer to the two halves of the area as North Reston (everything north of Dulles) and South Reston.

Lake Anne, Lake Audubon, Lake Thoreau, and Lake Newport are four more sizable water bodies in Reston. Each is surrounded by waterfront townhomes, patio homes, and single-family homes, with different concentrations around each. For example, Lake Thoreau has townhomes on the north and south sides of the water and single-family homes concentrated on the western edge of the waterfront.

Reston is a very walkable community, with paved trails near the lakes. The entire area in and around Reston is heavily wooded, so residents are treated to spectacular fall colors yearly—and every homeowner needs at least one rake! In addition to a couple of shopping centers, the area also has two golf courses, numerous parks, and an incredible summertime waterpark near Lake Fairfax.

Alexandria

Alexandria Features Some Homes on the Potomac River

The Alexandria community has several miles of waterfront along the western banks of the Potomac River, making it a prime waterfront luxury home community. Four Mile Run and Holmes Run are a pair of creeks that border the northern and southern boundaries of the city, respectively. Housing in Alexandria includes waterfront condos, luxury homes with great views of the Potomac, and even properties with private boat docks.

This community is one of the few cities in America with some architecture that is 200 or more years old and still standing. King Street in the Old Town neighborhood is world-famous for its mile-long stretch of local shops and restaurants. The Old Town Farmers Market is one of the oldest continuous markets in the US, where George Washington used to sell his produce from Mount Vernon.

Sightseeing cruises on the Potomac River and water taxis that operate in the area are two ways to enjoy Alexandria's waterfront lifestyle and view the city from another angle. Alexandria contains many historical sites, tourist attractions, a great parks system, and plenty of access to local waterways.

Dreaming about living on the waterfront in Northern Virginia? View all Northern Virginia waterfront homes for sale.

Woodbridge

Woodbridge is south of Alexandria along the I-95 Turnpike. The Occoquan River borders the town to the northeast, Belmont Bay and Occoquan Bay to the east, and Neabsco Creek to the south.

The Marumsco area in Woodbridge is a prime location for waterfront homes. Marumsco Acres Lake and Marumsco Creek both have properties bordering the water, and there are also a few luxury homes near the bay. Homebuyers can also find townhomes near the Occoquan River in the northeast part of the city.

Woodbridge is the premier shopping destination in the Washington, D.C., area. The city is home to Potomac Mills, which has more than 220 stores and is the largest outlet mall in the entire region. The Rippon Lodge Historic site is a neat place for locals and tourists; it was first built in 1747 and is the second-oldest home in Prince William County.

Waterfront activities in Woodbridge include taking a walk on the boardwalk next to Neabsco Creek. The path is an easy three-quarter-mile hike offering views of the creek and many species of waterfowl. Leesylvania State Park is just south of Woodbridge and has a large modern boat launch. The beaches in the park are great for hiking and fishing.

Fort Hunt

The Fort Hunt area is a Fairfax County community located east of the Mount Vernon neighborhood. There are a few places to shop for groceries and other items on Fort Hunt Road, but the rest of the community is primarily residential. Excellent waterfront properties are near the Potomac River on the southern and eastern edges and along Little Hunting Creek to the west.

Fort Hunt used to be part of George Washington's River Plantation. It officially became "Fort Hunt" (an actual fort) during the Spanish-American War, and the fort was completed in 1904. After it was retired as a military fort, it became a prime real estate location.

Fort Hunt Park is a state park bordering the Potomac River, where most of the town's public activities occur, like the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. Several picnic areas and beautiful walking paths through wooded areas have occasional water views. The Fort Washington Lighthouse can be seen directly across the river.

Northern Virginia Offers Waterfront Living at Its Best

These four communities offer the very best waterfront views in Northern Virginia. It's humbling and awe-inspiring for many locals to walk the same paths and live in the same area as historical figures like George Washington, and hard to beat the waterfront homes in style, architectural flair, and history.

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