From housing costs to schools to lifestyle tips, this is where I’ll talk about the stuff people really want to know before moving here. The good, the bad, and everything in between.

Okay, real talk — if you're not taking advantage of Virginia wine country this fall, you're missing out on one of the best perks of living in Northern Virginia.

This weekend, October 18 and 19, The Winery at Bull Run is hosting their annual wine festival, and honestly? It's one of my favorite ways to spend an autumn Saturday or Sunday. I'm talking over 20 Virginia wineries all in one spot, pouring their absolute best. No need to drive all over Loudoun County (though I love those weekend vineyard tours too) — it's all right here in Centreville.

Here's what I love about this event: it's not stuffy. You're not standing around pretending to detect "notes of oak and leather" while someone judges your palate. It's Virginia wine at its finest —…

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The Northern Virginia real estate market has fundamentally changed. The days of the wild seller's frenzy are over, replaced by a balanced market brimming with opportunities that most people are overlooking. Inventory is up between 43% and 67% year-over-year, yet buyers are still looking in the wrong places.

This isn't just another generic list of towns. As a real estate professional who has navigated this market for over two decades, this is the insider's guide to where I would personally invest my own money and move my family in 2025. Let’s break down what’s really happening and where the smart money is going.


Understanding the 2025 Northern Virginia Housing Market Shift


Before we dive into locations, you need to understand the new…

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Ritz-Carlton Is Coming to Tysons — And It's Not Just Another Condo Tower

I've been watching Tysons evolve for years, and let me tell you — this one feels different. Ritz-Carlton just announced plans for a 20-story residential tower in the Arbor Row neighborhood, right across from Tysons Galleria. We're not talking about your average luxury condo here. This is Ritz-Carlton bringing their first Virginia residences to our backyard, and it's another sign that Tysons is turning into the East Coast's next big skyline story.

The Players Behind the Project

The developer behind this move is Renaissance Centro, the same team that delivered Monarch — that sleek 94-unit condo tower that opened in 2023 just down the street. Apparently, Monarch residents are…

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The Big News

Publix Super Markets has officially staked its claim in Northern Virginia.
The beloved Florida-based grocer just signed a deal to anchor Ashland Square, a 124,000-square-foot retail development rising at Dumfries and Spriggs Roads in Manassas.

At over 50,000 square feet, this will be one of the largest grocery builds in the area — and marks Publix’s northernmost store in Virginia.

Why It Matters

For years, Northern Virginia residents have watched Publix creep north from Stafford and Fredericksburg. Now, the grocery giant is crossing the invisible line into the D.C. commuter belt — one of the most competitive grocery markets in the country.

This isn’t just another grocery store. It’s a signal:
Publix is ready to take on Harris…

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FAQ: What, Where & Why Kite Acres?
What is Kite Acres?
Kite Acres is a new community of single-family and ranch homes in Culpeper, Virginia—offering modern floorplans, generous yards, and included features to simplify your move.

Where is it located?
Addressed at 14013 Willow Shade Lane, Culpeper, VA, Kite Acres is in Culpeper County and part of the local school district.

Who’s building it / what’s the style?
The community will feature traditional 2-story homes and ranch-style homes with the owner’s suite on the main level, designed for convenience and flexibility.

What’s included / what features?
Base-price inclusions: finished basement rec rooms, quartz countertops, hard surface flooring, stainless-steel appliances, smart home tech, and optional…

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FAQ: New Neighborhood Development by Ryan Homes

Where is it?
Lomond Village is located off Williamson Boulevard, near Lomond Drive in Manassas, Virginia, within Prince William County—just two miles from I-66 and minutes from Old Town Manassas.

Who’s building it?
This new community is being developed by Ryan Homes, one of America’s most established homebuilders known for creating energy-efficient, low-maintenance residences.

What’s being built?
Lomond Village will feature a collection of two-level townhome-style condos designed for comfort, convenience, and modern living.

How much are the homes?
Homes start from the upper $400s, offering one of the best new-construction values in Northern Virginia.

How big are they?
Floor plans range from

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If you've ever driven past the National Botanic Garden in Chantilly and wondered what's behind those gates, here's your chance to find out — in costume.

On October 25-26, the garden is hosting Cosplay Enchantment in the Gardens, and honestly? It's about time. This is the first cosplay event at the 250-acre property, which sits tucked away on Peter and Baela Knop's private family farm. The Knops have spent years designing this place with an ambitious goal: fulfilling George Washington's dream of a National Botanic Garden — something largely unrealized on the National Mall due to development, but now possible here in the Virginia suburbs.

Here's the thing — the garden only opens once a month from April to November for special events, so access is…

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The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Northern Virginia Real Estate in 2025

The Northern Virginia (NoVA) real estate market is buzzing. Arlington just posted a 1.2% to 3.7% appreciation rate, and Prince William County is showing solid 2% to 4% growth. While these numbers are strong, focusing only on the headlines could cause you to miss the biggest long-term opportunities in the entire region.

Many homebuyers make costly mistakes by relying on generic, national housing reports. To succeed here, you need hyper-local intel. I’m going to break down which NoVA counties are worth your money right now and which ones are poised for massive future growth.

Arlington County: The Premium Powerhouse

Let's start where the market is absolutely crushing it.…

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Here's something that makes me proud to work in this region.

With the government shutdown affecting thousands of our neighbors, Alexandria isn't just sitting back—they're rolling out the welcome mat. Visit Alexandria is offering free "Keys to the City" passes (normally $60) to federal workers and hotel guests hit by the shutdown.

What's included? Head to the Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street with your government ID or hotel reservation, and you'll get access to nine historic sites plus 40% off admission to George Washington's Mount Vernon, rides on the Potomac Water Taxi, and tours of the Tall Ship Providence. That's real value when budgets are tight.

For federal employees, just show a valid government ID. Hotel guests need to present…

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Why More Northern Virginia Sellers Are Pulling Their Homes Off the Market

A practical look at why delistings are up, what’s shifting with mortgage-rate lock, and how buyers and sellers should adjust in today’s slower market.

The housing market across the Mid-Atlantic—and especially here in Northern Virginia—is in transition. Lately, more sellers are taking homes off the market rather than adjust to what buyers are willing to pay. I’m in the trenches daily with my team, and we’re seeing it first-hand.

A Quiet Rise in Delistings

In August 2025, nearly 3,000 listings were withdrawn across the Bright MLS region—about a 25% increase year over year. For every 100 new listings, roughly 13 were pulled from the market, up from about 10…

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