Historical Context and Development
The story of McNair Farms Landbay 11 is intertwined with the broader development of the McNair Farms community, which emerged as part of Fairfax County’s rapid suburban expansion in the late 20th century. Fairfax County, located just outside Washington, D.C., has long been a magnet for growth due to its proximity to the nation’s capital, access to major transportation corridors, and the presence of significant employment centers like Dulles International Airport and the Dulles Technology Corridor. The area that now encompasses McNair Farms was originally farmland, reflective of Fairfax County’s agrarian past, before being transformed into a planned residential community starting in the 1980s and 1990s.
McNair Farms itself was envisioned as a master-planned community designed to accommodate the influx of professionals and families drawn to the region’s burgeoning technology and aerospace industries. The community was developed in phases, known as “landbays,” each with its own character and governance structure. Landbay 11, specifically, consists of 201 townhomes and is one of several sub-associations within the larger McNair Farms Community Association (MFCA). Construction of these townhomes largely occurred between the 1970s and 1990s, a period when Fairfax County saw significant residential development to support its growing population. The architectural style and layout of Landbay 11 reflect the era’s emphasis on functional, family-oriented suburban living, with townhomes offering multiple bedrooms, attached garages, and access to shared amenities.
The transformation of this former farmland into a residential hub was spurred by Fairfax County’s strategic location near the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) and Route 28, as well as the opening of Dulles International Airport in 1962, which catalyzed economic growth in western Fairfax County. By 1993, when the Village at McNair Farms—a nearby rental complex—was purchased for $19.75 million by Town & Country Trust, the area had already established itself as an attractive destination for renters and homeowners alike. Landbay 11, as part of this broader community, benefited from this momentum, evolving into a stable, sought-after neighborhood by the early 2000s.
Governance and Community Structure
McNair Farms Landbay 11 operates under a dual-layered governance model typical of planned communities in Fairfax County. Residents are members of both the McNair Farms Community Association (MFCA), which oversees the broader community’s common areas and amenities, and the Landbay 11 Homeowners Association (HOA), which manages the specific needs of its 201 townhomes. The MFCA maintains facilities such as the community center at 2491 McNair Farms Drive, swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, and walking trails, funded through semi-annual assessments paid by all homeowners. Meanwhile, the Landbay 11 HOA handles day-to-day maintenance, such as landscaping, exterior upkeep, and neighborhood-specific rules, with assessments collected monthly or quarterly.
This structure fosters a sense of community while ensuring that both overarching and localized needs are met. The MFCA, with approximately 2,000 member homes across all landbays, is governed by a five-member board of directors elected annually, offering residents opportunities to shape their community’s future. Landbay 11’s HOA, detailed on its website (https://mcnaircorner.net/), emphasizes convenience and engagement, providing online resources for residents to access documents, receive announcements, and participate in discussions, reflecting a modern approach to community management.
Demographics: A Snapshot of Landbay 11
While specific demographic data for McNair Farms Landbay 11 is not publicly detailed on its website, broader statistics for the McNair census-designated place (CDP) and Fairfax County provide a useful proxy. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the McNair CDP, which includes McNair Farms, had a population of 21,598 across 8,759 households. The racial composition was notably diverse: 25.21% White, 17.04% African American, 44.07% Asian, 0.40% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 5.29% from other races, and 6.96% from two or more races. This diversity reflects Fairfax County’s status as one of the most multicultural counties in the United States, driven by its proximity to Washington, D.C., and its appeal to international professionals.
Income levels in McNair Farms are above average, with the neighborhood classified as upper-middle-income. The median household income in the McNair CDP likely exceeds the national average of approximately $74,000 (as of 2023), given that Fairfax County’s median household income was $133,974 in 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This affluence is consistent with the area’s history of attracting well-educated residents employed in technology, government, and aerospace sectors. Childhood poverty in McNair Farms, at 11.1%, is higher than in some wealthier Fairfax County neighborhoods but aligns with national trends in suburban areas with diverse populations.
