Federal employees who want to live within commuting distance of Washington, D.C., often favor Sterling over other Loudoun County communities. That’s according to Katy Donovan, a Realtor with Keller Williams who has lived in Loudoun County for more than 15 years. Sterling has the benefit being highly established, as it's one of the oldest planned suburbs in Loudoun County, and accessibility: Leesburg Pike connects Sterling to major Loudoun County retail centers like Dulles Town Center and the newer One Loudoun Plaza, both in Ashburn, as well as Tysons Corner Center, the largest mall in the D.C.-Baltimore area. Sterling is also just 3 miles east of Washington Dulles International Airport.
According to the U.S. Census, Sterling’s population grew from just under 28,000 in 2010 to a little over 30,000 by 2020. Though many locals drive to the nation’s capital for work, there are employment opportunities nearby, as well. Sterling Park Technology Center is an 80,000-square-foot business park in the area that hosts several data centers and other IT companies.
A new urban destination that has become Loudoun County's new downtown near Sterling.
For all of you collectors out there, Super Nova Comic Con is a must go to event Sterling.
Residents and visitors alike frequent the popular Tysons Corner Center Mall near Sterling.
The Dulles International Airport is a major hub convenient to Potomac Green.
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Connecting to Northern Virginia through the Washington & Old Dominion Trail
For recreation, residents head to Washington & Old Dominion Trail, which runs 45 miles between Purcellville and Arlington and cuts through Sterling. Following the path of an old railroad, the paved trail is open to pedestrians and cyclists and connects to parks across northern Virginia. “A lot of people take that and ride into Washington, D.C., by bike,” Donovan says. Sterling is a suburb today, but locals can learn about the region’s agricultural history at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum. The museum sits in the middle of Claude Moore Park, which is dotted with historical buildings, baseball fields, fishing ponds and 11 miles of trails. Golfers play the 18 holes at nearby Sterling Golf Club, a private par-3 course. Sterling also has ZavaZone trampoline park, a place for kids to bounce, climb and tumble.
Sterling has a temperate climate and four distinct seasons, with humid Virginia summers and mild winters.
The W&OD trail welcomes those who enjoy the outdoors in Sterling.
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum in Sterling showcases the past in the area.
Take your pet on a nice scenic walk through Claude Moore Park in Sterling neighborhood.
Sterling Park Golf Course is an excellent place to spend a day at the links in Sterling.
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Most Loudoun County retail is a quick drive from home
Right in town, residents can grab local brews at Crooked Run Fermentation or diner-style breakfasts at Joe’s Cafe. Sterling Park Shopping Mall hosts supermarkets and a diverse range of restaurants, from pupusas to Thai food and Peruvian chicken. Locals are only a mile away from Dulles Town Center, the county’s largest mall, with 185 retailers and restaurants. Another 3 miles west is One Loudoun, an outdoor mall built in 2012 that has its own wide range of restaurants, from fast-casual to white tablecloth.
Crooked Run Fermentation in Sterling has a great selection of beers to choose from.
Locals love Joe's Cafe to watch a game, and get a bite to eat in Sterling.
Residents love being so close to dining and shopping at Sterling Park Mall in Sterling.
Many couples enjoy an afternoon of strolling through One Loudoun near Sterling.
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Older homes with lower prices than Ashburn
Prices start around $250,000 and go as high as $1.1 million, varying by square footage and lot size. Condos run from the mid $200,000s to $700,000, while townhouses start around $300,000. There are some 55-plus community options in Sterling, like The Flats at Montebello, which consists mainly of condos and attached townhomes. Single-family homes start around $450,000 and stretch past $1 million. “Sterling Park is going to be the next Falls Church or Pimmit Hills; it’s a very underrated area in Loudoun County. Provides the best cost per square foot in all of Loudoun County,” says Michael Corum, a Loudoun County native and Realtor with Keller Williams.
The midcentury rambler, split-level and raised ranch homes and 1970s townhouses in Sterling contrast with the more modern construction in nearby communities such as Ashburn. However, that translates to lower home prices in Sterling, Donovan says. “Sterling is the older Ashburn.” Plus, houses in Sterling’s subdivisions usually sit on larger lots. “A lot of people like that the homes in Sterling tend to be further apart than Ashburn or Leesburg,” Donovan explains. “In Sterling, you actually have decent-sized backyards.”
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments ranked Loudoun County as the safest county in Virginia in 2021. Its overall crime rate was 5.3 incidents per 1,000 people, far lower than the national average.
Residents of Sterling neighborhood get to enjoy beautiful luxurious condos.
Inviting townhomes are throughout Sterling neighborhood.
Sterling homebuyers love the ranch style that is offered.
Beautiful split level home in Sterling neighborhood.
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Loudoun County Public Schools develops young athletes
Children can attend Loudoun County Public Schools, an A-rated school district according to Niche, which also ranks it as the No. 1 school district for athletes in Virginia. There are also private options in Sterling, like The Newton School, which teaches kindergarten through 8th grade students.
Sterling Elementary School offers a quality education to children living in Sterling.
Sterling Middle School is one of several quality education centers in Sterling.
Park View High School serves students in grades 9 through 12 in Loudoun County.
The Newton School School serves students in Loudoun County.
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Quick access to Washington Dulles International Airport
About 4 miles from Sterling, locals can take a Silver Line train from Loudoun Gateway Metro station and arrive in Washington, D.C., in about an hour. Most locals will take Leesburg Pike to reach Ashburn, Leesburg, and most shopping options in Loudoun County. Otherwise, the 30-mile drive to Washington, D.C., is along State Route 267, a toll road, which can take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on rush hour traffic. Washington Dulles International Airport is only 3 miles away and offers domestic and international flights. Donovan says complaints about plane noise are rare. Loudoun County Transit buses run down several residential streets in Sterling for public transit options.
Spring Fest at Claude Moore Park
Claude Moore Park hosts the county’s Spring Fest in May. Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum brings live animals, the park brings environmental demonstrations, and local businesses bring food. Live music and craft stations are also staples of this free festival.
Many houses of worship in Sterling
Debre Haile Kidus Raguael Cathedral, an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, holds services six times a week in its gold-domed building. It’s not the only house of worship in the neighborhood; other options include churches, masjids, Hindu temples, a Buddhist temple and a synagogue. Sterling United Methodist Church first opened its doors in 1875 and still welcomes all to worship.
Buddhist Temple is a house of worship in Sterling.
Residents can go to worship at Ethiopian Tewahedo Church in Sterling.
Many houses of worship such as Galilee United Methodist Church in Sterling.
Gospel Believers Ethiopian Church is the place to go to worship in Sterling.
Christine, a Boston sports fan from Massachusetts, is a full-time Realtor & Military Relocation Specialist in Northern VA and is dedicated to providing attentive & professional service to her clients. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband, Andy (RET Navy CDR), & Golden Retriever, Daisy.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
