Happy Friday, Northern Virginia!
In this week’s update:
🏆 Is Alexandria the East Coast’s Best-Kept Secret? This charming Virginia town just climbed to #2 on Travel + Leisure’s list of best places to live—beating out beach towns, historic hotspots, and more. But what makes it so irresistible? (Hint: It’s not just the views.)
🎄Nats Park is turning into a snowy playground, and there’s a secret bar involved.
Think tubing slides, glowing lights, and a hidden speakeasy tucked behind the batting cages.
☕ A new Wawa is officially coming to the Manassas area, but not without debate. The project promises fresh coffee, fuel, and convenience, yet traffic worries have neighbors raising red flags.
🏆 Why Alexandria Just Ranked #2 Best
Place to Live on the East Coast
Driving the news: Travel + Leisure has ranked Alexandria the second-best place to live on the East Coast, highlighting its unmatched walkability, public transportation, and overall quality of life.
Details:
The city earned top marks for its historic charm, easy access to DC, and strong sense of community.
Alexandria’s Old Town stood out for its cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and thriving local shops and dining.
The city’s public transit system—already robust—is currently being improved, adding even more value for residents.
Despite a higher cost of living compared to further-out suburbs, the area’s location and amenities make it a top choice for buyers seeking long-term value.
Why it matters: This ranking is more than a bragging right, it confirms Alexandria as a smart investment for buyers and a place where livability meets opportunity.
For locals and newcomers alike, it affirms that Alexandria is not just a great place to visit, it’s a great place to call home.
What’s next: As Alexandria continues to grow and evolve—with transit upgrades and sustainable development—its reputation as one of the best places to live is likely to rise even further.
🎄 Nats Park Gets a Holiday Glow-Up
with Winter Wonderfest
Driving the news: Nationals Park is debuting Winter Wonderfest, an immersive holiday experience packed with festive fun, including light shows, tubing, games, and a speakeasy tucked into the batting cages.
Details:
The festival runs on select dates from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24.
Highlights include:
A six-lane tubing slide
A Northern Lights–inspired light show
Train rides, mini golf, and a dance floor
A 21+ area with firepits and a hidden speakeasy
Tickets are $29.50; kids under 3 get in free.
The big picture: Winter Wonderfest replaces Enchant Christmas, which had previously drawn crowds to Nats Park but did not return last year.
This year marks a new effort by venue organizers to make the stadium a year-round destination.
Between the lines: The event is geared toward both families and adults. While kids enjoy games and lights, grown-ups can warm up with holiday drinks by the fire, or find the speakeasy hidden in the batting cages.
What’s next: Winter Wonderfest opens in late November. Tickets are already on sale, and with demand expected to rise around the holidays, early booking is encouraged.
🎥 INSIDE Marshall, VA: NoVA's Next Blow Up Town! (FULL Driving Tour)
In this video, we're taking you on a special, full driving tour of Marshall, VA!
One of Northern Virginia's next blow-up towns!
💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?
Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax, Prince William, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, or Reston — or want help growing your business with smart, local content — I’ve got you covered.
📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
📲 DM me on Instagram for real estate or content marketing help
💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project
☕ A New Wawa Is Headed to Manassas
Driving the news: The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a rezoning and special use permit for a new Wawa in the Yorkshire community of the Coles District. The vote passed 6-0, with Supervisor Yesli Vega absent.
Details:
Location: 8314 Maplewood Drive, near Manassas.
Rezoning: About 0.75 acres will shift from residential to business use.
Special use permit: Required to allow gas pumps.
Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in late 2027 and finish by late 2028 or early 2029.
The big picture: Traffic was the main concern raised by residents, especially during rush hour between Route 28 and Maplewood Drive. In response, the developer’s attorney said the project includes:
A new right-turn lane on Route 28.
A new left-turn lane on Maplewood Drive.
Possible adjustments to traffic signal timing along the Route 28 corridor.
Between the lines: To ease community concerns, Wawa’s developer hosted a community meeting and committed to ongoing traffic mitigation efforts.
What’s next: Construction is years away, but residents can expect planning and preparatory work to continue as late 2027 approaches.
💭 Best Things To Do This Weekend
in the NoVA/DC Area
🔹 Friday - All Things Go Festival
Over 40 artists take the stage at this three-day music fest with headliners like Noah Kahan, Clairo, Doechii, and Kesha. Sip cocktails, shop merch, and catch the shows on the Merriweather lawn.
📍 Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD
📅 Date & Time: Sep 26–28
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $179
🌐 Website: https://allthingsgofestival.com/dmv
🔹 Saturday - LoCo Wine Festival
Sample wines from 15 Loudoun County wineries while browsing local vendors, enjoying live music, and grabbing bites from food trucks. Tastings included, bottles available for purchase.
📍 Location: Old Farm Winery at Hartland, Aldie, VA
📅 Date & Time: Sep 27–28, 12 PM – 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $45
🌐 Website: https://locowinefestival.com
🔹 Sunday - Mosaic Fall Festival
Celebrate autumn with pumpkin painting, live music, selfie stations, and over 90 handmade and vintage vendors. Stroll Strawberry Lane with a drink in hand while exploring 50+ food and produce stalls.
📍 Location: Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA
📅 Date & Time: Sep 27–28, 11 AM – 6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 Website: https://mosaicdistrict.com/events/event/mosaic-fall-festival
📊 Our Current Local Market Numbers
Washington, DC’s housing market is holding steady—but don’t get too comfy. Median sale prices slipped 1.1% to around $703K, and homes linger about 56 days—14 days longer than last year. Buyers still make roughly two offers per listing, with a 98.2% sale-to-list ratio and just 20% selling above list.
For Buyers: More time to negotiate and less competition mean better leverage—if you’re ready to move when the right home pops up.
For Sellers: Pricing strategically is key. With fewer bidding wars, standout marketing and presentation will help you attract motivated buyers fast.
🗞️ In Other News…
Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place
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