NOVA is topping the charts — see for yourself. | Archive via Digital Commonwealth
From regional recognition to national rankings, organizations across Northern Virginia and the United States are always publishing annual lists and studies. Here’s how NOVA ranked in 2025.
Real Estate
Arlington’s Colonial Village neighborhood ranked No. 1 for best places to live in the US.
The DC region ranked No. 2 in the nation for most amount of mansions, with approximately 65,300 homes making the cut.
Warrenton ranked No. 38 among the 50 hottest US ZIP codes.
Leesburg ranked No. 11 among the best small cities in the country.
Culture
Virginia ranked No. 10 for the most pampered pooches.
Fairfax County took the No. 1 spot for best places for new families.
Planning train travel this year? Check out this promotion. | Photo via Virginia is for Lovers
Travel
Train travel is in for 2026. Amtrak is offering its US Rail Pass for 50% off in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The $250 promotion runs through Tuesday, Jan. 20, and includes 10 rides to 500 destinations, valid over 30 days. If you’re planning a trip, check out our Amtrak guide.
Civic
Mayor Catherine Read of Fairfax City will not be seeking reelection. The announcement was made at the Fairfax City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Her last day in office will be Dec. 31, 2026, and the position, along with six council seats, will be up for reelection this November. (FFXnow)
History
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum is hosting the America250 Kick-Off event on Monday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. You can expect a first look at other upcoming events and programs for this celebration. (ALXnow)
Arts
The Torpedo Factory Art Center, which we recently highlighted, might be getting a new operator. A final vote will take place at the public hearing on Saturday, Jan. 24. Stay tuned for updates. (ALXnow)
Development
The extension project for the George Snyder Trail has been canceled after the Fairfax City Council voted to terminate the project. This decision was made on Tuesday, Jan. 13, with a vote of 4-2 against the project. (FFXnow)
Development
The Dulles Technology Center office buildings will now be replaced with new housing after a rezoning proposal received approval from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. You can expect a complex with 244 units, along with 200 townhouses on 12 acres of land. (FFXnow)
Try This
Audacious Aleworks in Fairfax City is debuting a new food concept, Brian’s Brunch-A-Torium, which brings a Pennsylvania-style diner vibe. The concept is currently in a soft-opening phase, with an official opening the weekend of Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25. (FFXnow)
Try This
Get ready for some knee slappers. Vola’s Dockside Grill in Old Town Alexandria recently launched a six-week comedy show series that will run on Thursday nights. But who’s on the lineup? (ALXnow)
Biz
Crafted Boutique Salon plans to open at the Courthouse Plaza in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood on Sunday, March 1. Baylie Madaj and Katy Felice are the brains behind the operation, having met working together at Casals Salon Collective in Clarendon. (ARLnow)
Sports
Arlington resident Michael Wardian is prepping to run seven 50K races on each continent. He plans to run these races back-to-back beginning on Saturday, Jan. 31 in Antarctica. This would set a new world record. (ARLnow)
Edu
Calling all K-12 public school students. Enter the Virginia Lottery’s Thank a Teacher Art Contest for a chance to win prizes for you and your school while recognizing a deserving teacher. Know a teacher who made a difference?Learn more.*
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
We recently asked our readers where they donate in Northern Virginia. Reader Liz M. shared that they give to the Kindness Activist based in Arlington. Started by two Arlington residents, this organization runs many projects to help the community, like the Little Yellow Free Pantry and Project Warmth.
Reader Terry M. recommended checking out Gracing Spaces in Burke. This organization helps those experiencing homelessness get household items when they find a place to live.
A lil’ throwback for your Friday. | Photo by NOVAtoday
There’s a trend going around where people share their photos from 2016. I took a walk down memory lane and found this photo of me from so I could hop on the train... get a load of those braces.
As for NOVA, there was a bit of a rough patch in 2016 as the area faced the Blizzard of 2016. Boy, I’m happy to have a milder winter.
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