Landbay 11’s 201 townhomes suggest a population of roughly 500–600 residents, assuming an average household size of 2.5–3 persons, typical for Fairfax County. The townhome-centric design indicates a mix of families, young professionals, and possibly empty-nesters, drawn to the neighborhood’s amenities and schools. Fairfax County Public Schools, highly rated regionally, serve the area, with McNair Elementary School (preschool through second grade) and McNair Upper Elementary (third through sixth grade) catering to younger students, followed by Rachel Carson Middle School and Westfield High School—all earning strong academic reputations.
Real Estate Trends: Past, Present, and Future
The real estate market in McNair Farms Landbay 11 mirrors broader trends in Fairfax County, characterized by high demand, limited supply, and rising property values. Historically, the townhomes in Landbay 11 were built during a period of suburban expansion (1970s–1990s), offering medium-sized units averaging around 1,900 square feet. By the late 1990s, as reported in a 1997 Washington Post article, the nearby Village at McNair Farms rental complex boasted a 97.4% occupancy rate, signaling strong housing demand in the area. This trend extended to ownership properties like those in Landbay 11, where the vacancy rate today is effectively 0.0%, placing it among the most competitive markets nationally.
As of January 2025, the median home price in the McNair CDP was $580,000, an 8.2% increase from the previous year, according to Rocket Homes. Townhomes in McNair Farms, including Landbay 11, typically range from the upper $500,000s to $700,000, depending on features like garages and upgrades. This price point is more affordable than in neighboring Reston or Arlington, offering greater square footage for the dollar, though it remains higher than 71.8% of Virginia neighborhoods. The average listing age for homes in McNair rose to 41 days in January 2025, up 83% from the prior year, suggesting a slight cooling in sales pace but persistent seller’s market conditions, where demand outstrips supply.
Several factors drive these trends. The opening of the Silver Line Metro, with stations at Innovation Center and Herndon, has enhanced McNair Farms’ connectivity to Washington, D.C., boosting property values. Proximity to Dulles International Airport and major employers like Airbus Group, Inc., and Northrop Grumman Technical Services in the Dulles Corner Business Park further sustains demand. However, rising interest rates and construction costs since 2022 have limited new inventory, keeping the market tight. In Landbay 11, the fixed supply of 201 townhomes exacerbates this scarcity, making turnover rare and prices resilient.
Looking forward, real estate in Landbay 11 is poised for continued appreciation, though at a moderated pace. Fairfax County’s population growth, projected to reach 1.3 million by 2030, and ongoing commercial development in the Dulles Corridor will sustain housing demand. However, affordability challenges may push some buyers toward rentals or outer suburbs, potentially softening price growth by the late 2020s. For current residents, the combination of strong schools, amenities like the community pool and tennis courts, and a low crime rate (relative to urban areas) reinforces Landbay 11’s appeal as a long-term investment.
Lifestyle and Community Appeal
Beyond numbers, McNair Farms Landbay 11 offers a lifestyle that blends suburban tranquility with urban accessibility. Residents enjoy parks, dining, and shopping within walking distance, such as the renovated Clocktower shopping center, alongside easy access to commuter routes like the Dulles Toll Road and Fairfax Connector bus services. The community’s website highlights its maturity, with established trees, well-maintained common areas, and a sense of permanence that newer developments often lack. Reviews of McNair suggest a neighborly atmosphere, with residents valuing the balance of privacy and engagement.
Challenges exist, including increased traffic and occasional crime concerns noted in broader McNair reviews, such as theft or drug-related incidents. Yet, these are mitigated by Fairfax County’s robust public safety infrastructure and the community’s proactive HOA management. The presence of recreational facilities—three additional sites with tennis courts, basketball courts, and tot lots—enhances livability, particularly for families.
Conclusion
McNair Farms Landbay 11 stands as a microcosm of Fairfax County’s suburban evolution, from farmland to a thriving residential hub. Its history reflects strategic planning and economic growth, its demographics showcase diversity and affluence, and its real estate trends underscore enduring value in a competitive market. For its 201 townhome-owning households, Landbay 11 offers a stable, amenity-rich lifestyle bolstered by excellent schools and proximity to Northern Virginia’s economic engines. As Fairfax County continues to grow, this neighborhood is likely to remain a desirable cornerstone of the McNair Farms community, adapting to new challenges while preserving its established charm.
