DESTINATIONS

The Guide to Living in Great Falls, Virginia

A rustic Northern Virginia enclave with historic charm and abundant natural beauty

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

The History of Great Falls, Virginia

Among the many desirable communities in Northern Virginia, few compare to Great Falls, Virginia.

Formally established in the 1950s, Great Falls, Virginia offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern conveniences as a byproduct of its close proximity to downtown Washington, D.C.

As with many cities, towns, and enclaves throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the community that today comprises Great Falls, Virginia was originally formed at the bequest of a land grant in the early 1700s via the Northern Neck proprietary.

Today, the town of Great Falls, Virginia is one of the few suburban communities in the Washington Metropolitan Area that maintains its distinct rustic heritage.

In Great Falls Village Centre, along Old Georgetown Pike, an abundance of restaurants and shops are available for citizens and passersby, including The Old Brogue and the iconic L'Auberge Chez Francois.

Just down the road at the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Old Georgetown Pike, Great Falls National Park offers world-class hiking trails, white water rapids, and more.

A stone’s thrown from nearby McLean, Virginia and downtown Washington, D.C., Great Falls, Virginia is home to some of the finest and most opulent private residences in the Mid-Atlantic, including Alderley Manor.

Alderley Manor of Great Falls, Virginia. Image courtesy of Studio Trejo.

THE HOMES COLLECTION

Alderley Manor

An English country style home in the heart of Great Falls, Virginia

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

“Among the many fantastic communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Great Falls, Virginia lies at the intersection of rustic and refined.”

Byron V. Hughey

Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia. Image courtesy of Keswick Hall.

 TRAVEL GUIDE

The Best Hotels in the Mid-Atlantic

These hotels and resorts in the Mid-Atlantic offer an experience like none other.

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions about life in Great Falls, Virginia, including the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA?

Residents of Great Falls, Virginia attend Fairfax County Public Schools. Residents of Great Falls, Virginia typically matriculate to Forestville Elementary School and Great Falls Elementary School, Cooper Middle School, and Langley High School.

HOW FAR IS GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.?

Great Falls, Virginia is approximately 18 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. The primary method to travel from Great Falls, Virginia to Washington, D.C. is by car via Old Georgetown Pike, which begins in Great Falls, Virginia and terminates along George Washington Parkway.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA?

The median sale price for a single family home in Great Falls, Virginia is $1,475,000, which is nearly five times higher than the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Great Falls, Virginia presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.

WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA?

Great Falls, Virginia boasts several great restaurants. For a quick bite, the legendary Deli Italiano offers sandwiches and pizza by the slice. For a hearty meal with friends and family, The Old Brogue offers Irish staples such as Fish and Chips as well as Guinness on draft. For a more upscale dining experience, L'Auberge Chez Francois offers French fare in a romantic setting.

HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA?

According to the 2020 Census data, Great Falls, Virginia has a population of 15,953, including a median age of 48 and a median household income of $238,828.

WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA?

As determined by Fairfax County, property taxes for Great Falls, Virginia are $1.125 per $100 of assessed value for tax year 2024.

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

Find a Trusted Design Professional in Great Falls, Virginia

Explore the very best Residential Architects, Custom Home Builders, Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects in Great Falls, Virginia

Chesapeake Bay Retreat of Gibson Island, Maryland courtesy of Helen Norman.

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

Lauren Liess Interiors

Lauren Liess Interiors is an Interior Designer in Great Falls, Virginia

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Residential Resort of McLean, Virginia. Image courtesy of Mike Kelley.

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

Pristine Acres

Pristine Acres is a Landscape Designer in Great Falls, Virginia

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Westwood of Vienna, Virginia. Image courtesy of Erik Kvalsvik.

GREAT FALLS, VIRGINIA

Gladis & Co.

Gladis & Co. is a Custom Home Builder in Great Falls, Virginia

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THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER COMPANY

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