Waterford offers historic charm and a close-knit community
On Loudoun County’s west side, Waterford is a small, historic village with 18th- and 19th-century appeal. “It’s an engaging, active community with a lot of families,” says Kelly Gaitten, a local broker with Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty. “You can ride your bike or walk down the road and the neighbors know who your kids are.” Waterford was established by Quakers around 1733, and its early residents played a role in aiding escaped slaves during the Civil War. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark District in 1970, notable points of pride include a 1750s mill, the 1745 Hague-Hough House and the 1800s-era Second Street School. Today, the narrow yet walkable streets lined with vintage establishments reflect the village’s commitment to preservation, catering to an inviting community. “They shut down the whole town for Halloween, and all the houses are decorated,” says Gaitten. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, less than 200 residents call the quaint district home. Though commercial development remains minimal, big city amenities aren’t far. Parks, big-box shopping and dining variety in Leesburg is about 7 miles southeast, and Washington is a 45-mile commute.
The Waterford Foundation preserves and hosts an annual fair
The nonprofit Waterford Foundation plays a central role in preserving the historic character of the village. Two establishments that have been maintained and restored are John Wesley Church and the Second Street School. The Methodist congregation began in the 1700s when both enslaved and freed African Americans gathered for services at the Second Street School, thought to be the oldest one-room schoolhouse for Black students in Loudon County. In the late 1800s, church members raised enough money to build their own church in front of the Hague-Hough House, and by the early 1900s, 25 Black households were active members of John Wesley Church.
The Waterford Foundation also sponsors events like the Waterford Fair. The longstanding fall festival highlights the village’s local heritage through craft and art exhibits, home tours, music, and regional foods. “Waterford Foundation has historically protected plots of land all over,” Gaitten says. “The village will always have those views and that quaint small-town feel.”
18th- and 19th-century homes line the vintage village
In Waterford, history and rural charm shape the residential landscape. The quiet, shady streets primarily comprise vintage homes, with homeownership at nearly 95%. In addition to the stability afforded by so many homeowners living here, Waterford receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, significantly lower than the national average of 4. The village core features 18th-century stone houses and 19th-century Federal-style brick homes, bordered by open farmland dotted with newer Colonial Revival and farmhouse-inspired builds. “If you want to renovate your home within the village, you need approval from the historical society,” Gaitten says. “And when you do, you’ll get tax credits.” Sidewalks are sparse, as the village aims to maintain its original roots and avoid modern additions. Depending on home sizes, conditions and acreage, price tags typically fall between $620,000 and about $1.6 million.
Limited retail includes a corner store and a range of wineries
Retail and dining in Waterford reflect the village’s small-scale, rural character. The Corner Store, a boutique shop in the heart of the district, offers a selection of locally sourced foods and niche home goods. Outside of the village, wineries abound. On the west side, Terra Nebulo Vineyards offers views of the Virginia countryside, while on the east side, Village Winery is known for its more rustic setting. Farther east, Carriage House Wineworks is set among expansive vineyards. “People can walk to the wineries,” Gaitten adds. “And the post office is a social spot. But for groceries and other things, people depend on other towns." Residents can journey south to Leesburg, where grocery needs are met by a selection of stores like Safeway and Trader Joe’s, and healthcare needs are also met at Loudoun Medical Campus.
A-rated Loudoun County schools serve local students
Students are part of the highly sought-after Loudoun County Public School district. Learners can begin at Waterford Elementary School, which receives an A-minus rating from Niche. “Waterford Elementary is one of three original elementary schools in Loudoun County with a small student-to-teacher ratio,” Gaitten says. “It’s within walking distance from town, so many will walk their little ones to school.” Students can then move on to Harmony Middle School, which has a B-plus, before advancing to Woodgrove High School, which holds an A-minus. The high school wrestling program has seen recent success, as the VHSL Class 4 state champions in both 2024 and 2025.
Morven Park and Ida Lee Park are in nearby Leesburg
Although there are no community parks located within Waterford, residents have access to a variety of recreational facilities in nearby Leesburg. Morven Park features a historic mansion and equestrian center, as well as extensive dog-friendly nature trails and gardens. Adjacent to Morven Park is Ida Lee Park, which offers both indoor and outdoor amenities such as swimming pools, athletic courts, a fitness center, a playground and green spaces with paved walking trails.
State Route 662 connects residents to Leesburg Pike
Waterford is car-dependent, as no bus or train services the area. Main Street transitions into state Route 662, a two-lane rural road that winds its way to Leesburg Pike. The busier highway, about 3 miles south of the village, connects locals to Washington, D.C. For farther travel, Dulles International Airport is about 20 miles away.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
