- Real Nova Newsletter by Chris Colgan
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- š” Alex Ovechkinās Home & Best 3 Places To Live in NoVA!
š” Alex Ovechkinās Home & Best 3 Places To Live in NoVA!
In this latest edition of Real NoVA, experience Northern Virginia's dynamic growth: from soaring real estate and bustling businesses to vibrant cultural scenes and economic expansion!

Happy Friday, Northern Virginia!
In this weekās update:
š Alex Ovechkinās Former Arlington Home Hits the Rental Market for $9K/Month: Alex Ovechkinās first U.S. home in Arlington is now for rent. The five-bedroom, 5,000+ sq. ft. Ballston estate is packed with high-end amenities, sports history, and walkable charmāavailable July 1 for $9,000/month.
š These 3 Northern Virginia Cities Just Ranked Among the Best Places to Live in the State: Northern Virginia shines in a new āBest Places to Liveā ranking, with Burke, Reston, and Arlington taking the top three spots statewide for quality of life, job opportunities, and community appeal.
š Why Everyoneās Floating the Shenandoah This Summer: Trade crowds for calm this summer with a tubing trip down the Shenandoah River. Just two hours from D.C., this scenic float is the ultimate way to beat the heat without the hassle.
š Alex Ovechkinās Rookie Home in Arlington Is Now for Rent ā and Itās a Beauty
Driving the news: If you've ever wanted to live like a sports icon, hereās your shot. The first U.S. home of NHL legend Alex Ovechkin is now available for rent in Arlingtonās Ballston neighborhoodāand itās packed with prestige.
Details:
$9,000/month rental price
5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
Over 5,000 square feet of living space
Private ½-acre lot just steps from the MedStar Capitals Iceplex
Includes a sauna, brand-new deck, and top-tier Viking & Monogram appliances
Walkable to Ballston Quarter, Virginia Hospital Center, and major Metro access
Available July 1
Why it matters: This home isnāt just luxuriousāitās part of local sports history. Ovechkin moved in after being drafted in 2006 and began his storied NHL career here. Since then, it's hosted pro athletes, doctors, and executives, becoming a quiet fixture of Arlington's prestige.
The big picture: With inventory tight and demand high in North Arlington, this rare rental offers a unique blend of high-end finishes, unbeatable walkability, and true Capitals lore.
The bottom line: This isnāt just a rentalāitās a piece of hockey history wrapped in Arlington elegance. Whether youāre a Caps fan or a luxury seeker, this oneās worth a look.
š Wild Waves and Lazy Days: Shenandoah River Tubing is Virginiaās Best-Kept Summer Secret
Driving the news: Skip the crowded pools and packed beachesātubing the Shenandoah River has become Northern Virginiaās go-to summer escape, just two hours from D.C.
Details:
Launch from Front Royal or Luray
Tube rental and shuttle packages are available via Shenandoah River Outfitters or Front Royal Outdoors
Most popular float: 3-mile route (approx. 2ā3 hours)
Ideal for families, friend groups, or weekend warriors
Rentals include tubes, life jackets, and shuttle transport
What to bring:
Waterproof phone pouch for on-river pics
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Floating cooler with drinks and snacks
Water shoes or sandals (avoid flip-flops)
Why it matters:
Itās a budget-friendly, nature-soaked way to cool offāand it's closer than you think. With scenic mountain views and a low-stress vibe, the Shenandoah float is an unbeatable day trip for NoVA locals.
The big picture:
As more Northern Virginians seek quick weekend getaways, the Shenandoahās popularity continues to surge. Locals recommend booking early for prime weekend slots.
Whatās next:
Plan your float with Shenandoah River Outfitters or Front Royal Outdoors. Both offer easy online booking and trip planning tools.
The bottom line:
Whether youāre looking for a new summer tradition or just need a break from the heat, the Shenandoah River delivers on relaxation, fun, and views for days.
š„ BIG Changes Coming to Northern Virginia in 2025
From exciting new projects to transformative developments, Northern Virginia is about to change dramatically. This video dives deep into everything coming soon to NoVA that will reshape the region completely!
āļø These 3 Northern Virginia Cities Are the Best Places to Live
Driving the news: U.S. News & World Report has released its list of the best places to live in Virginia, and three Northern Virginia communities landed in the top spots: Burke, Reston, and Arlington.
Details:
No. 1: Burke
High household income ($180K median), strong job market, and suburban charm pushed Burke to the top. Downsides? Longer average commute (30 minutes).No. 2: Reston
A balanced mix of job opportunities and lifestyle perks, with a median income of $144K and a slightly shorter commute (23 minutes).No. 3: Arlington
Tied with Reston in overall score, but higher rent and a 24-minute commute landed it just below in ranking.Other local standouts:
Leesburg (No. 6)
Centreville (No. 7)
Alexandria (No. 11)
Fredericksburg (No. 20)
Woodbridge (No. 22)
Why it matters: These rankings reflect more than just home pricesāthey highlight job access, lifestyle amenities, and quality of life. For families, professionals, and newcomers to Northern Virginia, these rankings help spotlight where lifeās a little easierāand maybe a lot more rewarding.
The big picture: Northern Virginia continues to dominate statewide rankings thanks to its economic strength, safe neighborhoods, and proximity to D.C. Even with higher costs, the areaās perks consistently make it a top choice for those who can afford it.
Whatās next: Expect demand in these top-ranked communities to stay strong, especially as more homebuyers prioritize lifestyle and location over square footage.
The bottom line: If you call Burke, Reston, or Arlington home, youāre not just lucky. Youāre living in one of the best places Virginia has to offer.
š Sponsor Our Summer Client Kickoff Event!

