George Mason University’s new Fuse at Mason Square in Arlington, is poised to become a 345,000-square-foot collaborative and digital innovation space in the heart of the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor.
“As Mason expands in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties, Fuse is a groundbreaking project that is redefining the modern university’s role in catalyzing business and talent growth in the region,” says Liza Wilson Durant, Mason’s associate provost for strategic initiatives and community. “With it, we are one step closer to having a destination to collaborate with partners in the development of new technologies.”
Fuse is set to be open for commercial use this month (September 2024). Once open, Fuse at Mason Square will transform the innovation landscape in the region, with opportunities for students, researchers, and commercial partners to be part of an immersive atmosphere of ideation and innovation.
The opening of the building aligns with Mason’s mission of propelling Northern Virginia’s transition into a global technology hub. Fuse will also expand research opportunities at Mason, which is already classified as a top research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
“Fuse will hit the mark on so many levels,” Wilson Durant says. “It will be at the nexus of all Mason does in digital innovation.”
This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.
Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.
Question: How has the single-family new construction market performed in Northern Virginia lately?
Answer: Over the past five years, from Q2 2019 to Q2 2024, the average price of a single-family detached (SFD) home in Northern Virginia has increased by a whopping 53.2%, from $691,000 to $1,059,000. The cost of a new SFD home in Northern Virginia has increased by a similar amount, growing by 57.8% to-date since 2020, from $1,315,000 to $2,074,000. That’s right, as of 2024, the average cost of a new SFD home in Northern Virginia is over $2M!
This week, let’s take a deeper dive into the cost of new SFD homes over the past five years around Northern Virginia. A few quick notes about the data:
The data is limited to what has been entered into the MLS (Realtor database of record) and not all new construction makes it into the MLS, but the majority does and gives us an accurate reading of the market
Northern Virginia totals include the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William plus the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Manassas
In the tables below, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Manassas refer to the county portions, not the intendant cities (the data sets are too small to show them separately)
Price Graph
Highlights of New Construction Data
The biggest price jump took place from 2020 to 2021, with new SFD home prices increasing by an average of 20% in just one year
With average prices of nearly $3.5M, McLean and Great Falls command the highest prices in the region
2024 is the first year of Fairfax County having a higher average price for new SFD homes than Arlington County, but the year is not finished, and the lead could flip back to Arlington before the year is up
Ashburn, Arlington, and Dumfries pack their lots with the most house per acre and Nokesville offers the most land per finished sq. ft. of home
The biggest homes get built in McLean, averaging over 7,600 sq. ft., six bedrooms, and six full bathrooms
From 2023 to 2024 the average new SFD home in Northern Virginia costs buyer $355 sq. ft. (total finished sq. ft.)
Price TableData Summary
If you are considering selling your home to a builder, here’s an article I wrote last year with six tips for selling your home to a builder.
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460.
Fray social sports leagues are played with a focus on fun, recreation, and socializing. Since 2009, DC Fray social sports have been the BEST way to make new friends and stay active in and around the DMV!
Think: 50% Sport, 50% Social. Fray makes it easy for you to get into the game as an individual, small group or full team across 100+ leagues over 11 sports.
Registration for our fall social sports leagues closes in just a week!Register by Tuesday, September 17 to get in on the action this season.
Play traditional sports like volleyball and flag football, and embrace your inner kid with leagues like kickball or skeeball, or try your hand at the nation’s fastest growing sport: pickleball! We’re also pioneering a brand new form of play with our GLOW leagues. Grab some glow sticks and try your hand at bocce, cornhole, kickball and more — in the dark!
If you haven’t had the chance to experience what a Fray league is all about, we’re hooking up ARLnow readers with $10 off your first league registration with promo code ARLFL24!
Here are some leagues located in and around the Arlington area:
Have questions? Want help to get a team together? We got you — email us at [email protected]!
Want to save even more?
Get an additional 25% of leagues, plus deals and giveaways to partner events, VIP treatment including open bars at select Fray events and more by becoming a FrayLife+ Member during league checkout!
Sarah Picot at Long Bridge Park Aquatics & Fitness Center
It was so exciting to watch Arlington’s own Torri Huske win 3 gold and 2 silver medals at the Paris Olympics!
If the Olympics inspired you to get in the pool but your options diminished after the summer, then join me on a tour of where you can swim year round.
Hopefully you already know that three Arlington High Schools have pools that are open to the public. Our tour starts at Yorktown High School since that is where Torri Huske and two-time Olympian Tom Dolan went to school. Yorktown, Wakefield, and Washington-Liberty have swim times open to the public if you just want to do laps, but you can also schedule private instruction.
