Introduction
Trying to figure out where to live in Falls Church?
You’ve got options — and I’m not just talking about Falls Church City.
In this video, we’re covering the greater Falls Church area — that includes both the independent city and the surrounding neighborhoods on the Fairfax County side.
Whether you’re after walkability, more space, or top-tier schools, I’ll help you figure out where to focus your home search.
By the way, if you want to know more about Falls Church beyond its neighborhoods, be sure to check out our ultimate guide on the area, where we cover everything there is to know before moving there.
Alright, let's jump in.
Virginia Forest (Falls Church City)
Let’s kick things off with neighborhoods within the city limits.
Starting with Virginia Forest, one of the most established neighborhoods in Falls Church City.
It’s tucked just a few minutes off West Broad Street, if you take a look at this map.
You’re not exactly walking to downtown from here, but you’re close enough that quick errands, a trip to the farmers market, or dinner at Clare & Don’s is just a short drive or bike ride away.
What really sets Virginia Forest apart is its feel.
It’s got this peaceful, tucked-away feel, like a little pocket of calm right next to all the action.
You’ve got mature trees lining the streets, big front yards, and single-family homes spread out on roomy quarter-acre lots.
It doesn’t feel dense…
Snd that kind of breathing room is getting harder and harder to find around here.
Most of the homes here date back to the 1940s and ‘50s, during that post-WWII boom.
So you’ll see a lot of Cape Cods, ranchers, and colonials: the styles that reflect the era.
These have smaller footprints, sure, but full of charm.
Original homes here tend to range from about 1,150 to 3,800 square feet.
Now here’s where things get interesting: no HOA.
That means if you want to tear down an older home and build your dream house, you can.
And many people have. You’ll see new construction blended right in with the originals.
Some of these builds are massive — 5-bedrooms, luxury finishes — and they start around $2 million.
If building’s not your thing, you’ll still find renovated homes with modern updates.
We’re talking open floor plans, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances, even 6-bedroom homes pushing 4,200+ square feet.
But be prepared to pay for that move-in-ready convenience. Homes like that can go for $1.2 million or more.
And even fixer-uppers in Virginia Forest don’t come cheap.
You might be looking at $700,000 just to get in the door and that’s more than what the average home costs in Alexandria.
So Virginia Forest is beautiful, quiet, full of potential, and a lot of people still buy here.
But it’s definitely not the most budget-friendly option in the City…
If you’re looking to stay within Falls Church City limits but need something more affordable, keep watching — because up next, we’re talking about Winter Hill.
Winter Hill (Falls Church City)
Now, disclaimer: by affordable, we mean affordable for Northern Virginia standards.
This is where first-time buyers or folks looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle tend to start their search.
You can find townhomes here starting in the low $400s, but let me set expectations:
At that price point, you're probably looking at a place that needs some updating.
Now if you move up into the $500s and $600s, you’ll start seeing renovated homes with upgraded kitchens, newer systems, and stylish finishes…
Like this two-bedroom, two-bath home listed at $559,000 with a fully redone kitchen and open layout.
So why is Winter Hill relatively more affordable compared to the rest of Falls Church, where the average home value sits around $1.1 million?
There are a few reasons.
First, we’re talking townhomes, not single-family houses. That right there brings your price point down.
Second, these homes are compact.
Most have 2 to 3 bedrooms, 1 to 2 bathrooms, and around 700 to a little over 1,000 square feet.
You’re not getting a ton of space, but what you lose in square footage, you gain in convenience.
And third, Winter Hill is a condo association, which is a little unusual for townhomes.
That means you don’t own the land underneath your home, and appreciation tends to be a little slower than with fee-simple properties.
But the trade-off? Lower upfront costs and less maintenance on your plate.
Let’s talk about one of Winter Hill’s biggest selling points — the location.
You’re not right on top of the downtown action, but you’re close enough that it’s all within arm’s reach.
West Broad Street is literally a block away.
That means you can walk to Broaddale Village Shopping Center…
Hit up Cherry Hill Park for a picnic or summer concert…
And be at Clar and Don’s Beach Shack before your takeout order is ready.
And on Saturday mornings?
You’re a short stroll from one of the best farmers markets in Northern Virginia.
Even with all that nearby, Winter Hill still feels tucked away.
It’s like its own little town: lots of green space, courtyards, and a layout that invites you to slow down.
You’ll see neighbors chatting on porches, kids riding bikes, and folks who genuinely know each other.
Not in a forced HOA-meeting kind of way.
We’re talking caroling parties, summer block events…
Even people who move from one unit to another in the same neighborhood…
Yes, some do upgrade from a condo to a townhome within the community because they love it that much.
