The first sight of bucolic greenery heading west into Virginia from Washington, D.C., is the town of Great Falls. It is a leafy refuge for the power players that brave the Beltway every morning. Here, twisting country lanes converge on a town center with a green, a local coffee shop, and store owners who call their customers by name.

These trees, pastures and open space are pricey. Median real estate prices put Great Falls into the top 10 percent of Virginia neighborhoods. It is thought of as the area’s version of Beverly Hills. But this community is all about discretion. Despite its roster of boldface names, people make an active effort to create a close-knit community, tied together by history and traditions. And peace and quiet.

Families gravitate here for the outdoor space. For those who own a five-acre yard, but it just isn’t enough, Great Falls Park lies just to the east, with its 15 miles of trails.

View The Market Report