Herndon, Virginia

Lovely Herndon, VA, is located in Fairfax County. With a population of over 23,000, it is the largest of the three towns in that county. With a thriving historic district and a delightful “small town” feel with plenty of local events, as well as being located just 22 miles from Washington, D.C., Herndon is a wonderful place to live. 

Herndon got its name from Commander William Lewis Herndon, captain of the SS Central America. Herndon saved 150 lives before himself going down with the ship in 1857. Herndon (the town) was christened in 1858. The 1870s saw many Northern soldiers and their families come to settle in the area, building good relationships with the area’s Native American residents. Herndon became known for its dairy farms and as a vacation spot for locals. Helping it along was its presence along the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad (later to become the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad). When the railroad went defunct, Herndon turned the old station into a museum and visitor’s center with a caboose out front that is still a popular tourist attraction today!

You won’t lack for things to do in Herndon. The Herndon Community Center has won awards and is packed with activities for residents. There are also eleven parks! You can walk, bike, or hike on the W&OD Trail, which runs through the heart of downtown Herndon. Alternately, hit the links on the Herndon Centennial Golf Course, which has been named one of Golf Digest's "Places to Play." There’s a weekend farmer’s market. In the summer, there’s the Herndon Festival, which attracts some 80,000 people every year! It’s a combination music festival and carnival, with three main stages, two nights of fireworks displays, 10k/5k races, and an arts and crafts show. 

As Herndon falls within the “Dulles Technology Corridor,” it is the home of AOL, XO Communications, and Verizon Business. The biggest employers in Herndon include Clear Wireless, Booz Allen Hamilton, Exelis, Amazon.com, and Worldgate Sport & Health.

The estimated median home price in Herndon is $363,591, making it higher than the median for Virginia, but still lower than other locations in Fairfax. The mean home price for a detached home is $472,173. The median gross rent (as of 2013) was $1,762. There are a variety of homes, condos, and apartments available in Herndon. Consult a professional real estate agent to learn more about your options!