The rumors are no longer rumors. IKEA has officially confirmed its third full-service Virginia store, and construction is well underway in Chantilly. Here's the current status, the timeline, what's actually going to be in the store, and what it means for Northern Virginia homeowners.

The Quick Status (May 2026)

  • Status: Under construction. IKEA officially announced October 30, 2025. Work began January 2026.
  • Address: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151
  • Size: Approximately 110,000 square feet
  • Opening target: Spring 2026 (still on track per recent construction reports)
  • Replaces: The former Dulles Expo Center, which closed after its final 2025 events
  • Products: More than 7,700 products on display, with around…

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NoVa Pop Culture Pride: Movies That Were Filmed or Take Place In Northern Virginia.  

 

Northern Virginia is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of movies. D.C gets far more attention from the film industry. However, proximity to the U.S capital gives Northern Virginia an opportunity to be a part of the world of movies too. The film scene here is mostly associated with political narratives and colonial-era historical dramas, which are mostly excluded from the list, as it’s all too common and predictable. Besides these genres, there are still— surprisingly— so many types of movies that were (partially) made in Northern Virginia. Whether you want to check these locations out or just want another Northern VA fun fact to add to your…

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Address: 1555 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA (Rosslyn District)
Developer: Penzance
Status: Approved – Construction timeline TBD
LEED Certification Target: Gold v4

A New Chapter for the Rosslyn Skyline

ONE Rosslyn will be defined by exceptional design, world-class amenities, and neighborhood-serving retail. Positioned prominently along the Rosslyn skyline with breathtaking views of Georgetown and Washington, D.C., this new mixed-use community will blend the serenity of the Potomac’s natural landscapes with the modern vibrancy of Arlington’s most connected neighborhood.

Three architecturally distinct towers — unified by a 30,000-square-foot private landscaped terrace — will bring together the best of urban living and nature. This is more than a…

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It’s that incredible time of year in Northern Virginia. The air is crisp, Halloween decorations are up, and the entire landscape is exploding into a masterpiece of red, orange, and yellow. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world to see autumn foliage. In fact, I have a friend from Los Angeles who flies out here almost every year—twice now—just to see it.

For many, "fall foliage" means one thing: heading to Skyline Drive. And look, you can't go wrong with the views up there. But let's be honest about the reality of a weekend trip: sitting in a traffic jam just to get into the park at Front Royal while people direct traffic like it's a Taylor Swift concert.

You don't have to do that.

We are surrounded by amazing, less-crowded…

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There's something magical about driving down Beulah Street in early November and seeing over 100 jack-o-lanterns glowing against the night sky. It's not a big corporate display or a ticketed attraction—it's just neighbors, families, and pumpkin enthusiasts coming together to keep the Halloween spirit alive a little longer. And honestly? It's one of those small-town traditions that remind you why you love Northern Virginia.

This weekend, Nalls Produce & Garden Center in Franconia hosts its annual Pumpkin IllumiNIGHT, and I love how this event captures everything special about fall in NoVA. For years, this family-owned garden center has invited the community to carve pumpkins and add them to a stunning drive-by display that lights up the street after…

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If you had to guess which Northern Virginia city was most impacted by recent federal downsizing, where would your mind go? Most people would bet on Arlington, the long-standing hub of government operations.

But you’d be wrong.

According to a revealing report from the Brookings Institute, it's actually Alexandria, Virginia, that has been hit the hardest. At first glance, the headlines might seem alarming. But as we often say in real estate, the numbers behind the numbers tell the real story. And the story in Alexandria is one of incredible resilience.

Let's break down what's really happening.

The Alarming Numbers (On the Surface)


The data shows a clear shift. With over 13,000 federal workers living in the city, the downsizing has had a…

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Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: October 8, 2025

"Today, we are checking out Manassas, Virginia … Manassas is huge. You've got a couple different zip codes and areas."

Overview

"Today, we are checking out Manassas, Virginia."

"Manassas is huge. You've got a couple of different zip codes and areas, right? So, you also have Manassas City, which is 20110. Then you have Manassas Park, which is 20111."

"And then you have Prince William Manassas, which is several different zip codes."

"You would be about 27 miles from Washington, DC."

Key Takeaways

  • "Manassas is huge. You've got a couple different zip codes and areas, right? So, you also have Manassas City, which is 20110. Then you have Manassas Park, which is 20111."…

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Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: April 5, 2025

"Fairfax has more Fortune 500 companies than 30 U.S. states, 8,700 tech firms, and, guess what, the #1 public high school in the country."

Overview

"Fairfax has more Fortune 500 companies than 30 U.S. states, 8,700 tech firms, and, guess what, the #1 public high school in the country."

"Fairfax County sits just outside Washington, D.C., and the proximity is phenomenal for commuters."

"It's the largest county in Virginia, over a million residents, and that proximity to D.C. is huge."

"We're breaking that down in this video, so let's get into it."

Key Takeaways

  • "Tysons Corner alone has 28 million sq. ft. of office space, Virginia's largest business district, bigger than…

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Fall, Horses, and History: Why You Need to Experience the Gold Cup at Great Meadow

One of Northern Virginia's most spectacular traditions returns October 25th

By Chris Colgan

There's something about autumn in Virginia that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. The leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, the air gets crisp, and suddenly you're craving apple cider and wide-open spaces. For me, one tradition captures all of that perfectly: the International Gold Cup at Great Meadow in The Plains.

A Day at the Races—Virginia Style

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, horse racing fans and first-timers alike will gather at Great Meadow for the 88th running of the International Gold Cup—one of the largest steeplechase events in the…

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Speaker: Chris Colgan • Date: May 17, 2025

"There's an area in Northern Virginia that I think will be the next big technology hub. It's right here in Haymarket and Gainesville. I've lived here my whole life, so I know the area very well."

Overview

"There's an area in Northern Virginia that I think will be the next big technology hub. It's right here in Haymarket and Gainesville."

"I'm giving you a full driving tour of Haymarket. I've lived here my whole life, so I know the area very well."

"Most of my clients come directly from this YouTube channel."

Key Takeaways

  • "Crossroads Village, with townhomes around $300,000–$400,000 and single-family homes between $600,000–$700,000." (1:33)
  • "Heathcote Commons, where…

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