Northern Virginia is one of the most historically old regions in the U.S, with a lengthy legacy that dates back to the formation of our lovely country. With that in mind, and with the current winter season, I felt that more locals (or visitors) should know about our local, very special, and completely unique Christmas traditions. 


THE WATER-SKIING SANTA 

Nick Eckert / Water Skiing Santa

Way back in 1986, a group of local NoVa friends made a bet. The four of them were planning a holiday party and thought of the idea of water skiing in the middle of town, all dressed up. They played the Russian roulette of drawing straws, and dared the loser who pulled the shortest straw to water ski down the Potomac River dressed in a Santa suit. The…

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Northern Virginia real estate is shifting, and if you have been watching the market in Leesburg, you already know: this is one of the most desirable zip codes in the country.

While the massive single-family estates get the magazine covers, the townhome market is where the real action is happening. It is the sweet spot for luxury, location, and lifestyle without the maintenance of a sprawling estate.

But before we get to the top neighborhoods, let's look at the reality of the market right now.

The "On The Ground" Reality (October 2025 Data)

I pulled the latest numbers from Bright MLS this morning, and they tell a clear story: Leesburg is moving fast.

If you are thinking of waiting, here is what you are up against:

  • Inventory is…

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By Chris Colgan | The Digital Mayor of Northern Virginia

The Northern Virginia real estate market just did something we haven't seen in years. Inventory is climbing, prices are splitting, and one specific county is turning into the next "Gold Rush."

If you are reading national headlines about a "housing crash," you are looking at the wrong data. We don't have one real estate market in Northern Virginia; we have 10 different micro-climates stretching from Arlington to Front Royal.

I just pulled the latest stats from Bright MLS. Here is the honest, data-driven forecast for where the market is heading in 2026.

Moving to Northern Virginia? Get my personal Relocation Guide: https://www.northernvirginiarelocation.com


Watch: My 2026…

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For nearly 75 years, South of the Border has stood as one of America’s strangest, most beloved, and most polarizing roadside landmarks. Sitting directly on the North Carolina–South Carolina state line, the complex is impossible to miss: neon signs, towering billboards, bright pastels, souvenir shops, a reptile lagoon, and the unmistakable sombrero observation tower rising above the trees.

But a quiet shift is underway.
According to reporting from WUNC, a 30-acre portion of the attraction has been put up for sale — a sign that this iconic stop along Interstate 95 may be entering a new chapter.

The price tag: $2.85 million.
The implications: potentially transformative.

A Roadside Legend With a Complicated Legacy

South of the Border began in…

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One of Herndon’s most high-profile properties — the former NFL training facility site tucked between Dulles and Reston — is now poised for a complete transformation. According to the Washington Business Journal, Starwood Capital Group has proposed replacing the long-vacant facility with two large data centers, expanding the evolution of Herndon’s Renaissance Tech Park and strengthening Fairfax County’s position inside the global data center ecosystem.

This site sits immediately beside the future Western High School — one of the most important new school projects in Fairfax County. The redevelopment could reshape traffic flow, tax revenue, and the next decade of West Fairfax development.

Here’s the full breakdown.

A Unique Site With a Very…

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According to reporting from the Prince William Times (Dec. 1, 2025), the Virginia Railway Express has officially opened ticket sales for its beloved Santa Trains, returning this year on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Each year, thousands of Northern Virginia families flock to this event — and tickets typically sell out the same day.

Below is your complete guide, plus direct links to the official ticket pages so you don’t miss out.

What Is the VRE Santa Train?

Each December, VRE converts select commuter trains into a festive, family-friendly holiday experience featuring:

  • A meet-and-greet with Santa and his helpers

  • Candy canes and coloring books for children

  • Rail safety tips presented in a kid-friendly way

  • A…

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If you commute along the VRE Manassas Line, big changes are on the way — and they’re good ones. Starting December 1, 2025, Virginia Railway Express is adding a brand-new morning train to the Manassas Line to improve frequency, reduce crowding, and give Northern Virginia commuters more flexibility.

This is one of the most significant VRE service upgrades in years and will directly benefit riders from Broad Run, Manassas, Manassas Park, Burke Centre, Rolling Road, Backlick Road, Crystal City, and Washington Union Station.

Below is everything you need to know about the new train, how it affects your commute, and why this matters for families, professionals, and homebuyers in Prince William County and Fairfax County.

What’s Changing on December 1,…

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By Chris Colgan | The Digital Mayor of Northern Virginia

Stop looking at the whole map. You are overwhelming yourself. If you are moving to Northern Virginia ("NOVA") for the schools, the jobs, or the safety, you really only have three choices: Fairfax County, Loudoun County, or Prince William County.

Each one has a completely different "Personality," price point, and commute reality.

  • Fairfax is the "Established Powerhouse."

  • Loudoun is "Tax Benefits & Silver Line Upside."

  • Prince William is the "Growth Engine."

I have sold over $1 Billion in real estate across all three. Here is the honest, no-fluff breakdown of where you should actually put your money in 2026.

Moving to Northern Virginia? Get my personal…

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Guys, what is going on? It’s Chris Colgan here, your favorite Northern Virginia realtor with the Real Nova Network.

Today we have a packed update. It feels like one of those weeks where Northern Virginia is the center of the universe. We’ve got a Gainesville legend closing forever after a massive $160 million sale, Buc-ee’s is making serious moves in Stafford, and a brand new "Top 10" restaurant list just dropped (with some surprises).

Plus, I’m breaking down why home sellers across our region are pulling their homes off the market at rates we haven’t seen in years. Let’s get into it.

 

The $160 Million End of an Era in Gainesville


This story went viral on my Instagram, and for good reason. Merrifield Garden Center in Gainesville is…

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Speaker: Chris Colgan • Updated Date: May 26, 2026

"If you’ve heard Ashburn is perfect, I’m here to tell you the whole truth. It’s one of Northern Virginia’s most popular suburbs, but also one of its most misunderstood."

I'm Chris Colgan with The Colgan Team at Real Broker. After 22 years selling Northern Virginia real estate (and watching Ashburn transform from farmland into Data Center Alley), I get more questions about this town than any other in the region. Buyers from California, Texas, Florida, and overseas tech relocations call me off my YouTube channel almost every day asking the same things: What's it really like? Are the schools as good as everyone says? Can I actually afford it?

Here's the honest answer to all of it. No…

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