Leesburg, Virginia
Steeped in History, Charming Leesburg Makes its Home in a Beautiful Landscape of Rolling Hills, Horse Farms and Low-Slung Stone Walls
About an hour’s drive northwest of Washington, D.C., charming Leesburg dates from 1758 and is steeped in history. It sits at the base of Catoctin Mountain alongside the Potomac River in a sumptuous landscape of rolling hills, horse farms, Civil War sites and short stone walls.
The compact, walkable downtown has narrow streets lined with dozens of restored red brick 18th-century and 19th-century buildings. Within these walls are tasting rooms, fine dining restaurants, antique shops and clothiers.
The Loudon County Arts Council sponsors exhibits, readings and author chats. Residents also enjoy a Saturday morning farmers’ market, First Fridays, a summer acoustic concert series, a popular annual flower and garden festival, an air show and a classic car show.
The parks and recreation department oversees community gardens, an aquatic center, dog parks, people parks and miles of walking trails. Four golf courses are in and around town. The Audubon Society maintains the nearby Rust Manor House and Nature Sanctuary and Catoctin Mountain National Park is the spot for hiking and camping.
Most residences are large, stately single family homes, and architectural styles, both original and new, include Colonial, Federal and Victorian.
Population: 50,000
Median Home Price: $750,000
Weather: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s. Winters stay cool with temperatures in the 20s, 30s and 40s. The area receives 40 inches of rain and a few inches of snow each year.
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Age 45 or Better: 32%
Hospital: Inova Loudoun Hospital
Public Transit:Â Yes, with free rides booked through an app
Political Leanings: Liberal
Is Virginia Retirement Tax-Friendly: Somewhat
Drawbacks: Traffic congestion is a common complaint.