One of the most requested areas I get asked to tour is Fairfax. But here is the thing most people don’t realize: there is Fairfax County (which is massive), and then there is Fairfax City.

 

Today, we are diving deep into the City itself. We are talking about a place with a median sold price of around $795,000, a "Main Street USA" vibe, and a real estate market that is absolutely on fire.

If you are thinking about moving to Northern Virginia, here is everything you need to know about Fairfax City.

HISTORY OF FAIRFAX CITY


The first thing you notice when you hit Old Town Fairfax is the charm. It honestly reminds me of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland—you have the older buildings, the local banners, and that…

36 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

If you have been house hunting in Northern Virginia lately, you know the struggle is real. You usually have to pick two: Affordable, New, or Good Location. Getting all three feels impossible.

But hidden just off Sudley Road in Manassas, Lomond Village by Ryan Homes is quietly breaking that rule.

While most buyers are fighting bidding wars over 30-year-old townhomes that need a new roof, savvy buyers are locking in brand-new construction here at a price point that is actually reasonable for Manassas.

But is it too good to be true? As a local expert who knows every corner of Prince William County, I’m taking you past the model home glamour. Here is the unfiltered truth about living in Lomond Village, the commute, and the real value of this…

17 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

According to Virginia Business, Buc-ee’s has pushed back the opening of its planned New Kent County travel center to December 2031, a notable delay from its previously projected 2027 debut.

The Texas-based mega travel center chain plans to build its second Virginia location at Exit 211 along Interstate 64, a critical transportation corridor linking Richmond, Williamsburg, and Hampton Roads. While the project remains active, its timeline is now closely tied to large-scale state transportation improvements underway in the region.

Infrastructure Is the Driving Factor

Local officials have pointed to major road projects as the primary reason behind the delay. The most significant is the Exit 211 Interchange Improvement Project, led by the Virginia…

58 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

By Chris Colgan Team Leader, Chris Colgan Team | eXp Realty - Powered by Place

If you have been watching the Northern Virginia real estate market over the last few years, you know it has been a rollercoaster. We’ve seen the frenzy of the pandemic, the frantic bidding wars, and the uncertainty of interest rate hikes. But as we step firmly into 2026, the data is telling a new story. We are witnessing what economists are calling the "Great Housing Reset."

Northern Virginia just experienced its biggest population jump since 2016, adding over 36,000 new residents in just one year. That is a massive number, and it signals one thing: Demand is back, and it is accelerating.

But here is the catch—this growth isn't happening evenly across the map.…

213 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Welcome to the definitive guide to living in Gateway Commons, the premier townhome enclave in Aldie, Virginia. As we enter 2026, the Northern Virginia real estate market has shifted toward high-quality, low-maintenance living that prioritizes proximity to major employment hubs and lifestyle centers.

Gateway Commons, a standout community developed by Van Metre Homes, has emerged as the gold standard for this "modern suburban" movement. Whether you are a healthcare professional at Stone Springs Hospital, a frequent traveler using Dulles International Airport, or a luxury seeker wanting easy access to One Loudoun, this neighborhood offers a lifestyle that few other zip codes can match.

I am Chris Colgan with EXP Realty - Powered by Place, and I help…

37 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Virginia is officially on the list of states preparing to support driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet, a move that could change how Virginians travel, verify identity, and interact with government and businesses starting in 2026.

The news was confirmed in a December 2025 report by MacRumors, which tracks Apple’s expanding digital ID rollout across the U.S.

What’s Happening in 2026

Apple’s digital driver’s license feature first launched in 2022, but adoption has been gradual and state-by-state. According to MacRumors, Virginia has formally agreed to adopt Apple Wallet driver’s licenses, joining a group of states expected to roll out support in 2026.

Once live, eligible Virginia residents will be able to:

  • Store a Virginia…

154 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: December 17, 2025

"I'm talking about McLean, Virginia. This area was established in 1910 and since then it has grown into what people call NoVA's billionaire bunker. Yeah, and there's a reason for that."

Overview

"I'm talking about McLean, Virginia. This area was established in 1910 and since then it has grown into what people call NoVA's billionaire bunker. Yeah, and there's a reason for that. Today I'm going to take you through some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in McLean, including Langley Farms, The Reserve, Woodside Estates, and Chainbridge Road. Let's dive in and see why McLean is where Northern Virginia's elite choose to live." (0:00)

Key Takeaways

  • "Recent data shows the median sales…

22 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Virginia has a favorite drink — and it hasn’t changed its mind.

For the eighth straight year, Tito’s Handmade Vodka topped spirits sales at Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, racking up a massive $75 million in sales during fiscal year 2025.

That’s not just a win. That’s a landslide.

Tito’s vs. Everyone Else (It’s Not Close)

Let’s put this into perspective:

  • Tito’s Handmade Vodka: $75 million

  • Hennessy VS Cognac: $32 million

  • Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7: $27 million

  • Jim Beam Bourbon: $22 million

Tito’s sold more than double the second-place spirit. If this were a sporting event, the starters would be pulled by halftime.

Vodka Still Runs Virginia

Despite the bourbon boom and tequila…

34 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

I remember standing on the platform of the Manassas VRE station back in 2016. At the time, the area was often seen as the "commuter’s compromise"—the place you lived to get more square footage while sacrificing your proximity to the high-paying tech hubs of Fairfax. Fast forward to 2026, and that compromise is officially a thing of the past. Today, Manassas is the beating heart of Northern Virginia’s high-tech economy.

We are witnessing the "Silicon Valley East" transformation in real-time. From billion-dollar semiconductor expansions to urban redevelopments that rival Arlington’s Clarendon, Manassas has become the most strategic equity play in the DMV. If you are looking to buy a new home this year, you aren't just buying a residence; you are securing…

41 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

I have lived in Northern Virginia my entire life. I grew up in Gainesville when it was mostly cornfields, I’ve watched Ashburn transform into "Data Center Alley," and I’ve sold real estate in every corner of this region, from the quietest cul-de-sacs in Haymarket to the busiest high-rises in Arlington.

But recently, I realized something: I have never driven from the furthest suburb all the way to the city line in a single day to compare them side-by-side.

 

So, I decided to do something different. I grabbed my team—Mal, Vince, and Peter—and we hopped in the car for an epic driving tour. Our mission? To rank every major town in Northern Virginia based on lifestyle, traffic, amenities, and that hard-to-define "vibe."

We drove from the…

53 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post
Next
View All Results