Happy Halloween Night,
Northern Virginia! 👻
In this week’s update:
🚀 A $5 trillion power move just hit Manassas. Nvidia—yes, that Nvidia—is building something huge in Northern Virginia. But why choose a small city like Manassas? And what exactly is an "AI Factory"?
🔥 What’s Netflix doing in one of D.C.’s most iconic buildings? It’s not another lobby office, and it’s not just about streaming. The move could flip the script on downtown’s future.
🏆 How did a Woodbridge school beat out 1,000 others across Virginia? A small public school in Prince William County just landed a top 3 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s latest rankings, and it’s the highest-ranked middle school in all of Northern Virginia.
🚀 Nvidia Picks Manassas for AI
Research Center
Driving the news: Nvidia is bringing a major AI Factory Research Center to Manassas, Virginia, its first facility of this kind in the U.S.
The company, now valued at over $5 trillion, unveiled the plans at its Washington, D.C. AI conference.
Details:
The Manassas center will test gigawatt-scale AI data centers, a model Nvidia hopes to replicate nationwide.
It will use the company’s Omniverse DSX platform, software that continuously optimizes energy and performance.
A second facility, the Aurora AI Factory, will deliver 96 megawatts of power-flexible capacity by mid-2026.
Aurora will rely on software from D.C.-based Emerald AI to dynamically manage energy loads on the power grid.
Why it matters: This move puts Prince William County on the AI map and positions Manassas as a new hub for next-generation tech.
It means new jobs, more housing demand, infrastructure upgrades, and smarter energy systems, all adding fresh momentum to Northern Virginia’s tech economy.
The big picture: Once known for Civil War battlefields, Manassas is now part of a national trend: top-tier tech firms choosing Northern Virginia as their AI launchpad. Microsoft, Amazon, and Google already have data centers here.
Nvidia’s entry upgrades the region’s role from a data warehouse to an innovation engine.
Between the lines: Nvidia didn’t just pick Manassas for the land, it chose it for the unmatched access to power and fiber lines, plus proximity to public and private sector AI clients in D.C. and beyond.
The bottom line: Nvidia’s arrival signals a transformation in Manassas. From a quiet suburb to a tech corridor with national influence, the city is stepping into the spotlight, this time powered by AI.
🔥 Netflix Bets Big on Downtown D.C.
Driving the news: Netflix is planning a major new office in the historic Woodies Building on F Street NW, signaling a high-profile pivot from fashion retail to creative power center in downtown Washington, D.C.
Details:
The space, once home to H&M, will feature Netflix branding, a private theater, and coworking areas.
While not open to the public, the facility will support “arts and entertainment-affiliated” work.
This location is just steps from major cultural landmarks like the National Portrait Gallery.
The zoning application describes Netflix as a catalytic tenant capable of spurring growth in media, policy, and tech sectors.
Why it matters: This move could jumpstart downtown D.C.’s recovery, an area hit hard by retail decline and remote work.
Netflix’s presence boosts local prestige and brings fresh energy, drawing attention to F Street’s new identity as a hub for creators, technologists, and policymakers.
The big picture: Netflix joins OpenAI in reshaping the F Street corridor. OpenAI’s new space nearby includes event facilities and a workshop for AI policy demos, signaling a shift in downtown D.C.’s focus from shopping to shaping the future.
What’s next: The plan still needs zoning and historic preservation approval, but if greenlit, it will fast-track D.C.’s transition from a retail-reliant downtown to a magnet for influential industries.
The bottom line: F Street is rewriting its story. With Netflix and OpenAI moving in, downtown D.C. is no longer waiting for retail’s return, it’s building something new.
🎥 What Realtors Won’t Tell You About Living in Ashburn, VA
Thinking about moving to Ashburn, VA? This video reveals what realtors won't tell you about living in one of Northern Virginia's most sought-after communities! In this eye-opening video, I expose the hidden realities of Ashburn living—$800+ monthly HOA fees, brutal Route 7 traffic, $6,000+ monthly housing costs, and overcrowded schools—and explain why this "perfect" suburb might not be what you think.
💬 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
🏆 Northern Virginia Shines in New
School Rankings
Driving the news: Mary G. Porter Traditional School in Woodbridge has been ranked the No. 3 best middle school in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 rankings, the highest spot achieved by any Northern Virginia school.
Details: The rankings are based on how well schools perform on state tests and prepare students for high school.
Out of 1,044 schools evaluated across Virginia, Porter stood out for its high achievement scores:
94% of students scored at or above proficiency in math.
89% reached or exceeded proficiency in reading.
The school serves grades 1–8 with 675 students and 41 full-time teachers.
Other Northern Virginia schools that ranked high include:
Williamsburg Middle (Arlington) — No. 4
Rocky Run Middle (Chantilly) — No. 5
Pennington Traditional (Manassas) — No. 6
Lake Braddock Secondary (Burke) — No. 7
Carson Middle (Herndon) — No. 12
Longfellow Middle (Falls Church) — No. 13
Why it matters: This top-tier ranking boosts local pride and shows that Prince William County’s public education system is thriving.
It also makes the area more attractive to families prioritizing strong academics.
The big picture: While Old Donation School in Virginia Beach and St. Paul Elementary took the top two spots, Northern Virginia schools dominated the top 15, signaling the region's strong public education network.
The bottom line: Mary G. Porter Traditional School's high rank is a win for local families and students, reinforcing Northern Virginia's position as one of the state’s strongest education regions.
💭 Best Things To Do This Weekend
in the NoVA/DC Area
🍻 Brews and Boos
Join the ultimate Halloween bash hosted by Hot 99.5’s Elizabethany. Dress up big: 1st place wins $2,000 cash, 2nd & 3rd get $1,000 and $500 gift cards.
📍 Location: 9925 Discovery Blvd., Manassas, VA
📅 Date & Time: Nov 1 (all day; costume contest finalist round ~9:30 PM)
🎟️ Tickets: Free entry
🌐 Website: https://2silosbrewing.com
🎧 Hip Hop Halloween Bar Crawl
Dress up, bring your crew, and hit nine bars along U Street for drink specials, DJ sets spinning Hip Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, a costume contest with $250 cash prize, free holiday swag.
📍 Location: U Street corridor, Washington, DC
📅 Date & Time: Nov 1, 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $10
🌐 Website: https://regmopromo.com/the-hip-hop-halloween-bar-crawl
💀 Celebración Día de los Muertos
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with live music, cultural performances, Modelo beer gardens, sugar-skull decorating & a glowing waterfront light procession.
📍 Location: 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC
📅 Date & Time: Nov 1, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free entry
🌐 Website: https://www.wharfdc.com/diadelosmuertos
📊 Our Current Local Market Numbers
Washington, DC’s housing market is somewhat competitive. Homes average 2 offers and spend around 66 days on the market. The median home price sits near $660K, up 4.8% year-over-year, with most selling at 97.8% of list price.
For Buyers: Competition is moderate, giving you some room to negotiate. Watch for slight price dips and be ready when homes match your criteria—well-priced listings still move fast.
For Sellers: Rising prices and steady demand work in your favor. Pricing strategically and presenting your home well can help you attract multiple offers, even as market pace cools slightly.
🗞️ In Other News…
Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place
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