Introduction
What is up everyone…
I’m Abraham Walker, your Northern Virginia real estate guy.
And today we’re taking a slow cruise through Falls Church.
Now just so we’re on the same page…
When I say “Falls Church,” I’m talking about both the independent City of Falls Church and the greater Falls Church area in Fairfax County.
Now if you want to know more about Falls Church before moving, be sure to check out our Falls Church ultimate guide.
So buckle up — let’s hit the road.
Stop #1: Bailey’s Crossroads
Alright, first stop — Bailey’s Crossroads.
This is one of those retail hubs that locals lean on for the essentials.
You’ve got your big box lineup — Target, Best Buy, REI, Marshalls, ALDI, Giant Food — all clustered along Leesburg Pike.
This isn’t a lifestyle center, it’s an errand-runner’s paradise. Groceries, gym gear, tech upgrades, home goods, all in one spot.
You’ll also find the usual mix of casual restaurants, coffee spots, steakhouses, bars, and gyms.
Nothing super fancy, but it covers the bases.
If you’re living in Falls Church City, you’ll probably find yourself here because the city doesn’t really have big-box retail.
That’s by design, but it means places like Bailey’s Crossroads pick up the slack.
And if you’re in Lake Barcroft, this is practically your backyard.
It’s the nearest spot for all your day-to-day convenience.
Now let’s head that way — to Lake Barcroft.
You’re about to see a total shift in vibe: more trees, more space, and a whole lot of water.
Stop #2: Lake Barcroft
Alright, we’re leaving Bailey’s Crossroads now and hopping on Columbia Pike heading west toward Lake Barcroft.
As we make this drive, just take note of everything around us:
Retail centers, service providers, family-owned restaurants, international grocers, and smaller shops mixed in between.
This stretch of Columbia Pike is really functional.
Whether you’re running errands, grabbing takeout, getting your oil changed, this corridor makes that easy.
That’s a big deal when you’re choosing where to live.
You want convenience baked into your everyday routine.
Now we’re turning off Columbia Pike onto Blair Road, and this is the start of Lake Barcroft.
As we get deeper into the neighborhood, you’ll notice how quickly the energy changes.
Fewer sidewalks, wider lots, tall mature trees — it’s giving more retreat than suburb.
Let’s take a loop down Beachway Drive so I can show you one of the biggest selling points of this neighborhood — direct lake access.
These lakefront homes? We’re talking $1 million and up…
Because you’re not just buying square footage…
You’re buying private dock rights, paddleboarding in the morning, sunsets over the water.
It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Let me show you anexample.
You might recognize this one from our Falls Church neighborhoods video.
It sold for $1,037,500 — 0.37-acre lot, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a clean, updated interior.
It’s got a carport, a good-sized yard, and yes — private access to the lake.
It’s not flashy, but it hits a sweet spot: space, amenities, and price…
All in a lake community five minutes from Bailey’s Crossroads.
Stop #3: Eden Center
Alright, now we’re making our way into Seven Corners…
And if you’ve spent any time in this area, you already know — this intersection right here?
Easily one of the most backed-up spots in Northern Virginia during rush hour.
Just something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about moving nearby or planning your daily commute.
Now, Seven Corners is a lot like Bailey’s Crossroads in that it’s packed with big-box retail.
You’ll find a Home Depot, a PetSmart, a Giant Food, and a ton of other national chains.
So if you’re coming from Falls Church City — which doesn’t have these kinds of stores — this is probably one of your go-to spots for errands and essentials.
But the real draw here is Eden Center.
This is the largest Vietnamese shopping center on the East Coast…
People call it “Little Vietnam,” and once you’re inside, you’ll see why.
You’ve got specialty grocery stores, bakeries, pho joints, bubble tea spots, gift shops.
It’s part retail, part cultural hub, which is why people from all over visit Eden Center.
Now we’re heading out of Eden Center and back onto Route 7 — which is called Leesburg Pike out here.
But once you cross into Falls Church City, it changes names and becomes Broad Street…
Which is basically the main artery running through downtown.
Right now we’re coming up on East Broad Street, just before we hit the intersection with Washington Street.
And that intersection? That’s where a lot of the action happens…
Some local favorites, a few city landmarks.
We’re headed there now, and up next…
I’ll show you a place that really highlights Falls Church’s creative side, Creative Cauldron.
Stop #4: Creative Cauldron
Alright, we’ve just crossed into that heart-of-the-city stretch…
And right here is one of Falls Church’s gems: Creative Cauldron.
This is a small, nonprofit theater company where you go to for…
Original musicals, thought-provoking plays, youth performances, and some really unique community programming.
