🏢 What do $1.4M condos, hotel-style living, and Metro access have in common? I took a private tour of the brand-new JW Marriott Residences in Reston, and what I found might just change how you think about luxury living in Northern Virginia.

⚽️ Messi. Baltimore. And a match that’s changing everything. What’s bringing the world’s biggest soccer star to our backyard this March, and why it matters for Northern Virginia sports fans like never before.

📚 AI just landed in local classrooms, and it’s not what you think. Fairfax and Prince William schools were handpicked to test a new education-only version of ChatGPT, and the results could reshape how teachers work.

Scroll down and enjoy!

Driving the news: I recently walked through one of the most buzzed-about new buildings in Northern Virginia: the Residences at the JW Marriott at Reston Station.

These aren’t your average upscale condos. They're hotel-level homes, right above the Metro, and yes, they're every bit as impressive as they sound.

Details: Starting at around $1.4M, these residences offer a rare blend of high-end design and unbeatable location. Here’s what stood out during my visit:

Why it matters: For Northern Virginia buyers, it’s getting harder to find properties that offer long-term value, walkability, and a true luxury experience.

This project checks all three boxes, and then some. If you’ve been watching Reston evolve, you know this kind of location and lifestyle combo doesn’t come around often.

The big picture: Reston Station is still growing: more restaurants, more retail, more public art. And this is one of the few new luxury properties connected to the Metro. That alone makes it a standout investment.

Between the lines: Storage is usually the first thing to go in luxury high-rises. Not here. These units include large laundry rooms, extra closets, and even cubbies for shoes and coats.

And if you work from home? The resident-only office spaces are a huge plus.

What’s next: Reston Station isn’t slowing down. As more people realize the value of Metro-connected living with built-in amenities, these condos are going to become even more desirable, and harder to get into.

The bottom line: These JW Marriott Residences offer the kind of luxury and location that’s almost impossible to match in NoVA.

If you’re even thinking about condo living in Northern Virginia, let’s talk. I’d love to walk you through the options.

CHECK MORE PHOTOS AND DETAILS ABOUT THE CONDOS→

Driving the news: On March 7, Lionel Messi — the global icon who’s transformed MLS — will face off against D.C. United at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

It’s the biggest match of the 2025 season, and it’s happening just an hour from Northern Virginia.

Details:

Why it matters:nThis isn’t just a soccer game. It’s a DMV-wide moment. For us in Northern Virginia, it’s a rare chance to see Messi live without a flight or hotel stay. Families can turn it into a day trip. Fans can skip the travel stress. And our region gets a share of the national spotlight that comes with a Messi matchup.

It also shows just how connected the D.C.–Baltimore–NoVA corridor has become when it comes to big-league sports and entertainment.

The big picture: D.C. United is stepping beyond Audi Field and building bridges across the region, starting with Baltimore. Their goal? Grow the fanbase, bring top-tier soccer to more people, and give the club a bigger platform.

In the words of Danita Johnson, D.C. United’s president:

What’s next: Expect a major turnout. Hotels will book fast. Tickets will vanish. And the energy will feel more like a World Cup qualifier than a regular season game.

And I’ll say it: seeing Messi play just up the road? That’s a bucket-list event I’m not missing.

Are you excited? CHECK MORE DETAILS→

In this video, we're taking at the best and new major developments that will change Northern Virginia Forever!

Driving the news: Fairfax and Prince William County schools just became two of the very few districts in the country to pilot a new tool called ChatGPT for Teachers.

It’s not a public product, it’s a secured AI platform built specifically for educators, and both local districts were chosen to help test it.

Details: Unlike regular ChatGPT, this version is locked down, monitored, and built around teacher needs. Key features include:

Prince William has already deployed it across 100+ schools. Fairfax is training staff to do the same.

Why it matters: This move isn’t just good for teachers, it’s great for families and our region. Time saved on planning and grading means more energy spent on teaching and connecting with students. That benefits every kid in the classroom.

As someone who helps people move to this area, I hear this a lot: "Are the schools any good?"
Now, I can proudly say: They’re not just good, they’re ahead of the curve. This kind of innovation shows that Northern Virginia isn’t just keeping up. We’re moving forward.

The big picture: This pilot puts Northern Virginia at the front of a national shift in how we use AI in schools. It’s not about replacing teachers, it’s about giving them better tools. The human connection in education isn’t going anywhere.

What’s next: Over the next two years, districts will track how the AI helps teachers and students, and whether the program should be expanded or made permanent.

The rest of the country will be watching how this plays out here.

KEEP READING→

Washington DC’s market is still competitive. Median sale price hit $680K last month, up 2.3 percent year over year. Homes are selling in about 55 days on average, slower than last year. Total sales dipped 9.5 percent year over year. Price per square foot fell to $488, down 6.5 percent. Inventory is edging up while momentum softens. Could be a smart entry point if you’re ready.

For buyers: Rising inventory and slower days on market give you room to negotiate. Stay pre-approved and move when the right home pops up.

For sellers: Prices are still holding, but buyers expect value. Clean presentation, smart pricing, and strong agent strategy matter more than ever.