What $700K Buys In Reston Townhomes

Is a $700,000 budget enough to land the right townhome in Reston? If you’re trading up from a condo or smaller home, you want more space, a better layout, and less weekend maintenance without losing access to shops, parks, and transit. You also want a clear picture of what’s realistic so you can move fast when the right place hits the market. This guide explains what $700K typically buys in Reston townhomes, the tradeoffs to expect, the true monthly costs, and how to evaluate comps the smart way. Let’s dive in.

What $700K buys in Reston townhomes

A seven‑hundred‑thousand dollar budget is a solid move‑up target in Reston. Inventory moves quickly, so expect ranges rather than hard lines. Most options sit in established communities built from the 1980s to early 2000s, with newer infill near Reston Town Center.

Size and layout expectations

• Typical finished square footage: about 1,600 to 2,400 sq ft.
• Bedrooms and baths: usually 3 to 4 bedrooms with 2.5 to 3.5 baths.
• Floor plans: three levels are common. Many have a garage on the lower level, main living and kitchen on the entry level, and bedrooms upstairs.
• End units and homes with fully finished lower levels can push toward the top of the range. Larger or fully renovated homes can exceed $700K.

Features you can expect

• Garage parking: a 1‑ or 2‑car garage is common, often paired with driveway parking.
• Updated kitchens: many homes feature stainless appliances and stone counters. Fully turnkey kitchens and baths command a premium.
• Finished lower level: a rec room, office, or guest suite adds real utility, especially for remote work.
• Outdoor space: expect a small rear yard, deck, or patio. Some town‑center products offer rooftop decks but with a smaller interior footprint.
• Systems and age: much of the townhome stock is 20 to 40 plus years old. Roof, windows, and HVAC ages vary. Renovated and well‑maintained homes sell faster and closer to or above list.

Location tradeoffs within Reston

• Reston Town Center and immediate surroundings: you pay more for walkability to dining, shopping, and the Silver Line. Expect smaller footprints or stacked townhome products in exchange for the location.
• South Reston, North Point, Lake Anne, and Hunters Woods areas: broader selection of traditional three‑level townhomes with small yards and family‑friendly layouts. Proximity to parks and lakes is a draw.
• Newer infill and border areas: newer finishes often come with a higher price per square foot.

Examples of townhome types near $700K

Use these snapshots to set expectations. Exact pricing depends on condition, size, and location.

Typical $650–750K townhome

• 3 bed, 2.5 bath, about 1,800 to 2,000 sq ft.
• Attached garage, updated kitchen, and a deck or patio.
• Often found in South Reston or North Point neighborhoods with access to trails and community amenities.

Value find near $700K

• 3 bedrooms, about 1,600 to 1,800 sq ft.
• May need cosmetic updates or have older systems but sits near transit routes, parks, or shopping.
• Good option if you prefer location and are willing to modernize over time.

Premium $700K and up

• Larger footprint or fully renovated end unit.
• Finished walk‑out lower level, newer systems, or a prime Reston Town Center address.
• These attract strong interest and move quickly.

HOA fees and monthly costs

Townhomes in Reston usually have an HOA, and many are also part of the Reston Association. Fees vary widely based on amenities and maintenance scope. You should confirm the exact figures and coverage in the disclosure packet and on the community’s site. For community information and amenities, explore the Reston Association.

Here’s how to build your true monthly cost:

• Mortgage and interest: factor your exact loan terms after pre‑approval.
• Property taxes: assessed by Fairfax County and adjusted annually. Review rates and estimators through the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration.
• HOA or condo fees: may include common area care, landscaping, trash, snow removal, exterior maintenance, pools, and basic exterior insurance. In town‑center settings, parking rules can affect convenience.
• Utilities: electricity and gas are usually separate. Water and trash may be included in some HOAs.
• Insurance: homeowners policy and any coverage required by the HOA.

Older communities sometimes plan special assessments for major projects like roofs, siding, or stormwater systems. Ask for the HOA’s budget, reserve study, and recent meeting minutes before you write an offer.

