Reston is an affluent community located 20 miles west of Washington, D.C.It is a lively, modern place that embraces culture and nature, all the while maintaining its Old Virginia charm.Reston continues to grow and thrive, making it an attractive place to live, work and play.

Reston is one of the first planned communities in the nation, conceived by Robert E. Simon in the early 1960s and named for his initials.Reston is organized into clusters, centered on five village centers and one town center.Many municipal services are provided through the Reston Association (www.reston.org).

Reston Town Center can be considered the "downtown" or central business district for the community, serving as a focal point for businesses, transportation, restaurants and shops.

It is also home to outstanding entertainment venues, including the Multiplex Cinema and the Pavilion and Ice Rink.

An ideal community for families and professionals alike, Reston offers a wide mix of housing options, including single-family homes, condos and apartments.The average age of Reston residents is about 39 years, with a median household income of just over $90,000.The median home value in Reston is $575,600.

Reston is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools, with South Lakes High School serving the southern part of the community and Herndon High School serving the northern part.Northern Virginia Community College, Marymount University and the University of Phoenix all have satellite campuses in Reston.

Reston Community Center provides an outlet for numerous educational, cultural and recreational activities.The Reston Community Players, Reston Chorale and Reston Community Orchestra all perform here and elsewhere throughout the community.And just four miles from Reston, you'll find year-round concerts at Wolf Trap, a national park for the performing arts.

Area residents and visitors alike can enjoy free summer concerts and various festivals at Lake Anne Plaza and Reston Town Center.Other popular recreational venues include Lake Fairfax Park (home of The Water Mine) and the Reston Zoo.

Reston is a 10-minute drive from Tysons Corner and the Capital Beltway to the east, and Washington Dulles International Airport to the west. Reston has four local exits on the Dulles Toll Road.(Direct access to and from the airport is free.)The average commute time for workers living in Reston is about 27 minutes.About 25 percent of commuters opt for transportation other than their car, with the bus being most popular.