The differences between cities, counties, towns and unincorporated settlements in Virginia

For many, especially those who are new to the area, the system of jurisdictions that we have in the Commonwealth of Virginia can be confusing. This is especially confusing in Northern Virginia, where Virginia intersects with Washington DC and the State of Maryland. Fortunately I have a fresh bottle of CONFUSION-B-GON to spray liberally as needed.

Around our nation's capital

Let me start with my single-biggest pet peeve among newcomers: the term "DC proper". I have seen this term used regularly on a site that claims to provide local information. That information is provided by people using anonymous handles. Anonymous handles should be your first clue not to completely trust the information you find. At any rate: there is no such thing as "DC proper". There are three main jurisdictions here: Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. It is very common to live in Northern Virginia or Suburban Maryland and work in DC. Virginia is as different from DC as New Jersey is from New York. With a wink and a smile I have to inform you that just because you thought your job was transferring to Washington doesn't mean that you're moving to DC proper or improper.

Virginia jurisdictions

One of the keys to understanding Virginia real estate for a property search is to understand the differences between towns, counties and cities. In Virginia, as in most other states in the US, a county and an area administer below the state-level by local / county government. Counties are often rural areas, but Fairfax County has over a million residents and has very little rural land left. Fairfax County aside, a county may have one or more towns within it's borders. In Virginia a town, no matter how many people live in that town, is part of a county and is managed by the county. In Virginia, towns often have governments but these governments are subordinate to and part of the county where the town is found. In addition to counties, Virginia has a fairly unique concept called a city. A city is like a county, except it is more urban than rural. For example Falls Church and Alexandria are both cities. Cities, unlike towns, are not subordinate to counties. Cities are independent and operate on a level similar to counties. This can be particularly confusing in Fairfax County. Fairfax County is a large mostly urban county and it surrounds Fairfax, an independent city. So the City of Fairfax is surrounded by Fairfax County, but it's not a part of Fairfax County. Falls Church, Alexandria and Fairfax are all cities. Manassas and Manassas Park are both cities, and both are surrounded by Prince William County.

Real estate is sorted by county

It's important to understand this system of administrative organization because land tax records are stored by the county or city. Because tax records are organized by the county or city, real estate property searches are often sorted by the administrative jurisdiction. For a newcomer it can be a little difficult to tell the difference between Fairfax and Fairfax County, between Manassas and Manassas Park and Prince William County. Another point of confusion is Arlington. Arlington is a city in a practical sense, but Arlington is a county. Herndon, Vienna and Clifton are all towns located in Fairfax County, which mean that these towns have local governments subordinate to the county. Springfield is much bigger than Clifton, but Springfield is not a town. Another curious case is Crystal City. Crystal City is located in Arlington County. Interestingly, Crystal City is not a city nor is it a town!

Unincorporated settlements

Which brings us to the next point of confusion in the area. There are many unincorporated neighborhoods, villages, towns and settlements in Northern Virginia. Unincorporated just means there is no local (i.e. town) government. Rather than having a town government, an unincorporated town is managed by the county. Springfield, Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Mclean Tysons Corner and Reston are just a few of the many unincorporated towns in Fairfax County. In places like Springfield this can be a little confusing because without a town there is no formal border between Franconia and Springfield and thus no hard and fast distinction between the two. In addition, with the near completion of Kingstowne, Franconia-Springfield is now home to one of the largest planned communities/subdivisions in the area. Kingstowne is considered a town in and of itself by many.

Post office address

To make matters even more confusing for newcomers, there is the matter of the post office. The postal address of a property is not always an indicator of the jurisdiction of a property. For example, many addresses in Fairfax County have an Alexandria address. Service from the Alexandria post office has no bearing on the county or city of the address in question.

Confusion-B-Gon guarantee!

Well, that's the last of this bottle of CONFUSION-B-GON. If you're still confused, no worries. Contact Nesbitt Realty. Tell us what you seek and we'll find the property for you! For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

What parks are near Old Town and Belle View?

A bench right across from the biking / running / walking trail
A bench right across from the biking / running / walking trail
One of the single greatest attractions on the west side of the Potomac River is the George Washington Parkway. This parkway stretches along from Mount Vernon Estates through Belle View and Old Town up north of Arlington.  Along the shore are scattered a bevy of parks from Theodore Roosevelt Island, the LBJ National Grove, Gravelly Point Park, Fort Marcy, and Turkey Run Park.  The GW Parkway even boasts a view of a rare Bald Eagle and its nest on the Belle Haven Country Club just south of Old town.  Learn more about great boons to property in Northern Virginia.

