🏗️ What happens when a forgotten office park meets a bold redevelopment plan? Fairfax County is eyeing a major shift in land use that could change everything about the Fair Oaks area.

🚀 Big funding. Bold plans. Vienna just secured a $3M boost from Navy Federal (no interest, no strings) to launch a project the community’s been buzzing about.

🏡 Fairfax's fall market just flipped the script. Home sales are up. Prices are climbing. And Fairfax County just delivered its strongest October in years (all while other nearby markets are cooling off).

Driving the news: Fairfax County is advancing plans to overhaul the aging Fair Oaks Business Park with a mixed-use development that would introduce over 700 homes and new retail space.

Details: The Fairfax County Planning Commission has recommended a comprehensive plan amendment to allow redevelopment of the 22-acre office park.

Chantilly-based Peterson Companies, which bought the property in 2022 for $36.5M, proposes:

The office park’s 11 buildings (mostly vacant and built in the 1980s) would be demolished.

The big picture: This move is part of a broader push to convert underused office zones into mixed-use hubs.

Alongside the Fair Oaks project, another proposal at nearby Fairfax Ridge would bring 400 more units and 5,500 square feet of retail to replace an outdated office building.

Between the lines: The redevelopment includes proximity to Inova’s Kellar School, which will stay open and have room to expand.

There’s also public interest in making sure the area connects smoothly with Fairfax City’s existing mixed-use neighborhoods.

The bottom line: This would bring new housing and retail options to a part of the county ready for a refresh.

The addition of walkable amenities and green space could boost nearby property values and draw more investment into the area.

Why stop now? DIVE DEEPER INTO THE PROJECT→

Driving the news: Vienna is one step closer to building a long-discussed aquatics and fitness center, thanks to a $3 million interest-free advance from Navy Federal Credit Union. The funds will cover early planning and design work.

Details:

The deal mirrors a past agreement that sped up traffic improvements on Follin Lane, where Navy Federal's HQ sits.

Why it matters: This financial nudge helps Vienna move forward on a community facility many residents have asked for, without waiting for traditional funding cycles.

It's also a smart local investment that could serve Navy Federal employees and Vienna residents alike.

The big picture: The aquatics and fitness center is part of a larger push to use the vacant “Annex” property at 301 Center Street South. Although Vienna aims for a 2030 completion, decisions are still being made on how to use the site in the meantime.

What’s next: Town staff must still hire a project manager and architect before spending any of the funds.

The town also needs planning commission and zoning board approval for temporary uses of the Annex site.

The bottom line: This deal gives Vienna a financial jumpstart without strings, bringing a potential aquatics center closer to reality for the community.

Are you excited?! CHECK MORE DETAILS→

In this video, we're taking a look inside Reston's newest luxury condos!
Let's tour the JW Marriott Residences!

Driving the news: Fairfax County’s housing market defied seasonal slowdowns in October, posting its strongest month since July with home sales and prices both on the rise.

Details:

Why it matters: A stronger-than-expected October offers a boost for local homeowners and the broader economy.

Rising values and increased activity suggest steady confidence in Fairfax County, even amid national economic uncertainty.

The big picture: While Fairfax County saw gains, other parts of the region didn’t fare as well. Sales declined in D.C. and Maryland suburbs.

Across the broader Washington area, year-over-year sales held flat, underscoring Fairfax’s standout performance.

Between the lines: Most October closings stemmed from deals struck before the Oct. 1 federal government shutdown. While that shutdown ended recently, economic anxieties still weigh on buyers.

The bottom line: Fairfax County’s housing rebound shows local strength, even in a mixed national market, offering a reassuring sign for buyers and sellers heading into winter.

CHECK THE FULL ANALYSIS→

Experience a powerful performance as Principal Conductor Edward Gardner leads the National Symphony Orchestra through Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Pablo Ferrández makes his NSO debut with Lutosławski’s Cello Concerto.
📍 Location: The Kennedy Center, Washington, DC
📅 Date & Time: Nov 20–23
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $21.85
🌐 Website: https://www.kennedy-center.org/gardner-ferrandez

Celebrate the finale of Virginia Cider Week at this 21+ tasting event featuring cider samples, live music, food trucks, games, and a souvenir glass, all set at the historic Lloyd House. Proceeds support the Historic Alexandria Museums.
📍 Location: Lloyd House, Alexandria, VA
📅 Date & Time: Nov 22, 1 PM – 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $55
🌐 Website: https://www.alexandriava.gov/alexandria-cider-festival-2025

Catch the legendary country group Alabama live on stage, performing classics like Mountain Music and Dixieland Delight. With over 80 million albums sold and 43 number-one hits, this is a night of iconic country music you won’t want to miss.
📍 Location: EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, VA
📅 Date & Time: Nov 23, 6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $46.40
🌐 Website: https://www.eaglebankarena.com/events/detail/alabama

MORE THINGS TO DO→

The market’s holding steady with a median sale price around $675K, up 12% year-over-year. Homes are taking about 69 days to sell, and the sale-to-list ratio is 98.3%, still a sign of solid demand.

For Buyers: With listings staying active a bit longer, there’s room to negotiate, especially on homes that have been sitting for a few weeks. Still, desirable properties move fast, so be ready with pre-approval.

For Sellers: Price strategically and stay flexible. Demand remains strong, but buyers have options. Well-staged, accurately priced homes are the ones selling quickest.