All three pools offer drop-in rates and punch card rates for county residents and a slightly higher rate for swimmers who reside outside of the county. These pools are run by the Arlington Public Schools. Since the APS students swim and train there as well, please check the APS website for each school’s public swim hours and fee information.
If you want more advanced, individualized training, hop over to The Swim Box (located at 5183B Langston Boulevard). This unique facility has multiple infinity pools where your trainer will use video to help improve your technique, while a mirror on the bottom of the pool allows for self-correction.
There is a free 15-minute swim analysis to see if this approach is right for you. I haven’t been in the pool for exercise since I was a kid, so I asked if they worked with newbies. Gratefully they do! I am definitely signing up for my free, ego-shattering analysis. What a great way to get in shape while making sure my technique is correct.
No talk of swimming would be complete without a trip to Long Bridge Park’s Aquatics and Fitness Center. This 92,000 SF facility opened in 2021 with help from a $10,000,000 grant from Boeing and is home to the Arlington Aquatic Club. This facility is incredible. One side is a leisure pool complete with a slide, spray ground, and lazy river while the other side is for competitive swimming. This is the only 50-meter pool in Arlington.
They have springboards plus 3- and 5-meter diving platforms. You can take group or private lessons in both swimming and diving. They have aqua fitness classes and 55+ water aerobics as well as adult, child, teen and adaptive classes. Unfortunately, you can’t use your APS pool punch card here as it is run by the Parks and Rec Department and not APS. You can pay as you go or become a member. Please check the website for fees and membership options.
Lost your goggles, need a new suit? Head over to Sport Fair at 5010 Langston Boulevard. They have everything you need to start your swim fitness routine. I’m headed there to get myself ready to add swimming to my workout routine.
One more option in Arlington County is the YMCA at 3422 13th Street N. Check their website for programs.
For 40 years, McEnearney Associates has been a premiere residential, commercial and property management firm with 11 offices located in the Washington metro region. With service excellence, hyper-local expertise, powerful data insights, innovative technology and cutting-edge marketing, McEnearney Associates have helped their clients make informed decisions on their most valuable real estate investments. There is an important difference at McEnearney: It’s not about us, it’s about you. To learn more, visit us at www.McEnearney.com.
Each week, “Just Sold Condos” spotlights condos in Arlington that have sold over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Rick Bosl, the Arlington Condo Expert, founder of ArlingtonCondo.com, and an agent with KW Metro Center. Contact Rick and make your next move the right move.
Welcome to Just Sold Condos in Arlington!
Last week, August 26 to September 1, we had 19 condos and co-ops that went to settlement, which was fewer than the week before but probably due to the Labor Day weekend. The quickest sale was a condo in Fairlington that went under contract after 3 days. The longest time on the market before going under contract was a condo at George Mason Village that took 144 days and several price cuts before selling.
Here’s the thing, though. The Days On Market stats that are often quoted are only for properties that actually sold. The full name of the statistic is really Days On Market Before Selling. If it doesn’t sell, then, of course, it doesn’t factor in.
Last week, there were 16 condos that didn’t sell and were removed from the market.
A two-time Grammy Award winner, a 2024 Grammy nominee, and this year’s NPR Tiny Desk sensations are among the stars of the 32nd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest, taking place on Saturday, September 7 from 1-7 p.m. at Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Boulevard, in Arlington, Virginia.
globalFEST and Tiny Desk break-out stars El Laberinto Del Coco come directly from Puerto Rico with their unique blend of jazz improvisation with the insistent and irresistible Bomba rhythm. Led by former D.C.-based percussionist Hector Barez of Bio Ritmo, the band features Puerto Rico’s legendary trumpeter and vocalist Jerry Medina, known for his work with salsa icons such as Eddie Palmieri, Ismael Miranda, and Tito Puente.
“Laberinto De Coco makes tradition both fun and important,” says Felix Contreras, co-host of NPR Music’s Alt. Latino. “Your hips move while your soul is enriched with history and joy!”
The stellar lineup continues with New Orleans’ 2024 Grammy nominees, The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux, Jr. (formerly of the multi-Grammy nominated Cha Wa); the Gullah-jazz roots music of two-time Grammy winners Ranky Tank; and D.C. singer-songwriter Cecily. This diverse lineup of innovative heavy hitters will have you on your feet all day long! Read more about the artists below, and click here to sample the Spotify playlist.
