Burke, Virginia

Burke, Virginia is a CDP (census-designated place) in Fairfax County, Virginia. It’s a little bit smaller than it used to be. In 2000, the census showed that Burke had a population of almost 58,000. Then, in 2010, the CDP was split and part of Burke became Burke Centre, another CDP. As of the most recent census in 2010, Burke’s population was just over 41,000. 

Silas Burke, a farmer, merchant, and local politician gave his name to Burke when he built a home in the area around 1824 - a home that still stands today. When the Orange and Alexandria Railroad came through the area in the 1840s, Burke donated a right-of-way to the company and the station became known as Burke’s Station. During the Civil War, Union forces occupied the railway station. Then a Confederate troop led by J.E.B. Stuart rode in and famously raided it and then send an audacious telegram to a Union general complaining of the poor quality of the mules he stole. In 1903 Burke’s Station was renamed to simply Burke by Henry C. Copperthite, the owner of a pie factory who was the largest non-federal employer in the D.C. area at that point. He created a large track for racing and training horses, and built hotels and stables.

It was around that time that Burke became known as a summer getaway for people from all over the D.C. area. According to Wikipedia, “people from all walks of life who came to the Copperthite track and Burke to attend fairs, see horse races, foot races, motorcycle races, exhibition boxing and baseball games. There were special trains that ran from Union Station in D.C., Alexandria, Prince William and Loudoun counties and as far away as Richmond.” Thanks to Copperthite the first phones were installed in Burke, and his stables hosted the forces of President McKinley and Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. Burke remained primarily rural until after the first World War, when government workers started trickling into the area. The first suburbs in Burke were built in the 1960s, and development spiked rapidly after that, turning Burke into a thriving suburban community. 

According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in Burke is $113,034, and the median income for a family was $125,905. Demographics show that Burke is largely inhabited by young families. 

Recreationally, the CDP has going for it the Burke Lake Park, an 888-acre park situated on a large lake. The park contains many amusements and amenities, including a 4.5-mile jogging trail, campsites, multiple picnic and sports areas, an 18-hole par three golf course with driving range, a disc golf course, miniature golf course, boat rental, amphitheater, ice cream parlor, carousel, and miniature train ride.

Burke could be just the place for you and your family. Talk with a qualified real estate agent about living in Burke today!