Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
If you’re thinking of moving to the Vienna area, or maybe you’ve recently relocated, you might not know the ins and outs of the town. It’s easy to fall back on big chains when you don’t know where to start, so please use this guide to get to know the town of Vienna.
Actually, let’s start with defining that there exists a subsection of the Town of Vienna — any address that has a SE, SW, NW, NE at the end of the street is part of the Town of Vienna AND Fairfax County. Any other Vienna address is part of Fairfax County only.
The homes that fall under the Town of Vienna have their own Government, including a town mayor, code, trash, police department, water service and they pay an extra Town of Vienna real estate tax on top of their Fairfax County taxes to fund the Town.
Perks of living within the town: early registration for Town of Vienna camps and events, and trash service (including the popular leaf vacuum collection). You don’t need to live specifically within the Town limits to use the Community Center, attend events, or sign up for classes (town residents just get priority sign up).
Make sure you pencil into your calendar the annual events put on: Halloween Parade, Viva Vienna, Kids Adventure Race, 4th of July fireworks and so many more.
You can sign up for classes (both kids and adults) through the Town of Vienna website. You can browse by age, type of class, etc.
Sign up for the Partakes Online emails from the Park Authority of Fairfax County. They’ll notify you of events (Celebrate Fairfax, 4th of July Parade, etc) along with camps and class sign ups.
There are also local businesses that offer camps, classes, events etc depending on your interests.
Looking for new “mom friends,” resources to find a nanny or babysitter, doctors, etc. Join Vienna Moms.
When the weather gets warmer, you can explore the playgrounds all over Vienna. Top favorites are Meadow Lane Park (also known as the toy graveyard), Glyndon Park, Peterson Lane Park and Northside Park (bring carrots to leave for the deer — a favorite activity my kids loved).
Join a pool: Vienna Woods Swim & Tennis, Vienna Aquatic Club, Dunn Loring Swim Club, Cardinal Hill Swim & Racquet Club or Westwood Country Club.
Take a bike ride or walk/run on the W&OD Trail.
If you’re looking for something new, you can check out the Northern Virginia Magazine top restaurants or Washingtonian top restaurants.
Grab a cup of coffee at Caffe Amouri, Jammin Java or Bards Alley.
Indulge in a glass of wine or beer at Caboose, Vienna Vintner, Norms Beer and Wine or the Wine Outlet.
Family friendly options like the Vienna Inn, Taco Bamba, Fosters Grille, Church St Pizza, Plaka Grill, Social Burger, Pazzo Pomodoro, Natta Thai, Sushi Yoshi, Sushi Yama and The Virginian Restaurant.
Treat yourself to a dessert at Magnolia Bakery, Kustard & Co, Nothing Bundt Cakes or Amphora Bakery.
I realize as I write this I might do a dedicated post just to food in the area. Taste testers welcome!
All dogs must be registered with the town and Fairfax County.
There is a dog park at 700 Courthouse Rd SW (also Moorefield Park).
If I missed anything, you can always email me at [email protected].
Next week, I’ll do a New to McLean Guide.