Now in its 32nd year, Rosslyn Jazz Fest has become a staple in Arlington’s cultural calendar, attracting attendees from near and far. As Arlington’s largest free outdoor music festival, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience innovative artists who infuse inspiration from many cultures in an expression of the area’s diversity. The event is co-presented by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) and Arlington Arts.
Rosslyn Jazz Fest is FREE and registration isnot required, but encouraged as there are capacity limits at Gateway Park. To register for Rosslyn Jazz Fest on Saturday, September 7,click here!
D.C.-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily, (pronounced ses-suh-lee), is known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. Her sound, as soothing as it is rich, is rooted in a deep appreciation for mid-century soul and jazz, 90s R&B, and re-imagined folk music. Her debut album Songs of Love and Freedom garnered her a 2019 Wammie Award for Best Soul Album and was named “Best New Soul on Bandcamp” by the Bandcamp editorial team, who described the project as “stirringly timeless and modern.”
This two-time Grammy award-winning Charleston, SC-based quintet performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture of the southeastern Sea Islands. Their debut album was featured on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross and the TODAY Show. It also soared to the #1 position on the Billboard, Amazon and iTunes Jazz Charts. Playful game songs, ecstatic shouts and heartbreaking spirituals can all be found on their latest release Good Time, which also offers the group’s first original songs inspired by Gullah tradition.
This 2024 Grammy-nominated band (“Best Regional Roots Album”) was created in 2021 by seven members of the multi-Grammy-nominated band Cha Wa. After its mass exodus, the collective vowed to both preserve and further a musical vision that blends New Orleans culture from the past, present and future. Fronted by Second Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. of the legendary Golden Eagles Indian tribe, The Rumble boasts some of the next generation’s most prolific artists.
Fresh from their appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk, 2024 looks to be the year of El Laberinto del Coco — a dynamic Bomba Fusion band hailing from Puerto Rico with roots in Washington, D.C. Combining traditional Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms with contemporary genres, the band recently tore the roof off Lincoln Center as the explosive headliner for the prestigious annual globalFEST showcase in New York. “With their sprawling presentation and big, percussion driven sound […they] had the crowd in rapture,” exclaimed Afropop Worldwide magazine, calling them a “…fitting finale for what is now New York’s premier global music showcase.” Since their 2017 founding by former D.C. percussionist Hector Barez, El Laberinto del Coco has released a critically acclaimed self-titled album, an EP entitled El Laberinto del Coco Virtual, and six new singles. This fast-rising ensemble has captivated audiences at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage in Washington, D.C.; SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas; globalFEST at Lincoln Center; Drom NYC; and Chicago’s Summer Concert Series at Millennium Park, among others.
Spurring the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship engagement to a new level, the conference showcases our metropolitan region as a destination for innovation, venture investment, business development, and job creation.
Top venture firms from across North America participate in the Conference to attend top keynotes and industry panels. Eighty venture firms, plus local angel investors, participate as judges.
Attendees can watch 40+ high-growth tech, cyber, defense tech, healthcare, and life science companies pitch for their next round of capital. These cutting-edge startups compete for top prizes and are joined by 25 regional student teams presenting business concepts.
In addition to panels on AI, healthcare investment, VC trends, and defense-tech, this year’s lineup for keynote and fireside chat speakers includes:
Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach and author of the national bestseller “Venture Meets Mission”
Paul Misener, Former VP for Global Innovation Policy and Communications, Amazon
Tom Weithman, CIO, VIPC & Managing Director, Virginia Venture Partners
Registration is open at AccelerateDeals.org. Arlington patrons receive $100 off the ticket price before September 23 with the promotion code BIRD$100.
Accelerate sponsors and partners include Arlington Economic Development (AED), the Council for Innovation Promotion, Smart City Works, ManTech, AE Industrial Partners, Go Virginia, Fairfax City, King & Spalding, Fairfax County EDA, George Mason University, MAAN Ventures, NVTC, Prince William County, Sands Capital, Virginia Bio and Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.
To learn more about Arlington Economic Development, AED’s contributions to growing the region’s tech and innovation ecosystem and locating in Arlington, please visit the AED website.
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!
Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.
As of September 2, there are 110 detached homes, 31 townhouses, and 148 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 16 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.
This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.
Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.
You’ve seen the headlines and likely read a range of varying/conflicting information about the new laws affecting buyers and buyer agent commission. I will spend time discussing the new laws and answering your questions at our Ask Eli Home Buyer Workshop next week at the Arlington Central Library on Wednesday, September 11. Food and drinks will be provided!
The workshop is a free and will cover:
New laws affecting buyer agent representation and commission
How to use data and strategy to maximize your home purchase
How to use market trends to your advantage
The latest on interest rates and mortgage programs/products
Common mistakes to avoid and some tips for success
Who is it for?
