Dranesville is an unincorporated community of nearly 12,000 residents less than 30 miles from Washington, D.C. Its name stems back to the area’s founding when James Drane settled down and opened up Drane's Tavern, a popular rest stop for traveling merchants in the 1800s. "Dranesville sits next to the Town of Herndon and has a Herndon ZIP code, so some people say they're from Dranesville, but most people just say Herndon," says Scott Waters, a local Realtor with Real Broker, LLC, who was born and raised in the area.
Dranesville is one of the many sought-after communities in Fairfax County known for its well-manicured subdivisions, highly rated schools, nearby amenities and proximity to the nation's capital. "Fairfax is an extremely desirable, affluent D.C. suburb," Waters says. "My parents bought their house for $300,000 in the 1990s. Now it's worth over $1 million." Straddling the border between Loudoun and Fairfax County, Dranesville's tree-lined streets and wooded parks separate its residential subdivisions. With proximity to the city, the federal government is a major employer for residents here. Other industries include the aerospace, defense, technology and finance sectors. The county is also home to several Fortune 500 company headquarters.
Explore the scenic beauty and heritage of Dranesville, where tradition meets modern life.
Step back in time and explore the rich history of Dranesville Tavern Historic Site.
Enjoy a nice walk on the Wo&d Trail Dranesville.
The skatepark at Trailside Park offers fun and adventure for all in Dranesville.
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20th- and 21st-century homes
Suburban subdivisions give way to several condominiums, townhouses and hundreds of single-family homes. Some streets feature smaller, 20th-century designs, while others weave past spacious 21st-century Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals. Paved driveways wind past lush landscaping and two-to-three-car garages, while private backyards are often large enough for an in-ground pool. Median home prices hover around $855,000, with condos starting in the $300,000s, townhouses in the $500,000s and single-family homes ranging from the mid-$600,000s to well over $1 million. "Dranesville, and all of Fairfax County, is a hot market," Waters says.
Split-level homes in Dranesville offer modern design and functional multi-level living.
Experience cozy ranch style living in Dranesville with expansive yards and modern features.
Townhouses in Dranesville provide modern living with convenient access to local amenities.
Colonial style homes in Dranesville offer a perfect blend of tradition and modern comfort.
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A-rated Fairfax County Public Schools
According to Niche, Fairfax County Public Schools earns an overall A rating and is the sixth best school district in Virginia. "The schools have always been a large draw to the area," Waters says. "I know some families that have moved here specifically for our Special Education program." The district is one of the largest in the county, with over 182,000 students enrolled in more than 200 schools and centers.
Most high schools offer Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). For those interested in pursuing higher education, George Mason University, a public research university, is less than 20 miles away.
Dranesville Elementary School provides a nurturing environment for young learners in Dranesville.
Herndon High School offers top-notch education for students in the Dranesville area.
George Mason University provides excellent education and opportunities near Dranesville.
Northern Virginia Community College offers excellent education near Dranesville.
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Nature trails, green spaces and the Potomac River
Dranesville offers all four seasons. Warm springs turn into humid summers, while cool winters can bring occasional periods of snowfall. Dranesville and the surrounding area offer a variety of parks, golf courses, community pools and nature trails. Sugarland Run is one of several streams with wooded hiking trails that weave throughout the community, while the historic Drane's Tavern still stands at Dranesville Tavern Park along Leesburg Pike.
Nearby green spaces in Loudoun County include Gwen Thompson Briar Patch Park's expansive playground and Claude Moore Park's sports fields, nature trails, farm museum and recreation center. To the east, over 55 miles of paved trails weave through Reston, connecting residents to neighborhood parks like Lake Newport and Baron Cameron's dog park. About 6 miles from Dranesville, Lake Fairfax Park's 476 acres include open meadows, wooded hiking trails, public campgrounds and a 20-acre lake for anglers, kayakers and pedal-boaters. Additional amenities include Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole, sports fields and a skate park.
