Town & City with Janelle

If you've ever muttered "I guess I'll drive to Woodbridge" while plotting a furniture run, your day has come. IKEA opens its brand-new Chantilly location on June 18 — and for those of us in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, this is genuinely exciting news. The new store is tucked into the Chantilly Shopping Center at 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Drive, near the intersection of Willard Road and Brookfield Corporate Drive between Routes 28 and 567. Basically: easy on, easy off, n

If you're searching for homes in Western Loudoun County, chances are you've narrowed your search to two popular communities: Aldie and South Riding. As a local Realtor and Aldie resident, I hear this question all the time: "What's the difference between Aldie and South Riding?" The truth is that both communities offer excellent schools, beautiful neighborhoods, and convenient access to Northern Virginia's job centers. But they feel very different once you begin living there.

For many people, buying a home has long been tied to a life milestone: getting married. But what if you're not married? What if you're divorced, widowed, or simply haven't met the right person yet? Should homeownership have to wait? The answer is no.

Thinking about moving to Lenah Mill in Aldie, VA? Learn what residents love about this popular Loudoun County community, including neighborhood amenities, schools, community events, family-friendly living, and what to know before you buy a home here.

I recently came across an article announcing plans for a new India Heritage Center and museum in Washington, D.C. According to organizers and reported in Indian Eagle, the proposed center would celebrate thousands of years of Indian history, culture, innovation, and contributions through exhibits, educational programming, technology, and community events. The vision is to create a destination where visitors can learn about India's rich heritage while fostering greater cultura

Looking for a local realtor in South Riding, Stone Ridge, or Dulles Crossing? If you're planning to put your townhome up for sale in Loudoun County, understanding your home's value, current buyer demand, and neighborhood-specific market trends can make a significant difference in your results. In this guide, local Realtor® Janelle Brevard shares what homeowners should know before listing and how local market expertise can help you sell with confidence.

One of the things I hear most from people who move out here is how surprised they are by how much there is to do. Aldie sits in one of the most activity-rich corridors in Northern Virginia — wineries, breweries, trails, parks, farmers markets, and more, all within a short drive. Here's your guide to the best things to do near Aldie VA this summer. The Best Things to Do Near Aldie VA This Summer Whether you've lived here for years or you just moved in, this list will give you

One of the things I love most about living out here is how much there is to do in the summer — without driving hours to find it. If you're looking for a great water park day with the family, you don't have to go far. Here are the 7 best water parks near Aldie and South Riding Virginia, from the closest quick escapes to the full-day adventures worth the drive. The 7 Best Water Parks Near Aldie and South Riding Virginia Whether your kids are little ones who need a splash pad or

Some properties stop you mid-scroll. 25301 Poland Road in Chantilly is one of them. Sitting on 4.2 acres in the heart of Loudoun County, this is a rare offering that checks boxes most buyers don't even think to put on their list. A Custom Estate That Rarely Comes to Market There's a reason buyers searching for luxury homes near South Riding VA keep finding themselves priced out, underwhelmed, or simply too late. Truly custom estate properties in this corridor — ones with acre

You don't need a full renovation to add value to your home. Whether you're thinking about selling in the next year or just want your space to feel more intentional, there are a handful of small home upgrades that make a surprisingly big difference in your Northern Virginia home value— and most of them cost less than a dinner out. I filmed these at my local Home Depot and every single one is available right now. 1. Fresh Caulk — Under $10 This is the one that nobody talks abou

Aldie homeowners are asking a smart question right now: are Aldie home prices still rising — and what does the current market mean for the equity I've built? If that's where your head is, you're in the right place. What the Market Is Actually Telling Us in 2026 Let's start with what the data shows. Aldie home values are still climbing — just at a more measured pace than the pandemic years. And for homeowners who have been here a while, that's actually a healthy sign. Markets

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