Anyone curious about the agent commission changes and how they could impact you
Any buyer type from first-time buyer to experienced buyers
Ready to purchase now or planning 18-24 months out
Home buyers in Northern VA, DC, or the Maryland Suburbs
You or anybody you know who would benefit
Where and When?
Wednesday September 11 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy Street), Bluemont Room
Registration is now open, and space is limited. Click the graphic below to RSVP. Bring your appetite and your home buying questions! I’d love to see you there. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions about the event.
Home Buyer Workshop
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460.
Each week, “Just Sold Condos” spotlights condos in Arlington that have sold over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Rick Bosl, the Arlington Condo Expert, founder of ArlingtonCondo.com, and an agent with KW Metro Center. Contact Rick and make your next move the right move.
Welcome to Just Sold Condos in Arlington!
Last week, August 19-25, we had 30 condos and co-ops that went to settlement, ranging in price from $144,000 for a studio at River Place to $1,550,000 for a 3 BR/2 BA unit at Memorial Overlook. The median price was $516,500 and the median days on the market were 13 days.
How are buyers paying for their condos and co-ops? Well, the vast majority of the buyers used conventional financing (21 out of 30) and the number two method was cash, which was used in 7 out of the 30 deals that closed. Show me the money!
Money
Year to date so far shows 828 condo and co-op sales in Arlington. What was the financing breakdown?
This vibrant corridor is more than just a road; it’s the beating heart of Arlington, where the world comes together in a single zip code. With its rich blend of cultures, local flavor and community spirit, Columbia Pike is the go-to destination for your shopping, dining, wellness and entertainment needs.
While construction may cause some temporary inconveniences, the businesses on Columbia Pike promise that your visit will be worth it. They need your support, and they’re ready to welcome you with open arms and provide an excellent experience. So, take a little extra time to catch the bus, hop on your bike or find that parking space and explore on foot — your favorite spots (and the favorites you have yet to discover) are still open and waiting for you.
Take Sabores, for example. There, Latin America’s rich, aromatic flavors will transport you straight to the streets of Lima or Mexico City. Craving something different? Swing by Bangkok 54 for authentic Thai cuisine that will make your taste buds dance, or visit Bob & Edith’s Diner, an Arlington institution serving classic American comfort food 24/7.
But Columbia Pike is more than just a place to shop or dine — it’s where the community comes alive, which is why the County has updated its Small Business Directory, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to discover the many hidden gems that define Columbia Pike.
If you take a moment to explore the directory, you’ll discover that Eye See Optique offers personalized vision care with a touch of modern flair, while Columbia Pike Deli provides a welcoming spot for grabbing a quick bite or picking up some international treats for the family. You’ll also find out that Mancini de Paris offers luxurious salon services and Evolve2fit ensures you can stay on top of your fitness game in a supportive and friendly environment. There is something on the Pike for everyone!
It’s obvious that one visit to the Pike has the potential to yield unparalleled experiences, but what might not be as obvious is how rewarding visits to the Pike can be. BizLaunch and the Columbia Pike Partnership have rolled out a suite of initiatives designed to keep doors open and customers coming back for businesses. The Open Rewards program is at the heart of these efforts, offering a 5% reward to customers who shop locally.
Enroll today by downloading the Open Rewards app on your smartphones and earn credits every time you support participating local businesses. Business owners who own a personal service, restaurant or retail business in Arlington are automatically enrolled in this program by the County. Other Arlington-based businesses can join for free as well, ensuring no one is left out of this community-focused initiative.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting from beyond Arlington’s borders, Columbia Pike is where you’ll find global experiences right in your backyard. With ample parking (street, garage and private lot), easy access via public transportation and a welcoming atmosphere, Columbia Pike is open to and for you.
We know it can be difficult to get around at times, but it’s worth the trip, even during construction. And the construction is only temporary. Just look at the transformation of the west end of Columbia Pike, where construction is now complete, to see the beautiful changes that are coming to the rest of the corridor. The improved streetscapes, safer crosswalks and enhanced public spaces are just a glimpse of what’s in store for the entire Pike.
In the meantime, however, to easily navigate to your destination, check out the resources listed above as well as the most recent construction projects at Columbia Pike Forward. And remember, if you are a business on the Pike, Arlington County is here to help you navigate these changes and continue to serve this incredible community.
Columbia Pike is open for business, and we can’t wait to see you there! Will you join us?
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!
Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.
As of August 26, there are 119 detached homes, 30 townhouses, and 138 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 22 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.
