Reston, VA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Reston, VA: What You Need to Know

Reston, Virginia's first planned residential community, is known for redefining the post-World War II concept of the American suburb as a place where residents live and play, but also work. Reston is part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. 

Local History

Robert E. Simon of New York City bought 6,750 acres in the area in 1961 for a planned community. Reston got its name from Simon’s initials. In December 1964, the first residents moved to Reston, and within three months, all commercial spaces were leased. In 1967, Gulf Reston, a major investor, assumed a larger role. Simon eventually left because of differences with the company, but Gulf followed Simon’s master plan using a more traditional, market-driven approach to development. In 1977, the company divested its real estate investments and sold its holdings in Reston.

Job Opportunities

Reston, located in Fairfax County, has a robust technology sector. The following high-tech companies are based in Reston: Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), Confident Governance, GoCanvas, and LookingGlass Cyber Solutions. Top employers in Fairfax County include Booz Allen Hamilton (professional, scientific, and technical services), Inova Health System, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (Freddie Mac), Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman (professional, scientific, and technical services). 

Cost of Living

Reston’s proximity to Washington, D.C., 22 miles away, comes at a price. The cost of living rate and housing costs in Reston (population: 58,404) are 55.9% and 37.1% higher than the national average respectively. The median gross rent is $1,859. On the bright side, food cost is 0.9% lower than the national average. The Old Dominion levies 2% to 5.75% in income tax and 5.3% to 7% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

As an unincorporated community in Fairfax County, Reston doesn’t have its own government. However, the nonprofit Reston Association provides the equivalent of municipal services. Residents rave about the area’s green spaces and walking paths connecting neighborhoods. Thirty-eight percent of Reston residents are renters. Public schools in Reston and nearby Oakton and McNair are all top-ranked. 

Shopping Local

Reston Town Center and Lake Anne Plaza are popular shopping destinations in Reston. Shop till you drop at the Town Center’s shops and services along brick-lined streets, then dine at one of its fine restaurants. Lake Anne Plaza, the first village center built in Reston, sits in the Historic Overlay District. It’s home to diverse businesses and restaurants, plus weekly seasonal farmers and craft markets, and art and food festivals.