Town & City with Janelle

Thinking about leaving Centreville for Aldie, Virginia? Here's an honest, hyperlocal breakdown of neighborhoods, schools, commute times, and how to put your home equity to work in Loudoun County.

For years, anyone who drove past the Innovation Center Metro station on the Loudoun-Fairfax border probably thought the same thing: there's not much here yet. That changes now. On April 20, 2026, developers broke ground on Rivana at Innovation Station — and this isn't a rendering, a proposal, or a maybe. Dirt is moving. This is one of the most significant development projects in Northern Virginia's history, and if you own a home anywhere in the Loudoun or Fairfax corridor, it

If you’ve spent any time around youth sports in Northern Virginia, you already know: it can feel like an entire world of its own. The travel schedules. The recruiting conversations. The social media pressure. The private trainers. The uncertainty. The financial commitment. The constant questions: Are we doing enough? Should we be reclassing? When should my child start reaching out to coaches? How do we balance athletics, academics, and mental health? Some families seem to alr

In a region where luxury homes continue to evolve, few properties manage to strike the balance between elevated design, functional living, and true community connection quite like the home now available at 42106 Barrymoore Place in Aldie, Virginia. Located in the sought-after Marbury Estates community in Chantilly’s 20152 zip code, this expansive NV Homes Stratford Hall model offers more than 6,000 square feet of finished living space, six bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths, and

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 10th — and if you haven't made plans yet, don't panic. Northern Virginia is full of beautiful ways to celebrate the moms in your life this weekend. I pulled together some of my favorite picks of Mother's Day events in Northern Virginia for 2026 so you don't have to do the scrolling. Whether you want something hands-on, relaxing, or just a really good excuse to get outside, there's something here for you. If She Loves Flowers: Hope Flower Farm,

If you've been watching the news and wondering what any of it means for buying a home in Northern Virginia in 2026, you're not alone. The Federal Reserve just wrapped up its April meeting — and while the headline is that rates didn't move, the story underneath is more interesting than that. Here's what you actually need to know. What Did the Fed Just Decide? The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5 to 3.75 percent at its April meeting — the third

Exhibit A: Why strawberry season is non-negotiable in our house. Strawberry season is one of my family's absolute favorites. There is something about spending a morning in a field with buckets, coming home with more berries than you know what to do with, and eating half of them before you even get to the car. If you have never gone strawberry picking in Northern Virginia with your family, this is your year. And if you have — you already know. The season in Northern Virginia r

There’s a moment most homeowners reach where everything technically still works… but something feels off. The house isn’t wrong. Life has just shifted. Maybe it’s subtle. Maybe it’s been building for a while. But if you’ve found yourself even thinking about what might be next, you’re not alone. I’ve been having more and more of these conversations lately—with homeowners who aren’t rushing, but are starting to explore the idea of how to know if you're ready to move. Here are a

South Riding just got a whole lot more interesting—and yes, more delicious. Tap the image to watch my full visit at Makers Union—this is one you don’t want to miss. If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been keeping a close eye on the opening of Makers Union here in South Riding. I’ve written about it before, but this time? I finally got to experience it for myself—during opening weekend no less—and I have thoughts. Let’s just say… it lived up to the anticipation. Com

There are homes you walk through… and then there are homes you step into — where something shifts the moment you see the setting. At 18700 Potomac Station Drive in Leesburg, that moment happens the second you step outside. This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in Potomac Station is offered at $839,900 and sits on one of the more generous lots in the neighborhood — 8,712 square feet of outdoor space that feels quietly set apart from what you typically find at this price point in Loudo

There’s something happening in Loudoun County right now that feels less like rapid growth—and more like it’s coming into its own. Not just expansion, but evolution. The kind that shows up in everyday ways—where you grab coffee, where you meet friends, where you choose to spend a Friday evening. According to The Burn, several new restaurants in South Riding, VA are on the way. And if you live in or around the area, this next wave of openings is worth paying attention to. Updat

A rare offering among Middleburg VA equestrian homes, blending privacy, acreage, and refined living. There’s a certain stillness to Middleburg that you don’t fully understand until you experience it for yourself. It’s in the way the land stretches just a little wider. The way mornings feel slower, quieter. The way life here seems to move with intention—anchored in tradition, but never stuck in time. For many exploring Middleburg VA equestrian homes, Middleburg isn’t just a pl

There’s a certain kind of luxury home in Aldie VA that doesn’t announce itself loudly — but once you step inside, it’s unmistakable. Set within Hartland, 41122 Clearfield Meadow Drive is one of those homes. Located in the Hartland community and currently listed at $3,750,000, this home represents a very specific segment of the Loudoun County market - homes that combine newer construction, acreage-style living, and high-end customization. And in today’s market, that combinati

New South Riding Restaurants Update: Makers Union & Milk & Honey Signs Are Up If you’ve driven through South Riding recently, you may have noticed something new — signage is officially up for both Makers Union South Riding and Milk & Honey South Riding at East Gate Marketplace. It’s one of the clearest signs yet that these highly anticipated additions to the lineup of South Riding restaurants are getting closer to opening. Coming Soon to South Riding: Makers Union South Ridin

If you have spent any time online this week, you have probably seen the headlines about the Ashburn data center deal and homeowners potentially being offered millions to sell. At first glance, it sounds simple. A number that large has a way of doing that. It stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder what you would do. But like most things in real estate, the truth is more layered than the headline. What People Are Hearing About the Ashburn Data Center Deal The story cente

Welcome to Waterford, VA — a historic Loudoun County village known for its charm, character, and slower pace of life What It’s Like Living in Waterford, VA Tucked into the western edge of Loudoun County, Waterford, Virginia feels like stepping into a different pace of life — one that’s quieter, more intentional, and deeply rooted in history. For buyers who are feeling the pull away from busier suburban areas like Ashburn or South Riding, Waterford offers something entirely di

Hey you guys — I had every intention of sitting down this week to write about a beautiful home in Waterford that I’ll be hosting this Sunday. Stone exterior. Over 4 acres. A quiet stretch of countryside with a year-round creek and wide-open views. The kind of property that makes you slow down for a second when you pull into the driveway. And then… it went under contract. Before I could even hit publish. What This Really Means This isn’t just about one home. It’s a reflection

For many families in Loudoun County, school boundary changes can feel unsettling. Over the past few years, several communities have experienced adjustments as the county continues to grow and new schools open. So for parents in Aldie and South Riding, the latest update from Loudoun County Public Schools brings some welcome news: none of the elementary schools serving these communities are included in the current round of proposed boundary adjustments. Instead the majority of

Living in Aldie VA has shaped the way my family experiences community, schools, and everyday life. As a local mom raising kids here, I share why that perspective matters when helping clients buy or sell a home.

Haraz Coffee House, a fast-growing Yemeni coffee brand, plans a new location in South Riding. South Riding continues to see exciting new businesses opening, adding to the lifestyle that makes this part of Loudoun County so desirable to live in. Coffee culture in Loudoun County continues to grow, and a new café concept is the latest sign that the area’s dining and gathering scene is evolving. The new café location was first reported by The Burn, a local publication covering bu