A for sale sign for a house in Vienna coming soon to the market (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County saw solid home sales and increasing prices in February, but the U.S. war in Iran and its potential to exacerbate existing affordability challenges may cloud the springtime market.
Sales countywide for the month totaled 691, up 6.2% from a year before, according to figures reported Tuesday (March 10) by MarketStats by ShowingTime.
Cunningham Park Elementary School's cafeteria hosts a polling place for the Nov. 4, 2025 general election (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County Public Schools students will have an unexpected day off this spring, as polling sites take over many school buildings for the upcoming special election on mid-decade redistricting.
FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid announced yesterday (Wednesday) that all schools will close on April 21 in anticipation of high turnout for the referendum, which asks voters to temporarily amend Virginia’s Constitution so the General Assembly can adopt a new Congressional district map.
Hartwell Park is coming early fall 2026 to Birchwood at Brambleton, introducing the Fairmont and Worthington Collections of single-level elevator condominiums thoughtfully designed for vibrant, connected 55+ living.
The Fairmont Collection, from the $500s, offers 1- to 3-bedroom residences with private balconies, penthouse residences available, and a den in select residences. With up to 1,661 sq. ft., these right-sized homes offer easy, adaptable spaces for hosting, relaxing or simply enjoying more time to yourself.
The Worthington Collection, from the $700s, is designed for those who aren’t ready to compromise on space. These expansive 2- and 3-bedroom residences offer a den in select residences, private balconies, generous primary suites and up to 2,442 sq. ft. of sophisticated living—with fewer residences on every floor for a quieter, more private home.
At Hartwell Park, thoughtfully planned amenities, scenic surroundings and meaningful social connections create a lifestyle centered on what matters most. Beyond Birchwood, Bram Quarter eateries and Brambleton’s thriving town center continue to evolve with restaurants, retail destinations and services that bring even more convenience to everyday.
Explore the Fairmont and Worthington floorplans, discover the home that feels right for you and join the VIP list to stay connected as Hartwell Park gets closer to opening.
Fashion stores Balenciaga, Bally and Prada on the second floor of Tysons Galleria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Police Increase Impaired Driving Patrols — “Several events throughout March bring increased travel and social gatherings, including college basketball’s March Madness tournament and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. These events can lead to more impaired driving incidents, particularly during evenings and late-night hours when people gather to watch games or attend celebrations.” [FCPD]
Court Rules Felon Disenfranchisement Is Illegal — “On Monday, a federal court reaffirmed a January ruling that found that Virginia’s current practice of disenfranchising all people with felony convictions violates post-Civil War laws that required former Confederate states to guarantee voting rights for newly emancipated Black residents.” [Virginia Mercury]
Fairfax City Sets Tax Rate Ceiling — “Fairfax City homeowners could see their annual real estate bill increase by an average of $633 if the City Council adopts the maximum real estate tax rate it set at its meeting on Tuesday night. The council voted 4-3 to advertise a maximum real estate tax rate of $1.095 per $100 of assessed value for Fiscal Year 2027” — higher than the rate proposed by City Manager Daniel Alexander. [Patch]
N. Va. Impact of DC Minimum Wage Increase Limited — “A ballot measure to substantially increase D.C.’s minimum wage would undoubtedly have major effects on Arlington’s neighbor, but the region-wide impacts are murkier.” George Mason University professor Terry Clower says a proposal to raise D.C.’s minimum wage for tipped workers to $25 per hour “probably won’t mean much for localities like Arlington in the short term.” [ARLnow]
VRE Shares Expansion Plans — “Virginia Railway Express is on track for a big expansion in service by 2030, with its new CEO hoping for a total transformation of the system by 2050.” The train system’s plan for 2050 sets “for adapting to changing travel patterns, maximizing ridership and adding off-peak and weekend service.” [Inside NoVA]
Kings Dominion Nears Start of Season — “With Kings Dominion set to reopen on March 21 and Busch Gardens Williamsburg switching over to its spring celebrations this weekend, it’s time to start planning your next trip. But, before you take a drive down I-95, make sure you know what’s new at both amusement parks.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Afghan Women Celebrated in Reston — “On Sunday, March 8, which was International Women’s Day, the Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization (ARRO-USA) celebrated Afghan women, acknowledging that their voices need to be heard in all walks of life.” Held at the United Christian Parish in Reston, the event featured speakers, government and nonprofit resources, and an Iftar dinner accompanied by singer Latifa Azizi. [Press release]
Metro Hiring Bus Mechanics — “Metro will host an invitation-only hiring event on Saturday, March 28, for experienced Automotive Service Technicians (Bus Mechanics) … All interested candidates should complete applications online at wmata.com/careers no later than March 26, at 11:59 p.m.” [WMATA]
It’s Thursday — Rain showers will transition to a mix of rain and snow by 2pm, with temperatures dropping to around 40°F. Expect breezy conditions with winds at 14-21 mph and gusts up to 38 mph. Precipitation chances are 90%, but snow accumulation should be minimal. Night will be mostly clear with a low of 33°F. [NWS]
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Here is what’s going on Thursday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
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🌦️ Thursday’s forecast
Expect rain showers to transition into a mix of rain and snow showers around 2pm, with temperatures dropping to around 40°F. The day will be breezy, featuring a northwest wind of 14-21 mph and gusts up to 38 mph. Precipitation chances stand at 90%, but snow accumulation will be minimal, if any. Thursday night brings mostly clear skies and a low of 32°F. The northwest wind will slow down to 5-10 mph and become a light western breeze after midnight, with potential gusts up to 20 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
Manassas Latino Festival is the oldest Hispanic/Latino, family-centric festival in the area! Held during National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), join in the celebrations with live music, dance performances, diverse foods, and fun for the whole family! Come enjoy this premier annual tradition filled with cultural heritage and contributions of the Latin American community.
Stuff the Bus collection in 2025 (courtesy of Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services)
Fairfax County’s Stuff the Bus food drive to restock local food pantries will return to sites across the county on Saturday (March 14).
Eight grocery store parking lots will serve as collection points from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each site will benefit a different local food pantry. Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food or gift cards at the collection sites.
A new house in Fairfax towers over its older neighbor (via Fairfax County)
The general height limit for single-family homes across Fairfax County has stood at 35 feet for 67 years. But county officials say that restriction needs clarification so local residents and builders better understand how the calculation is made.
“Simplicity is important for a lot of reasons,” Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay said yesterday (Tuesday) at a meeting of the board’s Land Use Policy Committee.
FILE - Cars drive past data centers in Ashburn, Virginia, on July 16, 2023 (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
By OLIVIA DIAZ and MARC LEVY Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Nearly two decades ago, Virginia gave tech companies a tax break on equipment and software, and they began to build. The state became a data center hub, and they kept building. Residents bemoaned the noise while they built some more. Artificial intelligence boomed, and the power grid strained — still, more building.
A crossing on Ridge Heights Road outside Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County officials are seeking input on how to allocate millions of dollars in funding for improvements to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) unveiled a list of proposed projects last month and is now actively accepting survey responses until 4:30 p.m. on March 31.