Offering tree-lined streets, independent shops and historic homes, Falls Church brims with quaint charm into a region known for suburban sprawl. “It’s called the little city, you drive in and there’s a small-town feel – all of a sudden things just slow down,” says Tim Royster, Realtor and team lead of the Royster Hearth Group with Compass. “Falls Church has its own schools, its own parks [and] it’s only 2.2 square miles.” Locals enjoy easy access by car or Metrorail to major employment hubs in nearby Washington, D.C., Tysons Corner and Fairfax County. “It’s an easy commute up to Tysons Corner and Reston – that area has 11 of the top Fortune 500 companies headquarters there, so the job market is steady,” says Royster. Neighboring Arlington County recently became host to Amazon’s second headquarters in the Crystal City area, and the whole Northern Virginia region is considered the data center capital of the country, with almost 300 scattered between Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William Counties. Falls Church's population grew around 18.2% from 2010 to 2023, according to the U.S. Census. This is due in part to the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region’s prosperous job market, as well as the construction of new low-rise condos in the city over the last decade.
"The Little City" is Falls Church
nickname due to it only being 2.2 square miles.
Clare and Don's Beach Shack is very popular local Falls Church restaurant for food and drinks.
1/2
Big homes in The Little City
“Like anything within the city limits, restrictions are tight. It’s all about land and getting the most out of it,” says Bradley Wisley, a Realtor with Century 21 New Millennium with 23 years of real estate experience. “Downtown Falls Church is more multi-use, with shops and condos in some of the same buildings.” Many single-family homes date back to the Civil War, especially in the historic Tinner Hill area, while overall, the city’s stock ranges from Federal Revival styles to updated ramblers and older bungalows; many include a one-car garage and small driveways. Households with multiple vehicles usually have to park at least one car along the tree-lined streets. Short fences are also common, delineating properties and keeping pets in while still letting neighbors converse. Single-family homes often feature lush landscaping and mature. Modern townhouses and condos lean into Federal designs, using luxury materials and on-trend interior design. Small one-bedroom condos start around $150,000, while larger condos and townhouses with two or more bedrooms fetch between $400,000 to $650,000. For single-family homes, it’s all about square footage: Homes with under 2,500 square feet generally fetch from $800,000 to $1.2 million, while larger units regularly go for over $1.4 million.
Single Family homes are the most common living style in Falls Church.
Single Family home
1/2
The Best School District in Virginia
Rated by Niche as the Best School District in Virginia with an overall A-plus grade, Falls Church City Public Schools serve the entirety of the city. The district features a linear progression, with its two elementary schools teaching different grades – Mount Daniel serves kindergarten through second grade, while Oak Street is home to grades 3 through 5. The former receives an A-minus from Niche, while the latter earns an A. Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School earns an A-plus, as does Meridian High School. A soccer powerhouse – the girls’ soccer team won 11 straight championships from 2008 through 2018 – Meridian is also home to a Scholastic Bowl team that’s been the Virginia A State Champions seven times.
Oak Street Elementary has had many improvements to make sure students can perform their best.
Saint James Catholic School strives to have students realize their full potential.
1/2
A park every few blocks
Despite limited space within the city limits, Falls Church features more than a dozen parks offering plenty to do for hikers, picnickers, cyclists and playground enthusiasts. “Falls Church was smart – they made sure that they reserved some nice park areas for folks to enjoy,” says Royster. “Our kids go and play at Cherry Hill Park.” Others opt to skate at the West End Park ramp or stroll the peaceful stream banks at Isaac Crossman Park at Four Mile Run. There’s also access to Washington & Old Dominion Trail, a 45-mile rail trail across Northern Virginia that's popular for cyclists and hikers. It crosses Leesburg Pike via an overpass and makes for an easy pedestrian connection to regional parks from Arlington to Purcellville. Falls Church experiences four distinct seasons with humid Virginia summers.
Jefferson residents enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities along Four Mile Run.
Concerts in the Park
1/2
Hometown hangouts and the culturally rich Eden Center
Slicing through the center of Falls Church, Leesburg Pike is the home of retail and dining for the city. Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen anchors the west end, serving up stuffed sandwiches, breakfast all day, and their fan-favorite ice cream, while in the center of the city, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack offers laidback surf and turf entrees. Ireland’s Four Provinces dishes out Irish classics alongside traditional American pub and grill fare in a welcoming spot that hosts private events and dinners. Residents keep their energy up when walking around by getting some locally roasted joe. “Rare Birds is one of my favorite coffee shops in the area,” says Royster. Giant Food is available for groceries in the Falls Plaza strip mall, as is Harris Teeter, which sits a mile east and shares a building with condo units.
At the southeast edge of Falls Church is Seven Corners, a busy highway interchange with several regional commuter roads, including Arlington Boulevard, Leesburg Pike and Sleepy Hollow Road. The interchange is dotted with major retailers, including Home Depot, Burlington and Michael’s. There’s also Eden Center, the largest Vietnamese commercial center on the East Coast. It serves locals and tourists alike with cultural festivals and a concentration of Vietnamese restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets.
Experience the warmth of Irish hospitality at Ireland's Four Provinces, Falls Church.