Properties in

  For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.  

Ronald Reagan National Airport in Crystal City / Arlington

National Airport
Main concourse of Reagan National Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, formerly Washington National Airport, is on the Potomac River across from Washington DC. Along with Baltimore Washington International and Dulles International, Reagan National is one of three major airports serving the Washington Metro area. Reagan National is easily my favorite of the three airports for a number of reasons. Dulles and BWI are massive sprawling airports with shuttle buses and mobile lounges. Reagan National barely has enough room for the runway. I always like smaller airports. They feel like they are scaled to human beings. There is plenty of security at National, but it seems to move along more smoothly than Dulles or BWI. Dulles and BWI are outside the Beltway at the periphery of the Washington Capitol Area.  Reagan National is at the heart of everything, wedged at the confluence of DC, Alexandria and Arlington.  For me, it's a long drive just to get to BWI or Dulles, but Reagan National is here, and it's accessible by Metro. Reagan National is a station on both the Yellow and Blue lines. Extended parking is available at Dulles or BWI, but on the shuttle bus, the ride from the parking lot to the terminal seems like a mile or more.  At Reagan National, extended parking is at my house.  Because instead of taking a shuttle, I can take the Metro to the airport. The runway is short at Reagan National, and it launches planes up over GW Parkway and at the Washington Monument, requiring a steep climb and a hard left on take off. Some folks find this terrifying, but I have to admit I love it.  I know it's a safe path, because planes take off here day and night, so I sit back and enjoy the abrupt take-off and turn. Reagan National is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, although many ticket counters and restaurants in the airport close during off-hours. Reagan National is located within the Commonwealth of Virginia, but it has a Washington DC address to identify the airport's location more easily for travelers. The Perimeter Rule and the High Density Rule affect flights at Reagan National. Under the Perimeter Rule, nonstop aircraft flights are limited to a range of 1,250 miles or less. In 2000, Congress permitted the FAA toNational Airport allow six round-trip flights to points outside the perimeter. The High Density Rule (or "Slot" rule) limits the number of landings or takeoffs allowed in an hour. The rule affects Reagan National because of the Airport's limited airfield capacity. Reagan National is located in Arlington County near/in Crystal City. It is most easily accessed from the George Washington Parkway. There are a good many condos and homes in the Crystal City area and they're all just a metro stop away from Reagan National.  The take-off and approach to Reagan National is down the Potomac, so that area residents get very little noise or fly-over from the jets at Reagan National. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Living near the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria VA

US Patent and Trademark Office The United States Patent and Trademark Office is located in the Carlyle District of Old Town Alexandria VA. The USPTO is one of Alexandria's top employers and a magnet for sharp, well-educated folks from across the country. Commuters have easy access to the USPTO because it's located a few blocks from Alexandria's King Street Metro and just inside the Capitol Beltway. The mission of the USPTO is to protect the interests of inventors of intellectual property, while providing for the good of the nation and the market. The Carlyle District and Old Town have many upscale shops, restaurants, hotels and restaurants. Young patent examiners may have a hard time finding an affordable residence in Old Town or the Carlyle District, but have many choices close by in Huntington, New Alexandria and the West End of Alexandria. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Homes for sale at Victorian Hills

Nestled between King Street (Route 7) and West Braddock Road in Alexandria VA, Victorian Hills dates back to the late 1960s.  These beautiful single family homes are a rare find.  With ample size lots and a secluded feel granted by trees with history this community combines being close to the heart of Alexandria without the metropolis feel.  The colonial style construction gives a comforting air that can only say "Welcome Home".

Properties in

For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Nottoway Park in Vienna VA- Weekend Fun in Fairfax County

The Parks and Recreation system in Fairfax County, Virginia, is the primary public instrument for the preservation of natural land and environmentally sensitive resources in Fairfax County. Nottoway Park is one of the assets of the Fairfax County Park System. Nottoway Park is located at 9601 Courthouse Road in Vienna, Virginia. Local residents can enjoy tennis, basketball and volleyball recreational facilities, as well as garden, picnic, and fitness trails. For those who enjoy a quieter atmosphere, a stroll through the densely wooded nature paths provide for a solitary and peaceful surrounding. The tennis courts and picnic shelters can be reserved for a small fee by calling 703-938-7532. During the summer season, Nottoway Park hosts a summer concert series entitled Nottoway Nights where locals can enjoy free, weekly public concerts featuring a variety of musical ensembles from international and nationally acclaimed artists. Of the 416 parks in Fairfax County, Nottoway Park provides special opportunities to sustain healthy and wholesome living by developing positive life-style and recreational interests.
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  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

    Fairfax County
    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

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For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.  

