Great Falls is a census-designated place on the outskirts of Northern Virginia, bordering Washington, DC, and Maryland. Despite its proximity to the country’s political epicenter, Great Falls is quiet, insular, and quaint, making it a peaceful enclave favored by the well-to-do of Washington. 

Activities In Great Falls

For lovers of the great outdoors, there’s no better place than Great Falls. The folks who call the Falls home are privileged to be able to enjoy the stunning views of the Potomac River and its many scenic rural areas.

Its abundance of parks includes the beloved Grand Falls Park. Here, hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and horseback riding are among the many features available to visitors. But the real star of the show is the park’s view of the Great Falls of the Potomac, for which the area is named. It’s here that the Potomac River builds up speed and force, spraying over a jagged terrace of stones before falling into the Mather Gorge below. This majestic natural site attracts tourists and locals alike to admire the 20-foot falls and explore the surrounding woods. 

If indoor activities are more your style, Great Falls is also home to various diverse dining establishments. From French to Irish and Mexican to Afghan, there’s something for everyone’s tastes. Plus, there are a handful of cozy cafes and watering holes patronized by the close-knit local community where the staff regularly call their guests by name.

Cultural sites abound in Great Falls. Plenty of historical and colonial heritage buildings and museums are here to explore, including the Colvin Mill and Great Falls Grange. Shop your heart out in Great Falls’ collection of local boutiques, and grab an ice cream as an afternoon treat. 

Infrastructure

But for all of Great Falls’ picturesque beauty, this area is a prime location for trade and industry. Nestled between Route 7 and the Capital Beltway, Great Falls has recently become a bustling hub for real estate developers. In the past decade, the population has made a significant jump, bringing a more modern sensibility to this otherwise rural haven.

But just because Great Falls is expanding doesn’t mean that it’s headed towards unkempt urban sprawl. Because its roads have capacity limitations and the area runs on well water, Great Falls can only grow so large, making it an ideal location to snap up real estate while it’s still available. 

Great Falls is bisected by the Georgetown Pike, a historic stretch of road once used for buffalo runs and transporting goods. The pike meanders its way through the town, providing a scenic drive for passengers and easy access from the more rural parts of the state to its city centers. 

Attempts have been made through the years to widen the Pike, but have always been cut off at the shins. One such effort, by the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation in the 1950s, was opposed by then-senator John F. Kennedy. Great Falls got to keep its peace and quiet, which was, and still is, much appreciated by its residents.

Life in Great Falls

Indeed, the area’s falls are not the only great thing about this town. Langley High, Great Falls’ public high school, is ranked second best in the state and is considered to be among the best in the nation. Also making the cut is the nearby Madeira School for girls, a historic, nationally-renowned elite prep school with a roster of famous graduates. 

To add to its appeal, Great Falls has perhaps the lowest poverty rate within Fairfax County, as only one percent of its residents live below the poverty line. Its citizens are well-educated, and the average household income is over $222,000 annually.

With everything it has going for it, Great Falls is a great place to call home. Its humble population of 15,000 and its remarkable school system make it a prime location for families with children. Despite its close proximity to the nation’s largest political hub, its rural atmosphere makes it ideal for government workers in need of a more relaxed pace in their off-hours. Altogether, this makes Great Falls the perfect combination of central and rural, and it could be the ideal place for you to set down roots.

If Great Falls is calling you, let us help you build a custom home of your very own. To learn more about what we can do for you, connect with us today. We’d love to learn more about you and share what makes our state so incredible.