Great Falls, Virginia
Great Falls is a quiet, wooded community in Fairfax County, about 15 miles west-northwest of Washington, D.C. People come for larger lots, privacy, and the Potomac River’s Great Falls Park. It was renamed Great Falls in 1955, after being known as Forestville. Our brokerage office is on Walker Road, right here.
- County
- Fairfax (unincorporated)
- ZIP code
- 22066
- Population
- 15,953 (2020 Census)
- Distance
- About 15 miles from D.C.
- Main roads
- Route 7 and Route 193
- Parks
- Great Falls Park and Riverbend Park
Why people choose it
Why Great Falls.
- Space and privacy.Large lots define the area, and many properties are on multiple acres.
- Great Falls Park.Overlooks the Great Falls of the Potomac River.
- Riverbend Park.A second riverside park for walking and time outdoors.
- Village Green.Hosts community events and summer concerts.
- Schools.Langley High School and Great Falls Elementary serve the area, subject to address.
Homes and neighborhoods
Large lots and custom homes.
Large lots, many acres
Great Falls is known for larger properties. Lot size, tree cover, and layout change how a home lives, so we look at the land as closely as the house.
Wells and septic
Some properties use private wells or onsite septic systems. Common guidance is to test well water annually and pump septic about every five years. We’ll help you ask the right questions on each property.
Land and site rules
Steep slopes, stream valleys, drainage, and vegetation can affect what you can build or change. Ask us before you plan an addition or accessory dwelling, since county rules apply.
Getting around
Mostly by car.
Roads
Route 7 and Georgetown Pike (Route 193) are the main roads. Most everyday trips are by car.
Public transit
Service is limited, with bus service on Route 7 and infrequent service on other roads.
Metro and beyond
Drive times to Metro stations, Tysons, and Reston vary by route and hour. We can help you test your commute.
Everyday life
What a normal week looks like.
Outdoors
- Visit Great Falls Park and see the falls
- Walk or ride at Riverbend Park
- Enjoy your own acreage
In the community
- Attend events and summer concerts at the Village Green
- Run daily errands by car
- Stay close to McLean, Reston, and Tysons for shopping and dining
Schools
Schools serving Great Falls.
Schools serving Great Falls include Great Falls, Forestville, and Colvin Run Elementary Schools, Cooper Middle School, and Langley High School, all part of Fairfax County Public Schools. Siena Academy is a private option in the area.
School assignments depend on the address and can change. Confirm with the school district before you decide.
Buying and selling
Buying or selling in Great Falls.
If you’re buying
- Inspect the well and septic system if the property has them
- Look at drainage, slopes, and tree cover
- Ask what can be built or changed before you commit
- Test your commute at your usual hours
If you’re selling
- Show off the land, privacy, and outdoor living
- Gather service records for the septic system and well
- Keep landscaping and grounds in good shape
- Price against recent sales on comparable acreage
From our team
This is our home turf.
Our brokerage office is on Walker Road in Great Falls. When a property has a well, a long driveway, or a lot with a lot of character, we know which questions matter and which details to check.
Questions
Great Falls questions.
Is Great Falls a town?
No. It is an unincorporated community in Fairfax County.
Do Great Falls homes have public water and sewer?
It varies. Some properties use private wells or onsite septic. We confirm the utilities for each home.
Is Great Falls Park in the community?
Yes. Great Falls Park overlooks the Great Falls of the Potomac River.
Thinking about Great Falls?
Tell us what you’re looking for or what you’d like to sell, and we’ll talk through it.
Available homes
Homes for sale in Great Falls.
Statistics and dates come from public sources such as the U.S. Census and local governments. Taxes, fees, school boundaries, and rules change, so we confirm details for any home you’re considering.