North Springfield is convenient for commuters
A network of suburban streetscapes defines North Springfield, a residential section of northern Virginia. The neighborhood is a bedroom community of the greater Washington, D.C., area, and commuters have easy access to the highway with a stretch of the Capital Beltway running through North Springfield. “It’s very urban, but suburban at the same time,” says Kim Pace, an associate broker with EXP Realty. “A lot of my clients are drawn to schools in the area and want easy access into D.C. or somewhere around the Beltway. Some like that feel – they want to be urban, but not actually in D.C.” Several shopping centers are less than 5 miles away, adding to North Springfield’s overall convenience.
Residential homes on suburban northern Virginia streets
Homes in North Springfield are almost exclusively single-family properties, which sit along suburban streets lined with trees and are often fronted by yards and sidewalks. “North Springfield has nice yards and nice communities,” says Frank Schofield, an associate broker with Summit Realtors. “It’s very much a ranch-style community, with a lot of single-level living on smaller lots.” Along with ranch-style homes, buyers will also find split-level and colonial-style houses. Prices typically fall between $600,000 and $800,000, but larger homes can sell for as much as $850,000.
Education within Fairfax County Public Schools
North Springfield students are served by Fairfax County Public Schools, which receives an A from Niche. North Springfield Elementary School garners a B, while Holmes Middle School gets a B-minus. Annandale High School scores a B and was recognized as a Special Olympics National Unified Champion School in 2024. Annandale High earned the distinction due to having basketball, soccer and track and field teams focused on inclusiveness.
Springfield shopping centers lined with restaurants
The Ravensworth Shopping Center is just across the Capital Beltway from North Springfield, offering a few dining options. Residents can grab a drink and catch a game at Kilroy’s or dine on international fare at places like Anita’s New Mexico Style Mexican Food or Yogi Sushi. The Swiss Bakery and Pastry Shop offers various items fresh out of the oven. “There are lots of places to go out and eat,” Pace says. “There is a lot of international cuisine, which is just amazing.”
Less than 7 miles away, Peking Gourmet Inn patrons can dine at the same tables as some of the restaurant’s famous visitors. “It’s a huge draw,” Pace says. “When you walk in, there are pictures of every president that has been there, and a lot of dignitaries go there.” Grocery shoppers can head about 4 miles south to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Aldi at Springfield Plaza. The shopping center is close to additional restaurants, ranging from Salvadoran fare at San Miguel Café to classic food at Mike’s American.
Walking trails around Lake Accotink Park
For a day outdoors, locals can head to the south side of the community. Lake Accotink Park sprawls across nearly 500 acres and is surrounded by the Lake Accotink Loop Trail, which stretches almost four miles around the park. Visitors can rent kayaks or bikes, fish in the lake or play mini golf. The lake also allows personal watercraft like canoes, sailboats and electric-powered boats. “There is a lot of really cool recreation there,” Pace says, “and the Potomac River isn’t very far away, if you’re into kayaking or jogging along where Mount Vernon is.”
Wilburdale Park is just north of the community and has picnic areas, a playground and a trail. The Fairfax Sportsplex offers soccer and volleyball programs just east, while the Burke Lake Golf Center has a public 18-hole course less than 15 miles west.
The Springfield Interchange links to major cities
Interstate 495, also known as the Capital Beltway, runs through the community. The highway feeds into the Springfield Interchange, which directs traffic in four primary directions and links 495 with Interstates 95 and 395. “95 takes you down to Richmond and 495 takes you to Baltimore,” Pace says, “and you can get up to Annapolis very easily from there. It’s easy to hop on and hop off.”
Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria and central Washington, D.C., are each under 20 miles from North Springfield. Baltimore is over 50 miles away, while Richmond is about 100 miles south. Kaiser Permanente Springfield Medical Center sits around 5 miles from North Springfield. WMATA MetroBus stops line Braddock Road on the north side of the community. Dulles International Airport is more than 20 miles away.
Seasonal festivals for Springfield locals
Close to Springfield Plaza, the Springfield Town Center mall is home to annual events like the Taste of Springfield Festival. The event spotlights local restaurants and features live music. “People can taste different types of food, and they bring in food trucks from places close to D.C.,” Pace says. “People get a really good variety of restaurants close to the area.” Springfield Fall Fest takes a similar form later in the year, where visitors can see live entertainment and music, go on rides and more.