Weāre hosting a huge client appreciation party on June 14th at The Roost at Farm Brewery ā and NFL stars Austin Ekeler and Santana Moss will be joining us! Weāre currently looking for amazing local businesses to sponsor the event and get some great exposure.
Interested? DM us on Instagram @chriscolganteam or reply to this email, and weāll send you the sponsorship tiers!
š¦ Sponsor Spotlight!

Smile with Confidence at Vienna Implant & Family Dentistry
Dr. Vikram Chauhan offers a patient-centric approach at a state-of-the-art dental facility, creating beautiful smiles that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. From dental implants, Teeth-in-a-Day, and full-mouth reconstruction to crowns and veneers, Dr. Chauhan is uniquely qualified to meet all your dental needs at his beautiful office in Vienna, VA.
Additionally, Dr. Chauhan is licensed by the Virginia Dental Board to provide IV conscious sedation, making him one of the select few restorative dentists in Virginia certified and licensed to administer IV sedation.
š Follow @viennadentistry on IG and mention the Colgan Team for exceptional care!
Details Matter ā Dominion Home Inspections
When it comes to your home, attention to detail makes all the difference. Dominion Home Inspections provides meticulous, comprehensive home inspections to ensure your biggest investment is protected. Locally trusted, certified, and committed to integrity. Their certified professionals inspect every home as carefully as they would their own, helping you secure peace of mind in your home purchase.
š Follow @dominionhomeinspections on IG, and mention the Colgan Team for VIP care!

š¶ Make Memories at Grain & Grog American Tavern
Locally owned, loved by the community, Grain & Grog offers something special for everyone. From tasty, family-friendly menu items to handcrafted drinks and unforgettable live music nightsāit's your new favorite spot to unwind and celebrate lifeās moments.
šCheck them out on IG @grainandgrogtavern or visit http://grainandgrog.com/
š Trusted Experts in Moving ā Able Moving & Storage
Since 1987, Able Moving & Storage has provided Northern Virginia with exceptional moving and storage services. Family-owned, community-trusted, and dedicated to customer satisfaction, they handle every relocationālocal or globalāwith expertise and care.
š Check them out on IG at @ablemoving, or online at ablemoving.com. Be sure to mention the Colgan Team!

šØ ConstruNOVA: Building Dreams, Creating Spaces
Transform your vision into reality with ConstruNOVA! As Northern Virginiaās trusted home improvement experts, ConstruNOVA specializes in turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary living areas.
From elegant kitchen remodels to stylish bathroom upgrades and services ranging from custom carpentry and painting to electrical updates and plumbing installations. Elevate your home with ConstruNOVA, where exceptional craftsmanship meets your unique style.
š Follow @construnova.inc on IG, and let them know the Colgan Team sent you!
š Things To Do in the NOVA/DC Area
šŖ The Avett Brothers
Wolf Trap favorites The Avett Brothers return with their āaccessible mix of bluegrass, rock, and folkā (NPR)! Enjoy two nights of the āAmericana stalwartsā (Rolling Stone) folk-tinged songs filled with unbridled energy and honest, heartfelt lyrics. See the roots rock band behind āA Beautiful Lifeā and the Winter in the Blood soundtrack as Heartless Bastards kick off the evening.
šLocation: Filene Center - 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA
šļø Date & Time: May 30-31 | 6 pm
šļø Tickets: $61
š More Info
š¼ Fil-Am Spring Fest 2025
Finish out AAPI Heritage Month by participating in this celebration of Filipino American culture. At Fair Oaks Mall, immerse yourself in cultural performances and live entertainment, enjoy local food trucks and family-friendly activities, and shop over 60 small businesses and vendors.
šLocation: Fair Oaks Mall: 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
šļø Date & Time: May 31 | 9am to 4pm
šļø Tickets: Free
š More Info
š· Bull Run Wine Festival
Level up your day at the winery with this spring festival. Bull Run Winery will host two days of entertainment, with live music and more than a dozen area wineries and breweries in attendance. Soak it all up with a bite from the visiting food trucks.
š Location: The Winery at Bull Run: 15950 Route 29, Centreville
šļø Date & Time: May 31 - June 1 | 12pm to 5pm
šļø Tickets: $45
š More Info
š Our Current Local Market Numbers
The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to thrive across Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Gainesville, and Fairfax Counties. Whether buying or selling, having an experienced guide by your side is crucial in today's dynamic market.
Selling your home? I'll create a targeted marketing strategy and help you set the right price to attract serious buyers and maximize your return.
Looking to buy? With current interest rates, this could be your ideal time to purchase. Let me help you find and secure the perfect home.






šļø In Other Newsā¦

Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place
Email me anytime: [email protected]
Search homes for sale in Northern Virginia: http://www.colganrealestate.com/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscolganteam/
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: @ChrisColgan

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