Refresh your day with natural sugar cane juice at Mia And More in Falls Church.
1/2
Locals can take two Metro Stations or drive from Seven Corners to Washington, D.C.
The Little City makes for a convenient walking experience for pedestrians thanks to prevalent sidewalks. Driving is common, but public transport is available and accessible as well. “The West Falls Church Metro is right there, and also Route 66, which is a straight shot into DC,” says Royster. The Metro also takes residents to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is a 7-mile drive otherwise. Inova Fairfax provides round-the-clock emergency medical services and is roughly 5 miles south, usually a 15-minute drive. It’s often a rite of passage for new residents to navigate the complex turns of Seven Corners on their way to the nation’s capital, and it’s recommended to rely on GPS for the first couple of commutes. The East Falls Church Metro Station and West Falls Church Metro Station are both less than a mile from the city limits, and locals can park cars or lock bikes in public lockers at either station or walk there to catch an Orange or Silver Line Train. There are also Metrobus stops along main roads like Leesburg Pike.
Overall, crime in Falls Church rose 3.5% from 2022 to 2023, though the city’s crime rate runs far below the national average.
Celebrations all year round
“There’s an awesome farmers market there; it’s open year-round, not just for produce, but there are vendors there making some great foods; it’s a place where the neighborhood meets,” Royster points out. Setting up in the parking lot of City Hall, the Farmers Market has been going since 1984 and is open every Saturday morning year-round. The community comes out to annual events, including the July Fourth Celebration and Falls Church Festival every September, as well as the Eden Center's Tet, or Lunar New Year, celebrations. In May, the Falls Church Civil War Encampment takes place at Cherry Hill Park to educate folks on the city’s Civil War history, back when it was a small farming village. The State Theater is a popular event space downtown, regularly featuring live music and comedy acts.
Discover why Falls Church's Farmer's Market is a must-visit destination in Northern Virginia.
Experience the charm of Falls Church and its vibrant community at our Farmer's Market.
1/2
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Photography Contributed By
Kate Wichlinski
Video By
Adam Lapallo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Donnan Wintermute,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Falls Church, VA sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Falls Church, VA over the last 12 months is $800,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Prepare to be impressed by this exceptional 5-bedroom, 5 full + 2 half bath custom home offering over 4200+ square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Located in the sought-after Orchard Crest community—neighboring Pimmit Hills—this brand-new build from the foundation up blends timeless design, elevated functionality, and luxury finishes at every turn. Zoned for the top-rated Marshall
Water front townhome with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths!! You'll love the updated kitchen and baths and beautiful hardwood floors! The carpet is brand new and the whole house has been freshly painted. The main level is open and bright, with a cozy woodburning fireplace! The large deck sits right on the water and has plenty of room for sunbathing, barbecuing, and dining! Upstairs, there are two
Move in Ready! Delivery M-R Custom Homes presents a stunning new custom residence nestled on a sprawling 19,174-square-foot lot at the end of a serene cul-de-sac. This enchanting abode boasts 7 bedrooms and 6.5 elegant bathrooms, offering 6,675 square feet of exquisite living space across three levels.The main level welcomes you with soaring 10-foot ceilings and a magnificent gourmet kitchen,
Experience elevated living in this stunning 3BR, 2.5BA residence located in the heart of Falls Church, VA.. Soaring ceilings, walls of natural light, and a cozy fireplace create an inviting elegance, while the modern kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances offers both beauty and function. The serene primary suite boasts a walk-in closet and spa-inspired bath. A private
Set in the well-kept Seven Oaks community less than a mile from East Falls Church Metro, this classic brick townhouse checks all the right boxes. The main level gets beautiful natural light throughout, with spacious living and dining areas and an updated kitchen featuring stainless appliances, ample counter space, and a charming bay-window breakfast nook. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite
This beautifully reimagined four-bedroom Craftsman sits gracefully on an expansive corner lot, surrounded by a stunning designer garden with custom-laid stone patio, winding stepping-stone path, and elegant centerpiece fountain. A welcoming covered porch leads to light-filled formal spaces, a cheerful kitchen, and a versatile office that doubles as a main-level bedroom. The home offers four full
MAJOR FEATURES: Rent with option to Buy available. Sorry, no cats. Owner prefers 18 month lease. Mid-century cape cod with 4 bedrooms & 2 full baths, charming yet practical, light & bright in a fantastic neighborhood. You will be thrilled with the large covered flagstone floored patio off the kitchen. The large backyard adds to the feeling of spaciousness. The interior has been totally remodeled,
Experience the best of Northern Virginia living in this charming condo, ideally located in the heart of Falls Church. This spacious unit offers an open-concept layout, featuring a bright living area perfect for relaxation and entertaining. The updated kitchen boasts modern appliances and ample counter space, making meal preparation a breeze. Enjoy the convenience of a private balcony, a peaceful
Don’t miss this perfectly updated one level living home in wonderful community! Curb appeal is top notch for this great rambler. The driveway, with ample parking, leads up to the expansive, covered front porch. The home pulls you in with its natural light and gleaming hardwood floors throughout. The living room is huge and connects to the dining space and completely updated kitchen. The kitchen
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
