What’s up, guys? It is Chris Colgan, your favorite Northern Virginia realtor, and as someone who has lived here my entire life, I’ve seen towns change, boom, and transform. But few have done it as impressively as Leesburg, Virginia.
Located in western Loudoun County, Leesburg is one of my absolute favorite places. It has masterfully blended its deep, 1758 historic roots with an upscale, modern, and incredibly vibrant suburban life. It's a town that truly offers two different worlds in one perfect package.
If you're considering a move to Northern Virginia, you need to see what Leesburg is all about. This isn't your standard tourist guide; this is a real, on-the-ground relocation tour of what it’s actually like to live here.
Let's get into the tour.
Getting Your Bearings: Location, Commute, and First Impressions
To understand Leesburg, you need to know where it sits. I started this tour from my home base in Haymarket, and the drive to Leesburg is a perfect example of the area's geography.
I'm at Gilbert's Corner, the major intersection of Route 15 and Route 50.
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Head east on 50, and you're going toward Aldie, Chantilly, and eventually Dulles Airport.
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Head south on 15, and you're back toward Haymarket and Prince William County.
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Head west, and you'll find yourself in the historic charm of Middleburg.
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Head north on 15 (which we're doing), and you're on the direct path to Leesburg, just 12 miles away.
This drive takes you past beautiful open farmland, horse properties, and popular wineries like Quattro Goombas (which has fantastic pizza, by the way). It’s a reminder that while you're in America’s wealthiest county, you're also on the edge of its beautiful rural countryside.
The Commute & Transportation
Let's be clear: if you live in Leesburg, you are going to need a car. This is not a walkable-to-the-Metro town.
However, its location is strategic. You have easy access to Route 7, which takes you directly to Tysons, and the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) for a straight shot to Dulles Airport (IAD) and Reston. While Leesburg itself doesn't have a Metro station, you're only about a 20-minute drive from the Ashburn Silver Line station, which can connect you to the entire DC region.
The Heart of the Town: Why Historic Downtown Leesburg Captures Hearts
The first stop for anyone exploring Leesburg must be Oldtown (or Downtown). This is the original town, established in 1758, and it’s dripping with Civil War and early American history.
This is not a manufactured "town center." The streets are narrow, the buildings are from the 1700s and 1800s, and the vibe is pure, authentic Americana. The best part? It’s almost entirely composed of local shops, unique boutiques, and fantastic local restaurants. You won't find a TGI Fridays or a Ruby Tuesday's here.
Instead, you’ll find:
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Incredible Dining: Hotspots like the King Street Oyster Bar and Lightfoot Restaurant are packed for a reason.
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Local Culture: The Loudoun Museum, the historic Loudoun County Courthouse, and a local theater provide endless things to do.
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Unique Events: During the fall, the entire town gets into the spirit with spooky attractions like Paxton Manor.
Living in or near Oldtown means you can walk to grab a coffee, browse antique shops, and enjoy a level of charm that is increasingly rare in Northern Virginia.
Modern Leesburg: World-Class Shopping and Everyday Conveniences
If Oldtown is Leesburg's historic soul, its modern shopping centers are its vibrant, convenient body.
The Leesburg Premium Outlets
Back in the day, this is what Leesburg was known for. It's still one of the biggest and most popular outlet malls in the region, with over 100 designer stores at the Leesburg Premium Outlets like Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, Nike, and Ralph Lauren.
Chris's Insider Tip: Whatever you do, for the love of God, do not go to the Leesburg Premium Outlets on Black Friday. The lines are outrageous, and it's pure chaos. You've been warned.
The Villages at Leesburg (Wegmans!)
This is the new center of gravity for modern Leesburg. The Villages at Leesburg is a massive, beautifully designed mixed-use development anchored by the holy grail of grocery stores: Wegmans.
This area is a perfect example of new urbanism. It features:
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Apartments and condos built directly on top of retail.
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Doctors' offices, CVS, an AT&T store, and countless restaurants.
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Walkable townhome communities built right across the street.
This is where you go for your weekly shopping and where many new residents are choosing to live for the ultimate convenience.
