History of Edgewater Land Bay 4
Reston’s Founding and Context
Edgewater Land Bay 4 is situated within Reston, a planned community established in 1964 by Robert E. Simon Jr. Reston was envisioned as a model for modern urban planning, emphasizing mixed-use development, walkability, and access to green spaces. The community was divided into “land bays” for organized development, with Edgewater being one such area. Fairfax County, where Reston is located, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1742, named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron. The county’s proximity to Washington, D.C., has made it a hub for suburban growth, particularly in the 20th century.
Development of Edgewater Land Bay 4
Edgewater Land Bay 4 is part of Reston’s broader development, which unfolded in phases. The Edgewater area was developed in the late 20th century, primarily in the 1980s and 1990s, as Reston expanded to accommodate growing demand for housing near the capital region. This land bay, like much of Reston, reflects the community’s commitment to integrating residential areas with natural landscapes, such as nearby Lake Anne and the Reston Town Center.
The development of Edgewater Land Bay 4 coincided with Fairfax County’s transformation into a major economic and technological hub, driven by the expansion of government contracting, technology firms, and proximity to major transportation corridors like the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267). This period saw Reston evolve from a suburban experiment into a thriving urban-suburban hybrid, with Edgewater Land Bay 4 benefiting from access to these amenities.
Historical Significance
While Edgewater Land Bay 4 itself does not have widely documented historical events, its development mirrors broader trends in Fairfax County, including rapid suburbanization, the rise of planned communities, and the county’s role as a bedroom community for Washington, D.C. Reston’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (for its innovative planning) underscores the significance of areas like Edgewater within the larger narrative of American urban development.
Demographics of Edgewater Land Bay 4
Fairfax County Demographics
To understand Edgewater Land Bay 4’s demographics, it is helpful to contextualize it within Fairfax County and Reston. Fairfax County, with a population of approximately 1.15 million as of 2020 (U.S. Census Bureau), is the most populous county in Virginia and part of the Washington metropolitan area. The county is known for its diversity, high median household income, and educated population:
Population Growth: Fairfax County’s population has grown steadily, with a 0.2% annual increase from 2021 to 2022 (Fairfax County Demographic Reports, 2023).
Median Household Income: As of 2021, the median household income was $134,115, nearly double the national average (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey).
Diversity: 37.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home, and 30.7% were born outside the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020).
Poverty Rate: 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, with higher rates among children (10%) and seniors (6%).
Reston Demographics
Reston, with a population of approximately 63,000, mirrors Fairfax County’s affluence and diversity but is slightly more compact and urbanized. The median household income in Reston is slightly higher than the county average, reflecting its concentration of professionals working in tech, government, and related fields.
Edgewater Land Bay 4 Demographics
Specific demographic data for Edgewater Land Bay 4 is not publicly isolated in most datasets, but it can be inferred from Reston’s trends and Fairfax County’s granular data (available through the Fairfax County Economic, Demographic, and Statistical Research unit). Based on Reston’s characteristics:
Population: Edgewater Land Bay 4 likely houses a few hundred to a few thousand residents, given its residential focus and smaller size compared to Reston as a whole.
Income and Education: Residents are likely to have high median incomes (above $130,000) and advanced education levels, reflecting Reston’s professional demographic. Many work in industries tied to the D.C. metro area, such as government contracting, technology, and consulting.
Diversity: The area likely reflects Reston’s diversity, with a mix of White, Asian, Black, and Hispanic residents, and a significant proportion of foreign-born individuals.
Age Distribution: Reston has a median age of around 39.4, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. Edgewater Land Bay 4 likely follows this trend, with families drawn to its proximity to schools and amenities.
The Fairfax County Demographic Reports (2023) note that housing and population growth have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting that areas like Edgewater Land Bay 4 remain attractive to new residents seeking suburban amenities near urban centers.
Real Estate Trends in Edgewater Land Bay 4
Fairfax County Real Estate Context
Fairfax County’s real estate market is competitive, with a median home price of $722,210 as of December 2024 (Rocket Homes). The county saw a 7.0% increase in home prices year-over-year, despite a 12.7% decrease in inventory from November to December 2024. Key trends include:
Sales Activity: 758 homes were sold or pending in December 2024, with 37.6% selling above asking price (Rocket Homes).
Market Speed: 72% of homes sold within 30 days, reflecting high demand.
Housing Types: Single-family homes dominate, but townhouses and multi-family units (condos, apartments) have seen significant growth, with 6,694 multi-family units added from 2017 to 2022 (Fairfax County Demographic Reports, 2022).
Reston Real Estate Trends
Reston, including Edgewater Land Bay 4, aligns with these county-wide trends but has unique characteristics due to its planned community structure. Reston Town Center and proximity to the Silver Line Metro (opened in 2014) have driven demand for housing in nearby areas like Edgewater. The median home price in Reston is slightly lower than the county average, around $638,000 (Redfin), reflecting a mix of housing types.
Edgewater Land Bay 4 Real Estate
Edgewater Land Bay 4 primarily consists of townhouses, condominiums, and some single-family homes, designed to fit Reston’s mixed-density model. Based on available data and trends:
Home Prices: Homes in Edgewater Land Bay 4 likely range from $500,000 to $800,000, depending on size and type. Townhouses and condos may start in the $400,000–$600,000 range, while single-family homes could exceed $700,000.
Market Demand: The area’s proximity to Reston Town Center, Lake Anne, and major employers (e.g., in Tysons and Dulles) makes it highly desirable. The competitive Fairfax County market (scoring 88/100 on Redfin’s competitiveness index) suggests bidding wars are common, with homes often selling above asking price.
Housing Inventory: Inventory is likely tight, mirroring county trends. The addition of multi-family units in Reston (2,827 townhouses and 6,694 multi-family units from 2017 to 2022) indicates ongoing development, but demand outpaces supply.
Appreciation Rates: Fairfax County’s house price index has grown steadily (FRED data), with Reston seeing similar appreciation. Edgewater Land Bay 4 likely benefits from this trend, with annual appreciation rates around 4.5% (NeighborhoodScout).
Factors Influencing Real Estate
Several factors drive real estate trends in Edgewater Land Bay 4:
Proximity to Metro: The Silver Line’s Wiehle-Reston East station, opened in 2014, has boosted property values in Reston, including Edgewater.
Amenities: Access to Reston’s trails, lakes, and community centers (e.g., Reston Community Center) adds value.
Employment: Fairfax County’s low unemployment and high median income (fifth-highest in the U.S.) ensure steady demand for housing.
Environmental Risks: Fairfax County faces moderate risks from flooding, wildfire, and heat (Redfin), but Edgewater Land Bay 4’s inland location mitigates some flood risks.
Conclusion
Edgewater Land Bay 4 is a microcosm of Fairfax County’s broader trends, shaped by Reston’s innovative planning and the county’s economic vitality. Its history is tied to Reston’s development as a planned community, reflecting Fairfax County’s suburban expansion. Demographically, it likely mirrors Reston’s affluent, diverse, and educated population, with residents drawn to its proximity to D.C. and local amenities. Real estate trends indicate a competitive market with rising prices, driven by limited inventory, high demand, and Reston’s growing appeal as a mixed-use community.
For further research, Fairfax County’s Economic, Demographic, and Statistical Research unit (fairfaxcounty.gov) and real estate platforms like Redfin and Rocket Homes provide detailed data. Edgewater Land Bay 4 remains a desirable residential area, poised for continued growth within one of Virginia’s most dynamic counties.
