Loudoun County, identified as the richest county in the U.S. with a median income topping $125,000, offers more than luxury homes. In fact, the county has a surprising diversity of housing types, amenities that range from walkable town centers to wineries to rural areas where you can hike and fish as well as multiple public and private golf courses. Once an agricultural landscape with 300 dairy farms anchored by the historic town of Leesburg, Loudoun County has been transformed into a hub for high tech companies, federal government agencies and contractors and transportation companies, drawn by Dulles International Airport and the proximity to the nation’s capital. Employment growth is anticipated to continue with the extension of the Silver Line Metro into Loudoun County that will link the area directly to downtown Washington, D.C.
New housing in Loudoun County clusters in two main areas: in the southern area of the county near the town of South Riding and the village of Middleburg, where horse farms and wineries and the elegant Salamander Resort draw visitors year-round; and near Ashburn and Leesburg where major commuter routes link numerous planned communities and town center developments to other parts of Virginia and to downtown D.C.
Loudoun County, known for its excellent public school system, also offers plenty of physical activity for children and their parents. Adult and youth sports leagues can be found in abundance in every part of the county from softball and baseball to inline hockey and lacrosse as well as soccer, football, basketball and wrestling. Most planned communities in the county include swimming pools and fitness centers and community centers where residents can enjoy their favorite activities. The Washington & Old Dominion trail winds through the county, offering a quiet tree-lined path for bicyclists and hikers. If you prefer horses, the county is home to more horses than any other county in Virginia and to the country’s oldest horse show, the Upperville Colt and Horse Show.
Year-round activities include bluegrass concerts, country fairs, art shows, craft festivals, art studio tours, steeplechase races and local parades.
History buffs can explore colonial and Civil War sites throughout the county, including Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park and Morven Park in Leesburg. The town of Waterford, a National Historic Landmark Village, was founded in 1757 by Quakers and has many preserved homes and shops. Nearby Lucketts is known for its antique stores and annual fair.
Adults who live in Loudoun County may want to join the hundreds of “wine tourists” who explore vineyards every weekend, tasting and buying wine and enjoying beautiful views and sometimes live music. Among the many well-known vineyards in Loudoun are Tarara, Breaux and Bluemont. For those who prefer beer, the LoCo Ale Trail includes stops at the county’s 21 local breweries.
Loudoun residents no longer have to travel to Reston, Tysons Corner or into Washington, D.C. to enjoy restaurants, shops and entertainment and can instead explore downtown Leesburg, Middleburg, Lovettsville and Brambleton Town Center and One Loudoun in Ashburn.
Homebuyers in Loudoun can find homes in walkable areas in several planned communities for an urban lifestyle, homes in traditional suburban communities and properties that rest on large lots with rural views.
Originally appearing in the January/February 2018 issue of New Homes Guide, this story was written by Michele Lerner, a freelance journalist, covers real estate and personal finance.