It’s the kind of spot where you can see a full-blown production in an intimate setting.
And if you’ve got kids? They also run classes, camps, and workshops that’ll keep them busy, inspired, and off their devices.
Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
Now right around the corner — literally steps away — is Clare & Don’s Beach Shack.
This is one of Falls Church City’s most iconic restaurants.
You’re not just getting seafood here — you’re getting atmosphere.
Outdoor seating, live music on the weekends, quirky beach décor, and comfort food that hits the spot
You’ll see everyone from families with kids to couples on date night to locals grabbing a drink after work.
State Theater
And if you’re into live music, just up the block is The State Theatre.
Now this is a real local landmark.
It was originally built as a movie theater in the 1930s, think old-school Art Deco,
But these days it’s a full-time concert venue.
Everyone from national touring acts to tribute bands to local performers play here.
he acoustics are great, the vibe is electric, and you can even grab dinner and drinks while you're there.
This is the kind of stretch that shows off what living in Falls Church City is all about…
Walkable entertainment, strong local flavor, and a real sense of community.
Stop #5: Winter Hill
Alright, we’re heading west on Park Avenue now, about to connect back to West Broad Street.
This stretch has a lot more going on compared to the eastern side of town.
You’ll find more of Falls Church City’s local staples over here.
Rare Bird Coffee Roasters
Right there on your right — that’s Rare Bird Coffee Roasters.
Great spot to grab a pour-over, chill with a laptop, or run into someone you met at the Farmers Market.
The Falls at Broaddale Village Shopping Center
A little further down, we’ve got The Falls — known for their unlimited small plates brunch.
This spot gets packed for a reason.
Good food, solid prices, and a cozy, laid-back vibe that just fits this part of Broad Street.
Now we’re coming up on a traffic light.
We’re about to hang a left on South Virginia Avenue.
Winter Hill
This takes us straight into Winter Hill, one of the residential neighborhoods located right inside Falls Church City.
Here’s the thing about Winter Hill — it’s walkable.
You’re just minutes from downtown, the parks, the restaurants, the theater — everything we just passed.
But what really draws people here is the price point.
For city limits, homes here are more accessible. We’re talking mid $400s to low $600s.
Now, heads up — Winter Hill is all townhomes.
And technically, they’re condos.
That means even if you own the unit, you don’t own the land it sits on.
That’s a dealbreaker for some, but for others
It’s an easy trade-off for the location and the price.
Check this place out — we’ve featured it before.
A two-bed, two-bath courtyard home that sold for $559,000.
Renovated kitchen, updated interiors, and you’ve still got room for a small garden setup if that’s your thing.
If you’re cool with the square footage and you don’t need a standalone house, Winter Hill might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Stop #6: Virginia Forest
Alright, we’re leaving Winter Hill and heading back onto West Broad Street.
Just a few blocks down, we’re turning left onto South Oak Street…
Snd this brings us into Virginia Forest.
Now, if townhomes aren’t your style and you’re looking for a little more space, Virginia Forest is where you want to be.
This is one of the city’s prime single-family home neighborhoods.
Quarter-acre lots are pretty standard here, so whether you want a garden, a play area, or just some breathing room, you’ve got it.
There’s no HOA in Virginia Forest, which gives you a lot more flexibility.
Want to add an addition? Tear down and rebuild? Put in a funky mailbox?
You do you. No architectural review committee is gonna stop you.
Of course, space and freedom come at a price.
Homes here start around the million-dollar mark.
Take this one — a solid example of what you’ll typically find in the neighborhood.
It’s listed at $1.2 million and gives you six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and over 4,200 square feet of living space.
It’s got an open floor plan…
Something you usually see in newer builds…
Plus, a renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, new countertops, and a gourmet setup ready for entertaining.
And it sits on a 0.26-acre lot, which in Falls Church City is a big deal.
You're getting space, style, and a location that keeps you close to everything without giving up that classic suburban feel.
Stop #7: Pimmit Hills
Now we’re back on Route 7, now Leesburg Pike this time…
And we’re heading northwest, just outside the Falls Church City limits…
To a neighborhood that’s been catching a lot of people’s attention lately: Pimmit Hills.
Now if you’re open to living a little further from the city center, this is where the value starts to kick in.
Pimmit Hills is one of the best spots in the area when it comes to long-term investment upside, and location is a big part of that.
You’re surrounded by major roads and interstates here.
I-66 is right across the way, Route 267 is to the north, I-495 wraps around to the east, and Route 7 runs straight through.
That means you’ve got direct lines to Tysons, Arlington, DC, even Dulles if you travel often.
From a commuter’s standpoint, it doesn’t get much better.
Now the homes in Pimmit Hills are all over the map — literally and figuratively.