Live in Northern Virginia — without a car!

Leave your car behind?  I can help you live in Arlington, Alexandria or Falls Church--without owning a car. Outside the City of Washington DC, Arlington County has the highest number of Metro Subway stops in the Capital Region. Many large employment centers--Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Crystal City, The Pentagon, Pentagon City and all of Falls Church City are on either the Yellow or Blue Line of the Metro system These areas are also loaded with all kinds of residential properties--single family homes, townhouses and condos.   Properties of all different sizes and prices ranges are available for purchase of lease. metro Want to get around? Try the healthy alternative--bikes!  Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax counties are home to one of the nations most extensive system of bike trails.  Want to know a local secret--bikes are permitted on both the subway trains and Metro buses!  Bike lockers are available at most Metro stations. Still need are car from time to time?  Use Zip Car. Hundreds of cars are available at dozens of sites all around the area-Metro stops, shopping centers, the business district, restaurant areas, museums--even the airport. Here is another local secret--Zip Car parking spots are just about as convenient as handicapped parking. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.
 

Springfield Town Center’s Farmers Market

Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
              Springfield Town Center hosts a small farmers market every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is working with Smart Markets to provide some of the freshest fruits and veggies. Smart Markets was established to provide well-managed, guaranteed producer-only farmers' markets in Northern Virginia. When operated with vision, commitment and enthusiasm, farmers' markets can bring together a diverse population around a shared objective: supporting families by buying and serving real food — with real flavor. When you shop at a farmers' market, you are supporting local farmers, preserving small farms, and promoting sustainable agriculture. You are buying real food that is actually healthy for you, your family, the economy, and the environment, both locally and globally. Check out the local Springfield properties for sale. The Springfield Town Center is bringing life back into the heart of Springfield! For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.  

Ballston Commons Mall- Fun in Arlington

Ballston
Ballston Common Mall
Bring the kids to take part in the annual Halloween trick or treating all throughout the mall. If you have a lazy teen who will be going off to college soon, why not send him over to Ballston Common Mall's yearly college fair?  Or you can simply shop in over 200 of their stores. Ballston Common Mall has something for every single person in the family. If you're looking to kick back and enjoy a good laugh, then the Comedy Spot is just the hangout spot for you. If you’re treating yourself to hair and nail treatments, you can choose from four beauty salons. Or if you want to keep the kids busy with something fun and energetic, you can always send them over to the nearby Kettler Capitals IcePlex for ice skating or to play hockey. Something that the whole family can enjoy is the Ballston Common Mall big movie theater! As you can see, this mall offers a diverse mix of services and goods. From their CVS Pharmacy to their Cyber Star Services they cater to every person's wants. The mall's main features are their Macy's, Macy Furniture Gallery, Gourmet Restaurants and the Sport & Health Club. Ballston Common Mall stretches out over 1.3 million square foot piece of land, it has four levels and is located at the corner of Glebe Road and Wilson Boulevard only four miles from Washington D.C in Arlington Virginia. Ballston's mall is quickly becoming the new "downtown" of Arlington. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.  

Torpedo Factory condominiums in summer

The Torpedo Factory Condominiums are located between Alexandria's Potomac waterfront and the historic and famed Carlyle House. Click the link if you're interested in prices and availabilities at the Torpedo Factory Condos. Torpedo Factory in summer The Torpedo Factory condos are very close to the Torpedo Factory Art Center and as such are found in one of the most desirable locations in Northern VA. The Torpedo Factory is within walking distance of numerous restaurants, the waterfront, King Street and the King St. Trolley. Torpedo Factory condos The roof lines and architectural details of the Torpedo Factory are very appealing, and as you can see the grounds are very well-kept. Following an Old Town tradition, the walkways in the Torpedo Factory condo community are not concrete, but rather are paved with bricks. Torpedo Factory garden style townhouse condominiums In the summer, annuals and crepe myrtles blossom around every corner. Ever wonder what's in those dormers at the Torpedo Factory? dormer at Torpedo Factory Solitude from a busy world. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.