Greater Falls Church Area
Alright, now before we dive into the next neighborhoods, let’s clear something up real quick.
When people say “Falls Church,” they don’t always mean the same thing.
There’s Falls Church City — that’s the independent city we’ve been talking about so far, with its zip code: 22046.
But there’s also a big chunk of Fairfax County that uses “Falls Church” as a mailing address.
These areas aren’t part of the city, but they’re right next door and they share a lot of the same appeal.
For the rest of this video, when we say Greater Falls Church,
We’re talking about that side of town — the parts of Fairfax County that carry a Falls Church address but fall under zip codes like 22042, 22043, 22044, and 22041.
Lake Barcroft (22044 and 22041)
Let’s start with one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the area: Lake Barcroft.
This is a lake community just about 10 miles from D.C.
And I’m talking about a real, swimmable, 115-acre lake with five private sandy beaches, lakefront homes with docks…
And year-round water access for dues-paying residents.
Lake Barcroft sits across two zip codes: 22041 and 22044. Now here’s what that means.
If you're in 22041, you’re closer to Arlington, D.C., and the Pentagon — it’s the most urban slice of Greater Falls Church.
Great for commuters who want easy access to the city.
But if you're in 22044, that’s where the heart of the Lake Barcroft neighborhood is.
This is where things slow down a bit.
You’ve got winding streets, oversized wooded lots, and that peaceful, nature-first lifestyle people move here for.
What really sets Lake Barcroft apart isn’t just the lake, though; you’ve got full access to swim, fish, kayak, or kick back on the beaches.
Even if you’re not right on the water, you still get the tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more for just $495 a year in dues.
But the real magic is the community.
This is a place where neighbors show up…
For beach cleanups, Fourth of July fireworks, Halloween parades, Easter egg hunts, you name it.
People know each other, they look out for each other, and many have lived here for decades.
Some even since the ’50s.
Now here’s the catch: inventory is tight, and people don’t leave Lake Barcroft often.
When homes do hit the market, they don’t stay long, and they’re not cheap.
On the lower end, you might see a fixer-upper for around $800,000, usually set back from the lake on a wooded lot.
Move closer to the water, especially with lake views or private dock access, and you’re looking at $1.5 to $2 million, easy.
Here’s an example to paint the picture: a $1.3 million home with 4 beds, 3 baths, about 1,734 square feet, sitting on 0.37 acres.
It’s been updated.
Modern kitchen finishes, fireplace, generous deck and patio space — and it’s just steps from one of the community beaches.
It’s not flashy, but it checks every box if you’re looking for lifestyle over square footage.
Bel Air (22042)
Now, if Lake Barcroft is all about lifestyle…
The neighborhoods in 22042 are about getting the most home for your money…
Especially in Bel Air, where homes can go as low as $500,000 to as high as $1.9 million.
This is one of the few neighborhoods in the area where you’ll see real variety.
You've got older ranches and Cape Cods from the early 1950s sitting alongside brand-new builds with modern finishes and serious square footage.
It’s a mix that gives Bel Air broad appeal…
Whether you’re trying to stay under $700K or you’re ready to spend closer to $2 million.
Most of the original homes in Bel Air are modest in size.
We’re talking 3 to 4 bedrooms, around 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, but they sit on surprisingly generous lots.
Quarter-acre parcels are common, and even the smaller ones still give you room to expand.
These homes don’t always have basements, but many come with wide driveways, some with carports, and just enough elbow room to make the place your own.
Here’s a great example: a 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cape Cod with 1,188 square feet sitting on a cul-de-sac.
It’s listed at $640,000 and already has the big stuff done.
Updated kitchen, oversized deck, a backyard with a fire pit, and a play set.
That’s the kind of value that gets attention in this part of Falls Church.
Now on the flip side, teardown activity is starting to take root here.
New construction homes are popping up, usually in contemporary or transitional styles, and they’re a whole different story.
You’ll see 6 to 7 bedrooms, 5 to 7 bathrooms, and upwards of 7,000 square feet.
These homes come stacked: gourmet kitchens, basement bars, recessed lighting, attached garages, the works.
One recent sale came in at $1.9 million …
And based on what’s happening in surrounding neighborhoods, that trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
But no matter what kind of home you choose, location is the real throughline here.
Bel Air straddles both sides of Annandale Road near Arlington Boulevard, which means you’ve got banks, restaurants, gas stations, a CVS, and Walgreens all just a couple turns away.
Seven Corners is right down the street, and you’re still within a short drive of Mosaic District, downtown Falls Church, and everything else that makes this part of Northern Virginia so livable.
Holmes Run Acres (22042)
Now, if Bel Air is all about variety, Holmes Run Acres is the exact opposite.
