Historical Context: The Birth of Old Westbury Cluster in Reston’s Visionary Framework
The story of the Old Westbury Cluster is inseparable from the broader narrative of Reston, Virginia, a pioneering planned community established in the mid-1960s by Robert E. Simon Jr. Reston was envisioned as a radical departure from the sprawling, car-dependent suburbs of post-World War II America. Simon’s philosophy, encapsulated in the motto “Live, Work, Play, and Get Involved,” sought to integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces into a cohesive, pedestrian-friendly environment. Fairfax County, already a burgeoning suburban hub due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., provided fertile ground for this experiment.
The Old Westbury Cluster emerged in the early 1980s, a period of significant growth for Reston as it expanded southward. Developed by Fairfield Homes, the cluster consists of 58 single-family residences split between two streets: Cobblestone Lane, accessible via Ridge Heights Road, and Salt Kettle Way, reachable from South Lakes Drive. These streets are connected by a footpath, a nod to Reston’s emphasis on walkability and community connectivity. The homes, modeled after New England’s historic “saltbox” architectural style, feature sloped roofs and a timeless aesthetic that evokes a sense of historical continuity. This design choice reflects Reston’s broader ethos of blending tradition with modernity, creating neighborhoods that feel both rooted and forward-looking.
The cluster’s location on Reston’s south side places it adjacent to a small park with a tot lot, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly enclave. Nearby amenities, such as Lake Thoreau (a five-minute walk) and the South Lakes Shopping Center (less than ten minutes on foot), underscore the convenience that defines Reston living. Schools like Terraset Elementary, Langston Hughes Middle, and South Lakes High are also within a short distance, reinforcing the cluster’s integration into Reston’s educational fabric. Established in 1983, the Old Westbury Cluster Association formalized the neighborhood’s governance, aligning it with Reston’s decentralized model of cluster associations supported by the overarching Reston Association.
Historically, the cluster’s development coincided with Fairfax County’s transformation from a rural landscape into a suburban powerhouse. Fairfax County, formed in 1742, had long been shaped by its proximity to the Potomac River and its role in early American history—home to figures like George Washington (Mount Vernon) and George Mason (Gunston Hall). By the 20th century, the county’s growth accelerated with the expansion of the federal government and the post-World War II suburban boom. Reston, as Virginia’s first planned community, capitalized on this momentum, and the Old Westbury Cluster emerged as a microcosm of this shift, offering a stable, community-oriented alternative to urban sprawl.
Demographics: A Snapshot of Old Westbury Cluster’s Residents
While specific demographic data for the Old Westbury Cluster is not publicly detailed beyond its 58 households, its profile can be inferred from broader statistics about Reston and Fairfax County, adjusted for the cluster’s context as a single-family home community. Reston, with a 2020 census population of 63,226, is a diverse and affluent suburb within Fairfax County, which itself boasts a population of 1,150,309—the most populous county in Virginia and a key jurisdiction in the Washington metropolitan area.
Fairfax County’s demographic makeup offers a starting point: as of the 2020 census, 55.5% of households were married-couple families, with an average family size of 3.25 persons. The median age was 39.4 years, with 22.6% of residents under 18 and 15.1% over 65. Ethnically, the county is diverse, with 10.1% of residents claiming English ancestry, though 37.8% speak a language other than English at home, and 30.7% were born outside the U.S. (63.4% of whom are naturalized citizens). Reston mirrors this diversity but skews slightly younger and more professional due to its proximity to tech hubs like Tysons and Dulles.
The Old Westbury Cluster, with its single-family homes and family-oriented amenities (e.g., the nearby park and schools), likely attracts a higher proportion of married couples with children compared to Reston’s overall mix, which includes apartments and townhomes. The cluster’s “saltbox” homes, averaging three to four bedrooms, suggest a focus on families rather than singles or retirees. Its location near top-rated schools—South Lakes High, for instance, is known for its strong academic programs—further implies a demographic of educated, middle-to-upper-income households, many of whom may work in professional or government-related fields given Fairfax County’s economic profile.