The 2026 Leesburg VA Real Estate Market: A Neighborhood Deep Dive
Okay, let's get to the main event: the houses. What does it cost to live in Leesburg, and what do you get for your money?
As a whole, the average sales price in Leesburg is around $880,000. But that number covers a massive range, from 55+ condos to $5 million mansions. Let’s break down the most popular and prominent neighborhoods.
Leesburg
The Ultra-Luxury Enclaves: Creighton Farms
As you drive toward Leesburg, you'll pass what is arguably one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in all of Northern Virginia: Creighton Farms.
This is where Washington Commanders players like RG3 and coaches like Jon Gruden lived. It’s a hyper-private, gated community of stunning custom-built homes on large lots. You're not just buying a house; you're buying a $3 million to $5 million mansion and a very exclusive lifestyle.
Gated Golf & Riverfront Living: River Creek and Lansdowne
These are two of the most sought-after (and more accessible) luxury communities.
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Lansdowne: Recommended to me by my buddy and former Commander, Santana Moss, Lansdowne is a beautiful gated community that backs up to the Potomac River. It features a golf course and a range of luxury single-family homes, with prices starting around $1.3 million.
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River Creek: This is one of my favorite communities. It’s gated, set right against the river with gorgeous walking trails, and has its own private golf course. The housing is unique: you'll find massive attached (villa-style) homes that are 4,000-5,000 sq ft for around $1.3 million, as well as stunning detached single-family homes on smaller lots for $1.3 million to $1.5 million+.
Established Single-Family Homes: The 80s & 90s Colonials
If you're looking for a classic suburban feel, you'll find it in the neighborhoods off Battlefield Parkway. These are typically 3-level colonial homes built in the 1980s and 90s, set on beautiful, mature lots with towering trees.
These homes are a great value, often selling in the $800,000 to $900,000 range. The trade-off? As I tell my clients, these older models often have smaller kitchens and primary bedrooms compared to new construction.
Modern Townhomes & Mixed-Use Living
Leesburg has fantastic townhome options for those who want less maintenance.
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Older Townhomes: In and around Oldtown, you can find 90s-era townhomes for $500,000 to $600,000.
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Modern Townhomes: In communities like Sycamore Hill (near the Wegmans complex), you'll find newer townhomes with 1-car garages for around $600,000.
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Luxury Townhomes: In the Villages at Leesburg, they are building 4-level townhomes with rooftop decks that are walkable to everything. These are larger and more expensive, pushing $800,000 to $900,000.
The Economic Powerhouse: Jobs, Schools, and Future Growth
Why is the real estate here so strong? Simple: jobs and schools.
Leesburg is in Loudoun County, which is consistently ranked as the #1 wealthiest county in the United States, with a median household income of around $180,000. This is largely thanks to "Data Center Alley" in nearby Ashburn, the digital pipeline for most of the world's internet traffic.
This massive commercial tax base also funds the Loudoun County Public School system, which is one of the best in Virginia.
Finally, I see huge future upside. The Ashburn Metro station is built, but the high-density, mixed-use development around it was delayed. As that area builds up over the next 5-10 years, it will create a new urban core, and the home values in nearby towns like Leesburg are poised to benefit significantly.
The Verdict: Is Moving to Leesburg, VA Right for You?
As a local realtor who's lived here my whole life, I give Leesburg an A+.
This town is for you if:
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You appreciate real history and charm but still want modern luxuries like Wegmans and rooftop bars.
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You want access to a booming job market but prefer a lifestyle with more green space.
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You're looking for top-tier public schools.
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You want to plant roots. People who move to Leesburg stay—the average homeowner lives here for 10-12 years.
From the Leesburg Animal Park (home of a famous sloth!) to the sprawling 180-acre Ida Lee Park, this town has perfected the balance of family-friendly recreation, historic character, and upscale living.
Let's Find Your Leesburg Home
If you are thinking about buying or selling in Leesburg—or anywhere in Northern Virginia—my team and I have this on-the-ground, lifelong expertise you can't find online.
We work with clients from all over the world, and about half of my YouTube viewers end up buying their homes virtually with us. We are here to be your boots on the ground.
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Email me: info@ColganTeam.com
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Search all active homes in Leesburg: Click here for listings
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