How to check current comps the right way

Active listings and recent sales shift week to week. If you want accurate pricing, pull a tight comp set. Here’s a simple approach you can use with your agent’s MLS access:

1. Use Bright MLS sold data from the last 3 to 6 months within 0.5 to 1.5 miles of your target neighborhood.
2. Filter for townhome or rowhouse with bedrooms within plus or minus one of your target and finished square footage within plus or minus 20 percent.
3. Adjust for condition. Add value for recent renovations, finished walk‑out lower levels, and end‑unit light. Subtract for dated kitchens or older systems.
4. Track demand indicators. Note days on market and list‑to‑sale price ratios.

For broader market context, the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors publishes regional trend reports you can review with your agent.

Common tradeoffs at this budget

• Location vs. space: closer to Reston Town Center or the Silver Line often means a smaller footprint at the same price.
• Turnkey vs. value: fully updated homes command a premium. If you can handle projects, a cosmetic fixer can buy better location or more square footage.
• Garage and yard vs. amenities: communities with pools and clubhouses may have higher monthly fees and smaller private outdoor areas.
• Layout priorities: decide if you prefer a finished lower level for a home office or guest space, or a larger primary suite on the top floor.

Inspection and condition checkpoints

Many Reston townhomes were built in the 1980s through the 2000s. A thorough home inspection is important. Ask your inspector to look closely at:

• Roof age and prior repairs.
• HVAC age, service history, and efficiency.
• Windows and exterior cladding for wear and water management.
• Drainage around the foundation and any signs of moisture in lower levels.
• Deck safety and permitting for past additions.

If you plan updates, get contractor bids during your inspection window. It helps you price the offer and budget your first year’s projects.

Commute and transit snapshot

Reston benefits from Silver Line rail service and local bus routes. If transit is a priority, evaluate proximity to stations and bus stops before you tour homes.

• Metro: review Silver Line schedules, parking, and service alerts through WMATA.
• Bus: check route maps and timetables with Fairfax Connector.

If you drive, test your commute time at your usual hours. Traffic patterns change by day and season.

Schools and boundaries overview

Reston is served by Fairfax County Public Schools. Attendance zones vary by neighborhood, and boundaries change over time. For official zoning and school profiles, use these resources:

• Fairfax County Public Schools for boundary maps and school information.
• GreatSchools for third‑party school data and reviews.

Always verify the current school assignment before you submit an offer.

Next steps to buy with confidence

Use this checklist to move from research to results:

1. Get pre‑approved with a local lender so you know your buying power and cash needs.
2. Build your must‑have list. Beds and baths, garage type, commute time, and outdoor space.
3. Ask your agent for recent comps in your top neighborhoods. Target 3 to 6 months of sales with tight size and feature filters.
4. Tour a short list of 3 to 6 homes. Include a mix of move‑in ready and value opportunities.
5. Review the HOA documents, reserve study, and recent minutes for assessments or rule changes.
6. Order a full inspection. If you plan updates, get bids during your contingency window so you can budget the total cost of ownership.

When you are ready to see in‑market options, reach out to a local team that knows Reston communities, HOA processes, and negotiation strategy. Connect with Jeff Major Homes for a focused search and a confident offer plan.

FAQs

What can a $700K budget buy in Reston townhomes?

• Typically 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 baths, and about 1,600 to 2,400 sq ft, with a garage and some updates depending on location and condition.

Will $700K get me into Reston Town Center?

• Often yes for smaller or stacked townhome products near the core; larger traditional townhomes close to Reston Town Center usually push above the budget.

How much are HOA fees for Reston townhomes?

• Fees vary by community and amenities. Verify coverage and amounts in disclosures and on the Reston Association site if applicable.

What ongoing costs should I budget beyond the mortgage in Fairfax County?

• Plan for property taxes, HOA or condo fees, utilities, and insurance; use the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration for tax details.

How is transit access for Reston townhome communities?

• Many areas have convenient bus and rail options. Review train schedules on WMATA and bus routes on Fairfax Connector.

How do I research schools for a Reston townhome purchase?

• Confirm current boundaries with Fairfax County Public Schools and review third‑party data on GreatSchools before you write an offer.