Income-wise, Fairfax County’s median household income of $127,866 (2020) ranks it among the wealthiest counties in the U.S., and Reston’s affluence aligns with this trend. The Old Westbury Cluster, as part of this ecosystem, likely reflects a similar socioeconomic status, though quarterly dues to the OWCA (for maintenance of common areas) add a modest cost of living premium. The cluster’s stability—evidenced by long-term residents and low turnover—suggests a community of established families who value Reston’s quality of life over transient urban living.
Real Estate Trends: Stability and Growth in a Prime Location
The real estate market of the Old Westbury Cluster is shaped by its position within Reston and Fairfax County, both of which are renowned for high property values and steady appreciation. Fairfax County’s housing market is among Virginia’s most expensive, with a median home price of $722,210 in December 2024 (a 7.0% increase year-over-year, per Rocket Homes). Single-family detached homes, like those in Old Westbury, dominate the county’s housing stock (54% of units), and owner-occupied residences account for 66.38% of homes, signaling strong demand for stable, family-oriented properties.
The Old Westbury Cluster’s 58 homes, built in the early 1980s, fall within Fairfax County’s significant stock of housing constructed between the 1940s and 1960s (58.47%), though their specific vintage places them in the subsequent wave of development (1970s-1999, 26.35%). These homes, with their “saltbox” design, offer a blend of historical charm and modern functionality, typically featuring 2,000–3,000 square feet, three to four bedrooms, and attached garages. Their proximity to Reston’s amenities—Dulles Toll Road exits, the Wiehle Avenue Metro Station (five minutes by car), and Lake Thoreau—enhances their marketability.
Real estate trends in Fairfax County show robust appreciation, with Fairfax ranking among the nation’s highest-appreciating communities in recent quarters. However, over the past decade, appreciation rates have been moderate (55.38% since 2000, or 4.51% annually), trailing 90% of U.S. cities. This suggests a stable but not speculative market, ideal for long-term residents rather than flippers. In December 2024, Fairfax County had 2,027 homes for sale (a 12.7% decrease from November), with 758 sold or pending (37.6% above asking price), indicating a competitive market despite a slight inventory dip. Homes sold quickly, with 72% moving within 30 days, reflecting strong demand.
For the Old Westbury Cluster specifically, exact sales data is unavailable, but its characteristics suggest a premium within Reston. Single-family homes in Reston typically range from $600,000 to $1 million, depending on size, condition, and location. The cluster’s well-maintained common areas, managed by the OWCA (under Sequoia Management since at least 2013), and its quiet, park-adjacent setting likely push values toward the higher end of this spectrum—potentially $800,000 to $900,000 for a standard home in 2025. Low turnover, as noted on the OWCA website, implies residents stay long-term, reducing supply and stabilizing prices.
Broader trends in Fairfax County—driven by its proximity to Washington, D.C., a thriving tech sector (e.g., Amazon’s HQ2 in nearby Arlington), and excellent schools—ensure sustained demand. Reston’s planned community status adds a layer of predictability, with infrastructure like the Silver Line Metro enhancing accessibility. However, challenges like rising interest rates and a projected 114% increase in extreme heat days over the next 30 years (per Redfin) could temper future growth, though the cluster’s tree-lined streets and park buffer may mitigate some environmental concerns.
Critical Reflections and Future Outlook
The Old Westbury Cluster exemplifies the success of Reston’s planned community model, offering a harmonious blend of history, community, and modern convenience. Its roots in the 1980s reflect a period of thoughtful suburban expansion, while its demographics—likely skewed toward affluent, family-oriented professionals—mirror Fairfax County’s economic dynamism. Real estate trends suggest a stable, appreciating market, bolstered by location and design, though broader economic and environmental factors warrant caution.
Critically, the cluster’s reliance on the OWCA for governance raises questions about autonomy versus collective responsibility. While effective in maintaining standards, this model assumes active resident participation, which could falter with demographic shifts (e.g., aging residents or younger, busier families). Additionally, the lack of granular demographic and sales data limits precision in this analysis, a gap that future research could address by surveying residents or accessing OWCA records.
Looking ahead, the Old Westbury Cluster is poised to remain a desirable enclave within Reston, buoyed by Fairfax County’s enduring appeal. Its timeless “saltbox” homes, strong community ties, and strategic location near metro and tech corridors suggest resilience, even as market dynamics evolve. For residents and prospective buyers, it offers a rare blend of suburban serenity and urban access—a testament to Reston’s visionary legacy.
