Reston, Virginia

Reston, Virginia
source
Name	Reston
Settlement type	Census-designated place
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Virginia
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Fairfax
Leader title	County Supervisor
Leader name	Walter Alcorn (Hunter Mill District)

Reston, Virginia. Reston is a prominent census-designated place in Fairfax County, Virginia, part of the Washington metropolitan area. Founded in 1964 by developer Robert E. Simon, it was one of the first modern, post-war planned communities in the United States, designed with guiding principles integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Recognized for its innovative urban design, extensive parkland, and artificial lakes, Reston has grown into a major hub for technology, commerce, and suburban living just outside the Capital Beltway.

History

The land that became Reston was primarily rural until purchased by Robert E. Simon in 1961, using proceeds from the sale of Carnegie Hall in New York City. Inspired by the Garden city movement and concepts from Ebenezer Howard, Simon's plan aimed to create a self-sufficient community. The first village, Lake Anne, opened in 1964, featuring architecture influenced by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto and centered around a plaza and lake. The community faced financial difficulties in the late 1960s, leading to Simon's departure and restructuring under the Gulf Oil subsidiary Gulf Reston. Major expansion occurred in the 1980s and 1990s with development of the Reston Town Center, Dulles Technology Corridor, and arrival of the Washington Metro's Silver Line stations, including Wiehle–Reston East station and Reston Town Center station.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Reston has a total area of 18.2 square miles, with 16.6 square miles of land and 1.6 square miles of water. It is situated in Northern Virginia, approximately 18 miles west of Washington, D.C., and is bisected by the Dulles Toll Road. The terrain is rolling, featuring several artificial lakes created during development, including Lake Anne, Lake Thoreau, and Lake Audubon. Reston is bordered by Herndon to the north, Great Falls to the east, and extends to the edge of Washington Dulles International Airport. The community is organized into several clustered residential villages, each with its own amenities and character.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, Reston had a population of 63,226. The racial makeup was 60.1% White, 9.1% Black or African American, 21.1% Asian, and 6.6% identifying as two or more races; 15.5% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income is significantly above the national average, reflecting its highly educated workforce; over 70% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Major ancestry groups include German, Irish, English, and Korean.

Economy

Reston is a major center for the technology, aerospace, and defense contracting industries, heavily influenced by its proximity to Washington Dulles International Airport and the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. It forms a core part of the Dulles Technology Corridor, hosting headquarters or major offices for corporations like Leidos, Iridium Communications, Comscore, and NVR, Inc.. The Reston Town Center is a mixed-use urban core with office towers, retail, and dining, serving as a secondary downtown. Other significant employers include the United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Federation, and numerous firms contracting with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.

Culture and recreation

Reston is known for its extensive network of pathways, parks, and recreational facilities, including over 55 miles of multi-use trails. The Reston Association manages 1,300 acres of open space, four lakes, 15 swimming pools, and 52 tennis courts. Major cultural events include the Reston Festival, Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, and performances at the CenterStage at the Reston Community Center. The Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) promotes contemporary visual arts. The Walker Nature Center offers environmental education, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum is located nearby. The community's architectural heritage is showcased in the Lake Anne Historic District.

Government

As part of unincorporated Fairfax County, Reston has no independent municipal government. It receives all public services from Fairfax County Government, overseen by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Reston is represented by the Hunter Mill District supervisor. The community is served by the Fairfax County Police Department's Reston District Station and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Land use and planning are significantly influenced by the Reston Master Plan and advisory bodies like the Reston Association and the Reston Community Center Governing Board. Residents vote for the Congressional representatives of Virginia's 11th congressional district.

Category:Census-designated places in Virginia Category:Planned communities in the United States Category:Populated places in Fairfax County, Virginia