Residents are less than 10 miles from scenic parks such as Algonkian Regional, Riverbend, Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Great Falls, which feature waterfalls, swimming holes and hiking trails along the Potomac River.
Enjoy a nice ride with your buddies on the Wo&d Trail near Dranesville.
Go for a brisk walk along the wooded trails in the Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park located in Dranesville.
Dranesville's residents are less than 10 miles from scenic parks such as Algonkian Regional, Riverbend, Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Great Falls.
About 6 miles from Dranesville, Lake Fairfax Park's 476 acres include open meadows, wooded hiking trails, public campgrounds and a 20-acre lake for anglers, kayakers and pedal-boaters.
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Shopping and dining in Fairfax and Loudoun
Dranesville residents are close to numerous shopping plazas along Leesburg Pike. Five miles west, Dulles Town Center features an indoor mall and big-box stores.
Dozens of retailers and restaurants are also scattered throughout Reston and Herndon. The Town of Herndon, about 3 miles south, features a charming downtown area with local restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques.
Reston Town Center, approximately 5 miles away, is a lively, walkable plaza with upscale dining, bars, high-end retailers and entertainment venues, including a seasonal outdoor ice rink. Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria, both about 12 miles east, are premier regional shopping destinations with popular retailers, luxury brands and a diverse selection of restaurants. "Local malls like Fair Oaks have declined in popularity over the years, but Tysons is always packed," Waters says. The building of the Metro Silver Line station, luxury apartments, and the development of rooftop green spaces in a miniature city dotted with skyscrapers have all aided in the growth of the Tysons area.
The Town of Herndon, about 3 miles south of Dranesville, features a charming downtown area with local restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques.
Join in the festivities of the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Dulles Town Center near Dranesville.
Catch up with friends over delicious food in Reston Town Center, a short drive from Dranesville.
Tysons Corner Center near Dranesville has tons of retail options for all types of shoppers.
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Herndon and Reston's small-town events
Dranesville's numerous subdivisions host small neighborhood events like summer block parties, but the neighboring communities of Herndon and Reston are known for their many events. Herndon hosts a seasonal farmers market, the Friday Night Live! summer concert series and festive holiday parades. A few miles away, Reston Town Center frequently holds community gatherings, including holiday tree lightings and art festivals. Less than 30 miles away, Washington, D.C., offers dozens of museums, concerts, plays and festivals.
Dranesville's numerous subdivisions host events like Friday Night Live!.
Dranesville resident enjoy Herndon Farmers Market every Thursday.
The Herndon Winter Market offers a cozy shopping experience just outside Dranesville.
Enjoy skating and holiday fun at Ice-Travaganza, located near Dranesville in Reston Town Center.
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Commuting to Washington, D.C.
The Fairfax Connector offers public transit around the county, but Dranesville is primarily a car-dependent community. The D.C. Metro opened the first Silver Line station in 2014, expanding the D.C. Metrorail to Reston. "It's a quick drive to the Metro, and some people commute into the city on it, but driving into D.C. can take just as long, if not a shorter amount of time," Waters says. Reston Hospital is about 5 miles south via Fairfax County Parkway, and Dulles International Airport is about 6 miles away. Dulles Toll Road offers a straight shot into the city. "Almost everyone up here has an E-ZPass," Waters says. Other major roadways include Interstates 66 and 95, as well as Leesburg Pike.
Low crime rates
The Fairfax County Police Department serves Dranesville residents. According to FBI crime data, Fairfax County saw an increase in property and violent crime rates between 2022 and 2023. However, even with more than 1 million residents, Fairfax County's crime rates historically trend lower than the national average.
Christine grew up in a military family and moved every year until her dad got stationed at the Pentagon when she was 13 years old. She has been in Northern Virginia ever since and loves it. She went to high school in Alexandria at St. Mary's Academy and has a degree in Math/Computer Science from the College of William and Mary. She is married with two wonderful grown children and has a delightful ball of fluff dog named Mistletoe. When Christine is not selling real estate, she enjoys bike riding, hiking, sewing, and scrapbooking.
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