🏘️ A major makeover of Reston's Lake Fairfax Business Center is moving closer to reality.

🚐 Getting around Arlington is getting easier (and cheaper!). The county's on-demand microtransit program recently expanded into South Arlington, giving more residents an affordable way to reach Metro stations, community centers, and other local destinations.

🏥 A major investment in mental health care has arrived in Winchester.

Scroll down and enjoy!

—Chris Colgan

This guided walk through Old Town Winchester mixes researched local history with true ghost stories. Your guide covers the restless spirits from the Colonial and Civil War eras that people still report seeing and hearing in the streets and historic buildings.
📍 Location: South Entrance of Loudoun Street Mall, Winchester
📅 Date: Oct 30 & 31 | 6 PM
MORE INFO→

John Carlyle Square becomes a Halloween festival for the whole family, pets included. Kids and pets each get their own costume parade, and there’s a seasonal marketplace with holiday arts and crafts plus a Día de los Muertos celebration. It runs rain or shine.
📍 Location: John Carlyle Square, Alexandria
📅 Date: Oct 31 | 11 AM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
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Kids can trick-or-treat at more than a dozen Mosaic shops and restaurants, including Angelika, Bartaco and JINYA Ramen Bar. At 6 PM everyone moves to Strawberry Park with blankets and candy for Hocus Pocus on the big screen.
📍 Location: Strawberry Park, Mosaic District, Fairfax
📅 Date: Oct 31 | 4 PM
MORE INFO→

NOT ENOUGH? SEE 20+ GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND→

Driving the news
On October 14, the Planning Commission backed developer EYA's proposal to redevelop roughly 49 acres of the Lake Fairfax Business Center. The project is now awaiting a final decision from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Details
The proposed neighborhood would bring a mix of housing, shopping, and public spaces to the 88-acre business park at 1780 Business Center Drive.

The development includes:

Why it matters
The redevelopment could give Reston residents more housing choices while breathing new life into an underused office park. New retail, walkable streets, and green spaces could also make the area more convenient and welcoming for nearby neighborhoods.

The big picture
Fairfax County approved a land-use plan amendment in August 2026 that allows housing and retail on the property. The Planning Commission's October recommendation brought the project another step closer to replacing aging commercial buildings with a residential neighborhood.

Between the lines
Some concerns remain, including pedestrian crossings, townhouse balconies, and noise from a neighboring data center. However, a developer-submitted noise study found that the data center's low-frequency hum would be quieter than nearby road traffic.

County staff recommended approval despite the remaining issues, and the Reston Planning & Zoning Committee has also endorsed the project.

What's next
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a public hearing on November 17, when the project will be considered for final approval. EYA plans to address outstanding concerns ahead of the hearing.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Driving the news
Arlington's microtransit pilot program recently expanded to serve Green Valley, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Douglas Park. Along with the expansion, the county lowered fares to make the service more accessible.

Details
The program works like a rideshare service, allowing passengers to request pickups through an app and travel within designated service zones. The changes include:

Why it matters
For Arlington residents living farther from traditional bus routes, the expansion provides a cheaper, more convenient way to get around. Easier access to Metro stations, recreation centers, and neighborhood destinations could help residents save money, reduce car trips, and stay connected to their community.

The big picture
Arlington launched the pilot in April 2026 to serve neighborhoods where traditional bus service isn't practical due to lower ridership. The program now covers two zones, with the original Northwest Arlington service area also expanded to include Marymount University and the Lubber Run and Langston Brown community centers.

Between the lines
Arlington is using smaller, on-demand vehicles to fill gaps in its public transportation network without adding full-size bus routes. County officials say the reduced fares should help attract more riders while giving planners a better understanding of demand.

What's next
The pilot, operated through a partnership between Arlington Transit and Via, is funded through the end of fiscal year 2027. Ridership and community demand will help officials determine the program's future.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Driving the news
Valley Health recently celebrated the opening of its new $20.9 million Behavioral Health Pavilion at Winchester Medical Center. The facility, located at 1834 Purpose Drive, officially opened its doors on Monday, October 26.

Details
The new 26,200-square-foot center serves children, teens, and adults with a wide range of mental health needs. The facility includes:

Why it matters
Winchester-area families now have more mental health resources in one convenient location instead of traveling between different facilities. The added space and telehealth services could help more residents receive timely care close to home, while giving children and teens better environments for treatment.

The big picture
Demand for accessible mental health care continues to grow across Virginia. By bringing psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support staff into one building, Valley Health hopes to improve coordination and make treatment easier to access.

Between the lines
The new pavilion represents more than additional office space. Valley Health staff say the larger therapy rooms will improve the experience for younger patients, while shared workspaces will help care teams collaborate.

Valley Health CEO Mark Nantz summed up the mission with a simple message: "Mental health is health."

What's next
With the Behavioral Health Pavilion now open, Valley Health is bringing previously scattered outpatient services together at Winchester Medical Center. The new space is expected to improve access to coordinated mental health care for patients and families throughout the region.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE→

Northern Virginia buyers have more options this fall, but prices remain high. In September, active listings jumped 30.7% year over year, while closed sales fell 7.5%. The regional median sold price rose 4.2% to $744,950, with condos and townhomes driving much of the inventory growth.

Locally, median prices reached $800K in Arlington, $748K in Fairfax County, and $639K in Alexandria. Gainesville sat near $735K, Reston at $630K, and Winchester around $372K. Mortgage rates remain a challenge, with the 30-year fixed rate reaching 7.40% in mid-October.

Looking toward November, buyers may have more room to negotiate, especially on condos and townhomes. Pending sales fell 16.2% in September, suggesting slower activity ahead. Still, with just 2.5 months of supply, well-priced single-family homes remain competitive.


Thinking about buying or selling in the next 6 months? Get a Game Plan →

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