You’ll find original 1950s ramblers in the $600,000s, and a few teardowns floating around the half-a-million mark.
You can get one of the originals with renovations and updates within the $700s…
Like this home we’re visiting. It’s got 3 beds, 1 bath, and a little over 1000 square feet, not bad for a starter home.
Those prices might raise an eyebrow for what the home offers…
But keep in mind — you’re buying the land.
That’s where the real value is in this neighborhood.
On the flip side, you’ve also got brand-new builds pushing well past the million-dollar mark…
with open floor plans, luxury finishes, and all the modern touches buyers are looking for today.
There’s no HOA, which is why you’ll see such variety — but Pimmit Hills does have a strong civic association.
They organize community cleanups, host local events, and really work to keep that neighborhood feel alive.
If you’re the type of buyer who’s playing the long game, looking for a place to put down roots and watch your equity grow…
This might be your move.
Stop #8: Holmes Run Acres
Alright, we’re heading back south now for our next stop—Holmes Run Acres.
This neighborhood is tucked right up next to I-495, just a few minutes south of Merrifield.
And if you’re the kind of buyer who’s into style, history, and architectural character?
This is where you want to pay attention.
Holmes Run Acres is one of the most distinct neighborhoods in the area…
Thanks to its roots as a mid-century modern community.
While a lot of Northern Virginia went all in on colonial and traditional-style homes back in the day, Holmes Run Acres dared to be different.
Even now, most of the homes here still reflect that original mid-century style.
Sure, you’ll see a few colonials or contemporary builds pop up here and there, but that’s the exception, not the rule.
And what’s really cool is how many homeowners have modernized their spaces while still keeping the original aesthetic intact.
You get updated interiors with clean lines and big windows—but without sacrificing the charm that makes these homes feel special.
Now let’s talk numbers.
Prices in Holmes Run Acres typically run from the mid $600,000s up to around $1.2 million.
On the lower end, you’ll find starter homes around 900 to 1,000 square feet…
Cozy, efficient, and full of potential. On the higher end?
We’re talking 4,000+ square feet of living space, often fully renovated, sitting on large, leafy lots.
That’s another thing: lot size.
Even though these homes date back to the 1950s and 60s, they tend to sit on quarter-acre to third-acre lots, which gives you room to breathe.
Take this home we’re visitin, for example—a 1950s mid-century home that sold for $875,000.
It had 2 beds, 2 baths, a little over 1,300 square feet, and sat on a spacious lot just over a quarter-acre.
Fully updated inside, but still kept that mid-century soul.
And because there’s no HOA, there’s technically no one telling you what you can or can’t do with your home.
But here’s the thing—people still honor the style.
There’s a shared respect for the original design and the community’s identity.
Stop #9: Bel Air
Alright, for this next stop we’re cruising into Bel Air, which is just a few turns away from Holmes Run Acres.
We’re taking Gallows Road to get there, and right away you’ll notice:
This whole stretch is super residential.
It’s peaceful. Quiet. Not much in the way of retail or commercial space back here.
And for some buyers, that’s a huge plus. Less traffic. Less noise.
Just neighbors walking their dogs and kids riding bikes.
We’ll hop onto Annandale Road, which runs right through Bel Air.
This part of town stays calm — no major shopping plazas here, but you’re still close to everything.
Merrifield is just across the Beltway. You’ve got the shopping centers along Arlington Boulevard.
And Seven Corners is basically around the corner if you need to run a quick errand or grab takeout.
Now if you notice by the look of the homes, most of them are the original homes that were built in the early 1950s.
Take this Cape Cod home we’re visiting, for example, is what a typical home in the area would look like.
Three beds, two baths, recently renovated kitchen, a big deck, shed, fire pit, and a backyard ready for weekend cookouts or kids’ birthday parties.
It’s on a cul-de-sac too, so traffic’s basically nonexistent.
Now, if you’ve got a bigger budget and you’re dreaming about that Pinterest-perfect home, Bel Air’s got that too.
In recent years, teardown activity has picked up.
Builders are putting up these large, modern homes — six or seven bedrooms, five-plus bathrooms, basements, two-car garages, gourmet kitchens, wet bars, recessed lighting, the works.
And with that kind of square footage — we’re talking 7,000 square feet or more — you’re looking at the $1.8 to $1.9 million range.
But no matter which end of the market you’re shopping, the location stays the same.
You’ve got Arlington Boulevard right there,
Annandale Road cutting through the neighborhood, and daily essentials within reach…
From CVS and Walgreens to restaurants and gas stations.
Whether you’re grabbing groceries, picking up prescriptions, or heading to dinner, it’s all close