Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Living, Work, and Play in Reston Virginia

Reston Virginia

 Reston is an exceptional community in Northern Virginia founded in 1964, famed for its forward-thinking concepts regarding living, working, and playing all in one location. Reston, located in Fairfax County, offers plenty of public open space, an active restaurant scene, and shopping. Furthermore, its convenient metro access makes travel to Washington DC and other regional destinations simple.

Location

Reston, Virginia, is a census-designated place and bustling community located in western Fairfax County. This popular destination draws individuals seeking both city life and quiet retreat. Robert Simon established Reston in 1964 with the intent of creating an environment in which residents could benefit from both urban and suburban lifestyles, drawing inspiration from Garden City concepts that promoted planned self-contained neighborhoods that intertwine green space with residential and commercial development. While other new towns in the US grew around shopping centers and strip malls, Reston was planned with its citizens having a wide array of housing choices and access to recreational facilities in mind. At a time when cities and their suburbs often offered minimal public services and amenities, Simon wanted Reston to become a model that stressed quality over quantity of amenities.

He envisioned creating a community free from race and income level discrimination, making his fundraising more difficult than expected; nonetheless, he persevered until eventually securing financing from Gulf Oil and Mobil. Simon was able to successfully build Reston with the aid of Gulf Oil. His vision included housing options ranging from single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses - his goal was a town with the highest standards in design and materials. Reston stands out among other suburban communities by having an extensive network of public trails, which include parks, lakes, golf courses, bridle paths, and footpaths. These routes help separate pedestrians from cars while increasing safety at certain street crossings.

The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail runs through Reston and consists of a 45-mile (72 km) pathway dedicated to pedestrian and bicycle use, connecting with Fairfax Cross County Trail which spans from north to south across Northern Virginia. For those not keen on biking or walking, Reston offers several bus lines that will transport them between village centers or Reston Town Center and various points throughout Fairfax County. There is also Metrobus service that connects Reston to other stations nearby.

Amenities

Reston Virginia boasts an abundance of amenities for residents to take advantage of, from beautiful landscapes and scenic parks to its acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums - there's something special waiting to be experienced here! Reston has become an attractive option due to its many unique characteristics, such as its proximity to Washington D.C. and access to Fairfax County Public Schools as well as the numerous village centers offering shopping and dining. Furthermore, Reston boasts a vibrant arts scene that encourages its residents to express themselves creatively. If you're in search of some time away, why not consider taking a stroll along one of Reston's many trails? They provide an opportunity to enjoy nature while getting some exercise - you might even see some wildlife along your walk! For an adventure-filled hike, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail is an excellent option. Stretching 45 miles through Northern Virginia between Reston and other regions, this trail connects Reston with other areas in Northern Virginia - it is popular among hikers and cyclists.

Consider exploring Reston's natural areas as another outdoor activity: these include 800 acres of woodlands, four lakes, four wetlands, three ponds, and 50 meadows accessed via 55 miles of trails. These parks provide a range of activities, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to fishing. Local businesses such as Surf Reston offer SUP and kayak lessons across all four lakes in the summer months. Walking paths connect these parks, making it easy to spend a relaxing and adventurous day exploring this tranquil environment. Additionally, some of these trails lead to some of the region's most impressive waterfalls. Trips to your local library are also worthwhile experiences, offering access to an assortment of books, magazines, and newspapers as well as various programs that teach about its members' history. As part of your winter getaway, why not check out Reston Town Center for some ice-skating fun? There are also outdoor activities you can participate in like skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts.

Transportation

If you're traveling around Reston, public transit is your best bet for getting there. From buses and subways, plus taxis and Uber services if time is of the essence. Metro currently operates two stations in Reston - Wiehle Avenue and Sunset Hills Avenue - connecting them with its extensive train and bus system in DC and Virginia. Senior SmarTrip cards may provide discounts when used. NOVA Wild Zoo recently reopened as a nonprofit and is one of the top attractions for families with young children in Reston. Offering both walk-through and drive-through safaris to come face to face with buffalo, llamas, emus, and other animals; as well as exhibits covering habitat conservation, wildlife biology and the anthropology of animal behaviors - its popularity among children makes this experience particularly memorable! Every February, the NOVA Wild Zoo hosts its light show 'The Great Migration.' This displays 800,000 LED lights that illuminate its grounds. There's also a playground and water play areas designed to keep children active, plus special events like holiday celebrations and birthday parties hosted by the zoo.

When it comes to party bus rentals in Reston, ING Limousine has your transportation needs covered. We provide shuttle buses, charter buses, and motor coaches of various sizes - we will help you select the ideal vehicle suited to your group size! Limos make for the perfect ride when celebrating birthdays, proms, or quinceaneras in Reston. Travel in comfort while our professional, reliable drivers know their way around town! For corporate events, RDV Limousine can accommodate up to 15 passengers in its fleet of sedans and SUVs - providing you with a luxurious ride at an economical rate. For an easier outing, take the W&OD bike trail through Reston and connect the metro station to Reston Town Center as well as various stops along its route. Its surface is smooth and easy for cycling; however, weekend crowds often use it.

Safety

Reston is a census-designated place located approximately 20 miles west of Washington, DC in Fairfax County. Established in 1964 as part of the Garden City movement characterized by self-contained communities combining green spaces with residential neighborhoods and commercial development, Money magazine recently named Reston the "Best Place to Live in Virginia", noting its vast array of parks, lakes, bridle paths, and golf courses, as well as its growing number of shops and restaurants in Reston Town Center. Reston's population consists of both families and young professionals who appreciate its amenities and public schools. With its urban-suburban feel and moderate politics, Reston residents tend to be democratic. The police department enjoys strong relations with its community and is active in working to keep it secure. A bike team patrols the area during evening hours primarily. Reston has a police unit that responds to reports of suspicious people and activity near its trail system but still receives many reports about people smoking marijuana on them.

As such, the city has implemented a strict policy concerning drug use in public spaces. This ensures that individuals do not smoke marijuana while jogging or biking and prevents drug dealers from setting up shops where people come together to socialize. Reston has implemented another crime-prevention measure through the installation of video doorbells that can help catch criminals who break into homes or businesses. Furthermore, their strong relationship with the FBI allows them to monitor crimes in real time. Reston is significantly below the national crime average and comparable cities within Virginia. Property crime, violent crimes such as murder and rape, and other forms of property offenses do not appear to be as prevalent here as they would elsewhere. Even with Virginia's low crime rate, some residents still fear becoming victims. We surveyed participants regarding their experience with property crime in Virginia and how they would like to see it reduced.

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Living, Work, and Play in Reston Virginia

  Reston is an exceptional community in Northern Virginia founded in 1964, famed for its forward-thinking concepts regarding living, working...