This next neighborhood that’s still in the 22042 zip code, is a mid-century modern time capsule.
Back in the early 1950s, when colonials were the norm around Northern Virginia…
This neighborhood went in a totally different direction.
Instead of traditional homes, builders here doubled down on bold architecture:
Think flat planes, clean lines, open spaces, and walls of glass. For 1951, that was revolutionary.
Holmes Run Acres started with 355 mid-century homes, and many are still standing today.
About half were built by the Luria brothers, whose signature was a two-bedroom rambler with floor-to-ceiling glass and just 864 square feet that felt bigger than it looked.
A few years later, the Gaddy brothers took over, expanding on the Luria designs.
Then came André Bodor, whose homes were the largest, up to 2,400 square feet, and remain the go-to upgrade for anyone who wants more space without leaving the neighborhood.
What’s cool is that even though most homes have been personalized over the years…
A lot of that original character remains with all the mid-century hallmarks.
In terms of pricing, you’ll find homes anywhere from the mid-$600Ks to just over $1.2 million.
That range reflects both the size and level of renovation.
At the entry point, you’re looking at smaller, original homes, maybe 900 square feet, but often on quarter-acre lots with solid bones.
Like one 1950s renovation that sold for $875K: 2 beds, 2 baths, 1,344 square feet, and it still had that open-air, light-filled vibe that makes these homes so special.
At the higher end, there are newer homes, some built in the early 2000s.
More square footage, yes, but often on smaller lots.
One colonial-style example sold for just under $1.2 million and came with 4 beds, 5 baths, and over 4,200 square feet…
But it sat on just 0.2 acres. So, you’re trading yard space for indoor space.
Another thing to love here?
There’s no HOA. Instead, there’s a civic association that actually adds value — not just with updates and advocacy, but with neighborhood traditions.
They’ve got a historic preservation committee, youth programming, and even a fiber arts group.
And if you want to connect with neighbors, you’re covered: ice cream socials, egg hunts, and the big International Dinner at the Holmes Run Pool are all annual events.
Pimmit Hills (22043)
If you value convenience more than anything, looking for a home in the 22043 zip code may be the best choice for you.
This zip code sits northwest of Falls Church City and offers a different kind of convenience…
With direct access to I-66, I-495, and two Metro stations.
It's closer to Tysons and McLean, which makes it a smart pick for commuters who want options.
And right in the middle of it all is Pimmit Hills.
If you’re looking for one of the best long-term plays in the greater Falls Church area…
This should be on your radar.
This neighborhood is smack dab in the middle of transformation, and that’s exactly what makes it such a compelling option.
Pimmit Hills started out as farmland where cattle grazed before heading to the Alexandria stockyards.
By the 1950s, those fields turned into rows of modest homes, the first selling for just under $10,000.
Amazingly, many of those originals are still standing.
Of the 1,640 homes here, over 1,200 follow the same floor plan: three beds, one bath, and just 833 square feet
Boxy and efficient — the kind of home that still sells today in the upper $600s, whether as a teardown or a starter.
The real value in Pimmit Hills is the land.
You’re minutes from Tysons — a major hub for shopping, dining, and jobs…
And surrounded by key commuter routes like I-495, I-66, Route 7, and the Dulles Toll Road.
Plus, you’ve got two metro stations nearby: McLean on the Silver Line and West Falls Church on the Orange.
If you need to get around, this location is it.
That’s why Pimmit Hills has become a teardown hotspot.
Developers jumped in early, and over the past decade, new custom homes have been popping up…
Often 5,000 to 7,800 square feet with high-end finishes and gourmet kitchens.
These are single-family homes, typically selling between $1.5 and $2.3 million.
Pimmit Hills still offers a wide price range.
You’ve got starter homes in the $600s, updated ranches in the $700s and $800s, and mid-size colonials with additions pushing into the low millions.
Whether you're just getting in or trading up, this neighborhood gives you options.
One standout feature — and a rarity in Northern Virginia — is the lot size here.
Most homes, old or new, sit on about a quarter of an acre, with many nearing 0.4 acres.
That’s more space than you’ll find in most newer developments.
Community’s strong here too.
The Pimmit Hills Citizens’ Association has been active since the ’50s,
Advocating for the neighborhood and hosting events like National Night Out, the Holiday Decorating Contest, and Pimmit Hills Day.
Most gatherings happen at Olney Park, a 12-acre hub with trails, playgrounds, and courts — but it’s just one of eight parks in the neighborhood.
Between the green space, the civic pride, and the people who show up to take care of it all, Pimmit Hills has the kind of roots newer communities just can’t replicate.
