Ravensworth offers suburban living outside D.C.’s Capital Beltway
Ravensworth is an established suburb whose traditional homes sit on tree-lined streets just outside the Capital Beltway. “Convenience is the first thing that comes to mind here,” says Chris Owens, a Realtor with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty who grew up in the Springfield area. “Being right outside the Beltway really cuts down on commutes into the city.” Locals are less than a 20-mile drive from Washington, and Ravensworth offers a peaceful residential enclave to come home to after a day in the city. “It’s very community focused. There’s a lot to do there, from the neighborhood pool to Lake Accotink,” Owens says. The Ravensworth Farm Swim & Racquet Club and Lake Accotink Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and a neighborhood elementary school in the top-rated Fairfax County Public Schools system rounds out the community.
A mix of ranch-style and split-level homes in a fast-moving market
Residential streets feature a mix of ranch-style and split-level homes built in the early 1960s. Some of these original homes have been torn down in recent years to make way for new construction, bringing a fusion of traditional and contemporary architecture to the community. Most properties sit on lots that are approximately a quarter-acre in size, providing room for a patio or deck. Homes typically sell for $630,000 to $820,000, although newer construction tends to be more expensive and can fetch upwards of $1 million. “The neighborhood is already up-and-coming, but the prices are still a little bit on the lower side,” Owens says. The housing market in Ravensworth generally moves quickly, with properties selling after an average of less than two weeks on the market. The community’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 3 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Beltway access and nearby public transit allow residents to reach D.C.
Although sidewalk-lined streets allow residents to walk to community parks, most rely on cars for travel beyond Ravensworth. The Capital Beltway offers a direct route to Washington, just over 16 miles away, though rush hour can extend commute times. To avoid traffic, residents can head to Franconia-Springfield Station, about 6 miles from Ravensworth, for Washington Metro and Virginia Railway Express commuter rail service into the city. Bus stops along Braddock Road, the community’s northern edge, are served by Metrobus and Fairfax Connector routes, including service to the Pentagon. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is less than 20 miles away, and Inova Fairfax Hospital is about 5 miles from Ravensworth.
Community club and trails to Lake Accotink Park support active living
The Ravensworth Farm Swim & Racquet Club is a community hub where members enjoy access to an outdoor pool complex, playground and tennis courts. It also brings residents together through competitive swim and dive teams for kids. The pool hosts events for all ages, with previous festivities including bingo games, movie nights and adult potlucks.
A handful of trails lead from Ravensworth’s quiet streets into the 476-acre Lake Accotink Park, where outdoor activities range from boating and fishing on the lake to hiking and biking through dense woodlands. Some of its trails are part of the larger Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, which spans nearly 42 miles across Fairfax County. For indoor fun, Sky Zone Trampoline Park is on Ravensworth’s eastern edge.
High ratings from Niche and a Spanish immersion program in FCPS
Kids can walk to Ravensworth Elementary School, which sits in the heart of the community and earns an A-minus from Niche. Incoming first-graders can enter a countywide lottery for a chance to participate in the elementary school’s Spanish immersion program, through which students spend half the day learning in Spanish and the other half learning in English. Lake Braddock Secondary School covers seventh through 12th grade and scores an A-plus.
Retail centers with grocers, dining and more in Springfield and beyond
Shopping plazas and commercial buildings line Port Royal Road, offering residents access to essentials and dining. In the Ravensworth Shopping Center, Lotte Plaza Market stocks international groceries, while Walgreens covers everyday necessities. Chain eateries like Jersey Mike’s Subs and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill provide quick bites, and locally owned favorites add a range of flavors to the mix. Anita’s is a casual spot known for its traditional New Mexican dishes served with red or green chiles. European-style pastries and fresh-baked breads are on display at The Swiss Bakery, and elevated pub grub completes the dining scene at Kilroy’s.
Just over 5 miles away, Springfield Plaza features Whole Foods Market, Giant and Trader Joe’s for expanded grocery options. For more extensive retail, the Springfield Town Center—an indoor mall about six miles from Ravensworth—is home to department stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, and Target, along with a Regal Cinemas. Tysons Corner Center, the biggest mall in the Baltimore-Washington area, is less than 10 miles away.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
