Vienna, Virginia
Vienna pairs small-town character with a location about 12 miles west of Washington, D.C. The Town of Vienna was incorporated in 1890, and today it has a walkable center, a trail through downtown, and a Metro station on the Orange Line.
- Incorporated
- 1890
- Population
- 16,562 (2020 Census)
- Distance
- About 12 miles west of D.C.
- Neighbor
- About 2 miles northeast of Fairfax
- Metro
- Orange Line, Vienna station
- Trail
- W&OD Trail through downtown
A short history
A town with deep roots.
From Ayr Hill to a railroad village to a Fairfax County town.
Ayr Hill becomes Vienna
The village was first called Ayr Hill. In the mid-1800s, the Hendrick family, who came from Vienna, New York, successfully advocated for the new name.
The railroad arrives in 1859
Rail service spurred growth. The Vienna Depot served the town until the Washington & Old Dominion Railway ended in 1968. Its route is now the W&OD Trail.
Church Street and Maple Avenue
Church Street got its name in the 1870s as churches were built. Maple Avenue became the commercial center in the 1950s.
Incorporated in 1890
Vienna incorporated with about 300 residents. The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, founded in 1903, is Fairfax County’s oldest.
Why people choose it
Why Vienna.
- A walkable center.Church Street and downtown Vienna offer shops and restaurants.
- The W&OD Trail.Crosses downtown, following the old railroad route.
- Metro.Vienna station is on the Orange Line.
- Town services.A mayor and six councilmembers run the town, with Fairfax County providing schools.
- Nearby culture.Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and Wolf Trap are close.
Homes and neighborhoods
Inside and outside the town.
Established single-family neighborhoods
Much of Vienna is made up of established neighborhoods. Updated and rebuilt homes sit alongside original ones, so condition and renovation history matter.
Closer to Maple Avenue and Metro
Townhomes and other options are available near the commercial corridors and the Metro station.
Vienna address, different rules
Many Vienna mailing addresses fall outside the town limits and in Fairfax County. Taxes and rules can differ, so we confirm where each home sits.
Getting around
Metro, roads, and trail.
Metro
Vienna station on the Orange Line serves the area.
Roads
Maple Avenue (Route 123) runs through the center of town, with Tysons close by.
W&OD Trail
The trail follows the old Washington & Old Dominion Railway route through downtown, for walking and biking.
Everyday life
What a normal week looks like.
Downtown
- Walk Church Street and Maple Avenue
- Visit the Freeman Store and Museum, built in 1859 and now on the National Register of Historic Places
- Stop at the Vienna Inn, open since 1960
Outdoors and culture
- Use the W&OD Trail
- Visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
- See a show at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Schools
Schools serving Vienna.
Vienna is served by Fairfax County Public Schools. These include James Madison High School and Oakton High School for some addresses, with Cunningham Park, Marshall Road, Louise Archer, and Vienna elementary schools in town. Green Hedges School is a private option.
School assignments depend on the address and can change. Confirm with the school district before you decide.
Buying and selling
Buying or selling in Vienna.
If you’re buying
- Confirm whether the home is inside the Town of Vienna
- Check how close you are to Metro and the trail
- Ask about renovations, permits, and the age of major systems
- Compare lots and neighbors on the same street
If you’re selling
- Show the location: walkability, trail, Metro, and Tysons
- Share renovation history and permits
- Highlight outdoor space and neighborhood feel
- Price against recent sales on nearby streets
From our team
Small town, big location.
Vienna’s mix of history and convenience attracts buyers who want a place with character close to D.C. We can help you understand the town’s rules and the differences between homes inside and outside the town.
Questions
Vienna questions.
Is Vienna a town or a city?
It’s a town, incorporated in 1890, with its own council and mayor. Fairfax County provides schools and other services.
Do I pay town taxes?
Homes inside the Town of Vienna typically pay town taxes in addition to Fairfax County taxes. We confirm this for each home.
How is Vienna different from Oakton?
They’re neighboring areas with different boundaries and rules. We help you compare the homes, schools, and commutes for your priorities.
Thinking about Vienna?
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 Vienna.
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.